Poco F9 Ultra: A Battery Giant with High-End Ambitions
The Poco lineup is pushing further into the premium segment with the launch of the Poco F9 Ultra. Compared to its predecessor, the F8 Ultra, the most striking upgrades are the massive jump in battery capacity—from 6,500 to a whopping 8,050 mAh—and a revamped display with a refresh rate of up to 185 Hz. However, these advancements come with a higher price tag and certain technical regressions. Our review examines whether this 'battery beast' can truly compete with top-tier flagships.
Battery and Sound: The Standout Features
The Poco F9 Ultra's primary strength lies in its extraordinary endurance. Utilizing a silicon-carbon anode in its 8,050 mAh battery, the device delivers outstanding runtime. In our Wi-Fi web surfing tests, it lasted over 28 hours, significantly outperforming competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or Nothing Phone (3). Furthermore, the fast charging capability is impressive, reaching an 80% charge in just 41 minutes.
The audio experience is another highlight. Poco has implemented a 2.1 sound system featuring a dedicated subwoofer, resulting in remarkably powerful audio for a smartphone. The addition of an LED ring around the subwoofer that can pulse in sync with music adds a stylish touch, though it serves more as an aesthetic feature than a functional one.
Display and Performance: Power at a Cost
The display is capable of reaching a claimed peak brightness of 10,000 cd/m². Our measurements recorded up to 8,500 cd/m² in HDR mode, which is exceptionally high, though practical APL18 brightness sits at around 2,435 cd/m², slightly lower than the F8 Ultra. A notable drawback is the absence of a full-fledged LTPO panel; while the refresh rate scales from 30 to 185 Hz (in gaming mode), it cannot drop to 1 Hz for maximum power efficiency. Additionally, the low PWM frequency of 120 Hz may cause eye strain for sensitive users.
Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 provides immense power. However, the device tends to get very hot under sustained workloads. This suggests that Poco has prioritized raw performance over thermal management or power efficiency during intensive tasks.
Cameras and Software: A Step Backward?
Despite the high-resolution 200-MP main sensor, the camera system on the Poco F9 Ultra is not a straightforward upgrade. The sensor is actually smaller than the one found in the F8 Ultra, and the glass lens has been replaced with a six-element plastic system. This results in diminished image quality in low-light conditions and slower processing times for 200-MP shots. The selfie camera remains unchanged, performing well only in bright daylight.
Software-wise, the device runs HyperOS 3.0 based on Android 16. While the UI is cleaner than previous iterations and includes HyperAI features, users will still encounter system ads and pre-installed third-party apps. The update policy—four years of major Android updates and six years of security patches—is standard for many, but not particularly ambitious for a device at this price point.
Verdict
The Poco F9 Ultra is a powerful but polarizing device. It is an ideal choice for users who prioritize extreme battery life and superior audio. However, for those seeking a truly uncompromising flagship, the higher price, camera compromises, and lack of features like UWB or 6-GHz Wi-Fi may be significant deterrents.
Зануда
