The smartphone market in 2026 is an arena of fierce competition, where incremental updates clash with radical innovations. Among the chaos, Poco has carved a niche in the “budget flagship” segment, offering premium features at wallet-friendly prices. The Poco M8 continues this legacy, redefining what a sub-$300 smartphone can achieve. Whether you’re seeking top-notch performance, sleek design, or battery life that lasts beyond a full day, the Poco M8 promises all this and more.
In this in-depth review, we’ll explore everything about the Poco M8—from its display and camera system to its software, battery performance, and overall value. This is not just a technical specification sheet but an honest assessment of how the device performs in real life.
Design and Build: Bold Meets Practical
Cyber-Industrial Aesthetics
Poco has always been daring with its designs. The Poco M8 embraces a “Cyber-Industrial” aesthetic, combining bold colors with practical engineering. The dual-tone back panel uses a new Nano-Grip texture that resists fingerprints and provides a secure hold without needing a case. Unlike fragile glass backs found on many smartphones today, the high-grade reinforced polycarbonate feels sturdy, premium, and practical.
Camera Module and Ergonomics
The rear camera module spans the top third of the device, ensuring stability on flat surfaces while typing. Curved edges merge seamlessly into a metallic frame, housing tactile volume buttons and a responsive side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Legacy users will appreciate the surprising return of the 3.5mm headphone jack, placed conveniently alongside the IR blaster on the top edge.
Display: A Feast for the Eyes
The Poco M8 features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Crystal-Flow display, delivering unmatched vibrancy and clarity in the mid-range category.
144Hz Refresh Rate
With a 144Hz adaptive refresh rate, scrolling, gaming, and system animations are buttery smooth. The AdaptiveSync technology intelligently lowers the refresh rate to 1Hz when viewing static content, conserving battery life without compromising performance during intensive tasks.
Brightness and Outdoor Visibility
The Poco M8 boasts a peak brightness of 2,200 nits, ensuring excellent readability even under direct sunlight. Whether streaming HDR10+ videos or scrolling social media feeds, the screen renders colors vividly and accurately, outperforming many smartphones at twice the price.
Performance: Power That Lasts
MediaTek Dimensity 8400-Ultra
Under the hood, the Poco M8 runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 8400-Ultra chipset built with a 3nm process. This mid-range powerhouse handles multitasking seamlessly, enabling smooth transitions between heavy apps like video editors and AAA mobile games.
RAM and Storage
Equipped with 12GB LPDDR5X RAM, expandable via an additional 8GB of virtual RAM, and UFS 4.0 storage options (128GB or 256GB), the Poco M8 ensures smooth app management and fast read/write speeds.
Gaming and Thermal Management
Poco introduces LiquidCool 4.0, a redesigned vapor chamber covering 40% more surface area than the M7. This maintains stable frame rates during extended gaming sessions. With Game Turbo 6.0, bandwidth prioritization ensures lag-free online gaming, even on crowded Wi-Fi networks.
Detailed Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 8400-Ultra (3nm Architecture) |
| RAM / Storage | 8GB/12GB LPDDR5X RAM, 128GB/256GB UFS 4.0 Storage |
| Display | 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 144Hz Refresh, 2200 nits Peak Brightness |
| Rear Camera | 13MP Ultra-Wide + 5MP Macro + 108MP Main (OIS) |
| Front Camera | 32MP Clear-Shot Selfie |
| Battery & Charging | 5,500mAh, 90W HyperCharge (0-100% in 35 mins) |
| Operating System | HyperOS 2.5 (Based on Android 16) |
| Connectivity | 5G (14 Bands), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC |
| Build Quality | IP64 Dust and Splash Resistance, Gorilla Glass Victus Front |
| Price | $249 – $299 (Region Dependent) |
Camera System: Social Media-Ready Photography
Triple-Camera Excellence
The Poco M8 features a 108MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), ensuring sharp, detailed shots. The 13MP ultra-wide lens provides minimal distortion and superior edge-to-edge clarity, while the 5MP macro lens captures textures and close-ups effectively.
Video Capabilities
For content creators, the Poco M8 supports 4K 60fps video recording with SteadyVideo stabilization, making it ideal for vloggers and casual filmmakers who want high-quality footage without extra equipment.
Software Experience: HyperOS 2.5
The Poco M8 runs on HyperOS 2.5, based on Android 16. In 2026, Xiaomi and Poco have reduced bloatware, delivering a faster, cleaner, and more intuitive interface.
Key Features
- Interconnectivity: Seamlessly share files and clipboard content with tablets or laptops.
- AI Privacy Shield: Processes voice commands locally, enhancing privacy.
- Software Updates: Guaranteed 3 years of Android updates and 4 years of security patches.
Battery Life and HyperCharge: The 24-Hour Workhorse
The 5,500mAh battery provides more than a full day of heavy use, even with the 144Hz display and 5G connectivity. Thanks to the 3nm Dimensity chip, idle power consumption is minimal.
Fast Charging
The 90W HyperCharge technology fills the battery from 10% to 100% in just 35 minutes—a balance between rapid charging and long-term battery health.
Honest Review: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stunning Super AMOLED 144Hz display
- Powerful Dimensity 8400-Ultra processor
- Efficient LiquidCool 4.0 system for gaming
- Long-lasting 5,500mAh battery with 90W HyperCharge
- Premium design and tactile haptic feedback
Cons
- No dedicated telephoto lens
- IP64 splash resistance only, not fully waterproof
Final Verdict: Is the Poco M8 Worth Buying?
For anyone seeking a fast, stylish, and reliable smartphone in 2026 without spending a fortune, the Poco M8 is an excellent choice. It bridges the gap between budget compromises and flagship luxuries, offering exceptional performance for students, gamers, and casual photographers alike.
The Poco M8 proves that high-end technology can be accessible, making it a top contender for the best budget-friendly smartphone of the year.
FAQs
Does the Poco M8 support eSIM technology?
Yes. The Poco M8 offers dual SIM support, including one physical Nano-SIM and one eSIM profile, providing flexibility for travelers.
What is the official IP rating of the Poco M8?
It carries an IP64 rating, meaning full protection against dust and splashes from any direction. It should not be submerged in water.
Can the Poco M8 handle high-end games like Genshin Impact at 60fps?
Absolutely. With the Dimensity 8400-Ultra and LiquidCool 4.0, it runs demanding games smoothly with a stable 60fps frame rate.
Is the 90W charger included in the box?
Yes. The package includes a 90W HyperCharge adapter and a high-quality USB-C cable.
Does the Poco M8 support expandable storage?
No. It lacks a microSD card slot but comes in 128GB and 256GB variants, sufficient for most users.
How is the haptic feedback on the Poco M8?
The X-axis linear motor delivers precise and crisp vibrations, providing an excellent tactile experience.
Will the Poco M8 receive Android 17 updates?
Yes. Poco guarantees three major Android updates, covering Android 17, 18, and 19 during its lifecycle.
How long does the battery last when used extensively?
Even with intensive gaming, social media, and video streaming, the 5,500mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day, often stretching into the second day under moderate usage.
Is the Poco M8 suitable for photography enthusiasts?
Yes. The 108MP OIS main camera, 13MP ultra-wide lens, and AI-driven image processing deliver high-quality photos and videos suitable for social media and casual content creation.
How durable is the Poco M8’s design?
The reinforced polycarbonate back, Gorilla Glass Victus front, and IP64 rating make it sturdy enough for daily wear and tear, while still offering a premium feel.