Poco X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max: A Deep Dive into Xiaomi’s New Mid-Range Contenders

Xiaomi has expanded its smartphone lineup with the release of the Redmi Turbo 5 series, which will be available globally under the POCO brand as the POCO X8 Pro and POCO X8 Pro Max. These devices aim to deliver flagship-level performance at a competitive mid-range price point, positioning themselves as strong contenders against established players like Apple. Here’s a detailed look at what these phones offer.

Design and Build Quality

Both the POCO X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max share a similar design aesthetic, featuring a metal frame. The key visual difference lies in the camera module: the X8 Pro Max boasts a combined module for its dual rear cameras, while the X8 Pro features individually protruding lenses. Both phones are available in Black, White, and Blue color options, with the X8 Pro similarly offering an Orange variant.

Display

The POCO X8 Pro Max features a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of up to 3500 nits in HDR. The display utilizes M10 technology and boasts 12-bit colors. The X8 Pro offers a slightly smaller 6.59-inch display with similar specifications, though its optical fingerprint reader is less advanced. Both displays feature very thin bezels and a hole for the front-facing camera.

Performance and Hardware

The POCO X8 Pro Max is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor, built on a 3nm process. The X8 Pro, utilizes the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra. Both models approach with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. Both phones also include a custom T1S chip designed to improve Wi-Fi signal strength.

Camera Capabilities

The POCO X8 Pro Max features a 50MP main camera with Light Fusion 600 technology, an f/1.5 aperture, and optical image stabilization (OIS), paired with an 8MP ultra-wide-angle sensor. The X8 Pro features a 50MP main camera (IMX882) with an f/1.5 aperture and OIS, alongside an 8MP ultra-wide-angle sensor. While the X8 Pro’s main sensor is an older version with a lower dynamic range compared to the X8 Pro Max.

Battery and Charging

The POCO X8 Pro Max is equipped with an 8500mAh battery, slightly smaller than the Chinese version but still offering excellent endurance. The X8 Pro features a 6500mAh battery. Both models support 100W wired charging and 27W reverse wired charging, utilizing Xiaomi’s P3 and G1 chips for safe charging. The X8 Pro Max also includes two LED rings around the cameras that can be used for notifications, with customizable colors.

Software and Connectivity

Both devices run on Android 16 with HyperOS 3, promising 4 major system updates and 6 years of security updates. They also offer features like an infrared sensor, Wi-Fi 6, and IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K water resistance.

Pricing and Availability

As of March 19, 2026, the POCO X8 Pro Max is available in the Czech Republic in a 12GB/512GB configuration for 13,299 Czech crowns, with a discount of 1,800 crowns available until the end of March. The POCO X8 Pro is available in 8GB/256GB and 12GB/512GB versions, priced at 9,299 and 10,799 Czech crowns respectively, also with a 1,800 crown discount until the end of March. NanoReview, Android Magazine, Smartprix