With the arrival of the POCO F8 Ultra and POCO F8 Pro, the Xiaomi sub-brand is no longer content with just undercutting the competition; it’s aiming to dismantle the premium segment entirely. And yes, we’ve already spent some time putting the top-tier Ultra model through absolute torture.

Priced at P34,999 for the early-bird promo in the Philippines and $679 globally (see complete pricing here), the POCO F8 Ultra is significantly more expensive than the budget beasts of POCO’s past. But it promises a resume that justifies the hike: the bleeding-edge Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a large 6,500mAh battery, and a 5x periscope telephoto camera. The real question is this, though: Can a brand known for cutting corners deliver a phone that feels uncompromisingly premium?

Our POCO F8 Ultra review video

There’s only one way to find out: Watch our full review video for the definitive answer. We break down everything that matters: the thermal performance during sustained gaming, the real-world battery drain, and whether that denim-like finish actually feels as good as it looks.

We also take a deep dive into the POCO F8 Ultra’s most bizarre and brilliant feature: the Bose 2.1-channel audio system. That circular module on the back is a dedicated subwoofer designed to deliver physical bass thump — something practically unheard of in the mobile space. We test whether this is just a gimmick or if it actually changes the way you play games like PUBG Mobile without headphones.

And it’s not just about loudness. We explore how the new Light Fusion 950 sensor handles low light, and if that 3.7 million Antutu benchmark score actually translates to smooth framerates in titles like Genshin Impact and Grid Legends.

For more about the POCO F8 Ultra, and to see if it earns that “Ultra” badge, be sure to watch our review video embedded on this page. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more in-depth reviews and the latest news on consumer technology.

Learn About This Author

Alora Uy Guerrero

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Editor-in-chief: Alora Uy Guerrero is a 24-year media veteran who has survived the newsrooms of giants like Yahoo and a high-stakes detour into OPPO's digital marketing. She eventually returned to her journalism roots to helm REVU. A strict advocate for quality over quantity, Alora lives by a family-first philosophy — mostly because her babies are the only bosses she can't negotiate with. When she isn't chasing kids or deadlines, she's probably traveling, shooting, or passionately over-analyzing her favorite bands, films, and basketball teams.