POCO has officially introduced the POCO M8 5G in India, targeting the highly competitive budget 5G smartphone segment. The launch matters because the M-series has traditionally focused on aggressive hardware pricing, and the POCO M8 5G brings a newer Snapdragon chipset, AMOLED display, long battery life, and extended software support into a price-sensitive category dominated by Realme, Redmi, and Samsung.
Unlike incremental refreshes seen in this segment, the POCO M8 5G focuses on measurable upgrades in performance, durability, display quality, and long-term usability. Specifications are positioned front and centre, reflecting POCO’s intent to compete directly on hardware value rather than design gimmicks.
POCO M8 5G: Key Specifications at a Glance
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4nm)
• Display: 6.7-inch Flow AMOLED, Full HD+, 120Hz refresh rate
• RAM & Storage: Up to 16GB RAM (with virtual expansion)
• Software: Xiaomi HyperOS 2.0 (Android-based)
• Updates: 4 years Android updates, 6 years security patches
• Build Protection: IP66 dust and water resistance
• Drop Resistance: Tested up to 1.7m
Design, Build, and Durability
POCO has prioritised durability and everyday resilience with the M8 5G. The phone carries an IP66 rating, offering protection against dust ingress and strong water splashes. This level of protection remains uncommon in the budget 5G segment.
The device is also drop-tested up to 1.7 metres, paired with reinforced glass designed to reduce damage from accidental falls and scratches. Wet Touch 2.0 technology ensures reliable touch response even with wet or greasy fingers, a practical addition for Indian weather conditions.
Display: AMOLED Comes to the Fore
The POCO M8 5G features a 6.7-inch Flow AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, marking a significant upgrade over LCD panels still common at this price point.
Key display specifications include:
• Full HD+ resolution
• 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
• Peak brightness of 3,200 nits
• Eye-care tuning for extended usage
High brightness improves outdoor visibility, while the AMOLED panel enhances contrast and colour accuracy. The 120Hz refresh rate contributes to smoother scrolling, gaming, and UI transitions.
Performance and Hardware
At the core of the POCO M8 5G is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, built on a 4nm process. This chipset focuses on improved power efficiency and sustained performance compared to older Snapdragon 4-series and 6-series chips.
POCO claims an AnTuTu score exceeding 825,000, representing an 83% improvement over the previous generation. This places the M8 5G among the stronger performers in the budget 5G category.
The phone supports up to 16GB RAM, combining physical memory with virtual RAM expansion, allowing better multitasking and app retention.
Software and Long-Term Support
The POCO M8 5G runs Xiaomi HyperOS 2.0, replacing MIUI with a lighter system layer focused on smoother animations and better system optimisation.
POCO has confirmed:
• 4 years of Android OS updates
• 6 years of security patches
This extended update commitment directly addresses long-standing concerns around software longevity in budget Android phones and adds tangible long-term value.
Camera System: Practical and Spec-Focused
The camera setup centres on a 50MP primary rear camera using the Light Fusion 400 sensor with a large aperture for better low-light capture.
Camera features include:
• 50MP primary rear camera
• 2x in-sensor zoom
• 4K video recording
• AI-enhanced scene optimisation
On the front, the device houses a 20MP selfie camera, tuned for natural skin tones and group selfies.
While the camera hardware avoids unnecessary macro or depth fillers, the focus remains on usable image quality and video stabilisation.
Market Position and Competition
The POCO M8 5G enters a crowded market that includes devices from Realme, Redmi, Lava, and Samsung. However, its combination of AMOLED display, Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 performance, IP66 rating, and long update support differentiates it from most direct rivals.
Where competitors often compromise on either display quality, durability, or software support, POCO positions the M8 5G as a balanced hardware-first option.
The POCO M8 5G stands out as a specification-driven budget 5G smartphone focused on performance, display quality, durability, and long-term usability. By combining modern hardware with extended software support, POCO strengthens its position in India’s value-conscious smartphone market without relying on marketing-heavy features.
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