Poco has returned to its roots with two powerful contenders: the Poco F7 Pro and the brand-new Poco F7 Ultra. While both are labeled flagship killers, they come with distinct price tags and features, prompting an inevitable question—should you go Pro or Ultra?
The Poco F7 Pro is expected to retail around $500, while the F7 Ultra is jumping to $650, marking Poco’s most premium release to date. With that price bump, you also get new hardware like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 on the Pro and the even more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite on the Ultra.
Poco’s first-ever Ultra device also introduces features previously unseen in the series, like 120W fast charging, wireless charging, and a new dedicated gaming chip. On the other hand, the F7 Pro still promises solid performance, a bigger battery, and excellent value.
But how do they fare head-to-head? We put them to the test across design, display, performance, battery, cameras, and gaming to help you decide which phone is the better choice for your money. Let’s get started with the design and build quality.
- Read also:
- Redmi Watch 4 vs. Redmi Watch 5 Lite: Battle of Budget Smartwatches
- Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 9 Pro: What is the best pixel to get right now?
Design and Build Quality:
At first glance, the Poco F7 Pro and F7 Ultra look nearly identical—both sport a two-tone rear design with a matte finish at the bottom and a glossy top panel that houses the camera bump. They exude a flagship-like aesthetic with a confident, minimalist approach that steps far away from the flashy Poco designs of the past. However, look a little closer and subtle but important differences start to show.
The Poco F7 Ultra’s camera module is slightly larger, meaning cases are not interchangeable between the two. It also gets a bronze accent ring around the camera bump for a more premium finish.
While both devices use flat aluminum side rails, the Ultra has gently curved edges at the rear, making it slightly more ergonomic in hand, even if it’s technically the thicker and heavier of the two. The F7 Pro, in contrast, has a flatter back and is easier to hold with one hand thanks to its lower weight. Despite the Ultra feeling a bit more premium, the F7 Pro remains elegant and solid.
One area where the Ultra clearly pulls ahead is in protection. Both phones come with IP68 dust and water resistance, a first for Poco, but the Ultra uses the new Poco Shield Glass for screen protection—allegedly tougher than Gorilla Glass 7i, which is what you get on the F7 Pro. Button placement is identical, with volume and power on the right and USB-C, speaker grill, and SIM tray on the bottom. The Ultra has slightly thinner bezels overall, but both look clean and modern.
So while they share a common design language, the Poco F7 Ultra edges ahead for refinement, protection, and that extra dose of polish.
Display Specs and Features:
The Poco F7 Pro and F7 Ultra both feature stunning 6.67-inch AMOLED panels, and on paper, they’re virtually identical—so much so that you’d struggle to find a winner if you only looked at spec sheets. Both panels offer a crisp QHD+ resolution, resulting in an impressive pixel density of 526 PPI. This means razor-sharp visuals, whether you’re reading text, watching HDR videos, or gaming. The refresh rate is a smooth 120Hz, making everyday scrolling feel buttery and responsive.
They also support 3840Hz PWM dimming, which reduces eye strain—especially for users sensitive to flickering—and both displays have 12-bit color depth, enabling support for over a billion colors. HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Widevine L1 certification come baked in, so your Netflix or YouTube HDR content looks incredible right out of the box.
What’s most impressive is the peak brightness—both phones can hit up to 3200 nits in high brightness mode. That’s more than enough for visibility in bright outdoor conditions and puts these displays up there with the very best in the flagship segment. Touch response is equally snappy, with 480Hz touch sampling and an instant response sampling of up to 2560Hz.
As for screen protection, this is one of the few areas where the two differ. The F7 Pro uses Gorilla Glass 7i, which is known for strong drop and scratch resistance, while the F7 Ultra employs Poco Shield Glass, a proprietary glass solution that’s said to be tougher overall. Whether that’s a marketing gimmick or real-world advantage remains to be seen, but either way, both displays are built to last.
They also now use ultrasonic fingerprint sensors beneath the display—replacing the optical units of the F6 series. Ultrasonic scanners are faster, more secure, and even work with slightly wet or greasy fingers.
Ultimately, this is a draw. The displays are identical where it counts, but the Ultra does add a small edge in protection and overall polish.
Software Updates and Apps:
Both the Poco F7 Pro and Poco F7 Ultra ship with HyperOS 2 out of the box, layered on top of Android 15. This is Poco’s new refined software experience, replacing the older MIUI skin. Visually, it still feels somewhat familiar, but the polish and performance improvements are very noticeable. The UI feels more fluid, the animations have been reworked to appear smoother, and general navigation feels snappier than before.
In terms of app features, both phones come preloaded with Google Gemini integration—including Gemini Live, which allows voice-based interactions similar to Google Assistant. You also get Circle to Search, which works straight from the home screen and browser—a very handy feature that used to be exclusive to Pixel and Samsung flagships.
HyperOS 2 also introduces some AI-enhanced tools in the gallery app, such as AI Eraser, AI Expansion, and AI Enhancement—tools that let you remove objects from photos, increase canvas size, or boost image quality with just a tap. Voice transcription and summary features are also now built into the Notes and Recorder apps.
When it comes to software support, both devices promise four major OS updates and six years of security patches, putting them on par with most premium flagship devices. While Samsung still leads the pack with 7 years, Poco’s commitment is a big step up from previous years.
There are some minor bloatware apps pre-installed, but thankfully, most of them can be uninstalled or disabled. Notifications from system apps can still be annoying, but they’re manageable with a few tweaks. Overall, both phones offer a clean, customizable, and modern Android experience with just a hint of Xiaomi’s ecosystem layered in.
- See also:
- ROG Phone 9 AeroActive Cooler X Pro Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
- ROG Phone 9 Chill Case Review: Does It Really Keep Your Phone Cool?
Performance and Chipsets:
The Poco F7 Pro and F7 Ultra both offer flagship-level performance, but there’s a clear hierarchy when it comes to raw power. The F7 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which was Qualcomm’s top-tier chip from 2023.
It’s still excellent, capable of handling everything from gaming to multitasking without breaking a sweat. Apps open fast, switching between them is seamless, and thermal management is solid thanks to Poco’s LiquidCool Technology 4.0 with dual vapor chambers.
However, the Poco F7 Ultra takes things up a notch with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 “Elite” edition, Qualcomm’s latest and most advanced chipset in 2024. It not only boosts CPU and GPU performance, but also drastically improves AI processing, with up to 98% better AI performance compared to Gen 2.
Benchmarks reflect this difference clearly: the Ultra scores around 1.6 million on AnTuTu, while the Pro lands closer to 1.3 million. In Geekbench tests, the Ultra posts significantly higher multi-core results, and the dedicated Vision Boost D7 gaming chip gives it an edge in gaming consistency and frame stability.
RAM and storage are top-tier on both: LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. Both phones are incredibly fast in everyday tasks, but if you want the absolute best future-proofing and gaming headroom, the F7 Ultra wins this round.
Gaming Performance and Tests:
Gaming is one of the Poco F7 series’ strongest areas, and both the F7 Pro and F7 Ultra are well-equipped for the job—but again, the Ultra has the edge. Starting with Genshin Impact, both phones can run the game at max graphics and 60FPS. The F7 Pro handles it admirably, but frame drops occasionally occur during combat-heavy scenes or in high-traffic environments.
The F7 Ultra, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 “Elite” and its dedicated Vision Boost D7 gaming chip, offers a more stable gaming experience with noticeably fewer dips in frame rate. In newer, more demanding titles like Withering Waves, the Ultra maintains higher and more consistent FPS, even with all settings maxed out.
We also tested Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, and while the F7 Pro delivered playable performance, the Ultra doubled the FPS output at times—especially during intense firefights or high-draw-distance moments.
Both phones stayed relatively cool, thanks to dual vapor chamber cooling, but the Ultra dissipates heat more evenly across the back panel. Touch response is excellent on both due to 480Hz touch sampling, but the Ultra again feels just a touch more responsive.
If you’re a competitive or high-performance mobile gamer, the F7 Ultra is the better pick—but the F7 Pro still delivers great value for casual and even some demanding gaming.
Battery Life & Charging Speed:
When it comes to battery and charging, both the Poco F7 Pro and F7 Ultra are solid contenders—but they serve slightly different priorities. The F7 Pro packs a larger 6,000 mAh battery, which offers slightly better screen-on time and all-day endurance, especially for moderate users. In contrast, the Ultra uses a 5,300 mAh battery, but it compensates with faster charging features.
The F7 Ultra supports 120W wired charging, and can go from 0 to 100% in around 34 minutes, which is incredibly fast. It also includes 50W wireless charging, which the F7 Pro completely lacks. The F7 Pro, meanwhile, supports 90W wired charging and takes about 45–50 minutes for a full charge.
In battery endurance tests, the Pro does edge out the Ultra slightly—but the Ultra’s speed and wireless flexibility might win you over if fast top-ups are more important than longevity.
Connectivity:
Both the Poco F7 Pro and F7 Ultra are future-proof in terms of connectivity, but there are a few subtle differences worth noting. To start with, both devices support 5G on multiple bands and offer reliable, fast mobile data across various networks. Whether you’re browsing, streaming, or gaming, expect consistently strong signal strength.
When it comes to Wi-Fi, both phones are equipped with Wi-Fi 7, meaning they’re ready for the next-gen wireless standard, offering higher bandwidth and better stability even in crowded environments. Bluetooth is where they start to diverge: the F7 Pro uses Bluetooth 5.4, while the Ultra takes a step forward with Bluetooth 6.0, offering slightly better energy efficiency and stronger device pairing stability.
Both devices include NFC, making mobile payments and quick pairings seamless. Sadly, neither supports eSIM, which is a slight bummer in 2025, but not a deal-breaker for most.
You’ll also find dual-SIM card slots, an IR blaster on both phones for controlling appliances, and support for USB-C with fast data transfer speeds. Calls are crisp, and both phones offer VoLTE and VoWiFi support on major carriers.
- Related content:
- Garmin Fenix 8 Solar vs. Enduro 3: Which Solar-Powered Sports Watch Is Right for You?
- Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED Vs. Solar, Which is Right for You?
Cameras Specs and Performance
Both the Poco F7 Pro and F7 Ultra come with sleek rectangular camera modules, but the Ultra features a slightly larger and more pronounced bump trimmed in bronze. This not only adds a bit of flair but also houses a more advanced sensor layout.
The Ultra’s bump includes a dedicated 2.5x telephoto, ultrawide, and main camera, while the Pro sticks with a dual-lens setup—main and ultrawide—missing out on a proper zoom lens.
Main Lens Pictures:
Both phones use the same 50MP Light Fusion 800 main sensor, producing well-detailed images with accurate color balance. However, the Ultra has a clear edge due to its Poco AI ISP, which processes images with improved HDR and slightly more refined textures. In daylight, both are great, but the Ultra consistently retains better shadow detail and slightly more accurate exposure, especially in challenging lighting.
LOG Mode:
Surprisingly, both phones support LOG video capture, which is ideal for creators who want to color grade their footage. The Ultra, however, offers more dynamic range and better tonal separation out of the box.
The Pro still does a decent job but looks slightly more contrasty, which limits flexibility in post-processing. It’s a great move by Poco to offer LOG on both, but the Ultra is simply more pro-ready.
Portrait Mode:
Portrait shots are solid on both devices, but again, the F7 Ultra pulls ahead, especially when using the telephoto lens. It renders hair textures more naturally, and the background blur is smoother with more realistic separation. The Pro tends to overexpose highlights and lacks the refined edge detection the Ultra manages in portrait scenarios.
Video – Main and Telephoto:
Both phones support 4K at 60fps on their main sensors, but only the Ultra allows 4K@60 on its telephoto, which looks incredibly crisp. 8K video is available on both, but stabilization is better on the Ultra.
Exposure control during video is also more consistent with the Ultra, while the Pro occasionally shifts tones or hunts focus. When it comes to panning shots or quick movement, the Ultra holds its own much better.
Telephoto Pictures:
This is where the F7 Ultra leaves the Pro in the dust. With its 50MP floating telephoto lens offering 2.5x optical zoom, images are much sharper at every zoom level. At 5x and 10x, Poco Ultra retains clarity with minimal artifacts, while the Pro relies on digital cropping, resulting in softer, less detailed shots. The Ultra even handles 30x and 60x AI zoom surprisingly well, though naturally not perfect.
Ultrawide Lens:
The F7 Ultra’s 32MP ultrawide sensor significantly outperforms the Pro’s 8MP one. Daylight shots from the Ultra deliver richer colors, wider dynamic range, and sharper edges.
The Pro’s ultrawide tends to show more noise and less sharpness, especially near the corners. At night, both suffer a bit, but the Ultra retains more useful detail and manages contrast better.
Selfie:
On paper, both devices seem close—32MP on the Ultra, 20MP on the Pro—but in practice, the Ultra is simply more capable. It delivers better skin tone accuracy, dynamic range, and white balance.
During portrait selfies, the Ultra produces deeper background blur with finer separation. At night, the Pro surprisingly holds up well, but the Ultra has less grain and better low-light smoothing overall. Neither can shoot selfie video in 4K, which is a missed opportunity.
Price and Availability:
The Poco F7 Pro is expected to be priced around $500, offering flagship-tier specs at an aggressive midrange price. Meanwhile, the Poco F7 Ultra enters the market at approximately $650, making it Poco’s first truly premium-tier device. Both phones come in multiple color options—Pro in Black, Blue, and Silver; Ultra in Black and Yellow.
Availability is global, although specific release dates and configurations may vary by region. In terms of value, the F7 Pro offers excellent performance for the price, but the F7 Ultra justifies its higher cost with better cameras, faster charging, and a more capable chipset. Pre-orders are expected to include early-bird discounts or bundled accessories.
Poco has confirmed that both models will be widely available through online retailers and authorized resellers. Shipping timelines may vary depending on the region, but global rollout is expected to complete within a few weeks of launch. In terms of bang-for-your-buck, Poco’s pricing structure remains highly competitive.
Pros and Cons – Poco F7 Ultra vs. Poco F7 Pro Comparison:
Pros (F7 Ultra vs. F7 Pro):
- Superior Performance – F7 Ultra uses the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite and even adds the Vision Boost D7 chip, delivering better gaming and rendering performance.
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens – The Ultra features a 50MP 2.5x optical telephoto camera, unlike the Pro, which lacks a telephoto altogether.
- Faster Wired Charging – 120W charging on the Ultra vs. 90W on the Pro means significantly quicker top-ups.
- Wireless Charging Support – The Ultra supports 50W wireless charging while the Pro has none.
- Better Ultrawide & Selfie Cameras – 32MP ultrawide and selfie sensors on the Ultra produce sharper images than the Pro’s 8MP ultrawide and 20MP selfie cam.
- Higher Zoom Range – The Ultra goes up to 60x zoom with solid detail retention, while the Pro maxes out at 20x digital zoom.
Cons (F7 Ultra vs. F7 Pro):
- Smaller Battery – Despite being more premium, the Ultra has a 5,300mAh battery vs. the Pro’s larger 6,000mAh cell.
- More Expensive – At ~$650, the Ultra costs significantly more than the ~$500 F7 Pro, which might be a dealbreaker for budget-focused buyers.
- Heavier Build – The Ultra is slightly bulkier and heavier, which might affect comfort for some users.
Conclusion:
The Poco F7 Pro and Poco F7 Ultra are both standout devices in the ever-competitive flagship killer segment. The F7 Pro offers tremendous value with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 6,000mAh battery, and solid camera system—all at an affordable price point.
On the other hand, the F7 Ultra raises the bar for Poco, delivering flagship-grade performance with the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite, faster 120W wired and 50W wireless charging, and a vastly more versatile camera setup, including a dedicated telephoto lens.
From build quality to raw power, the Ultra has the edge. It’s also the only one to offer wireless charging and a floating telephoto lens with optical zoom and macro support. However, the F7 Pro still performs admirably in both everyday use and gaming, and its larger battery can be appealing to power users on a budget.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your priorities. If you want the best Poco has to offer—especially in camera versatility and performance—the Ultra is a no-brainer. But if you’re looking to save a bit while still getting a phone that punches way above its weight, the F7 Pro remains one of the smartest purchases of 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions About Poco F7 Ultra vs. Poco F7 Pro:
Is the Poco F7 Ultra worth the extra cost over the Poco F7 Pro?
- you’re on a tighter budget, the F7 Pro still offers incredible value with flagship-level specs.
Which Poco phone is better for gaming – F7 Pro or F7 Ultra?
- The Poco F7 Ultra is better for gaming thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite chip and Vision Boost D7 GPU booster, ensuring higher FPS and better thermal control.
Does the Poco F7 Pro have a telephoto lens?
- No, it only has a main and ultrawide camera. The Ultra model includes a 50MP 2.5x optical telephoto lens for zoom shots and portrait photography.
Which Poco phone has better battery life – F7 Ultra or Pro?
- The F7 Pro has a bigger 6,000mAh battery, which can last longer in real-world use. However, the Ultra charges faster with 120W wired and 50W wireless support.
Can I shoot 4K video on both Poco F7 phones?
- Yes, both phones can shoot 4K at 60FPS with their main cameras. The Ultra, however, can also shoot 4K using the telephoto camera.
