First impressions of the POCO F9 Pro: a flagship that comes across as more serious than ever.

      I have been using the POCO F9 Pro for three days, which is just enough time to move past the excitement of unboxing a new device and start to notice the finer details. However, this duration is still insufficient to provide a comprehensive review, particularly since POCO has equipped this phone with ample hardware that will keep me engaged for several more days.

      The F9 Pro is clearly centered on performance, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 V Series, a dedicated VisionBoost D8 chipset, an 185Hz display, a 6,330mAh battery, 100W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and a camera system led by a 200MP main sensor.

      Yet, after three days, it’s not the processor or the 200MP camera that stands out to me the most; it’s the blend of the design and display. The F9 Pro appears significantly more refined than the typical image of a performance-centric phone, and its screen enhances the overall experience. Additionally, this is my first Poco flagship in a considerable while, and I must admit, I’m impressed.

      There’s still a lot of testing to be done, especially concerning gaming, camera capabilities, and battery life. But here are my initial thoughts.

      The white variant has a surprisingly subtle look

      I’m using the White version of the POCO F9 Pro, which I find to be the most understated finish among the options. It may seem odd to say this about a POCO device, but the white back gives it a sleek, almost minimalist aesthetic. In my frank opinion, the white color lends a more sophisticated appeal.

      The F9 Pro features a glass back and a metal middle frame, complete with a 1.7mm micro-curved frame that smoothly integrates with the rear panel. POCO has also added a precision-cut CD pattern to the back, which produces a subtle liquid-metal-like sheen when reflecting light.

      The camera module is noticeable, but POCO has kept the platform relatively thin at 2.5mm. While it doesn't entirely vanish—smartphone camera bumps seem to be a permanent feature—it doesn't overshadow the phone's back either. The Sound by BOSE branding on the camera island is visible, though it lacks the lights found on the F9 Ultra.

      After three days, I've grown to appreciate how the phone fits in my hand. Weighing 206g and measuring 8.79mm, it isn’t the lightest device, but the micro-curved frame makes it comfortable for extended use.

      The Aurora Green version is undoubtedly the showstopper with its glow-in-the-dark rear, yet I personally favor the understated nature of the White model. It exudes a premium feel without constantly signaling that it’s a gaming phone.

      Additionally, it has an IP68 rating, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, and NFC—everyday features that become more significant once the initial novelty of the phone wears off.

      The display is the most noticeable feature

      The F9 Pro’s 6.59-inch 185Hz POCO HyperRGB AMOLED display is likely my favorite aspect of the phone thus far. The standout feature is the 185Hz refresh rate, which indeed makes scrolling extraordinarily smooth. Browsing webpages, scrolling through social media, or simply navigating the interface feels remarkably fluid, even when I’m not actively seeking it out.

      This is notable since a high refresh rate can sometimes appear to be a mere marketing gimmick. Here, I can genuinely appreciate it during regular use. The panel has a resolution of 2510 × 1156, and POCO’s HyperRGB technology utilizes the full red, green, and blue subpixel structure, providing visuals comparable to a 2K display while consuming less power.

      After three days, I’m also impressed with the general screen quality. Colors pop without feeling overly exaggerated, text is crisp, and videos display the contrast expected from a modern AMOLED panel. The user interface feels fluid and smooth; however, I’ll need to put it through further testing to determine if the 185Hz refresh rate justifies the pricing or if it’s merely another feature to highlight.

      The specifications are quite impressive as well. The display supports 12-bit color with 68 billion colors, DCI-P3, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, DC dimming, and Wet Touch Display 2.0. It can reach up to 4,500 nits across 25% of the display area and up to 10,000 nits in a 1% area, with typical brightness rated at 850 nits and HBM brightness at 2,200 nits.

      I’m eager to spend more time testing the display outdoors and with HDR content before forming a final opinion. While the headline brightness figures are impressive, it’s crucial for me to know how readable and enjoyable the screen remains in real-life situations.

      POCO has also incorporated Xiaomi Vision Care on the F9 Pro, with