POCO has once again raised the bar in the mid-tier gaming smartphone market with the introduction of the POCO X8 Pro. This device promises to deliver “Speed to the Max!” powered by a flagship-level chipset and a premium build.
After hands-on testing by Newsbytes.PH, it’s clear that the X8 Pro lives up to the hype in many areas.
Display
The POCO X8 Pro boasts a stunning 6.59-inch AMOLED display that truly stands out, featuring the new M10 technology. With a peak brightness of 3,500 nits, a resolution of 2756 x 1268, and upgraded luminous efficiency, this screen offers vibrant colors and impressive clarity.
The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and gaming incredibly smooth, while the DCI-P3 wide color gamut and Dolby Vision support enhance the overall viewing experience.
Additionally, the display is certified by TÜV Rheinland, ensuring it is safe for prolonged use — a great advantage for marathon gaming sessions.
Durability is also a key feature, thanks to Corning Gorilla Glass 7i combined with Wet Touch Display 2.0 technology, which provides accuracy in various conditions.
Body Design
Encased in a robust aluminum frame, the X8 Pro is both lightweight and stylish, weighing just 201.47g. With dimensions of 157.53mm x 75.19mm x 8.38mm, it fits comfortably in hand.
Additionally, the IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings mean it can withstand dust and water immersion, making it a reliable companion for any adventure.
Battery and Charging
One of the standout features of the X8 Pro is its impressive 6,500mAh battery. Coupled with 100W HyperCharge technology, it enables rapid recharging, allowing users to get back into the action quickly. In practical tests using PCMark Work 3.0, battery life proved exceptional, lasting up to 17 hours and 24 minutes during typical usage.
Moreover, the device supports 27W reverse charging, enabling it to act as a power bank for other devices — a useful feature for users needing a boost on the go.
Performance
The main highlight of the phone is the flagship-level Dimensity 8500-Ultra chipset, a 4nm octa-core processor with an integrated Mali-G720 GPU.
This processor performed consistently well, delivering strong results in benchmark tests. It recorded Geekbench 6 scores of 1,712 (single-core) and 6,430 (multi-core), along with an AnTuTu CPU score of 610,342, handling demanding applications and games with ease.
In terms of graphics, the X8 Pro also performed well, scoring 13,202 in the Geekbench GPU test and 629,342 in AnTuTu GPU benchmarks. Resource-intensive games such as Genshin Impact and Where Winds Meet ran smoothly at the highest settings, demonstrating the phone’s capability for heavy gaming.
Its AI capabilities showed promise, with a Geekbench AI quantized score of 1,874, complemented by AI tools in Xiaomi HyperOS 3. However, it may struggle with more complex tasks, which could be a limitation for users relying heavily on advanced AI features.
Camera
Despite being marketed primarily as a gaming phone, the camera capabilities of the X8 Pro are notable. The main camera features a 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor with optical image stabilization, capable of 4K video recording at 60FPS — a strong feature for content creators. An 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 20MP front camera provide additional flexibility for photography.
Key Specifications
- Processor: Dimensity 8500-Ultra, 4nm, octa-core
- Dimensions: 157.53mm x 75.19mm x 8.38mm
- Weight: 201g
- Display: 6.59″ 1.5K 120Hz ultra-bright AMOLED display
- Resolution: 2756 x 1268
- Camera: 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera and 8MP ultra-wide camera
- Selfie Camera: 20MP front camera
- Battery: 6,500mAh, with 100W HyperCharge and 27W reverse charging
- Operating System: Xiaomi HyperOS 3 (Android 16)
- IP Rating: IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K dust and water resistance
- Colors: Black, White, and Mint Green
Pricing
- 8GB+256GB – P18,999 (early bird price: P15,499)
- 8GB+512GB – P19,999 (early bird price: P16,599)
- 12GB+512GB – P21,999 (early bird price: P17,499)
Verdict
The POCO X8 Pro successfully balances performance, design, and functionality, positioning itself as a strong contender in the mid-tier gaming smartphone category.
With its vibrant display, robust battery, powerful chipset, and surprisingly capable camera system, it caters to both gamers and everyday users.
Priced at P18,999 for the 8GB+256GB variant and P21,999 for the 12GB+512GB version, the POCO X8 Pro offers strong value for money. Its durable build also suggests it can remain reliable for several years before an upgrade becomes necessary.
Pros
- Affordable given its specifications and performance
- While it can get quite hot, heat dissipates quickly
- Solid build quality with a simple, sophisticated design
- Good camera quality for photos and content creation
Cons
- Over 40GB of system files may be considered bloatware
- The relatively small display may not be ideal for media consumption
- Some AI features require a Xiaomi account to function
