The POCO family is making waves again with the launch of its new devices, the POCO F9 Pro and F9 Ultra . These devices arrive on the market promising to maintain that sought-after balance between raw power and a price that won't break the bank, although this time Xiaomi has decided to fine-tune a few things to better differentiate its models.
If you're wondering whether it's worth upgrading from the previous generation or if these new features are just cosmetic, get ready. We've broken down every detail, from the hottest leaks to the official spec sheets, so you know exactly what's under the hood of these machines and whether they fit your everyday needs.
Detailed analysis of the POCO F9 Pro
The Pro model is positioned as the most accessible option in the range, maintaining a very similar aesthetic to last year's model with a glass back and a camera module that remains the visual focal point. As for the screen, it's a 6,59-inch AMOLED panel that has received a substantial upgrade: it now boasts a 185Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of up to 4500 nits in HDR conditions, ensuring that viewing the phone in sunlight isn't a chore.
At the heart of the device is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 , the most powerful processor currently available for the Android ecosystem, paired with an Adreno 840 GPU. While RAM options remain at 12GB and 16GB, the leap in energy efficiency is significant. Furthermore, the battery capacity has increased slightly to 6330mAh , supporting 100W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging.
The camera system has taken a significant leap forward. The main sensor is now 200 megapixels , ideal for those who love cropping photos without losing sharpness. The setup is completed with a 50MP telephoto lens with 2,5x optical zoom and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, while selfies are handled by a 32MP front-facing camera.
The colossus: POCO F9 Ultra
If the Pro is powerful, the Ultra is simply massive. The first thing that catches the eye is its screen, which grows to 6,9 inches , maintaining the 2608 x 1200 pixel resolution and the impressive 185Hz refresh rate. This phone is designed for those who consume multimedia content to the max or play competitive games where every millisecond counts.
In terms of performance, it shares the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, but offers storage options up to 1 TB , although it's important to note that it doesn't support microSD cards. Where the Ultra truly surpasses any rival is in its battery life; it boasts a colossal 8050 mAh battery , allowing you to forget about the charger for more than two full days of use.
In photography, the Ultra doesn't fall short. It retains the 200MP main sensor, but improves the ultra-wide-angle lens to 50MP and enhances the telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom . To top it all off, the sound is a separate experience thanks to a Bose speaker integrated into the rear module, offering superior acoustic quality.
Comparison and purchase decision
When we compare the POCO F9 Pro to the F8 Pro, the dilemma is real. The newer model offers a better screen, greater brightness, and a more efficient processor, but price is the deciding factor. While the F9 Pro starts at €899,99 , the F8 Pro can be found for around €400. For the average user, the savings are so significant that the technical improvements might not justify the extra cost.
In the battle of the Ultra phones, history repeats itself. The F9 Ultra comes with a price tag close to €1099,99 , while the F8 Ultra hovers around €590. Unless you desperately need that 8050 mAh battery or the extreme smoothness of the 185 Hz refresh rate, last year's model remains a much smarter purchase.
- Software and Updates: Both models come with Android 16 and HyperOS 3promising up to 4 major operating system updates, making them ideal for those who plan to keep the phone for many years.
- Connectivity: They integrate the latest technology with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 and NFC for mobile payments, ensuring they don't become obsolete quickly.
- Resistance: The chassis is certified IP68Kwhich means they can withstand immersion in water up to 1,5 meters for half an hour.
These devices represent Xiaomi's cutting edge in terms of power and battery life, with the Ultra model standing out for its energy capacity and the Pro for its balance. Although the price difference compared to the previous generation is significant, those seeking the ultimate in graphics performance and high-resolution photography will find the F9 series an unbeatable tool for the future.