Xiaomi Corp.’s POCO brand on Wednesday rolled out two new budget smartphones — the POCO M8 5G for India and the POCO M8 Pro 5G for international markets — as the company seeks to defend its position in the fiercely competitive low-end 5G segment.
The launches, announced Jan. 8, update POCO’s entry-level portfolio with larger AMOLED displays, improved camera systems and faster processors, underscoring Xiaomi’s push to bring premium features into lower-priced devices amid slowing growth in the global smartphone market.
Here are the key features to look out for:
POCO M8 5G
The POCO M8 5G is the base model designed for everyday users who want a bright, smooth display and dependable performance without spending a premium.
It comes with a 6.77-inch curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3,200 nits brightness, making it great for media and outdoor viewing. The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 5G chipset paired with up to 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage, running HyperOS 2.0 based on Android 15.
It has a 50 MP main camera and a 20 MP front shooter, covering everyday shooting needs. The phone also includes stereo speakers, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and durability features like IP65/66 resistance and MIL-STD-810H testing. A 5,520 mAh battery with 45 W fast charging keeps the phone going all day.
In India, the M8 5G starts at ₹18,999 for the 6GB/128GB model, with higher configurations going up to ₹21,999 (₹8GB/256GB). Sales begin January 13 via Flipkart, and early buyers may enjoy lower introductory offers.
POCO M8 Pro 5G
At the higher end of the series, the POCO M8 Pro 5G brings more power and features for users who want stronger performance and better battery life.
The M8 Pro 5G comes with a larger 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, and vivid visuals.
It is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset with up to 12 GB RAM and 512 GB storage, delivering a noticeable jump in performance for gaming, multitasking and heavier apps.
The phone’s camera packs a 50 MP main sensor featuring optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8 MP ultra-wide camera, and a 32 MP selfie shooter. Audio is supported by stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio.
Battery life is strong thanks to a 6,500 mAh cell with 100 W fast charging and 22.5 W reverse wired charging, keeping the phone powered through heavy use. The Pro model is also rugged with IP66/IP69/IP69K dust and water resistance and an in-display fingerprint scanner.
Priced from $299 (~₹27,000) for the 8GB/256GB version and $359 (~₹32,300) for the 12GB/512GB variant, the POCO M8 Pro 5G is positioned as a strong offering in the global mid-range segment. Early bird pricing can bring those figures down further.
POCO hasn’t confirmed India availability for the Pro model yet.
David Adubiina
Takeaway
The POCO M8 5G targets buyers who want a high-refresh AMOLED screen, solid battery life, and reliable everyday performance at an affordable price.
Meanwhile, the M8 Pro 5G ups the ante with faster silicon, improved imaging with OIS, and larger battery with quicker charging, appealing to users looking for value without compromise. Together, they expand POCO’s reach in a competitive mid-range 5G market with features once reserved for higher tiers
