POCO X8 Pro Review: Unleashing Style and Speed in a Competitive Smartphone Market

POCO has been experiencing significant momentum in recent years, continuously expanding its range of high-performance mid-range smartphones. Following the introduction of the X8 series earlier this year, which includes the Pro Max and Pro models, I have been using the POCO X8 Pro as my primary device to evaluate its performance. Here’s an overview of its capabilities.

Design

The POCO X8 Pro features a minimalist design with a clean, monolithic aesthetic. Its aluminum frame and frosted glass rear allow for a relatively compact build, weighing 201.47g and measuring 8.38mm in thickness. The matte-like texture of the frosted finish helps provide a secure grip, mitigating the slipperiness often associated with high-gloss glass.

The review unit is offered in White, along with Black and Green variants. The White model is accented with red highlights around the camera modules and power button, adding a subtle touch to its overall minimalist appearance.

Display

Featuring a 6.59-inch AMOLED display, the POCO X8 Pro boasts a 94.1% screen-to-body ratio with nearly invisible bezels. Its 2756 × 1268 resolution and 460 PPI pixel density ensure sharp visuals. The panel supports HDR10+ and achieves a peak brightness of 3500 nits (2000 nits in HBM), making it well-suited for outdoor usage. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i.

In terms of color accuracy, the display performs admirably. During tests with content such as the Hindi series Glory on Netflix, it maintained natural skin tones without the typical oversaturation prevalent in this market segment, while also delivering balanced contrast levels. Regardless of whether the scenes featured high-contrast lighting or detailed set designs, the visual experience was consistent and immersive.

Sound

Equipped with dual stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support, the POCO X8 Pro provides a satisfactory audio experience. In testing, the audio profile demonstrated a well-balanced separation between vocals and instrumentals in tracks such as Avicii’s The Nights and Naadan Parinde from the film Rockstar. Even at elevated volumes, audio output remained clear without distortion.

This audio quality translates well into gaming scenarios. Environmental sounds, including footsteps and gunfire, are rendered with clarity, creating a distinct sense of spatial awareness that enhances the overall gaming experience.

Camera

The main camera system of the POCO X8 Pro features a Sony IMX882 sensor, complemented by a dual-camera setup consisting of a 50MP primary lens and an 8MP secondary lens. The front camera is a 20MP unit, suitable for selfies, while video recording capabilities include 4K at 60fps for the rear camera and 1080p at 60fps for the front camera.

Overall, the dual camera setup performs adequately. Daytime images display natural colors and good contrast, while details are retained up to 2x zoom; beyond this, images can appear over-sharpened or lose detail. Nighttime photography is also commendable, with minimal noise in low-light conditions, making the photos shareable on social media platforms. The 20MP front camera captures detailed selfies effectively.

Performance

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500-Ultra chipset built on a 4nm architecture, the POCO X8 Pro incorporates a 5300mm² 3D ICELOOP cooling system to manage thermals.

In AnTuTu benchmarks, the device scored 2,009,775, positioning it as a highly capable mid-range option, slightly trailing behind the Galaxy S25 FE which scored 2,019,182.

During gaming experiences, such as with BGMI, the device maintained an impressive frame rate exceeding 80 FPS on balanced graphics settings. The heat dissipation system proved effective, with the phone only reaching mild warmth after prolonged play and showing no signs of throttling.

The device is available in two configurations — 8GB+256GB and 12GB+256GB — running on Android 16 with HyperOS 3.0. POCO has committed to offering four years of Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates.

Software performance is smooth, though some AI features, including Google Gemini and search capabilities, require further refinement. Additionally, the phone comes with several preinstalled games, which may be seen as bloatware, adding extra steps for users looking to install their preferred applications.

Battery

The POCO X8 Pro is equipped with a 6,500mAh battery that supports 100W fast charging, with a charger provided in the box. It also offers 27W reverse charging and is compatible with 100W PPS/PD standards.

In typical usage, the phone easily lasts a full day, providing an average of 7.5 to 8 hours of screen-on time with a mix of calls, browsing, and occasional camera use. When the battery depletes, the 100W charger restores it from 0 to 100% in approximately 50 to 55 minutes.

Verdict

Priced at ₹32,999, the POCO X8 Pro is a well-placed counterpart to the Pro Max model. It is particularly strong in gaming performance, but mid-range camera capabilities and the presence of preinstalled bloatware may detract from the overall software experience.

While competitors such as the Realme 16 Pro 5G, iQOO Z10 5G, and OnePlus Nord 6 provide a more balanced overall experience, the POCO X8 Pro remains a compelling choice for users prioritizing gaming capabilities.