Poco F9 Ultra debuts with Bose audio and a lit subwoofer ring
Xiaomi's sub-brand Poco has unveiled its F9 Pro and F9 Ultra smartphones, continuing a partnership with Bose for integrated audio hardware. The Ultra model features a Bose 2.1 sound system with a subwoofer that includes a white LED ring for notifications and rhythmic lighting. Both phones offer extremely bright displays, large batteries, and upgraded cameras, with the Ultra's audio quality described as surprisingly good for a phone.
The F9 Ultra’s subwoofer ring serves dual duty as a notification light and a rhythmic visualizer during media playback, though it is limited to white illumination. Poco also introduced a Bose-tuned game audio engine that can highlight subtle cues like footsteps in shooters. The Pro model retains the same 10,000-nit peak brightness and 185Hz refresh rate but drops the subwoofer and LED, using simpler stereo speakers. Both devices share a 200-megapixel main sensor, while the Ultra adds a 5x periscope and a larger 8,050mAh battery with 100W wired charging. The Ultra’s display measures 6.9 inches, slightly larger than the Pro’s 6.59-inch panel.
This launch could intensify competition in the upper mid-range segment, where audio and display specs increasingly drive purchasing decisions. Gamers and media consumers may benefit from phone-level sound that approaches dedicated speakers, potentially reducing accessory needs. However, the niche subwoofer design and extreme brightness may appeal mostly to enthusiasts, while average users might see marginal real-world gains. The partnership also signals how brands differentiate through licensed audio partnerships, possibly influencing future phone designs and marketing strategies.