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The Poco F9 Ultra brings premium-tier specifications—including a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, a 185Hz-class AMOLED display, and a 5x periscope camera—to a phone positioned below selected mainstream flagships on price. That makes it a credible alternative to consider, not a proven match in every area: camera results, software support, weight, warranty, and the price in your region all need checking.
How the Poco F9 Ultra compares with mainstream flagships
In TechRadar’s review context, the F9 Ultra costs hundreds of pounds less than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Google Pixel 11 Pro XL. That is a regional comparison, not a guaranteed price gap everywhere. TechRadar’s page also contains conflicting UK starting prices: its summary gives £899, while the body says £749. Its summary lists $799 and €1,099.99 as well; the review says US sellers vary. Treat those figures as review-page context, not a current quote. TechRadar’s review does not establish that the Poco matches either rival in camera quality, support, or overall experience.
The hardware makes the comparison plausible: Xiaomi lists a current-generation Snapdragon chip, a large high-refresh-rate screen, a high-capacity battery, fast wired and wireless charging, and a three-camera setup with a periscope telephoto lens. Specifications alone do not show sustained gaming performance, real-world battery life, or image quality.
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How much does the Poco F9 Ultra cost?
Xiaomi Japan announced sales beginning September 1, 2026, with these tax-included suggested prices:
#1 Best Overall
- USA MARKET ONLY WORK ON TMOBILE MINT TELLO OR ANY UNDER TMOBILE NETWORK PHONE NEEDS A SIM CARD ALREADY ACTIVATED ,OUTSIDE USA WORKS ANY GSM CARRIER SIM GSM FCC ID: 2AFZZPC0AG
- Dual SIM (nano SIM + nano SIM or nano SIM + eSIM or eSIM + eSIM) (NO MICRO SD) 5G SA: n1/3/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/66(70M)/77/78/71/2/48/265G NSA: n1/3/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/66(70M)/77/78/71 4G LTE TDD: 38/40/41/42/484G LTE FDD: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/18/19/20/26/28/66(70M)/71 3G: WCDMA:1/2/4/5/8/19 2G: GSM: Quad Band Wireless Networks -- Bluetooth 5.4Wi-Fi Protocol: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
- 6.9" eye-care AMOLED display*The screen size of POCO F8 Ultra is about 6.85 inches in the full rectangle when measured diagonally. Actual viewable area is less due to the curved corner design and measurements between individual products may vary.Resolution: 2608*1200Contrast ratio: 5,000,000:1Refresh rate: Up to 120Hz*Refresh rate can be adjusted to up to 120Hz for supported apps.Peak brightness: 3500 nits covering 25% display areaHBM brightness: 2000 nitsTypical brightness: 600 nitsMinimum brightness:
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform3nm manufacturing processOcta-core CPU2 x Prime Core, up to 4.6GHz6 x Performance Core, up to 3.6GHzAdreno GPUQualcomm AI engine
- Symmetrical stereo speakers with an independent subwoofer ｜ 3-Mic arrayHi-Res & Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification, Dolby Atmos, Sound by BoseSupports audio formats such as MP3, FLAC, AAC, OGG, WAV, AMR, AWB, APE Proximity sensor | Ambient light sensor | Accelerometer | Electronic compass | Gyroscope | IR blaster | Flicker sensor | X-axis linear vibration motor ｜Color Temperature Sensor
| Configuration | Japan launch suggested price |
|---|---|
| 12GB RAM / 256GB storage | ¥149,800 |
| 16GB RAM / 512GB storage | ¥169,800 |
These are Japan launch prices, not current global pricing. Xiaomi’s release also advertised a ¥20,000 discount through September 23, 2026; that offer has expired. Check the current price from a seller in your country, including tax, delivery, and any promotion, before comparing it with another phone. Xiaomi Japan’s release
What hardware does it offer?
Display and audio
Xiaomi UK describes a 6.9-inch-class AMOLED panel with a maximum refresh rate of 185Hz. The company says the screen measures about 6.85 inches diagonally as a full rectangle, and notes that refresh rate can vary by app and game. Xiaomi Japan describes it as a 1.5K HyperRGB display with up to 4,500 nits multi-scenario peak brightness. These are manufacturer specifications and claims, not independent measurements. Xiaomi also lists Bose-tuned stereo audio with a subwoofer; its Japan release describes a 2.1-channel system with a rear subwoofer. Xiaomi UK specifications · Xiaomi Japan release
Rank #2
- USA MARKET ONLY WORK ON TMOBILE MINT TELLO OR ANY UNDER TMOBILE NETWORK PHONE NEEDS A SIM CARD ALREADY ACTIVATED ,OUTSIDE USA WORKS ANY GSM CARRIER SIM GSM FCC ID: 2AFZZPC0AG
- Dual SIM (nano SIM + nano SIM or nano SIM + eSIM or eSIM + eSIM) (NO MICRO SD) 5G SA: n1/3/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/66(70M)/77/78/71/2/48/265G NSA: n1/3/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/66(70M)/77/78/71 4G LTE TDD: 38/40/41/42/484G LTE FDD: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/18/19/20/26/28/66(70M)/71 3G: WCDMA:1/2/4/5/8/19 2G: GSM: Quad Band Wireless Networks -- Bluetooth 5.4Wi-Fi Protocol: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
- 6.9" eye-care AMOLED display*The screen size of POCO F8 Ultra is about 6.85 inches in the full rectangle when measured diagonally. Actual viewable area is less due to the curved corner design and measurements between individual products may vary.Resolution: 2608*1200Contrast ratio: 5,000,000:1Refresh rate: Up to 120Hz*Refresh rate can be adjusted to up to 120Hz for supported apps.Peak brightness: 3500 nits covering 25% display areaHBM brightness: 2000 nitsTypical brightness: 600 nitsMinimum brightness:
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform3nm manufacturing processOcta-core CPU2 x Prime Core, up to 4.6GHz6 x Performance Core, up to 3.6GHzAdreno GPUQualcomm AI engine
- Symmetrical stereo speakers with an independent subwoofer ｜ 3-Mic arrayHi-Res & Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification, Dolby Atmos, Sound by BoseSupports audio formats such as MP3, FLAC, AAC, OGG, WAV, AMR, AWB, APE Proximity sensor | Ambient light sensor | Accelerometer | Electronic compass | Gyroscope | IR blaster | Flicker sensor | X-axis linear vibration motor ｜Color Temperature Sensor
Processor, cameras, and video
The listed processor is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Xiaomi Japan claims more than 4 million points in AnTuTu, but that is a manufacturer-published benchmark figure, not an independent test result. Poco Global’s Kang Lou has said, “From our end, we believe performance is not always about chasing the latest chipset.” That explains the company’s stated strategy; it does not establish how the phone performs against rivals.
Xiaomi UK lists three rear cameras: a 200MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with OIS and a 120mm-equivalent focal length, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. The listed video options include rear 8K at 30 frames per second and 4K at 60 frames per second. These specifications do not guarantee equivalent results across lenses or lighting conditions. Xiaomi UK’s technical specifications
Rank #3
- USA MARKET ONLY WORK ON TMOBILE MINT TELLO OR ANY UNDER TMOBILE NETWORK PHONE NEEDS A SIM CARD ALREADY ACTIVATED ,OUTSIDE USA WORKS ANY GSM CARRIER SIM GSM FCC ID: 2AFZZPC0AG
- Dual SIM (nano SIM + nano SIM or nano SIM + eSIM or eSIM + eSIM) (NO MICRO SD) 5G SA: n1/3/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/66(70M)/77/78/71/2/48/265G NSA: n1/3/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/66(70M)/77/78/71 4G LTE TDD: 38/40/41/42/484G LTE FDD: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/18/19/20/26/28/66(70M)/71 3G: WCDMA:1/2/4/5/8/19 2G: GSM: Quad Band Wireless Networks -- Bluetooth 5.4Wi-Fi Protocol: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
- 6.9" eye-care AMOLED display*The screen size of POCO F8 Ultra is about 6.85 inches in the full rectangle when measured diagonally. Actual viewable area is less due to the curved corner design and measurements between individual products may vary.Resolution: 2608*1200Contrast ratio: 5,000,000:1Refresh rate: Up to 120Hz*Refresh rate can be adjusted to up to 120Hz for supported apps.Peak brightness: 3500 nits covering 25% display areaHBM brightness: 2000 nitsTypical brightness: 600 nitsMinimum brightness:
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform3nm manufacturing processOcta-core CPU2 x Prime Core, up to 4.6GHz6 x Performance Core, up to 3.6GHzAdreno GPUQualcomm AI engine
- Symmetrical stereo speakers with an independent subwoofer ｜ 3-Mic arrayHi-Res & Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification, Dolby Atmos, Sound by BoseSupports audio formats such as MP3, FLAC, AAC, OGG, WAV, AMR, AWB, APE Proximity sensor | Ambient light sensor | Accelerometer | Electronic compass | Gyroscope | IR blaster | Flicker sensor | X-axis linear vibration motor ｜Color Temperature Sensor
Battery and charging
Xiaomi specifies an 8,050mAh typical-capacity battery, 100W wired charging, and 50W wireless charging. Battery capacity is not a measure of tested screen-on time. Xiaomi Japan also claims the battery will retain at least 80% of maximum capacity after 1,600 charge cycles; this is a manufacturer durability claim, not an independently observed result. Xiaomi Japan release · Xiaomi UK specifications
Does the Poco F9 Ultra come with a charger?
For the UK model, Xiaomi explicitly says a power adapter is not included and recommends a Xiaomi adapter rated at 100W or above, or a 100W PD charger. Package contents can differ by market, so check the exact regional listing before buying. If you need the phone’s fastest advertised wired charging, confirm that the charger and cable you use support the required charging standard and output. Xiaomi UK specifications
Rank #4
- USA MARKET ONLY WORK ON TMOBILE MINT TELLO OR ANY UNDER TMOBILE NETWORK PHONE NEEDS A SIM CARD ALREADY ACTIVATED ,OUTSIDE USA WORKS ANY GSM CARRIER SIM GSM FCC ID: 2AFZZPC0AG. INSIDE THE BOX: POCO F7 ULTRA + USB CABLE .
- Dual sim (NO MICRO SD) 5G: Sub6G: n1/3/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/77/78 4G: LTE FDD: B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/20/28/66 4G: LTE TDD: B38/40/41 3G: WCDMA:1/2/4/5/8/19 2G: GSM: Quad Band Wireless Networks -- Bluetooth 5.4Wi-Fi Protocol: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
- 6.67" WQHD+ Flow AMOLED DotDisplayResolution: 3200*1440, 526 ppiContrast ratio: 5,000,000:1Refresh rate: Up to 120Hz *Refresh rate can be adjusted to up to 120Hz for supported apps.Peak brightness: 3200 nits covering 25% display areaHBM brightness: 1800 nitsTouch sampling rate: Up to 480HzInstant touch sampling rate: Up to 2560Hz *2560Hz instant touch sampling rate is activated under Game Turbo Mode.12 bit color depth, 68 billion colorsDCI-P3 wide color gamutDimming: up to 3840Hz PWM dimmingOriginal color PROPro HDR displayHDR10+, Dolby VisionTÜV Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) CertificationTÜV Flicker Free CertificationTÜV Circadian Friendly CertificationPOCO Shield Glass
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform3nm manufacturing processOcta-core CPU2 x Prime Core, up to 4.32GHz6 x Performance Core, up to 3.53GHzAdreno GPUQualcomm AI engine - 5300mAh (typ)Charging120W HyperCharge50W wireless HyperChargeUSB Type-C - Proximity sensor | Ambient light sensor | Accelerometer | Electronic compass | Gyroscope | IR blaster | Flicker sensor
- Beidou: B1I+B1C+B2a | GPS: L1+L5 | Galileo: E1+E5a | GLONASS: G1 | QZSS: L1+L5 | NavIC: L5AGNSS | Data network | Wireless network | Sensor Assisted Positioning
What are the trade-offs to check before buying?
- Price and region: The Japan figures are launch suggested prices; the UK prices on TechRadar’s review conflict. Confirm a current local price and the exact RAM and storage configuration.
- Weight and handling: TechRadar’s reviewed specification table lists a weight of 235g. Consider whether that weight and the large screen suit your everyday use.
- Software support: TechRadar’s table reports four Android-version updates and six years of security patches through 2032. Confirm Xiaomi’s current policy for the model and region before treating that as a purchase commitment. TechRadar’s review
- Camera performance: Compare sample photos and video from the main, ultrawide, and telephoto cameras. Megapixel counts and focal length do not show processing quality or consistency.
- Warranty and service: Check who provides warranty coverage, where repairs are available, and whether a model imported from another market receives local support.
- Network compatibility: Verify the exact model’s supported bands and carrier compatibility in your country.
- Total cost: Add any separately purchased charger to the phone price, and check whether the local package includes one.
Is it worth considering over a Samsung or Pixel flagship?
Consider the F9 Ultra if its local price is meaningfully lower and you value its large high-refresh display, fast charging, and periscope zoom hardware. Do not assume that the price advantage means equivalent cameras, software support, ergonomics, warranty coverage, or service. TechRadar also identifies the Xiaomi 17T Pro as a lower-priced alternative in its review context, describing similar specifications but a different chipset, better-tuned cameras, and longer software support; check current local prices and policies before using that comparison. TechRadar’s review
Recommended Free Tools
Before ordering, verify the local model, seller price, warranty, carrier compatibility, current update policy, and charger inclusion. Those details determine whether the apparent savings hold for your situation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- USA MARKET ONLY WORK ON TMOBILE MINT TELLO OR ANY UNDER TMOBILE NETWORK PHONE NEEDS A SIM CARD ALREADY ACTIVATED ,OUTSIDE USA WORKS ANY GSM CARRIER SIM GSM FCC ID: 2AFZZPC0AG. INSIDE THE BOX: POCO F7 ULTRA + USB CABLE .
- Dual sim (NO MICRO SD) 5G: Sub6G: n1/3/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/77/78 4G: LTE FDD: B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/20/28/66 4G: LTE TDD: B38/40/41 3G: WCDMA:1/2/4/5/8/19 2G: GSM: Quad Band Wireless Networks -- Bluetooth 5.4Wi-Fi Protocol: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
- 6.67" WQHD+ Flow AMOLED DotDisplayResolution: 3200*1440, 526 ppiContrast ratio: 5,000,000:1Refresh rate: Up to 120Hz *Refresh rate can be adjusted to up to 120Hz for supported apps.Peak brightness: 3200 nits covering 25% display areaHBM brightness: 1800 nitsTouch sampling rate: Up to 480HzInstant touch sampling rate: Up to 2560Hz *2560Hz instant touch sampling rate is activated under Game Turbo Mode.12 bit color depth, 68 billion colorsDCI-P3 wide color gamutDimming: up to 3840Hz PWM dimmingOriginal color PROPro HDR displayHDR10+, Dolby VisionTÜV Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) CertificationTÜV Flicker Free CertificationTÜV Circadian Friendly CertificationPOCO Shield Glass
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform3nm manufacturing processOcta-core CPU2 x Prime Core, up to 4.32GHz6 x Performance Core, up to 3.53GHzAdreno GPUQualcomm AI engine - 5300mAh (typ)Charging120W HyperCharge50W wireless HyperChargeUSB Type-C - Proximity sensor | Ambient light sensor | Accelerometer | Electronic compass | Gyroscope | IR blaster | Flicker sensor
- Beidou: B1I+B1C+B2a | GPS: L1+L5 | Galileo: E1+E5a | GLONASS: G1 | QZSS: L1+L5 | NavIC: L5AGNSS | Data network | Wireless network | Sensor Assisted Positioning
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
