The Poco phone lineup, known for delivering flagship-level specs at competitive prices, is about to get even more exciting. Following the successful launch of the Poco F6 Pro, rumors are swirling about its successors, the Poco F7 Pro and the Poco F7 Ultra. These purported devices have reportedly appeared on the IMEI database, hinting at imminent releases and promising significant upgrades, including potentially the groundbreaking Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset. This article delves deep into the leaked specifications, expected features, and potential launch timelines for these highly anticipated smartphones, exploring what might make them stand out in the already crowded market.
Poco F7 Pro and Poco F7 Ultra: Leaked Specifications and Anticipated Features
The recent appearance of the Poco F7 Pro (model number 24122RKC7G) and Poco F7 Ultra (model number 24117RK2CG) on the IMEI database has ignited speculation among tech enthusiasts. The inclusion of the letter "G" in the model numbers suggests a potential global launch, expanding the reach of these devices beyond their initial markets.
Poco F7 Pro: A Potential Redmi K80 Rebrand?
Initial reports suggest that the Poco F7 Pro might be a rebranded version of the Redmi K80 slated for the Chinese market. This strategy isn’t new for Xiaomi’s sub-brands; it allows for efficient resource allocation and a quicker time to market. While the original reports suggested the Redmi K80 would feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, some sources now claim that this could still be upgraded to the more recent and performant Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor in the Poco branding in some regions, depending on market specifics. This would align with the previous strategy of Poco focusing on having a faster launch than Redmi’s flagship models.
If the Redmi K80/Poco F7 Pro does feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, this would mean the Poco F7 Pro would offer a significant improvement on processing power compared to many competitors at its expected price point, but may prove less competitive if its overall specs aren’t substantially improved from the F6 Pro. Either way, the resulting performance should be exceptionally smooth, capable of handling demanding tasks and gaming with ease. Expect improvements in areas such as RAM and storage options as well.
Poco F7 Ultra: Aiming for the Top Tier with Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
The Poco F7 Ultra (potentially the rebranded Redmi K80 Pro in China, model number 24117RK2CC) is projected to be the flagship of the upcoming Poco range, and a major contender in the upper mid-range market. The most exciting rumor surrounding this device is its potential integration of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. As of this writing, Qualcomm has not formally unveiled this chip yet. If true, this would put the Poco F7 Ultra in high competition with leading flagships. The advanced performance and power efficiency of the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 makes it a highly desirable processor for high-end phones.
It’s important to note that this specification has to be taken with a large pinch of salt at this point. Some critics suggest that a different processor would be more likely, with the 8 Gen 2 being a far more likely implementation. However, the idea of Poco pushing technology forward by rapidly adopting the next available leading chip for a near-flagship device adds to the excitement and intrigue surrounding the launch.
Beyond the processor, expect substantial improvements in other areas. A higher refresh rate display, potentially a higher resolution camera and significantly improved charging speeds when compared to the F6 Pro look almost guaranteed; if the phone wants to genuinely compete with the flagships, it’s a necessary improvement over the mid-range.
Comparing the Poco F6 Pro with its Expected Successors
The Poco F6 Pro, launched in May, serves as a solid benchmark against which to compare the potential features of the F7 Pro and F7 Ultra.
The Poco F6 Pro boasts a 6.67-inch WQHD+ AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. Its impressive triple rear camera system features a 50MP main sensor, alongside an 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro lens. The 5000mAh battery and 120W wired fast charging capabilities round out its impressive specs.
The Poco F7 Pro is expected to build upon the solid foundation of the F6 Pro. While a slight CPU upgrade to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is considered most probable, it would likely focus on improvements in RAM, screen-refresh rate and fast charging to compete with similarly-priced phones with other advanced features. Meanwhile, the F7 Ultra is expected to provide a more dramatic leap. This would include the adoption of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, though this is currently doubtful given the absence of such information from more reputable sources on the chip, as well as improvements in all aspects including screen, camera resolution, and charging speeds. The increased price point should be offset by a major performance improvement.
Potential Release Date and Pricing
While concrete release dates remain elusive for both phones, the appearance of the device model numbers on the IMEI database strongly suggests an imminent launch. A release by the turn of the year, or possibly even sooner, seems a reasonable prediction.
Pricing is another uncertain element. Given Poco’s history of making flagship-like devices at mid-range prices, it’s likely both phones will sit higher on the price scale than the F6 Pro but significantly higher than competitors without comparable performance. Therefore, expect the Poco F7 Pro to be priced competitively within the upper mid-range, aiming to undercut top-tier competitors with superior value. The Poco F7 Ultra, with its presumed Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip, will likely reside in a higher price bracket, possibly approaching near-flagship territory but still underneath genuine flagship phones, due to Xiaomi implementing a more efficient, streamlined supply chain and manufacturing process.
Conclusion: The Future of Poco’s Flagship Lineup
The rumored Poco F7 Pro and Poco F7 Ultra promise to be significant additions to the Poco smartphone family. With potential upgrades such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, improved display technology like 144Hz refresh rates, and advanced camera systems, these devices have the potential to disrupt the market. The reported presence of these models on the IMEI database suggests a launch in the near future, and this launch is one to watch. While many aspects remain speculative until official announcements arrive from Poco, with the potential for significant technological leaps in processing power and camera capability, the Poco F7 series may become one of the must-have phones of the late 2023/early 2024 period. The combination of impressive specs and Poco’s competitive pricing strategy will make these devices extremely attractive offerings in the competitive world of Android smartphones, regardless of whether the flagship’s most anticipated addition of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is eventually confirmed or discarded.