POCO F8 Pro camera test: flagship hardware, budget price tag
How the POCO F8 Pro Performs in Real-World Photography
The POCO F8 Pro enters the late-2025 market with a strong claim: flagship-level camera hardware at a far more affordable price. With a large high-resolution main sensor, upgraded optics and advanced video features, the device positions itself as a value champion. Early hands-on testing shows that POCO has put real effort into making the camera system stand out.
At the centre of the F8 Pro’s performance is its 50MP primary camera, which captures sharp, detailed images in favourable lighting. The large sensor helps pull in more light, giving photos stronger colour accuracy and better dynamic range than typical mid-range devices. Daytime shots appear crisp and well-balanced, offering results that closely rival more expensive flagship phones.
The supporting cameras add versatility, though they do not match the main sensor’s strength. The ultra-wide lens performs well enough in bright scenes but can soften at the edges and lose detail in low-light situations. Despite this, its wide field of view remains useful for landscapes, architecture or tight indoor spaces where you need extra coverage beyond the standard lens.

Telephoto performance depends on the secondary sensor configuration, and the F8 Pro manages respectable results for its price bracket. While not offering the same clarity or reach as higher-tier flagships, it delivers solid close-up shots and maintains acceptable sharpness for casual use. This gives photographers more flexibility without raising the device’s cost significantly.
Low-light photography is a key test for modern smartphones, and the POCO F8 Pro performs better than expected. Thanks to improved processing and sensor size, night-mode images retain detail and reduce noise effectively. Bright areas stay controlled, and shadow regions maintain usable texture. Although it cannot match the best low-light performers in the flagship segment, its night photography is strong for its budget-friendly positioning.
Video capture benefits from the phone’s support for high-resolution modes, including advanced 4K recording options. Stabilisation helps keep footage smooth when moving, making it practical for travel videos or casual vlogging. The microphone performance is adequate, and colours remain consistent between stills and video, giving users a stable visual profile.
The front camera also performs reliably, producing well-lit and natural-looking selfies. Skin tones stay realistic, and portrait mode edge detection handles most subjects cleanly. This consistency is helpful for users who take regular front-facing photos or rely on video calls for work or social use.
One of the most impressive aspects of the POCO F8 Pro is how well the main camera holds up across various shooting conditions. Whether photographing food, scenery, pets or close-up textures, the device maintains balanced exposure and accurate colours. For a phone positioned at a lower price point, this level of reliability is a standout quality.
There are still limitations, particularly in demanding environments. Extremely low light can introduce grain, the ultra-wide lens occasionally loses fine detail and heavy zooming may reduce sharpness. These compromises are expected at this tier, but they do not overshadow the overall strong performance of the camera system.
For buyers seeking excellent photography without paying flagship prices, the POCO F8 Pro offers surprising value. It outperforms many mid-range rivals and narrows the gap to premium models in daylight shooting. With its combination of hardware strength, capable processing and versatile modes, it delivers a camera experience that feels much more expensive than the phone itself.
In summary, the POCO F8 Pro proves that impressive camera performance doesn’t require a premium budget. Its main sensor delivers the standout results, supported by capable secondary lenses and solid video options. For users wanting flagship-like photography at a far lower cost, the POCO F8 Pro stands out as one of the best-value options available.
