Kicking off 2026 with a bang, Poco Global has created quite a stir in the smartphone market. On January 8, 2026, the company officially launched its much-awaited Poco M8 5G Series globally. The lineup includes two powerful smartphones Poco M8 5G and Poco M8 Pro 5G aimed at delivering a premium experience in the mid-range segment.
Launched across India, Europe, and other Asian markets, this series isn’t just a hardware upgrade it’s a clear message for users who want flagship-level performance at an affordable price. With the speed of a Snapdragon processor, a bright AMOLED display, and smart AI features like Google Gemini, Poco has significantly ramped up the competition in this segment. Let’s do a detailed and analytical review of this series on 1Tak.
Poco M8 5G: The perfect balance of budget and performance
The base model, Poco M8 5G, is designed for users who want a well-balanced smartphone. Compared to its predecessor (M7), The company has made major upgrades in design and hardware.
Display: Visual experience
Mid-range phones often come with compromises on the display, but that’s not the case here. The Poco M8 5G features a 6.77 inch AMOLED screen.
- Resolution: Full HD+ (1080×2392) delivers crisp visuals.
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz, making gaming and scrolling buttery smooth.
- Brightness: 3200 nits of peak brightness eliminates outdoor visibility issues.
- Eye Care: 3840Hz PWM dimming technology reduces eye strain.
Processor and performance
In terms of performance, the device runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4nm) chipset. Thanks to its 4nm architecture, this processor is not only faster but also more power efficient.
| Feature | Specification (Poco M8 5G) |
|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4nm) |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB (UFS 2.2) |
| Expandable | (microSD slot available) |
The expandable storage option makes it an ideal choice for content creators and users who store large amounts of data.
Poco M8 Pro 5G: The Flagship Killer
If you’re a power user, Poco M8 Pro 5G will definitely grab your attention. The company has launched it with the tagline Performance Meets Perfection, and its specifications live up to it.
Chipset and gaming power
The heart of this phone is the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 (4nm) processor. Scoring over 817,000 on the AnTuTu benchmark, it stands out as a true ‘beast’ in this price range. Whether you’re playing BGMI or rendering 4K videos, the phone runs flawlessly without any lag. Although it lacks a memory card slot, up to 512GB of internal storage compensates perfectly.
Display and durability
The Pro model takes the visual experience a step higher:
- Size: 6.83-inch AMOLED display.
- Resolution: 1.5K (1280×2772) — noticeably sharper than FHD+.
- Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for drop and scratch resistance.
- IP Rating: IP68 and IP69K certifications make it fully resistant to dust and water.
Camera and battery: M8 vs M8 Pro
There are significant differences between both phones in the camera and battery departments. The table below helps you pick the right one based on your needs.
| Feature | Poco M8 5G | Poco M8 Pro 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP (PDAF) | 50MP (OIS, Light Fusion 800) |
| Secondary Lens | 2MP Depth | 8MP Ultra-wide |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (4K Video) | 32MP (AI Beauty) |
| Battery | 5520mAh (Silicon-Carbon) | 6500mAh (Massive) |
| Charging | 45W Fast Charging | 100W (0-100% in 40 mins) |
The 100W fast charging feature on the Poco M8 Pro is a blessing for users who are always on the go. Meanwhile, the M8 5G’s camera setup supports 4K video recording—rare in this price range and perfect for vloggers.
Software and AI
Software is just as important as hardware. Both phones run on HyperOS 2, based on Android 15. Features like Circle to Search and Google Gemini are deeply integrated to enhance their AI-powered experience.
Global pricing and India availability
Poco has gone with an aggressive pricing strategy. The table below shows the prices across regions along with the estimated pricing for the Indian market.
| Variant | USA Price ($) | Europe Price (€) | India Price (₹ Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poco M8 5G (8GB /256GB) | $209 | €269 | ₹15,999 (Launch Offer) |
| Poco M8 Pro 5G (8GB /256GB) | $279 | €349 | ₹26,900 (Expected) |
| Poco M8 Pro 5G (12GB/512GB) | $339 | €399 | ₹29,999+ (Expected) |
Availability: In India, the Poco M8 5G will soon be available for sale via Flipkart and the company’s official websites. In global markets, it will be available at competitive prices as well.
Is it the best mid range phone of 2026?
If you are on a tight budget, the Poco M8 5G stands out as a reliable all-rounder for everyday use. But if you can stretch your budget a bit, the Poco M8 Pro 5G offers a far more powerful package. With features like 100W fast charging, IP69K rating, and a 1.5K display, it’s a smart and future-ready choice.
Also Read
- OPPO Reno 15 Series launches with a 200MP camera and 6500mAh battery – find out the price
- Motorola’s full 2026 smartphone plan leaked: everything from the Razr foldable to the ‘Signature’ flagship revealed
- 200Hz display and 7300mAh battery! These features of the OnePlus 16 have created a stir, see the details.
- Xiaomi 17 Ultra: 200MP Leica camera and a ‘DSLR-like’ ring! Will this phone end the reign of Samsung and Apple?
Utkarsh works as a Sub-Editor at 1Tak News. Technology and gadgets are his main beats, and he also tracks automobiles. A graduate of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, he began his journalism career in 2023 and has built experience across digital media platforms like 1Tak. Besides technology, he also has considerable experience covering national affairs, politics, research, and international news.
