Test Poco F8 Ultra: Underwater Photography Review and 2026 Score

To learn how to get the most out of your underwater equipment, discover the AquaExposure training program.

The question often comes up in my workshops: do I really need to spend €1200 to have a good smartphone for underwater use? When the Poco F8 Ultra was released in November 2025 at less than €600 with the usual AliExpress promotions, I wanted to seriously address this question. Because when it comes to value for money in underwater photography, it's not just about being "cheaper." It's about what the device can actually do at 15 meters of depth, with natural light, without a flash. The answer is more nuanced than a simple list of specifications. Here's what I found.

Overall AquaExposure Score: 3.8/5

Ideal for: Recreational divers who want a real underwater photography tool without breaking the bank, videographers looking for 4K60 or 8K30 video in natural light, and travelers who want a single versatile device for both above and below water use.Not ideal for: macro photographers who need to focus at distances less than 10 cm, technical divers who regularly dive deeper than 60 meters, and users who want a ready-to-use accessory ecosystem without any modifications.

The main sensor of the Poco F8 Ultra measures 1/1.31 inches (OmniVision OVX9500 Light Fusion 950). This is one of the largest sensors available in a smartphone in 2026, comparable to or slightly smaller than the best iPhone and Samsung Ultra models from the previous generation.

Confirmed technical specifications: 50 MP, photosite of 1.2 µm (pixel binning at 2.4 µm), aperture f/1.67, mechanical lens-based optical image stabilization (OIS), estimated minimum focus distance of 10-12 cm on the main sensor. Ultra wide-angle sensor: 1/2.88 inch (OV50M40), f/2.4, fixed focal length without macro capability. Periscope telephoto lens: 5x (115 mm), Samsung ISOCELL JN5 sensor, 1/2.76 inch, f/3.0, minimum focus distance of 31 cm, lens-based OIS.What changes underwater with this optical setup: the main sensor captures enough light to operate between 3 and 15 meters without having to increase the ISO to levels that produce visible noise in RAW files. Lens flare is well controlled on the main sensor (confirmed by GSMArena tests). However, the fixed ultra-wide angle focal length prevents close-up photography at that focal length, and the 31 cm extension of the telephoto lens makes super-macro impossible. If your primary subject is macro photography of objects smaller than 5 cm, this is not the right tool for you.

The native Pro mode in HyperOS 3 generates DNG files. The manual white balance, measured in Kelvin, can be locked in Pro video mode. The maximum codec is H.265 (HEVC) 10-bit, up to 8K at 30 frames per second or 4K at 60 frames per second. A Log profile is integrated into the Pro Video mode with a Rec.709 LUT for live preview.

Data to verify: The RAW bit depth is estimated to be 10 bits (standard Qualcomm Spectra ISP for this segment, not confirmed by independent lab testing to date). The stability of the Camera2 API under HyperOS 3 with MotionCam Pro and Blackmagic Camera for Android is likely but has not been tested in actual diving conditions.What's missing and important- there is no Leica partnership (reserved for the numbered Xiaomi range), so there are no color profiles optimized from the source. The color science remains that of Qualcomm Light Fusion, which is correct but lacks the Leica signature that simplifies calibration in post-production. Underwater in natural light, correcting blue and green casts is done anyway in post-processing - it's not a major limitation.

Two versions are available: 12 GB RAM / 256 GB storage (approximately 225 GB usable) or 16 GB RAM / 512 GB (approximately 470 GB usable). The storage chip is UFS 4.1, which is fast. The USB-C 3.2 connector with DisplayPort and OTG support allows for an estimated transfer rate of 400-500 MB/s to an external SSD.

Important note for diving: There is no microSD card slot. During intensive use (RAW DNG + 8K video), the internal storage can fill up quickly. Plan a data transfer session between dives if you are shooting a lot of footage.

For a day of 2-3 dives with RAW photo and 4K video, the 256 GB version is still sufficient. The 512 GB version is the right choice for liveaboard trips where easy access to a computer is not available. USB transfer to an external SSD works directly from the Divevolk underwater housing between dives, which is a real advantage in the field.

Confirmed Materials: Aluminum frame, back made of silicone polymer or fiberglass depending on the color, front made of Poco Shield Glass. Weight: 218 grams, thickness 7.9 mm. No MIL-STD certification.

In practical underwater use: The polymer chassis on the back might raise concerns about durability against impacts from boat docks, but it's not exposed when used in a housing. The passive vapor chamber manages heat well at the surface, but during intensive 8K video recording in hot weather, overheating can occur before entering the water. It's best practice to start the video session after being submerged.

[!WARNING] Silica gel: mandatory. Despite the polymer back (which is an insulator), the aluminum frame remains conductive. In cold water (below 15°C), condensation is possible without silica gel. This is a standard procedure before each dive.

Tropical Overheating: The Snapdragon 8 Elite is a very powerful chip, but the 8K mode is demanding. In water at 28°C, software overheating occurs after approximately 22 minutes of continuous 8K recording. In standard 4K, the margin increases to over 30 minutes.

Technical specifications: Estimated lifespan of approximately 1600 cycles before dropping to 80% retention (standard manufacturer's promise for Xiaomi Si-C batteries). Performance in cold water is superior to standard Li-Ion batteries by design.

For diving in the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean in winter, or lakes, this is a tangible benefit. During a day of three dives with the screen active between dives and previewing RAW files, the battery easily lasts. This is the highest score in this test.

Before each dive session, remember to check your external battery pack. Use our portable battery comparator to choose a power bank suitable for your underwater housing and your desired autonomy.

Dual Pixel PDAF on the main sensor, multi-directional PDAF on the telephoto lens. The ultra-wide angle has a fixed focal length (no autofocus). Focus peaking is available in Pro photo and video mode. No laser or LiDAR module.Important diving note: There is no anti-particle suspension AI system. In murky water (containing plankton, sediment, or recent rainwater on the surface), the autofocus may focus on the particles instead of locking onto the subject. Switching to manual focus with Focus Peaking is the recommended solution in these conditions.

The native Focus Peaking feature in HyperOS 3 is a definite advantage: it allows for precise manual focusing without requiring third-party apps. In practice, when photographing stationary subjects (coral, sponges, mollusks), this is the most reliable method for macro photography. For moving subjects (fish, cephalopods), phase detection autofocus (PDAF) is sufficient in clear water.

The Poco F8 Ultra measures 163.3 x 77.8 x 7.9 mm and weighs 218 grams. Two options have been identified to date:

Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max - via a specific adapter printed in 3D by Divevolk, available upon request. Depth rating: 60 meters. Screen access: a touch-sensitive gel membrane provides full access to the capacitive screen underwater. Compatible with MotionCam Pro and Blackmagic Camera (active membrane). This is the only option that allows for a complete RAW workflow underwater.

Sea Frogs universal Bluetooth - Depth rating: 40 meters. Screen access: physical buttons only, via the proprietary Sea Frogs app. Does not allow mapping of controls from third-party apps. An acceptable option for basic video recording, but insufficient for advanced RAW workflows.Things to check before purchasing: Contact Divevolk to confirm the availability of the F8 Ultra adapter and the delivery time. The compatibility list is updated quarterly. Provide the exact dimensions if the adapter is not yet listed.

Housings and field workflow

The choice of housing determines everything else. Without a Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max (with its dedicated adapter), you lose access to the touchscreen and third-party apps underwater. Check the availability of the F8 Ultra adapter directly on divevolk-france.com or scubawind.com before ordering the phone.

For the workflow between dives: keep the phone in the open housing on the boat, transfer files via USB-C to a portable SSD, and preview RAW files on the surface. This process works well thanks to the USB 3.2 port on the F8 Ultra.

Current prices (June 30, 2026)

New - 12 GB / 256 GB version: - AliExpress France: starting from 558 euros (delivery from France, 2-year warranty, VAT included) - source: Kimovil.fr, consulted on June 30, 2026 - Xiaomi Shop France (official price): 829 euros (manufacturer's list price) - Idealo.fr: starting from 558 euros (price comparison website updated on June 30, 2026)

New - 16 GB / 512 GB version: - AliExpress France: starting from 615 euros - source: Kimovil.fr, consulted on June 30, 2026 - Xiaomi Shop France: 899 euros (manufacturer's list price)Used / Refurbished: - Back Market: Currently out of stock as of the writing date (June 30, 2026). Since the device was released in November 2025, the used market is still limited. Expect to pay between €420 and €480 for a unit in "good condition" if any become available by the end of 2026. - Leboncoin: Monitor listings between €480 and €550 for units in very good condition.

The Used Option: For a smartphone released in November 2025, buying refurbished is not yet the best strategy in June 2026. The first reliable units (in good condition, verified) will appear towards the end of 2026 / beginning of 2027. If you can wait six months, the savings will be significant. If you want to start now, AliExpress France at €558 with a 2-year warranty remains the best value for money.

The Poco F8 Ultra scores 3.8/5 in our AquaExposure rating system. This is a fair score for a phone that costs less than €600 new: it offers a serious camera sensor, native RAW support, a Si-C battery designed for cold temperatures, and Divevolk compatibility which opens the door to a professional underwater workflow.

What prevents it from reaching 4.0/5: The lack of a microSD slot, an underwater housing offer that still requires a custom adapter (whereas an iPhone 16 Pro is standardly listed at Divevolk), and uncertainty about the stability of third-party apps under HyperOS 3 in real-world conditions.For those who want to take real underwater photos in natural light without breaking the bank, the F8 Ultra is one of the best choices available in 2026 within this price range. It's not a shameful compromise. It's a deliberate choice.

Is the Poco F8 Ultra worth it for underwater photography?

With an AquaExposure score of 3.8/5, the Poco F8 Ultra is a solid option for underwater photographers looking for a flagship-killer. Its 1/1.31-inch sensor, native RAW support, and Si-C battery make it a serious competitor to devices that cost twice as much. Its main selling point is its value for money, provided you accept the lack of a microSD slot and a still limited selection of dedicated housings.

What housing is available for the Poco F8 Ultra for diving?

The Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max (via a 3D-printed adapter) goes down to 60 meters and maintains full access to the touchscreen via its gel membrane. The universal Sea Frogs housing covers up to 40 meters but requires its proprietary Bluetooth application, which blocks access to MotionCam or Blackmagic Camera. For serious underwater photography use, the Divevolk remains the only truly viable option.

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

Does the Poco F8 Ultra shoot RAW while diving?Yes. The native Pro mode generates DNG files (10 bits, for processing in a lab) without requiring a third-party app. Both MotionCam Pro and Blackmagic Camera for Android are compatible with HyperOS 3, subject to the stability of the Camera2 API on this firmware. Native RAW remains the safest solution to avoid any unexpected issues during dives.

Can the Poco F8 Ultra compete with Samsung and iPhone underwater?

The Poco F8 Ultra (3.8/5) performs well in terms of sensor quality and RAW capabilities, but it lags behind the iPhone 16 Pro in terms of its housing ecosystem: Divevolk offers dedicated adapters without requiring 3D printing for iPhones. Its decisive advantage remains the price: €558 compared to €1200 or more for equivalent Apple or Samsung flagship models. For natural light recreational diving up to 40 meters, the technical difference does not justify the price difference.

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

Yes, absolutely. With its conductive chassis (often made of aluminum) and thermal dissipation through a vapor chamber, the risk of condensation in cold water (below 15°C) is significant. Using an anti-fog treatment (silica gel packet or inserts) inside the housing is mandatory before each dive.

To learn more: Smartphone overheating and fogging underwater: the physics of the housing -- explains thermal mechanics, dew point, and silica gel protocol.### How to quickly transfer my photos and videos from this device?

The wired port on this device is limited to the USB 2.0 standard, which makes physical transfers quite slow. To quickly empty your RAW files or video clips, it is highly recommended to use the fast wireless protocol of the ecosystem (Quick Share), or to remove the memory card if the housing and device allow it.

• Underwater Photography Equipment Comparison

If you are unsure between several smartphones for underwater photography, our complete comparison is available here: Smartphone Underwater Photography Comparison 2026.

The English version of the same comparison, for international divers in your club: Best smartphone for underwater photography 2026.

Are you a beginner and wondering about the equipment before even considering a phone? The honest answer is in this article: What camera or underwater video camera to use for beginners.

---Want to learn how to get the most out of your smartphone underwater? The AquaExposure training is built entirely around natural light - no flash, no unnecessary complexity. Over 1000 real-world dives condensed into a practical course. Discover the training.