POCO officially unveiled the M8 5G series on January 8, 2026, introducing two new mid-range smartphones that bring flagship-inspired features to everyday users. The lineup includes the POCO M8 5G and POCO M8 Pro 5G, both powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets and equipped with silicon-carbon batteries for extended usage. This marks a significant evolution for the POCO M Series, which traditionally targeted budget segments.
What’s New in the POCO M8 Series
The POCO M8 Pro 5G leads the lineup with a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 Mobile Platform, achieving an AnTuTu benchmark score exceeding 1,061,253 representing a 66% performance increase over its predecessor. The device features a 6,500mAh silicon-carbon battery with 100W HyperCharge support, reaching full charge in 40 minutes under optimal conditions.
The standard POCO M8 5G runs on the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 SoC, scoring over 850,000 on AnTuTu benchmarks. It includes a 5,520mAh battery with 45W fast charging and comes in an ultra-slim 7.35mm profile weighing just 178g. Both models run Android 15-based HyperOS 2 and integrate AI features including Google Gemini and Circle to Search.
Display and Audio Specifications
POCO M8 Pro 5G sports a 6.83-inch 1.5K CrystalRes Flow AMOLED display with 3,200 nits peak brightness and support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+. The screen features TÜV Rheinland-certified 3,840Hz high-frequency PWM dimming to reduce eye strain during extended viewing sessions.
The M8 5G includes a 6.77-inch Flow AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, 3,200 nits peak brightness, and DCI-P3 wide color gamut with 12-bit color depth. Both devices feature dual speakers with Dolby Atmos certification, with the Pro variant offering a 400% volume boost and the standard model providing 300% amplification.
Camera Systems and AI Features
The M8 Pro 5G includes a 50MP Light Fusion 800 main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 32MP front-facing camera. It supports 4K video recording at 30fps with DXG High-Dynamic Range video technology. The standard M8 5G features a 50MP Light Fusion 400 main sensor with a 20MP selfie camera, also supporting 4K video at 30fps.
AI-powered tools enhance the photography experience across both models. Features include:
- AI Creativity Assistant for effortless photo editing
- Dynamic Shots 2.0 with HDR support
- AI Beautify and AI Remove Reflection
- AI Sky replacement for landscape enhancement
Durability and Design
POCO M8 Pro 5G measures 8.31mm thick and weighs 205.9g, featuring Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. It carries IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings for dust and water resistance, along with SGS Premium Performance Certification for drop, bend, and crush resistance.
The M8 5G, at 7.35mm and 178g, is the thinnest device in POCO M Series history. It holds IP66 certification and has passed SGS Comprehensive Shock and Drop-resistance testing. Both models include Wet Touch Technology 2.0 for responsive operation in wet conditions.
Why This Launch Matters
The M8 series represents POCO’s strategic push into the mid-range segment following its premium F8 Series entry. By incorporating silicon-carbon battery technology typically reserved for flagships POCO addresses a critical pain point for entertainment-focused users who require all-day battery life.
The inclusion of real liquid cooling in the M8 Pro marks another first for the M Series, enabling sustained performance during intensive gaming sessions. These upgrades position POCO to compete directly with mid-range offerings from Xiaomi, Realme, and Samsung in key markets.
Pricing Comparison
| Model | Storage | Global Price | Early Bird Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| POCO M8 5G | 8GB+256GB | TBA | TBA |
| POCO M8 5G | 8GB+512GB | TBA | TBA |
| POCO M8 Pro 5G | 8GB+256GB | $299/£299 | $279/£259 |
| POCO M8 Pro 5G | 12GB+512GB | $359/£349 | $339/£299 |
Early bird pricing remains available through January 14, 2026.
Regional Availability and Launch Details
Both smartphones launched globally on January 8, 2026, with simultaneous availability in India. The devices come in three colorways: Silver, Black, and Green. India-specific pricing has not been officially announced, though reports suggest the M8 5G will be positioned under ₹20,000.
The M8 Pro offers two memory configurations: 8GB+256GB and 12GB+512GB. The standard M8 5G is available in 8GB+256GB and 8GB+512GB variants. Expandable storage up to 1TB via microSD card is supported on the M8 5G, while memory extension allows up to 16GB RAM on compatible models.
Connectivity Features
POCO M8 Pro 5G introduces Xiaomi Offline Communication to the M Series, enabling kilometer-level voice calls without cellular networks in open environments. Both devices include the Xiaomi Surge T1S Tuner for improved signal reception and connection stability.
Standard connectivity features include:
- 5G support (region-dependent)
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.4
- NFC
- In-display fingerprint scanner (M8 Pro)
- GPS with multi-satellite navigation
What’s Next for POCO
The M8 series launch follows POCO’s December 2024 release of the M7 Pro 5G, which currently retails from ₹12,870 in India. With the M8 positioning above the budget-focused M7 lineup, POCO now covers a broader price spectrum from entry-level to mid-range segments.
Official India pricing and retailer partnerships will be confirmed through mi.com and Flipkart. Regional availability may vary based on local regulations and carrier partnerships, particularly for 5G connectivity features.
The company has not announced plans for Pro Max or Ultra variants, though POCO’s product history suggests potential mid-cycle refreshes typically arrive 6-8 months post-launch.
Featured Snippet Boxes
When will the POCO M8 5G be available in India?
The POCO M8 5G launched in India on January 8, 2026, with sales expected through Flipkart and other retail channels. Official pricing for the Indian market will be confirmed at launch, though estimates suggest positioning under ₹20,000.
What chipset powers the POCO M8 Pro 5G?
The POCO M8 Pro 5G uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 Mobile Platform, delivering an AnTuTu score over 1,061,253. This represents a 66% performance improvement over the previous M Series generation, enabling smoother gaming and multitasking.
How fast does the 100W charging work on M8 Pro?
The POCO M8 Pro 5G supports 100W HyperCharge technology, reaching 100% battery capacity in approximately 40 minutes under optimal conditions using the included charger. The device also supports up to 22.5W reverse wired charging for powering accessories.
Does the POCO M8 5G have water resistance?
Yes, the POCO M8 5G carries an IP66 rating for dust and water resistance, protecting against splashes and dust exposure. The M8 Pro offers enhanced protection with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K certifications for comprehensive environmental resistance.
