Poco’s New Flagship‑Class F9 Lineup – Worth the Premium?
Poco rolled out two new flag‑level phones this week: the F9 Pro and the F9 Ultra. Both models adopt a 200 megapixel primary sensor, a notable jump from the 50 MP units on last year’s F8 series. The Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 V Series, while the Ultra sticks with the Snapdragon 8 Elite used in the F8 Ultra.
| Model | Storage | Price (EU) | Key Upgrades |
|---|---|---|---|
| F9 Pro | 12 GB / 256 GB | €740 (≈£630) | 200 MP main, 6.33 Ah battery, 100 W wired + 50 W wireless charging |
| F9 Ultra | 12 GB / 256 GB – 16 GB / 512 GB | €830 (≈£710) | 8.05 Ah battery, same 200 MP sensor, 100 W/50 W charging |
The Pro’s newer chipset promises a modest GPU cut‑back, meaning raw graphics performance is a touch lower than the older Ultra, but the battery is slightly larger and the device supports wireless fast charging – a feature the F8 Pro lacked. The Ultra, on the other hand, offers a huge 8,050 mAh cell, which translates into a full‑day charge even with heavy use, but it retains the older GPU and a 6.59‑inch display.
Bottom line for UK shoppers: If you value a larger screen and a stronger GPU, the older Poco F8 Ultra (still on sale for €480/€530) may give you more performance for less money. However, if the 200 MP sensor and wireless charging are deal‑makers, the F9 Pro at €740 is a solid mid‑range flagship, especially when paired with a UK carrier contract that can offset the upfront cost.
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE – A Discount That Still Leaves It Behind the S26 +
Samsung’s newest mid‑range offering, the Galaxy S26 FE, is now available with a €100 discount for Amazon Prime members. The base 8 GB / 128 GB variant sells for €800 (≈£680), while the 8 GB / 256 GB model is €900 (≈£770).
On paper the FE looks attractive, but the Galaxy S26 + undercuts it on price and specifications. The S26 + starts at €740 for a 12 GB / 256 GB configuration, offering:
- A larger 6.7‑inch LTPO 1440p+ display (vs. the FE’s 1080p LTPS panel)
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset (the FE uses the Exynos 2500)
- Faster USB‑C 3.2 connectivity compared with the FE’s USB‑C 2.0
- Identical camera suite and battery capacity
Because the S26 + also comes with 4 GB more RAM, it delivers smoother multitasking and gaming performance. The FE’s €100 Prime discount barely narrows the gap – the S26 + remains the better overall value.
Recommendation: Unless you are locked into a contract that only offers the FE, consider the S26 + or even the Galaxy S26 Ultra (just €80 more than the FE for a 256 GB model). The Ultra adds a 200 MP main sensor, a 10 MP 3× telephoto lens, a 5× periscope, and the exclusive Privacy Display plus S Pen support – features that may justify the modest price premium for power users.
Foldable Frenzy – Samsung Z Fold8 Ultra Gets a Massive Cut
Samsung’s premium foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, is now €556 cheaper, bringing the 12 GB / 512 GB version down to €1,844 (≈£1,570). The discount makes the Ultra almost as affordable as the regular Galaxy Z Fold8, which only enjoys a €70 price reduction.
Key differences between the two models:
- Camera: Ultra – 200 MP main (1/1.3″ sensor), 10 MP 3× telephoto, 50 MP ultra‑wide. Standard Fold8 – 50 MP main (1/1.56″), 50 MP ultra‑wide, no telephoto.
- Form factor: Ultra’s larger hinge and slightly thicker chassis favour multitasking; the standard Fold8 is marginally slimmer, appealing to media‑centric users.
- Price: The €556 discount narrows the gap, making the Ultra a compelling option for anyone who wants the best camera system in a foldable.
The Galaxy Z Flip8 also sees a price drop – €390 off the 256 GB model and €590 off the 512 GB version – but the difference between the two storage options is only €10, so the larger capacity is the clear winner.
UK perspective: Foldables are still a niche market, but the new pricing could make the Ultra viable for contract‑based financing. Look for carrier deals that bundle the device with a 24‑month plan; the monthly cost may drop below £80, which is competitive with high‑end slab phones.
Xiaomi 17T Series – Mid‑Range Alternatives With Periscope Lenses
If you’re not set on a flagship chipset, Xiaomi’s 17T and 17T Pro provide attractive specs at lower price points. Both phones feature a 50 MP periscope lens with 5× optical zoom, a 6.59‑inch (17T) or 6.83‑inch (17T Pro) display, and fast charging.
| Model | Chipset | Battery | Price (EU) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17T | Dimensity 8500 Ultra (mid‑range) | 6,500 mAh, 67 W wired | €650 (≈£585) |
| 17T Pro | Dimensity 9500 (flagship‑class) | 7,000 mAh, 100 W wired/50 W wireless | €900 (≈£810) |
The 17T Pro’s larger screen and higher‑end Dimensity 9500 bring it close to the performance of the Poco F9 Ultra, but at a lower price. Its 7,000 mAh battery, while smaller than the F9 Ultra’s 8,050 mAh, still offers solid endurance thanks to the efficient chipset.
Takeaway: For UK buyers who prefer a Chinese brand with a solid warranty network, the 17T Pro is a compelling alternative to the Poco Ultra, especially when paired with a carrier that offers a SIM‑only plan.
How to Make the Most of These Deals in the UK
- Convert the euro prices to pounds – at the current exchange rate (≈0.85 £/€), the Poco F9 Pro at €740 is about £630, while the Z Fold8 Ultra drops to roughly £1,570.
- Check carrier bundles – many UK operators (EE, O2, Three, Vodafone) run promotions that match or beat these discounts when you sign up for a 24‑month contract.
- Consider storage vs. price – the 512 GB variants of Samsung’s foldables and the S26 Ultra only cost an extra €80–€100 over the 256 GB models, a small price jump for a substantial storage boost.
- Look for Prime‑like loyalty programmes – Amazon’s €100 off for Prime members mirrors UK retailers’ “Prime‑like” offers (e.g., Tesco Clubcard discounts). If you’re already a member, stack the savings.
- Factor in future resale value – flagship devices with 200 MP sensors (Poco F9 Pro, Samsung Ultra models) tend to retain value longer, which can offset the higher upfront cost if you plan to upgrade in two years.
Bottom Line
This week’s Android price cuts give UK shoppers a rare chance to grab high‑spec phones at near‑mid‑range prices. The Poco F9 Pro offers a solid flagship experience with a 200 MP camera and wireless fast charging for around £630. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 FE gets a modest €100 discount, but the S26 + and S26 Ultra still deliver better overall value. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra finally becomes affordable enough to consider on a contract, and Xiaomi’s 17T Pro provides a competitive alternative for those who prefer a Dimensity chipset.
If you’re hunting for a new contract phone, compare the total cost of ownership – upfront price, monthly plan, and any loyalty discounts – before deciding. With the right bundle, any of these deals could land you a top‑tier Android device without breaking the bank.
