POCO is getting ready to expand its budget lineup in India with the upcoming POCO M8 5G series, and new leaks have already revealed most of what to expect. According to tipster Paras Guglani, the phones are expected to arrive next month and are essentially rebranded versions of the Redmi Note 15 series, which is set to launch on January 6, 2026.
This approach is nothing new for POCO, but the M8 lineup still looks interesting on its own, especially thanks to large batteries, AMOLED displays, and aggressive storage options.
POCO M8 5G: Focus on Storage and Everyday Balance
The standard POCO M8 5G is shaping up as a solid mid-range option with a clear emphasis on storage. The phone is expected to launch with 8GB of RAM and storage options going all the way up to 512GB, something still uncommon in this price segment. Because of that, POCO reportedly plans to price it slightly higher than some competitors.
Under the hood, the device runs on the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, paired with a large 6.77-inch curved AMOLED display. It offers a Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, which should be more than enough for smooth daily use and casual gaming.
Camera hardware is practical rather than flashy. You get a 50MP main camera with OIS, backed by a basic 2MP depth sensor, plus a 20MP front camera for selfies and video calls. Battery life should be reliable thanks to a 5,520mAh battery with 45W fast charging.
Design-wise, POCO seems to be leaning into a more premium look. The phone features a dual-tone back with matte and vegan leather finishes, along with a centered squircle camera module. It also carries an IP68 rating, which is still rare at this level.
POCO M8 Pro 5G: Bigger, Faster, and More Ambitious
The POCO M8 Pro 5G steps things up across the board. It uses the more powerful Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, making it a better fit for heavier multitasking and gaming.
The display is larger and sharper too. It packs a 6.83-inch quad-curved AMOLED panel with a 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. This already puts it closer to upper mid-range territory.
Camera upgrades are modest but meaningful. Alongside the 50MP OIS main camera, the Pro model adds an 8MP ultra-wide sensor, while the selfie camera jumps to 32MP.
Battery capacity increases to 6,500mAh, and charging gets a massive boost with 100W fast charging. Despite the bigger battery, the phone is actually thinner than the base model, although it does weigh more.
Like the standard M8 5G, the Pro version keeps the IP68 rating, optical fingerprint scanner, IR blaster, and hybrid microSD slot, but upgrades to Bluetooth 5.4.
Quick Specs Summary
POCO M8 5G
- Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
- 6.77-inch curved AMOLED, FHD+, 120Hz
- 50MP main camera with OIS
- 20MP front camera
- 5,520mAh battery, 45W charging
- Up to 8GB RAM, up to 512GB storage
- IP68 rating
- Android 15, HyperOS 2
POCO M8 Pro 5G
- Snapdragon 7s Gen 4
- 6.83-inch quad-curved AMOLED, 1.5K, 120Hz
- 50MP OIS main + 8MP ultra-wide
- 32MP front camera
- 6,500mAh battery, 100W charging
- Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- IP68 rating
- Android 15, HyperOS 2
Software and Launch
Both phones will ship with Android 15 and HyperOS 2 out of the box. Flipkart has already started teasing devices that match the leaked designs, suggesting an official announcement is not far away.
If pricing lands right, the POCO M8 5G series could become a strong option for buyers who want AMOLED displays, big batteries, and modern software without stepping into flagship pricing.
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