Test Poco F7 Ultra: Underwater Photography Review and 2026 Score

Are you about to take the plunge with your Poco F7 Ultra to capture your dives? Great idea. But before you make that big leap, there are a few things you should know. In the field, you see all sorts of things. Some smartphones excel, while others struggle. The Poco F7 Ultra is somewhere in between. It has its strengths, certainly, but also some areas to watch out for. We'll break it down together, without sugarcoating, so you know exactly what to expect underwater. No marketing fluff, just real-world feedback. We're talking about natural light, the reality of life underwater, not a studio environment. Ready to dive into the details?

The Poco F7 Ultra is a device that can accompany you underwater, but it won't perform miracles. It's a good companion for beginners or for capturing occasional memories. The real issue is its USB 2.0 port. That's a limitation, and we have to be honest about it.

Overall Score: 2.5/5

Ideal User Profile: The occasional diver who wants to bring back a few photos from their vacation, without the hassle of heavy and expensive equipment. Someone who prioritizes simplicity and doesn't need a professional workflow.

B1 OpticsThe camera on the Poco F7 Ultra is decent for a smartphone in its class. In natural light, you'll get sharp images and accurate colors, provided the conditions are good. It can't compete with the massive sensors of phones like the Vivo X100 Ultra, that's obvious. But it works well for photos of colorful fish or shallow corals. The image quality is there, although not exceptional.

For more information: The Poco F7 Ultra uses standard smartphone-grade lenses. It doesn't incorporate specialized optics like the Zeiss lenses found in the Vivo X100 Ultra, which limits its performance in low light or for capturing very fine details.

B2 RAW Format

The Poco F7 Ultra allows you to shoot in RAW format. This is a key feature for post-processing. You'll have more flexibility to adjust white balance and recover details in shadows or highlights. This is what matters for giving your images a second life. However, be aware that RAW files are large.

For more information: The RAW format on the Poco F7 Ultra offers sufficient color depth for extensive editing. The file size can quickly fill up the internal memory.

B3 StorageThe internal storage of the Poco F7 Ultra is sufficient for a few dives. However, the real issue is data transfer. The Poco F7 Ultra is equipped with a USB 2.0 port. This is very slow. If you have a lot of RAW photos and videos, transferring them from your memory cards will be a challenge. This is a major point to consider. Devices like the Vivo X100 Ultra, with their USB 3.2 ports, are in a different league for this purpose.

For more information: The Poco F7 Ultra uses a USB 2.0 port, with a theoretical transfer rate of 480 Mbps. Wi-Fi 7 can help with wireless transfers, but it remains less reliable and more power-hungry underwater.

B4 Thermal Management

The Poco F7 Ultra is made of plastic and glass. This is a good compromise for heat dissipation. You won't experience the rapid overheating issues seen in devices like the Nothing Phone 2, which has a transparent back. It performs well. You can chain your dives together without too much concern on this front. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, with its leather chassis, is even better in this regard, but the Poco F7 Ultra holds up reasonably well.

For more information: The plastic and glass construction of the Poco F7 Ultra provides adequate thermal dissipation. Overheating remains a risk inside an underwater housing, especially during extended 4K video recording.

B5 BatteryThe battery life of the Poco F7 Ultra is average. For a day of three dives, you will need to be mindful of your power consumption. Disable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and all background applications. This is crucial for maximizing battery life. Consider bringing an external battery pack to recharge between dives if you want peace of mind.

Further information: The battery capacity of the Poco F7 Ultra is standard for a smartphone. Intensive use of the camera and screen underwater can significantly reduce battery life.

Before each dive, remember to check your external battery pack. Use our portable battery comparator tool to choose the power bank that is suitable for your underwater housing and your desired battery life.

B6 Autofocus

The autofocus of the Poco F7 Ultra is responsive on the surface. Underwater, it works, but don't expect the precision of a dedicated camera. It may sometimes struggle with fast-moving subjects or in low-contrast conditions. Focus peaking is not always reliable. This is something to consider if you are aiming for very dynamic subjects.

Further information: The autofocus system of the Poco F7 Ultra relies on classic phase detection and contrast technologies. It does not benefit from LiDAR sensors or advanced AI systems like some flagship models.

B7 Underwater HousingFinding a housing for the Poco F7 Ultra is the real challenge. You will need to look at universal housings. Brands like Divevolk or Weefine offer solutions. Make sure the housing is well-suited to the size of your phone and that it allows you easy access to the photo and video functions. This is a key factor for a good user experience.

For more information: Universal housings provide good protection, but they can sometimes limit access to certain specific features of the phone. Check compatibility with third-party applications like Blackmagic Camera if you plan to use them.

To ensure your smartphone fits securely and compare interior volume, make sure to check if your model's dimensions fit in this housing.

Before buying a Poco F7 Ultra for diving, there are a few things to consider. First, the housings. As mentioned, you will need a universal housing. It is important to carefully check compatibility and ergonomics. Next, the workflow in the field. With USB 2.0, transferring your files will be slow. Very slow. Be prepared to be patient or use Wi-Fi 7 for transfers, but this is not ideal underwater. Important considerations are potential overheating during long video recordings and limitations of autofocus on fast-moving subjects. As for price, the Poco F7 Ultra is affordable, making it an interesting option for a limited budget.

Should I use an anti-fog treatment with this device?

Although this model has a chassis less prone to condensation than all-aluminum models, temperature differences underwater remain a factor. An anti-fog treatment (silica gel packet or inserts) is strongly recommended as a precaution before each dive. > To learn more: AquaExposure training (/blog/surchauffe-buee-smartphone-caisson-sous-marin) - explains thermal mechanics, dew point, and the silica gel protocol.

How can I quickly transfer my photos and videos from this device?

The wired port on this device is limited to the USB 2.0 standard (approximately 35-40 MB/s). To quickly empty your RAW files or video clips, prioritize fast wireless transfer using the ecosystem's features (AirDrop on iOS, Quick Share on Android) or by removing the memory card if the housing allows it.### Is the Poco F7 Ultra good for underwater photography? The Poco F7 Ultra can be used for underwater photography in natural light, but it has limitations. Its USB 2.0 port is a real drawback when transferring large files. For occasional use, it might suffice, but for more serious results, there are better options available.

What waterproof housing is suitable for the Poco F7 Ultra for diving?

For the Poco F7 Ultra, you will need to look at universal housings from brands like Divevolk or Weefine. Make sure the housing properly supports the dimensions of your phone and offers easy access to the buttons for photo and video functions.

Does the Poco F7 Ultra shoot RAW images underwater?

Yes, the Poco F7 Ultra is capable of capturing images in RAW format. This is a positive aspect for post-production, as it gives you more flexibility to correct exposure and white balance. However, transferring these RAW files will be slow due to the USB 2.0 connection.

What battery life can you expect for a day of three dives with the Poco F7 Ultra?

With good battery management and by disabling unnecessary functions, the Poco F7 Ultra can last for a day of three dives. However, overheating can be an issue, especially in a waterproof housing. Consider bringing a power bank to recharge between dives if you want to be on the safe side.

To learn more, discover our smartphone housing comparison tool to find the best equipment.