POCO F8 Pro software update policy: how long will you be supported?

POCO F8 Pro software update policy how long will you be supported

How Many Years of Updates Will the POCO F8 Pro Receive?

The POCO F8 Pro sits in a segment where long-term software support matters almost as much as raw performance. Buyers today keep their phones for three to five years, so knowing how long updates will continue is a major part of deciding whether a device is worth buying. The F8 Pro aims to deliver strong value, and its update policy plays a big role in that promise.

POCO has recently strengthened its software commitment for newer models, especially in the F-series. The company now offers multiple Android version upgrades combined with long-term security updates that keep the device protected against vulnerabilities. This is a welcome shift, as earlier models received fewer updates, making some users hesitate to invest long term.

For the POCO F8 Pro, the expected support window includes several major Android upgrades. This means the phone should move through multiple software generations, bringing new features, interface improvements and deeper system refinements over time. For everyday users, this ensures the device stays fresh and capable without feeling outdated too quickly.

POCO F8 Pro software update policy how long will you be supported

Security updates also form a core part of the policy. Even after major Android upgrades stop, POCO plans to continue delivering security patches for several years. These updates protect the phone from exploits and help keep personal data safer. For users who rely on their devices for banking, payments and private communication, this long-term protection is essential.

However, there are practical factors to consider. Update rollout timing can vary between regions, and some markets may receive patches slightly later than others. The frequency of updates may also change over time, shifting from monthly to quarterly as the device ages. While the commitment is solid, the real-world delivery will depend on POCO’s execution across different markets.

Another thing to keep in mind is that POCO devices use a customised software skin. While feature-rich, these skins sometimes take slightly longer to update compared to stock Android because of added layers and customisations. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it means updates might not arrive as quickly as they do on pure Android phones.

For users planning to keep the POCO F8 Pro for three to four years, the update support appears strong enough to maintain performance and security throughout that period. The long-term patch cycle ensures that even after major Android updates end, the phone remains safe and functional. For a value-focused device, this is more than many mid-range phones offer.

In the end, the POCO F8 Pro provides a well-rounded update policy that suits most long-term buyers. It may not match the longest commitments from premium brands, but it offers enough duration to keep the phone relevant, secure and efficient for years. For its expected price segment, the level of software support makes the F8 Pro a dependable choice for sustained everyday use.

POCO F8 Pro for students: premium specs, budget price – worth it?

POCO F8 Pro for students premium specs, budget price – worth it

Is the POCO F8 Pro a Smart Choice for UK Students?

If you’re a student in the UK shopping for a new phone and the POCO F8 Pro has caught your eye, the big question is whether it delivers premium features without stretching your budget—and whether it aligns well with student life. The short answer: for many students, yes—it looks like a strong option, but there are some trade-offs worth keeping in mind.

First up, the hardware specs are impressive for the price-range. The POCO F8 Pro is rumoured to include a high-end chipset, plenty of RAM and fast storage—meaning it can handle multiple apps, document editing, media playback and even creative tasks like video capture or editing. That performance edge makes it suitable for study periods, project work, streaming during downtime, and social media use—all in one device.

The display and battery life reinforce its value for students. A large screen with high refresh rate means lectures, readings, streaming and social apps feel smooth. Meanwhile, a bigger battery plus fast-charging means less worry about running out of power during campus days, library sessions or when travelling between lectures. That reliability is a plus when your day is busy and plugging in isn’t always convenient.

POCO F8 Pro for students premium specs, budget price – worth it

One of the strongest arguments for students is value for money. A “value flagship” like the F8 Pro offers many of the features of full-flagship phones (top chip, large storage, strong battery) but at a lower cost. That helps when your budget is limited and you want to keep some money for other expenses rather than spending big on a phone alone.

On the other hand, there are a few caveats. One is size and weight: premium specs often mean larger form factor, and if you prefer a compact phone that fits easily in smaller pockets or one-hand use during campus walks, you may find it a bit bulky. Another issue is longevity and support: while specs are important, long-term software updates, service support and resale value matter—especially if you plan to use the phone for a few years. A lesser-known brand or value model may not hold up in these areas as strongly as more established flagships.

Also, it’s worth asking how many of the “premium” features you actually use. If your phone use is mostly notes, calls, messages, streaming and some light social media, you may not fully benefit from the high-end camera or ultra-fast charging—so a cheaper device might suffice. It comes down to your use case: heavy multi-tasking, creative work or high-end gaming make the F8 Pro more justifiable.

In terms of student-specific use, the POCO F8 Pro lines up well: strong performance for assignments and apps, good media experience during downtime, battery for long university days, and value that keeps your budget flexible. If you expect to keep the phone for 2-3 years and want a device that will still feel current, it’s a wise pick.

On the flip side, if you’ll upgrade frequently, use the phone lightly, or have a very tight budget, then looking at mid-range phones may offer better budget balance. You could allocate more money to other student-needs (travel, subscriptions, study materials) and still get acceptable phone performance.

In summary: Yes—many UK students will find the POCO F8 Pro very worth it. It offers premium-level features at a strong value, aligning well with both study and downtime needs. But it’s not strictly necessary if your needs are modest or you prioritise budget over top specs.

POCO F8 Pro night photography: how good are low-light shots?

POCO F8 Pro night photography how good are low-light shots

A Closer Look at Low-Light Performance

Night photography has become one of the most important benchmarks for smartphone cameras, and early hands-on impressions of the POCO F8 Pro suggest that it delivers a solid low-light experience for its class. With a flagship-grade primary sensor and optical stabilisation, the phone is positioned to handle evening and indoor scenes well, even before full reviews appear. For UK users who frequently shoot in mixed or low lighting, the camera system looks capable and dependable.

The main camera is where the F8 Pro performs best after dark. Its large sensor and stabilised lens allow it to capture more light per frame, producing clearer and brighter results than typical mid-range models. In early samples, nighttime street scenes show good exposure and strong colour retention, even when relying on ambient lighting such as streetlamps or indoor warm light. The phone manages to lift shadows effectively without creating an unnatural look, which is often a challenge for devices in this price segment.

Noise control appears well balanced, especially when the camera software triggers multi-frame night processing. Fine details, such as textures on buildings or clothing patterns, remain visible with minimal grain. The phone’s image processing leans toward a cleaner output rather than an overly sharp or contrast-heavy style, which helps preserve natural tones. This makes the F8 Pro suitable for capturing night outings, concerts and indoor gatherings with accurate colour and good clarity.

POCO F8 Pro night photography how good are low-light shots

Autofocus performance after dark is also reliable. The OIS system helps stabilise the lens for longer exposures, allowing the camera to lock onto subjects more consistently. Moving subjects still present challenges, as with most phones, but in general the F8 Pro produces fewer blurry frames in dim environments than many similarly priced devices. This makes it useful for quick nighttime shots where you don’t have time to hold the phone perfectly still.

Results from the ultra-wide camera are more mixed. While it performs reasonably well in moderate low light, it does not match the main sensor’s brightness or detail. Edges can appear softer, and noise increases more noticeably in darker areas. This is typical for most phones in this category and not unique to the F8 Pro. For the best night results, using the primary camera remains the most reliable choice, especially for important shots or social content.

Dynamic range is an area where the F8 Pro shows promising performance. Scenes containing bright highlights – such as car headlights or illuminated signs – are handled with decent control, preventing major blowouts while maintaining detail in surrounding darker areas. This balance helps create more visually pleasing nighttime shots without requiring manual adjustments.

In extremely dark situations, the camera still produces usable photos, though with the expected limitations. Noise becomes more apparent, and fine details can soften, but the overall output remains suitable for sharing on social media or messaging apps. The dedicated night mode helps brighten scenes further, though at the cost of longer capture time, making it less ideal for moving subjects.

For UK users who often shoot during evening commutes, nights out, or low-light indoor settings, the POCO F8 Pro delivers a dependable experience that exceeds expectations for its price class. It may not compete with the very best flagship night shooters, but it offers strong consistency and impressive clarity in the situations that matter most to everyday users.

Overall, the POCO F8 Pro’s night photography performance is one of its stronger features. Its main sensor produces bright, detailed and stable results after dark, supported by effective processing and stabilisation. While the ultra-wide and extreme low-light shots show the usual limitations, the camera performs well enough to satisfy users looking for reliable nighttime photography without paying flagship-level prices.

PS Plus December Lineup Confirms Day One Release for Skate Story

PS Plus December Lineup Confirms Day One Release for Skate Story

A major win for UK PlayStation Plus subscribers this December

PlayStation has confirmed that Skate Story will join the PS Plus Game Catalog as a day-one release this December, giving UK Extra and Premium members immediate access the moment it launches. This marks one of the rare occasions where a brand-new title becomes available on the service at release, offering strong value as the festive gaming period begins.

Skate Story, developed by Sam Eng and published by Devolver Digital, has generated strong anticipation thanks to its surreal visual style and unique gameplay concept. Players take on the role of a fragile glass-bodied character skating through a dreamlike underworld, performing tricks while navigating a narrative-driven journey. Its arrival as a day-one PS Plus title makes it a standout addition for December.

For UK subscribers, this move strengthens the appeal of PS Plus Extra and Premium tiers at a time when competition between game subscription services is growing. Day-one releases help PlayStation keep pace with rival platforms while giving users more incentive to explore indie-led, creatively ambitious titles. It also reinforces the ongoing shift towards adding more varied new releases to the Game Catalog.

PS Plus December Lineup Confirms Day One Release for Skate Story

The announcement confirms that Skate Story will be available to download from 8 December, provided the user has an active Extra or Premium subscription. This means subscribers can jump in at no additional cost, avoiding the usual launch-day purchase that many gamers might otherwise consider. As a festive-season release, it adds welcome variety to December’s gaming calendar.

Analysts note that day-one catalogue additions remain relatively limited, making this inclusion all the more notable. UK gaming press have highlighted it as the first confirmed December PS Plus title, helping to anchor the monthly lineup with a creative, eye-catching release. It also signals that PlayStation may be exploring more frequent use of exclusive or early-access opportunities within its subscription tiers.

For players, Skate Story offers a different kind of experience compared to typical blockbuster releases. Its fluid movement, atmospheric soundtrack and distinct art direction make it accessible both to fans of skateboarding games and to players who enjoy narrative-driven indie projects. With its glass-shattering animations and imaginative worldbuilding, it stands out as one of the most visually intriguing titles of the season.

Subscribers planning to play the game should ensure their consoles are updated and storage is ready, as new releases often include sizeable day-one patches. Early footage and previews suggest a polished experience, but launch-day updates are common, especially for smaller studios delivering ambitious artistic titles.

The inclusion of Skate Story also reflects the broader evolution of PlayStation’s subscription strategy. As UK players become more value-conscious, offering day-one access to innovative titles helps maintain subscriber engagement and encourages upgrades to higher tiers. It strengthens the catalogue at a time when users are expecting more for their monthly fee.

Families and younger players may also find the December lineup appealing thanks to its varied genre offerings. Skate Story presents a fresh option alongside expected seasonal releases and ongoing live-service updates on the platform. For many, it may become a surprising highlight of December’s digital catalogue.

Overall, PlayStation’s confirmation of Skate Story as a day-one Game Catalog addition gives UK PS Plus Extra and Premium members a strong start to the December lineup. With its artistic flair and compelling gameplay, the title offers something new during the holiday season, reinforcing why subscription holders often look forward to monthly reveals.

POCO F8 Pro vs Motorola Edge flagship-lite: which gives more value?

POCO F8 Pro vs Motorola Edge flagship-lite which gives more value

A Clear Look at Which Phone Delivers Better UK Value

The POCO F8 Pro and Motorola’s latest Edge flagship-lite models both target buyers who want strong performance without paying full flagship prices. With both brands pushing aggressive hardware and cleaner designs this year, UK users are now comparing them closely to see which one truly offers better value. The competition is tight, but each device brings a distinct approach that affects long-term usability and cost-effectiveness.

The POCO F8 Pro focuses heavily on raw power, making it appealing for buyers who want flagship-grade performance without stretching their budget. Early specifications point to a high-end chipset, a sharp high-refresh display and efficient thermals. This makes the phone particularly attractive for gaming, content creation and demanding everyday use. For UK users comparing sub-£500 options, this performance-first approach can provide exceptional return on investment.

Motorola’s Edge flagship-lite models aim for a different balance. Rather than chasing the highest possible benchmark scores, the Edge series emphasises premium feel, slim design and durability. The latest models feature polished materials, refined ergonomics and stronger water protection than most competitors in this price segment. For users who prefer a long-lasting, refined handset rather than maximum horsepower, this softer tuning often feels more mature and considered.

POCO F8 Pro vs Motorola Edge flagship-lite which gives more value

Where camera performance is concerned, both brands take notably different paths. POCO tends to highlight high-resolution sensors and computational boosts, offering strong daylight results and fast shutter responses. Motorola typically delivers more consistent overall performance, focusing on colour accuracy, stabilisation and reliable low-light behaviour. UK users who prioritise consistency over specs may lean towards Motorola, while those who prefer sharper, punchier results may favour POCO.

Software experience also plays a major role in long-term value. POCO’s interface is feature-rich and highly customisable, though the experience can feel busier. Motorola offers a cleaner, near-stock Android approach with thoughtful extras. Many UK buyers who prefer minimal, distraction-free software often rate Motorola higher here. The update policies differ as well, and users planning to keep their phone for several years may find Motorola’s approach more reassuring.

Battery and charging performance show another contrast. POCO typically delivers aggressive fast-charging speeds and large battery capacities that suit heavy daily use. Motorola focuses more on overall efficiency and battery longevity, offering reliable all-day endurance even on days with heavier workloads. Both approaches work well for UK usage patterns, though POCO’s approach benefits users who need rapid top-ups during the day.

Price remains one of the clearest dividing lines. POCO often launches at a notably lower price point compared with Motorola’s flagship-lite models. This positions the F8 Pro as the performance leader for value buyers, especially those who want to maximise hardware per pound. Motorola devices, though more expensive, justify their pricing through stronger build quality, better refinement and a more premium in-hand feel.

In terms of long-term ownership, Motorola tends to provide a more balanced, stable experience with fewer compromises. The Edge series is well-regarded for durability, stability and comfort. POCO, meanwhile, offers unbeatable power and specifications at its price bracket, making it the stronger choice for users who focus on gaming, speed or heavy multitasking.

Overall, UK buyers looking for pure performance per pound will find the POCO F8 Pro the better value option. It offers top-tier hardware at a lower starting price and suits users who want flagship capability without paying flagship prices. Motorola’s Edge flagship-lite models provide greater refinement, durability and software polish, making them a better fit for buyers who value long-term reliability and a premium feel.

For most value-focused UK users, the POCO F8 Pro offers more for the money. But for those who prefer a polished, comfortable and premium experience, the Motorola Edge line remains a strong and dependable choice.

Price Drop Makes Infinix Note 50x 5G Cheaper in Australia

Price Drop Makes Infinix Note 50x 5G Cheaper in Australia

The Infinix Note 50x 5G has just received a price cut in Australia, bringing it closer to budget-friendly territory. For shoppers looking for good value, this makes the phone even more appealing. The recent discount ensures more people can get a modern 5G phone without spending big.

 

Now Available at More Affordable Price

 

In the Australian market, the Infinix Note 50x 5G is now priced around AUD 269 to AUD 279, down from its original launch price. With this drop, it moves into the sweet spot for budget smartphones while still offering features that feel above its price tag.

 

Big Screen and Smooth Everyday Performance

 

The Note 50x 5G comes with a large 6.67-inch display, ideal for watching videos, browsing the web, and scrolling through social media. Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity chipset and up to 8GB of RAM, the phone handles daily tasks with ease. With the new lower price, this reliable performance becomes available to more buyers in Australia.

 

Infinix Note 50x 5G Cheaper in Australia

Long Battery Life Without Paying More

 

One of the standout features is its 5000mAh battery that easily lasts all day. When you do need to recharge, fast charging gets you back on track quickly. Now that the price has dropped, you can enjoy long-lasting battery life along with value for money.

 

Dual 5G SIM Support at a Lower Cost

 

This phone supports dual 5G SIM cards, giving you faster internet speeds and better network coverage. With 5G rolling out across Australia, having this feature makes the Note 50x 5G a smart budget option. The price drop makes it even more attractive for users who rely on fast connectivity.

Also Read:  Tecno Camon 40 Pro Australia Price And Key Details

 

Is It Worth It After the Price Drop?

 

If you’re in Australia and looking for a 5G phone that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, the Infinix Note 50x 5G at its new lower price is worth considering. It covers the basics well with a large screen, smooth performance, long battery life, and modern connectivity—all for less.

Poco X7 Pro – Is It Really Powerful?

The POCO X7 Pro is making bold claims this year offering top tier performance and powered by the new dimensity 8400 Ultra chipset and a massive 6,000 Mah battery. Touted as the ultimate value for money mid-ranger of 2025.

 

 

DESIGN & BUILD QUALITY

 

A little bit design and build up front we have the 6.67 in Crystal res AMOLED display with reasonably thin bezels although the chin is ever so slightly thicker to the right of the X7 Pro we have the metal volume buttons along with the yellow colored power/ lock button and they feel nice and clicky. Around the bottom we have the SIM tray. I believe that’s two mics, there a USBC port and a bottom firing speaker the SIM tray can house two physical Nano Sims. So no e Sim compatibility here or the ability for expandable storage. I’m going to pop my own Sim in there to the left side there is nothing and up top we have the second firing speaker an IR blaster and looks like another two mics up front. We have the 20 mega pixel front facing hole punch car camera. And the a piece built into the bezels which is becoming the norm nowadays then turning to the back we can see the two-tone signature Poco yellow and black design with a leather texture and a kind of ribbed texture on the yellow.

 

 

Poco X7 Pro

 

 

I have to say it does feel really nice to the touch and it gives that phone some extra grippiness which is all is a plus. We have the dual camera setup compromising of a 50 mega pixel main camera and 8 mega pixel Ultra wide camera with LED flashlight and then just further down we have the Poco logo in gold build wise seeing, that it’s a plastic frame it does seem quite solid no creaking or groaning noises that I could hear, And then of course the camera bump’s going to give you rocking when you’re laying the phone flat the vibrations on here are decent. I would say not the absolute best but they’re good enough and then can get quite strong on the higher setting the phone is also ip 68 rated. So that’s really good to see and overall. I think the design is quite nice is solidly built had a nice weight to it coming in at 198 G and really nice textures on the back add to that more premium feeling for a phone that you know a quarter or a third of a price of some of the flagships the Poco X7 Pro also comes with liquid cool technology 4.0 so this system features a 5,000 mm squad Ultra large cooling area that is core is the Poco 3D Ice loop system.

 

 

DISPLAY

 

The display on the Poco X7 Pro is a 6.6 in AMOLED display and it’s running up to 120 Hz refresh rate coming in at a PPI of 446 and it supports HDR 10 plus and DCI P3 wide color gamut and you got all the color bells and whistles on there with various TUV certifications we’ll check out what we get in the settings. So, we have light and dark mode options, and the display can get quite bright with Peak brightness at 3,200 nits you can enable a sunlight mode which would allow, I’m assuming that Peak brightness in the color scheme we have original Vivid saturated and advanced and in there you can pick from different color Gamit. So, you have P3 or SRGB and then you can adjust color space or HTV color space and contrast and things reading mode which Alters the color temperature for refresh rate we have default, or you can do custom and that allows you to pick from 60 or 120 Hz.

 

If you want to lock that in I’m going to leave it on default we also have the AI image engine so you can turn on super resolution to enhance videos AI HD enhancement and then MC which we’ll be checking out later on for lock screen we have different options here. So you have your normal stuff like sleep raise to awake and always on display it only turns on for 10 seconds after tapping and you have various different displays. That you can choose from YouTube supports 4K 60 FPS with HDR so HDR content on here is going to be looking really good with the really nice colors and the amazing contrast you get with HDR. So it’s going to be a joy to be consuming media on a display like this if you enable the video toolbox option in the settings it lets you adjust various things when it comes to video playback so you can turn on theater mode which kind of Alters the sound you can upscale to 2K. if it’s a resolution of 720p you can pick from different styles, so you can have HDR nostalgia original black and white.

 

If you can toggle immersive sound or you can use head track movement with headphones Netflix gets the full array of playback specs with full HD and HDR 10 and Dolby Vision support. So you’ll be getting the best experience on Netflix again with all that HDR goodness and that super sharp and clear playback Amazon Prime as usual on mobile devices maxes out at 1080p full HD viewing angles are really good. I only noticed a slight temperature shift to a warmer tone at more extreme angles and Outdoors you’re not going to have a problem with the 3,200 nits Peak brightness, Not that I can actually demonstrate direct sunlight here in the UK but I did try my best. And the display also supports wet touch so on my testing it feed a bit better than other phones, but it was still kind of jittery here and there with the water interfering with my touches, but I guess it was still usable, so that’s good to see. So overall the display on here I have to say, I’m a huge fan of I do like the slim bezels HDR content looks amazing it’s really sharp clear colors on here are really saturated thumbs up from me on the display.

 

 

SPEAKER

 

The POCO X7 Pro has stereo speakers with a dedicated bottom and dedicated top firing speaker in the settings itself for sound effect you can choose from Dolby Atmos or xiaomi sound. I’m going to leave that set to Dolby Atmos you also have graphic equalizer so pick from various presets or you can adjust as you please and then you have headphone accommodations with various different option. There we’ll have a quick listen to what they sound like and please note there might be some high volume coming up we’ll start off with 50% and then go up to 100. My testing of the red magic Nova Tablet check that out. If you haven’t and as usual, I’ve set everything to the highest possible in the graphic setting time yeah that it’s a dangerous silica-based parasite that must have crawled into the ship when we were flying reached the Southwest window, why are you hesitating PR never been this high before you have also not reinstalled you. Overall, I think the sound is okay it’s nothing amazing they do get reasonably loud, but they lack de and there’s pretty much no base at all that I could hear.

 

 

PERFORMANCE & BENCHMARKS

 

The performance side of things the Poco X7 Pro is equipped with the new mediate Tech diamond the 8400 Ultra chipset along with Xiaomi Hyper OS 2 running on Android 15. RAM is LPDRX 5 and available in 8 or 12 GB and storage being UFS 4.0 with options of 256 or 512 GB at least here in the UK so pretty high spec software support is 3 years of OS updates which is reasonable obviously there’s some companies that offer a lot more and you also get multiple years of security patches. You also have up to an additional 12 GB of memory extension or virtual RAM and by default it comes with 6 GB turned on. So I’m just going to leave that as it is we have a quick look at what we actually get in the settings. So you get your Security State and stuff here and you can see L patches interconnectivity with other Xiaomi devices so loads of things here with your personal devices if you have other Xiaomi products for more connectivity we have things like Xiaomi share NFC cost printing link to Windows wireless display.

 

You can also link to a Chromebook or Quick Share and it does come with Android auto which on my testing worked absolutely fine you can also adjust various things in the notifications and status bar personalization allows you to change things that lock style always on display icons fonts notification effect fingerprint effects wallpaper Carousel and you can pick from various themes fingerprint recognition on here is a in display fingerprint. So, you can pick from different animations that works fine you also have a face unlock or you can choose to unlock with a Bluetooth device there’s various AI services so we have things like notes which can provide a summary and change the layout of a piece of text. And I’ll just do a quick example here, so you have to kind of log in with your Xiaomi account. If you want to take advantage of this and then hit an AI summary it does take a little while and does this kind of slow typing out, but it is a good way to kind of summarize different pieces of text or large pieces of text.

 

Some people might think AI stuff is a gimmick where other people might actually find it useful but, I guess that comes down to user preference and when it comes to Gallery, we have different things here so we can use erase and I’m just going to do a quick example here. Your hit startup does it thing and from a distance it looks all right but once you zoom in you can kind of see what it’s tried to do it’s kind of a lot of blurring smudges going on but reasonable job I guess and then you also have ai expand which kind of obviously does what it says on the tin and expands the images and you can adjust by how much you want to actually do that but, again from a distance looks all right, I guess but once you zoom in you can kind of see all of this extra stuff that it’s tried adding on and it’s all getting a bit swirly whirly and wared and stuff off but I guess it could be improved on for the benchmark test.

 

  • I had the phone in Ultimate mode so getting the highest performance and prior to the latest hyper os2 update it scored 1, 15425 66 which I thought oh that’s quite a bit lower than what Poco had been advertising after I updated to the latest OS version, scored 1,71,299. So clearly that update boosted the performance of the phone on geek bench, we got 1,59,3 for single score and 6,334 on multicore so reasonably good scores here for a mid-range of phone on Wildlife extreme stress test we got a best Loop score of 3,929 with a 78.6 stability. And for performance range we can see there were some dips in different Loops, but battery went from 96 to 85% temperature went from 25 to 48° and the frame rate varied between 13 and 20 FPS. so, I would say reasonable scores, but we’ll be checking out how it handle all that later for read

 

  • we got sequential right of 595 MGB with a sequential read of 1.32 GB so kind of your average type of speeds there we’ll have a quick look at the OS itself the control panel is nice and clean with smooth animations and uploads are fast and snappy in my use, I haven’t noticed any hiccups or stutters at all so it’s all running nice and smooth on the device here so hyper OS 2 is clearly made some good improvements we’ll check out RAM management and I’ll open a bunch of apps and then I’ll open a heavy app like Qu D WS on here and Then going back to the previous apps they are all still running in the background so RAM management seems good on here. You can also use the sidebar to quickly access apps in a floating window so a Max of two is allowed and for me the OS has been nice, I mean it’s not the most polished out there, but I haven’t had any problems it’s fast and happy.

 

 

GAMING

 

We’ll check out some gaming and put the at 400 ultra to the test so Poco has a dedicated gaming app called game space has various different functions and tools that you can use to enhance your gameplay and it also has wild boost 3.0 which has an array of different things to make gameplay a lot better starting off we have 89% battery and the phone is in Ultimate mode so the highest performance available and we have a temperature reading of 27° we’ll start off with Call of Duty warn and visual quality here tops out at high would have been nice to have seen Peak but high is still good and I’ve set the fps to UNCA and everything else to high I’ll turn on wild boost which is wild boost 3.0. As I mentioned and I’m going to set the priority to frame rate and to start off with we can see the FPS is around the high 50s low 60s so I was expecting a little bit better performance on here Z 5 minutes into the game and it’s still the same situation so this could be down to game optimization with the Domin 400 Ultra being a fairly new chip and an update in the future might make these figures a little bit better.

 

  • I’ll drop the visual quality down to medium to see if that makes any difference it has helped with the FPS now so we’re hitting the high 70s 8s but of course we would have sacrificed orual quality so for war zone at least for now if you want better fps then you’ll have to dial down the graphics but apart from that the game was running fine. so, after 13 minutes of gaming the device temperature Rose to 30 9° so getting quite toasty and the battery was down to 84% so we lost 5% there next we’ll jump into weing waves and again I’ve maxed out everything in the graphic settings and the game performed really well hitting the 60 FPS cap with maybe slight dips down to 57 here. And there and then 27 minutes in is still holding good on the 60 FPS.

 

  • The temperature how is now hitting 41° and the device did feel really warm around the top of the frame. And Camera module and the battery was down to 78% so 11% loss so far next we’ll check out Call of Duty mobile and for Ultra frame rate the max Graphics quality allowed is medium so we’re going to start off with that and no problem here with the game running 1219 FPS no problem. And looking buttery smooth so that was a joy to be playing here with really high frame rate we’ll switch to Max graphic quality which defaults the frame rate to very high and here the graphics look way better but the FPS was capping out at 60 which is still more than enough for a lot of people and it’s smooth so even at 60 FPS you’re going to have a good time playing a game like this so 33 minutes into gaming the temperature is reading 40° and the battery is down to 76% so holding up fairly.

 

  • I check out pubg and I’ve set the graphics to ultra HDR and the frame rate to ultra and with these settings the graphics do look really nice but the FPS was hovering around the 40s I’ll switch the graphics to balanced and see what difference that makes and with balanced Graphics the FPS jumps up to 60, so reasonable but, I guess it’s a similar situation of sacrificing graphics for frame rate or vice versa 50 minutes in. And the temperature has come down to 33° and the battery is now at 73%. And finally we’ll have a look at genin impact again everything’s set to the highest possible in the graphic settings.

 

  • As I was expecting we have a step steady there enough 60 FPS on here and the game just looks stunning the display. I have to say is really good on this phone with the super resolution rending which is only supported in this game it really does make the game look that extra bit better so after that hour gaming session the temperature ended up at 37° and the battery was down to 69%. So a total loss of 30% which is fairly decent as I have really pushed it here the ice loop system I guess did help reasonably well but the phone did warm up quite a bit with you know heavy loaded graphics and high frame rates so it’s to be expected I guess that kind of stuff can only be properly mitigated with a dedicated internal or an external fan but for the gamers you can have a good experience on here and over time I’m sure optimization of games will make the experience all that better.

 

 

BATTERY

 

The POCO X7 Pro is packing a massive 6,000 mAh battery, That support up to 90 W charging and I did get the 120 w xiaomi charger. So in my testing the device charge from 0 to 100 in 41 minutes so super fast there is no wireless charging support, however so that’s a disappointment but again we have to keep the price in mind. And I think the battery is definitely a highlight of this phone you can easily get you 2 days of light/ medium use or 3 days of light use in my testing with you know a full hour of gaming and using the phone daily with video playback like YouTube Disney plus uh taking calls messaging social media video capture and many other things. I managed to get basically nearly 2 days and we can see I’m down to 15% and this was basically nearly at the end of day two when it comes to the settings you kind of get remaining time.

 

So we can see I was on 99% here with a remaining time of 31 hours on balanced and you can pick from different modes here so ultimate balance battery saver or Ultra battery saver with each of them giving you a remaining time. And then we also have higher power consumption settings which will kind of inform you on of apps and different settings that are consuming power charging options you can choose from standard or top speed but top speed is only compatible with charges and in the process it might warm up and charging that way the phone did reach a temperature of about 38°. Battery protection gives you battery info you can choose to stop charging at 80% and also turn on smart charging and then you have your normal chog graph of how the battery has fade throughout the day and which apps have been consuming battery.

 

 

CAMERA

 

The POCO X7 Pro comes with a dual camera setup with a 50 mega pixel main camera being a Sony IMX 882 sensor with a large F 1.5 aperture supposedly resulting in a 65% increase in light capture compared to the previous gen X6 Pro and there’s an 8 mega pixel Ultra wide camera along with a 20 mega pixel front-facing camera. The different mods you have are pro documents video photo portrait night and in M you have things like 50 mega pixel Panorama direct dual video options like that in the settings themselves you have loads of tip for things here Auto night mode Orient noty about orientation HF format picture quality selfie settings so you can mirror front camera things like that you also have image stabilization Auto frame rate video encoder HDR 10 plus. We have a highest resolution of 4K and that’s up to 60 FPS shoot steady you can turn on but it sets it to 1080 p 30 and then you have your different Zoom options with the ultra wide 1X and 2x photo.

 

We have ai camera and your usual stuff here like shutter type tilt shift and different options and you can adjust exposure value if you wanted to with different filters there in portrait you can adjust your f stop as you please. And in director mode you get all of these kind of additional options such as ISO control autofocus white balance and things like that so you can adjust those as you please kind of let you dial in a bit more. We’ll see some captures I’ve taken with this camera and I have to say for the price I was quite impressed is decent quality videos and pictures Sun’s just about set in the next 10 20 minutes and just walking down the road so checking out the stabilization which is OS and IOS on the main camera. You can see here in my example when walking around shooting at night time there was some kind of jitteriness when it came to the stabilization so you have to be cautious of that just doing another video test with more favorable lighting conditions, I just want to see if he’s got that jitteriness when it comes to the image stabilization that we saw in low light.

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

In in conclusion the Poco X7 Pro emerges as quite a good contender in the mid-range smartphone arena is offering a blend of features that Real some premium flagships for design and build the device has a distinct design with a polycarbonate frame and leather looking finish back for display the 6.
7 in AMOLED panel delivers really good visuals with 120 HZ refresh rate it makes it ideal for media consumption and it offers a really good and immersive viewing experience when we come to Performance the MediaTek DT 84 Ultra chipset with high benchmarks goes and handles demanding tasks and game handled them reasonably.

 

Well I would say and also the liquid cool technology does maintain the temperatures quite well. So you’re not going to get the overheating to the point where the chip is getting throttled the dual camera setup headlined by the 50 megapixel Sony sensor and Optical image stabilization delivers pretty sharp and vibrant photos across different lighting conditions but IDE the darker scenarios it does struggle a bit as I said a standard feature is the 6,000 mAh battery which comb Ed with a 90w hypercharge technology offers extended use and Rapid charging and for Value.

 

PS Plus Adds Surreal Skate Story as Day One December Title

PS Plus Adds Surreal Skate Story as Day One December Title

Skate Story Joins PS Plus Game Catalog at Launch

PlayStation Plus subscribers are set for a notable December as the surreal indie adventure Skate Story arrives as a day-one title. The game launches on 8 December for PS5, and Sony has confirmed it will be available in the PS Plus Game Catalog on the same day, giving UK players instant access at no extra cost.

Skate Story stands out for its unusual concept, taking skateboarding into a dark, dreamlike world. Instead of familiar streets or skate parks, the game places players in an atmospheric underworld where they control a fragile, glass-bodied demon tasked with skating through shifting environments. This bold creative direction has already caught the attention of UK gamers looking for something different.

The narrative leans into surreal storytelling, blending emotional depth with stylish art direction. Players must complete a journey towards the moon while navigating eerie landscapes and confronting strange entities. These elements combine to give the game a mood closer to an art-driven indie project than a traditional sports title.

PS Plus Adds Surreal Skate Story as Day One December Title

Its gameplay is built around fluid movement, trick precision and creative combos. Progression requires mastering technique while staying calm under pressure, especially during encounters that replace combat with skill-based skating challenges. This structure offers a refreshing twist for those familiar with skateboarding games.

Sony’s decision to add Skate Story on launch day highlights a growing push to include distinctive indie titles alongside bigger releases each month. The early December addition strengthens PS Plus’s variety at a time when subscribers are expecting festive updates and expanded catalogues.

The game’s arrival also sets the tone for the rest of December’s line-up, which continues to roll out as the month progresses. Sony typically reveals more titles throughout the holiday season, meaning the UK PS Plus library is likely to see further expansion.

For PS5 owners with PS Plus Extra or Premium, Skate Story’s immediate availability provides a strong start to the month. Its mix of creativity, atmosphere and technical skating mechanics gives subscribers a unique experience to dive into without waiting for mid-month additions.

The anticipation around the game has already grown among UK players, many of whom are eager to test its mix of style and challenge. With word spreading quickly, Skate Story appears poised to become one of the more talked-about indie releases heading into the winter.

As December begins, PS Plus users can look forward to exploring its haunting setting and inventive approach to skateboarding. The day-one launch marks a welcome boost for the catalogue and adds momentum to what is shaping up to be a strong finish to the year for PlayStation’s subscription service.

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Prime Video UK viewers rush to stream Maxton Hall’s new season

Prime Video UK viewers rush to stream Maxton Hall’s new season

UK Fans Push “Maxton Hall” Season 2 to the Top

The release of “Maxton Hall – The World Between Us” Season 2 has triggered a rush of UK viewers on Prime Video, with the new episodes sparking one of the platform’s strongest November surges. The season’s global launch on 7 November brought an immediate spike in UK traffic as fans returned to the story of Ruby and James.

Within days of the debut, “Maxton Hall” climbed into the top trending shows across the UK, mirroring its global success. Prime Video confirmed it reached the number-one position worldwide shortly after release, reflecting strong engagement and a loyal returning audience from the first season.

The UK response has been driven by a mix of anticipation and binge-ready viewing. With the first three episodes dropping together, many viewers dove straight in, reigniting discussions and drawing newcomers who missed the show’s breakthrough success last year.

Prime Video UK viewers rush to stream Maxton Hall’s new season

Social-media reaction in the UK has amplified the momentum. Fan clips, storyline debates and character reactions have spread widely, helping the series reach audiences beyond its original fan base. This online buzz has kept the show trending since the premiere.

The unfolding weekly schedule has also shaped viewing habits. New episodes arriving every Friday have encouraged repeat log-ins and sustained interest, leading up to the season finale scheduled for 28 November. UK fans have responded strongly to this format, blending binge sessions with weekly anticipation.

The show’s dramatic shifts, romantic intensity and elite-school backdrop continue to resonate with young UK audiences. Many viewers have revisited Season 1 to rebuild the emotional connection, adding to the overall spike in streaming hours.

Prime Video’s wider momentum has played a role too. With UK traffic rising across several genres, the success of “Maxton Hall” fits into a broader trend of increased viewer activity this month. Its performance strengthens Prime Video’s position in the UK’s competitive streaming landscape.

The show’s cast and production team have also fuelled engagement through interviews and promotional drops, further energising UK fans. These appearances have highlighted the deeper themes of the new season, prompting more curiosity around upcoming episodes.

With Season 3 already confirmed, UK viewers are settling in for a longer journey with the series. The current surge suggests the drama will remain one of Prime Video’s most-watched international titles in Britain through the winter months.

Overall, the rush to stream “Maxton Hall” Season 2 underscores how strongly the series connects with UK audiences. Its mix of romance, conflict and cliff-hangers continues to deliver the kind of viewing that keeps Prime Video subscribers coming back each week.

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Prime Video UK traffic surges after global ad-supported reach announcement

Prime Video UK traffic surges after global ad-supported reach announcement

Prime Video Sees UK Surge as Ad-Supported Reach Expands

The streaming world is shifting fast, and Prime Video is making headlines with a major boom in UK viewership following its global ad-supported reach announcement. According to the platform’s latest data, its ad-supported tier now reaches more than 315 million monthly viewers globally — a substantial leap from 200 million in April 2024. This new milestone seems to have triggered a surge in usage across the UK as well.

In the UK alone, Prime Video’s ad-supported audience has jumped to over 22 million monthly viewers. This marks a roughly 15 per cent increase compared with the previous year, signalling strong adoption of the ad-supported option among British users. At the same time, total monthly ad-supported viewing hours in the UK have risen more than 25 per cent year-on-year, indicating deeper engagement rather than just casual tune-ins.

This growth arrives at a moment when ad-supported video-on-demand (VoD) is gaining ground commercially. Research shows that Q3 of 2025 saw a record 23 million ad-supported UK subscriptions — narrowing the gap with ad-free services, which held 29 million subscriptions. The willingness of UK viewers to embrace ads suggests a shift in consumer sentiment, possibly prompted by economic pressures or a reassessment of value in subscription tiers.

Prime Video UK traffic surges after global ad-supported reach announcement

Prime Video’s resurgence in the UK has been fuelled by its popular slate of original and licensed content. High-profile shows such as Clarkson’s Farm, Last One Laughing UK and Reacher remain among the most-watched ad-supported shows in the country, drawing viewers who may be streaming for the first time or switching from ad-free plans. For many, these series offer enough value to make the ad interruptions worthwhile.

Likewise, live sports and event coverage — increasingly becoming a key trigger for streamers — are playing a role. With expanded live-sports rights and major matches available, Prime Video is broadening its appeal beyond typical drama and film audiences. This diversification seems to be paying off in viewer numbers and engagement metrics alike.

Advertisers are taking note too. The expanded reach has turned Prime Video into an attractive property for brand campaigns. Its scale and viewer diversity make it a compelling platform for advertisers looking to connect with engaged UK audiences through streaming — marking a shift in how ad-supported streaming services monetise their offerings.

Overall, Prime Video’s growing traffic in the UK underscores how ad-supported streaming is carving out a stronger space in Britain’s entertainment landscape. With rising viewer numbers, increased viewing hours, and an expanding library of content and live events, the service seems poised to keep this momentum up through the coming year.

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POCO F8 Pro vs upcoming POCO F9 series: should you wait or buy now?

POCO F8 Pro vs upcoming POCO F9 series should you wait or buy now

Deciding the Better Upgrade Path for UK Buyers

The POCO F8 Pro has arrived as a strong performance-focused flagship, giving UK buyers a well-balanced mix of power, display quality and value. With early rumours already building around the next-generation POCO F9 series, many users are now wondering whether to purchase the F8 Pro immediately or hold off for a potentially bigger jump in features next year. The decision ultimately depends on how urgently you need a new device and how much you value incremental upgrades.

The F8 Pro stands out by offering high-end hardware at a more accessible price, continuing POCO’s long-running strategy of delivering flagship-class capability without a premium price tag. With a top-tier chipset and high refresh-rate display expected as standard, the F8 Pro is built to handle gaming, multitasking and long-term performance with ease. For buyers who prioritise performance per pound, this alone makes the device a strong contender.

In terms of practicality, the F8 Pro also benefits from the launch timing. As a current-generation model, it will receive early reviews, stable software updates and wider compatibility with accessories once it reaches the UK market. This makes it a reliable purchase for users who need a new phone immediately and don’t want to wait months for the next product cycle. The device already offers enough performance to satisfy demanding gaming, productivity and camera needs.

POCO F8 Pro vs upcoming POCO F9 series should you wait or buy now

The upcoming POCO F9 series, however, remains mostly unconfirmed. Early rumours suggest upgrades in camera hardware, charging technology and overall efficiency, with a predictable step forward in processing power. While the F9 will almost certainly outperform the F8 Pro on paper, the scale of improvement remains unclear, and there is no confirmed UK release window. Buyers who wait may need to hold on several extra months before any model becomes widely available.

Pricing is another important factor in this decision. POCO typically increases prices slightly with every generation, meaning the F9 series may launch at a higher cost than the F8 Pro. UK buyers who value strong value-for-money may find that the current model delivers a better balance between cost and performance. The F8 Pro is positioned to offer the most competitive pricing during its launch cycle, while the F9 series may target a more premium bracket at release.

For users who prioritise long-term future-proofing, waiting for the F9 series could be beneficial. Newer chipsets, improved sensors and refined software experiences often bring better performance longevity. However, these benefits usually appear gradually rather than dramatically, and the F8 Pro already delivers enough power for several years of smooth use in the UK environment. Unless the F9 introduces significant flagship features like major camera upgrades or new charging standards, the difference may not be transformative.

If your current phone is still usable and you enjoy staying on the cutting edge of technology, waiting for the F9 series could be the more satisfying choice. On the other hand, if you need a powerful device right now or want the best available value in the POCO lineup, the F8 Pro is already strong enough to justify the purchase without hesitation. Its combination of performance, design and expected UK pricing makes it one of the more dependable options in its segment.

Overall, UK buyers who value immediate performance, stable availability and great value should buy the POCO F8 Pro now. Those who prefer the newest features, enjoy following upcoming releases and don’t mind waiting for pricing to settle may benefit from holding out for the F9 series. For most users, the F8 Pro delivers more than enough capability today and remains the more practical recommendation.

Price Drop Makes Infinix Note 50x 5G More Affordable in Canada

Price Drop Makes Infinix Note 50x 5G More Affordable in Canada

The Infinix Note 50x 5G has recently received a price drop in the Canadian market. This budget-friendly 5G smartphone is now available at a lower price, making it an excellent choice for buyers who want modern features without spending too much. This price cut makes it easier for more people in Canada to get a phone that offers good performance and connectivity.

 

Large Display and Smooth Performance on a Budget

 

The phone features a large 6.67-inch display that delivers clear and smooth visuals. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity processor and up to 8GB of RAM, the Infinix Note 50x 5G handles daily apps smoothly and can handle light gaming without issues. The new lower price makes this smooth performance more accessible to budget-conscious users.

 

Long Battery Life with Fast Charging Support

 

One of the main highlights is the 5000mAh battery that easily lasts all day with regular use. The phone also supports fast charging to quickly top up the battery when needed. This combination of strong battery life and affordable price is perfect for users who need a reliable phone throughout the day.

 

Price Drop Makes Infinix Note 50x 5G More Affordable in Canada

Dual 5G SIM Support for Better Network Speeds

 

The Infinix Note 50x 5G supports dual 5G SIM cards, allowing users to enjoy faster internet speeds and better network coverage. With 5G networks expanding in Canada, having dual 5G SIM support at a budget price is a big advantage.

 

Should Canadian Buyers Take Advantage of This Price Drop?

 

If you are looking for a budget phone with a big screen, good performance, long battery life, and 5G connectivity, the Infinix Note 50x 5G price drop in Canada is good news. It offers all essential features for daily use without costing a fortune.

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