The POCO X8 Pro and POCO X8 Pro Max, released by Xiaomi in March 2026, are high-end models in the POCO series, known for offering the best value among the company's products.
While equipped with a MediaTek chipset, they also feature a built-in high-performance cooling system, and the higher-end model comes with a massive 8,500mAh battery.
High-End Gaming Devices With Excellent Value
The higher-end model, POCO X8 Pro Max, is equipped with MediaTek's Dimensity 9500s chipset.
The battery is 8,500mAh, the largest in the POCO series, and supports 100W fast charging, maintaining 80% capacity even after 1,600 charge/discharge cycles.
It also supports 27W reverse charging, allowing you to charge wireless earphones by placing them on the back of the device.
Unfortunately, bypass charging is not supported.
The display is a 6.83-inch screen, which is also the largest in the series.
The peak brightness is as high as 3,500 nits, providing excellent visibility even outdoors.
The resolution is 2772 x 1280 pixels, the refresh rate is up to 120Hz, and it features a built-in 20-megapixel front camera.
Device Performance With a Priority on Power
The device is equipped with two cameras, and since it is a gaming model, the performance is basic, featuring a 50-megapixel wide-angle and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens.
However, the sensor for the wide-angle camera uses Light Fusion 600, which has a wide dynamic range.
The body comes in three colors: Black, White, and Blue.
The memory is 12GB, and the storage is either 256GB or 512GB.
The prices are 79,980 yen and 89,980 yen, respectively.
The body size is 162.9 x 77.9 x 8.2mm, and the weight is 218g.
Inside this body, the POCO 3D IceLoop Cooling System is built-in, which can reduce the chipset temperature by up to 3 degrees.
It contains an ultra-large 11,000mm2 graphite layer and a 3D IceLoop cooling pump that covers the main heat sources.
The speakers provide the ultimate surround sound experience through a Symmetrical Stereo Speaker structure with built-in speakers of the same size on the top and bottom.
It is also said to feature a nighttime low-volume mode to ensure sleep is not disturbed.
It is equipped with music playback functions that exceed its price point.
Stand Out With Lighting
Lights are embedded around the camera on the back.
This Dynamic RGB Light brightens the atmosphere of the back with colors and effects that can be selected from eight colors for incoming calls or app notifications.
It also supports a pulse light effect where the lighting reacts to games, music, and more.
When viewed in a dark place, the effect of that light is immense.
I actually tried configuring the light settings, and there aren't many items to adjust, making it easy to operate.
The simplicity actually makes it feel easier to use.
Gaming Performance Is Sufficient
The capability of the Dimensity 9500s chipset provides performance where the clock, cache, and GPU are slightly reduced compared to the top-tier Dimensity 9500.
The aim is power saving and cost reduction, which allows high-performance gaming smartphones to be offered at a more affordable price.
On the other hand, the Dimensity 9500s is designed with a focus on stable operation rather than peak performance, and it is said that the frequency of throttling is lower compared to the Dimensity 9500, making it superior in maintaining performance during long periods of heavy load.
Due to the combination of a high-capacity battery and a chipset with high power-saving performance, I feel that the battery life is actually quite good.
This is a demo from the product launch venue, and it is said that the battery has lasted this long even after a day of continuous gaming since the previous day.
While operating conditions will vary, with an 8,500mAh battery, there seems to be little worry about running out of power while on the go.
Excellent Integration With Apple Products
Now, the POCO X8 Pro Max is equipped with HyperOS 3, the same as Xiaomi's other smartphones.
The UI design has been further refined, and a new interface that displays notifications and ongoing activities together has also been implemented.
Furthermore, integration with Apple products has been strengthened.
It also features a mysterious function that allows you to mirror and operate the POCO screen within an iPhone screen, which might be an unexpectedly convenient feature.
Who POCO Is For
Regarding the POCO X8 Pro Max, Xiaomi Japan's marketing manager and POCO evangelist, Masaru Katayama, cited people who want a smartphone that can be used toughly for a long time at an affordable price as the target users.
With a focus on the demographic that wants to enjoy games and videos all day long, it is equipped with a powerful chipset and a large cooling mechanism.
Furthermore, with the 8,500mAh battery, it promotes stamina that allows you to carry it around reliably even without a power bank.
It is a product positioned as a high-capacity model that balances daily use and gaming, with consideration given to appearance and texture while keeping costs down.
The Compact Model POCO X8 Pro
Let's also introduce the other new product, POCO X8 Pro.
Positioned as a lower-tier model to the POCO X8 Pro Max, it is equipped with MediaTek's Dimensity 8500 Ultra chipset.
The battery capacity is 6,500mAh; the capacity is likely lower than the POCO X8 Pro Max due to the downsized body.
The camera is the same dual configuration of 50 megapixels + 8 megapixels.
The display is 6.59 inches, which is a size smaller.
Because of this, it is easier to hold with one hand.
If you enjoy casual games, this size should feel pretty good.
The front camera is also 20 megapixels.
In terms of camera performance, it is the same as the higher-end model.
The back design is even simpler.
The Dynamic RGB Light, where the light around the camera glows, is also equipped here.
The prices are 59,980 yen for 8GB + 256GB, 69,980 yen for 8GB + 512GB, and 74,980 yen for 12GB + 512GB.
Checking the Sizes of the Two New Products
Now, let's place the two products side-by-side to compare their sizes.
You can clearly see that the POCO X8 Pro Max is one size larger.
Regarding the back design, the POCO X8 Pro Max feels like it incorporates dynamic stripes to make it stand out as the higher-end model.
Both products are in the strongest class when considering the price-to-performance ratio, and they can be called excellent smartphones not only for gaming but also for everyday use.
▼Photo & Written by Yasuhiro Yamane
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