The rumor mill is working overtime for Poco fans, and the latest leak is a big one. The highly anticipated Poco F9 Ultra has just been spotted on Geekbench 7, giving us our first concrete look at its raw processing power and memory configuration. According to the listing, the device notched a single-core score of 2,980 and a multi-core score of 10,030. These numbers are impressive, to say the least, and they hint at a flagship-level performance that could shake up the mid-range segment.
The benchmark listing reveals that the Poco F9 Ultra will be powered by Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. This is a significant upgrade over previous Poco F-series devices, which typically used upper-midrange or flagship-tier Snapdragon 7-series or 8-series chips. The specific prototype that ran the test was equipped with a whopping 16GB of RAM, though it’s safe to assume that Poco will offer multiple memory and storage configurations at launch to cater to different budgets and power users.
What Do the Geekbench Scores Tell Us?
Let’s break down those numbers. A single-core score of 2,980 places the Poco F9 Ultra in the same league as other 2025-2026 flagship smartphones. For context, devices powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 typically score around 3,000 in single-core tests, so the Gen 5 Elite is clearly pushing the envelope even further. The multi-core score of 10,030 is equally impressive, indicating that the chipset can handle heavy multitasking, demanding games, and intensive productivity apps without breaking a sweat.
These scores are not just numbers; they translate to real-world performance. You can expect lightning-fast app launches, smooth 120Hz or even 144Hz display refresh rates, and console-quality gaming experiences. The Adreno GPU inside the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 will also be a major upgrade, likely supporting advanced ray tracing and high-fidelity graphics settings in mobile titles.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: A Quick Overview
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is the company’s next-generation flagship processor, and it’s built on a cutting-edge 3nm process. This architecture promises significant gains in both performance and energy efficiency compared to the previous generation. The ‘Elite’ branding indicates that this is a top-tier chipset designed for premium devices, and its inclusion in the Poco F9 Ultra is a bold move that signals Poco’s intention to compete directly with the likes of Xiaomi, OnePlus, and even Samsung’s Galaxy S-series.
The chipset features a new prime core clocked at over 4GHz, along with a cluster of performance and efficiency cores. This heterogeneous architecture ensures that the phone can deliver maximum power when needed, but also conserve battery during everyday tasks. The integrated Snapdragon X80 5G modem is also expected to provide blazing-fast download and upload speeds, along with improved coverage and latency.
RAM and Storage Options
The 16GB RAM seen in the Geekbench listing is likely the top-tier configuration. It’s also possible that Poco will offer 8GB and 12GB variants for more budget-conscious buyers. Storage options will probably range from 128GB to 512GB, with UFS 4.0 technology for rapid read and write speeds. Given Poco’s history of offering aggressive pricing, the 16GB/256GB variant could be the sweet spot for many consumers.
Android 16 Out of the Box
Another key detail from the benchmark is that the Poco F9 Ultra runs Android 16. This is a major selling point, as many phones launch with an older version of Android and receive updates later. If the phone is released in the coming weeks, it will be one of the first devices to ship with Android 16 out of the box. This means users will get the latest features, security patches, and performance optimizations from day one.
Android 16 is expected to introduce a host of new features, including enhanced privacy controls, a more customizable lock screen, and improved battery management. Poco’s custom skin, HyperOS (which is based on Android), will be layered on top, providing a feature-rich and user-friendly interface that includes extensive customization options, gaming tools, and system optimizations.
Poco F9 Series: What Else to Expect
The Poco F9 Ultra isn’t the only device in the pipeline. The Poco F9 Pro is also expected to launch alongside it, and leaks suggest it will feature a slightly less powerful chipset, possibly the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 or the Dimensity 8400. The Pro model will likely focus on a better camera system, while the Ultra will be the performance king. Both phones are expected to feature AMOLED displays with high refresh rates, large batteries with fast charging, and premium build quality.
Camera Capabilities
While the Geekbench listing doesn’t reveal camera specs, rumors point to the F9 Ultra featuring a 200MP primary sensor, paired with an ultra-wide lens and a telephoto periscope lens for high-quality zoom. This would be a significant upgrade over the Poco F7 series and would position the Ultra as a photography powerhouse. Expect features like 8K video recording, advanced night mode, and AI-enhanced scene detection.
Battery and Charging
Poco is known for its fast charging technology, and the F9 Ultra is expected to support 120W or even 150W wired charging. A large 5,500mAh or 6,000mAh battery would ensure all-day usage, and the fast charging would get you from 0 to 100% in under 20 minutes. Wireless charging might also be included, but it’s less certain given Poco’s focus on value.
Launch Timeline and Availability
The increasing frequency of leaks suggests that the official announcement is imminent. Poco typically holds a global launch event for its F-series devices, and it’s likely that the F9 Ultra will be unveiled in the next few weeks. The phone will probably be available in multiple markets, including India, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Given the premium specs, the price is expected to be slightly higher than previous Poco F-series phones, but it should still undercut competitors with similar hardware.
For those in the market for a new flagship killer, the Poco F9 Ultra is shaping up to be a compelling option. With its top-tier Snapdragon chipset, massive RAM, and the latest Android version, it promises to deliver a premium experience without the premium price tag.
How Does It Compare to the Competition?
In the same price bracket, you’ll find devices like the OnePlus 13R, the iQOO 13, and the Realme GT 7 Pro. Each of these phones offers a Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 or similar chipset, but the Poco F9 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 gives it a performance edge. The 16GB RAM is also a differentiator, as many competitors top out at 12GB. Additionally, Poco’s HyperOS is known for being lightweight and bloatware-free, which can make the phone feel faster and more responsive than rivals.
Software Update Commitment
Poco has committed to providing 3 years of major Android updates and 4 years of security patches for its recent devices. If the F9 Ultra follows this trend, it will remain relevant for years to come, which is a crucial factor for long-term buyers.
Final Thoughts: A Performance Beast in the Making
The Geekbench leak confirms that the Poco F9 Ultra is not just an incremental upgrade; it’s a leap forward in terms of raw power. The combination of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 16GB of RAM, and Android 16 makes it one of the most anticipated smartphones of the year. While we wait for official confirmation, the leaked benchmark scores give us a clear picture of what to expect. If Poco can deliver this hardware at an aggressive price point, the F9 Ultra could easily become the best value flagship of 2026.
Stay tuned for more updates as the launch date approaches. We’ll be covering all the official announcements, detailed reviews, and hands-on impressions as soon as they’re available.
