Poco has just lifted the lid on two new flagship phones: the Poco X8 Pro and the Poco X8 Pro Max. Their calling card is straightforward-serious processing power paired with sizeable batteries, all while keeping pricing in check.
Do you really need a €1,000 handset to game comfortably? Poco clearly doesn’t think so. Xiaomi’s value-focused brand is rolling out the Poco X8 Pro and Poco X8 Pro Max, two mid-range models positioned around performance and stamina.
Design, display and biometrics
On the styling front, there’s no dramatic shift. Both phones go for a restrained, easy-to-like look rather than anything flashy. They’re offered in black, blue, green and white, with the main visual flourish being the camera block tucked into the top-left corner. Where these devices try to stand out is under the bonnet.
Poco X8 Pro and Poco X8 Pro Max: smartphones built for gamers
Poco is pitching both handsets at players who want to run demanding Play Store titles at top settings without stutter. The Poco X8 Pro uses a MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra, while the Max version steps up to a Dimensity 9500s, which is a little more capable. At these prices, that’s a compelling spec sheet.
Poco also highlights an effective cooling system designed to hold performance steady during long gaming sessions.
| Poco X8 Pro | Poco X8 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 157.53 x 75.19 x 8.38 mm | 162.9 x 77.9 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 201 grammes | 218 grammes |
| Screen | AMOLED 6.59-inch, 120 Hz, 2756 x 1268 pixels, 3500nits (HDR peak) | AMOLED 6.83-inch, 120 hz, 2772 x 1280 pixels, 3500 nits (HDR peak) |
| Processor | Dimensity 8500 Ultra (4 nm) | Dimensity 9500s (3 nm) |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage | 256/512 GB | 256/512 GB |
| OS | Android 16/HyperOS 3 | Android 16/HyperOS 3 |
| Rear cameras | + 50-megapixel wide sensor f/1.5 | |
| + 8-megapixel ultra-wide sensor f/2.2 | + 50-megapixel wide sensor f/1.5 | |
| + 8-megapixel ultra-wide sensor f/2.2 | ||
| Selfie camera | 20 megapixels | 20 megapixels |
| Biometrics | In-display fingerprint sensor | In-display fingerprint sensor |
| Battery | 6500 mAh, 100 W fast charging | 8500 mAh, 100 W fast charging |
| IP rating | IP 68 | IP68 |
| Colours | Black, white, green | Black, white, blue |
Battery life, cameras and software
To match the performance angle, the Poco X8 Pro Max comes with an 8500 mAh battery-an enormous capacity. With that, the phone should manage two, and potentially three, days of “normal” use. It’s a strong selling point at a time when battery life is becoming an increasingly important battleground.
Charging is handled via 100 W fast charging support. The standard Poco X8 Pro drops to a 6500 mAh battery, which is still very impressive. As these models focus on power, compromises appear elsewhere to keep the price down. The camera setup is fairly modest, featuring a 50-megapixel main (wide) camera and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide. At this price point, that trade-off is part of the deal.
On the software side, both phones ship with Android 16 alongside Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3. Poco isn’t pushing any headline AI tools in the interface, instead leaning on Google’s features for that, including Gemini and Circle to Search.
Prices and release date
Poco has announced the following pricing:
- Poco X8 Pro, 256 GB: €399
- Poco X8 Pro, 512 GB: €449
- Poco X8 Pro Max, 256 GB: €529
- Poco X8 Pro Max, 512 GB: €579
Both smartphones go on sale from 31 March. Pre-orders knock around €100 off the price on average (depending on the version). We’ll be reviewing these devices soon to see what they can really do.
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