The smartphone rumor mill is churning, and the latest buzz surrounds the highly anticipated Poco F8 Ultra. For those who follow the brand's strategy, it's an open secret that Poco's "Ultra" models are often global rebadges of Redmi's top-tier Pro Max devices from China. Following the pattern set by the Poco F7 Ultra and the Redmi K80 Pro, the upcoming Poco F8 Ultra is widely expected to be the international avatar of the powerful Redmi K90 Pro Max.
However, a new leak is painting a picture of a device that might be slightly less "Ultra" than its Chinese counterpart, specifically in the battery and configuration departments.
The Established Rebadging Pattern
Xiaomi's strategy of using its Redmi lineup as a foundation for its globally-focused Poco brand has been a successful one. It allows for rapid development and deployment of feature-packed phones at competitive prices. The current Poco F7 Ultra, which you can find on Amazon for around $735, is a prime example, being a direct descendant of the Redmi K80 Pro.
This year, all eyes are on the Redmi K90 Pro Max as the logical basis for the Poco F8 Ultra. But while the core performance and design are expected to carry over, it seems some compromises are being made for the global market.
The Heart of the Matter: A Significant Battery Downgrade
The most substantial leak, and perhaps the most disappointing for potential buyers, concerns the battery. According to reputable tipster Paras Guglani, the Poco F8 Ultra is slated to switch to a 6,500 mAh battery.
While a 6,500 mAh capacity is still exceptionally large and would easily best most flagships on the market, it represents a downgrade from the cell rumored for the Redmi K90 Pro Max. This move suggests that Xiaomi is making a calculated decision, potentially to hit a specific price point or to slightly alter the phone's form factor for different regions. For power users who prioritize maximum screen-on time above all else, this could be a point of contention.
Fewer Choices: Trimming the Color and Memory Options
The streamlining doesn't stop with the battery. It appears the global variant will also launch with a more limited palette of choices.
A More Monochrome Palette:
The Redmi K90 Pro Max is expected to launch in four distinct colorways, allowing for greater personalization. The Poco F8 Ultra, however, is rumored to be restricted to just two finishes: a classic Black and a vibrant Denim Blue. This reduction in color options is a common tactic for global models, simplifying inventory and marketing.
A Tightened Memory Configuration:
Perhaps the more impactful cutback is in the memory department. The Chinese Redmi K90 Pro Max is said to be offering four different RAM and storage configurations, catering to a wide range of users and budgets.
The Poco F8 Ultra, in contrast, is expected to be pared down to just two variants:
- 12GB RAM + 256GB Storage
- 16GB RAM + 512GB Storage
This leak aligns with a recent exclusive report from Passionate Geekz, which also detailed the potential storage and color options for the entire F8 series. According to their findings, the omission of the top-tier 1TB model seems almost certain for markets outside China. This will be a letdown for mobile gamers, content creators, and anyone who hoards high-resolution media and expects a device to last for years without storage anxiety.
What to Expect and When to Expect It
Despite these downgrades, the Poco F8 Ultra is still shaping up to be a performance powerhouse, inheriting the flagship-grade chipset and display technology from the Redmi K90 Pro Max. The base configuration is expected to remain strong, starting at 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, ensuring a high floor for performance.
As for the launch timeline, the current consensus points to a simultaneous unveiling of the Poco F8 Ultra and the standard Poco F8 Pro. Mark your calendars for a window between late 2025 and early 2026. As we get closer to that date, we can expect more concrete leaks regarding specifications, pricing, and official availability.
For now, the message for eager fans is one of cautious optimism. The Poco F8 Ultra will likely be a very capable phone, but it may not be the one-to-one translation of the Redmi K90 Pro Max that many were hoping for.
What do you think about these potential compromises? Is a larger battery more important to you than having a 1TB storage option? Let us know in the comments below.
