Poco has officially taken the wraps off its latest budget powerhouse, the Poco M8x, adding a fresh contender to its popular M8 lineup. This new device is making headlines for being the first smartphone in India to run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 chipset, a move that promises to shake up the entry-level segment. But the M8x isn’t just about the processor—it also brings a silky-smooth 120Hz display and a colossal 7,900 mAh battery to the table, making it a compelling option for users who demand long-lasting performance without breaking the bank.
In this deep dive, we’ll explore every aspect of the Poco M8x, from its design and display to its camera capabilities, software promises, and pricing. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a casual buyer, this breakdown will help you decide if the M8x deserves a spot in your pocket.
Design and Build: A Familiar Yet Refreshing Look
The Poco M8x sticks to the design language that has made the M-series recognizable, but it adds a few subtle refinements. The handset features a flat frame with a matte finish that resists fingerprints, giving it a clean and modern aesthetic. The rear panel houses a rectangular camera module that sits flush with the body, minimizing any wobble when placed on a flat surface. Poco has also kept the phone lightweight and comfortable to hold, despite its large battery, thanks to an optimized internal layout.
Durability and Protection
One of the standout features of the M8x is its display protection. The 6.9-inch panel is shielded by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, which offers enhanced drop and scratch resistance compared to older generations. This is a significant upgrade for a budget device, as it ensures the phone can handle everyday bumps and accidental drops with greater confidence. The frame itself is made of polycarbonate, but it feels sturdy and well-built, with no creaks or flex when pressure is applied.
Display: Big, Bright, and Buttery Smooth
The Poco M8x boasts a massive 6.9-inch HD+ LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. This is a rarity in the budget segment, where 60Hz or 90Hz panels are the norm. The high refresh rate makes scrolling through social media feeds, browsing the web, and playing casual games feel incredibly fluid. While the resolution is HD+ (1600 x 720 pixels), the pixel density is sufficient for most tasks, and the color reproduction is vibrant, with good contrast and viewing angles.
Punch-Hole Selfie Camera
At the top center of the display sits a small punch-hole cutout that houses the 8MP front-facing camera. This design choice maximizes screen real estate, giving users an immersive viewing experience without a bulky notch. The cutout is unobtrusive and blends seamlessly into the status bar, making it easy to ignore during media consumption or gaming.
Performance: Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 Takes the Lead
Under the hood, the Poco M8x is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 SoC, a chipset that marks a significant leap forward in budget performance. This is the first time this processor has appeared in an Indian smartphone, and it brings notable improvements in CPU and GPU performance over its predecessor. The chip is built on a 4nm process, which enhances power efficiency, allowing the phone to deliver more performance per watt.
RAM and Storage Options
The M8x comes with up to 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage. While these specifications might not sound groundbreaking, they are more than adequate for everyday tasks like multitasking, streaming, and light gaming. The UFS 2.2 storage ensures faster app launches and file transfers compared to older eMMC storage found in many budget phones. If you need more space, the microSD card slot allows for expandable storage, giving you the flexibility to store all your photos, videos, and apps without worry.
Gaming and Thermal Management
For gamers, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 is capable of handling popular titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with a stable frame rate. The Adreno GPU, which comes with the chipset, offers a noticeable boost in graphics rendering, and the 120Hz display ensures that supported games look and feel smoother. Poco has also implemented a cooling system that prevents the phone from overheating during extended gaming sessions, although the phone does get slightly warm to the touch after prolonged use, which is expected for a device in this price range.
Software: HyperOS 3 with Long-Term Support
On the software front, the Poco M8x runs Android 16-based HyperOS 3, which is Poco’s custom skin built on top of the latest Android version. HyperOS 3 offers a clean and intuitive interface with a host of customization options, including theme support, gesture navigation, and a revamped notification shade. The software is optimized to work seamlessly with the hardware, ensuring smooth animations and minimal lag.
Update Promise
One of the most compelling aspects of the M8x is its software update commitment. Poco has promised four generations of Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates. This is a game-changer for the budget segment, as it ensures the phone will stay relevant and secure for years to come. Users can expect to receive Android 17, 18, 19, and 20 updates, along with monthly or quarterly security patches, depending on the severity of the vulnerabilities.
Battery Life: A Powerhouse That Keeps Going
Perhaps the most eye-catching feature of the Poco M8x is its massive 7,900 mAh battery. This is one of the largest batteries ever seen in a smartphone, and it promises to deliver exceptional battery life. With moderate usage, the M8x can easily last two full days on a single charge. For heavy users, it can still get through a full day with plenty of juice to spare, even with the 120Hz refresh rate enabled.
Charging Speed
While the battery capacity is huge, the charging speed is a bit modest. The M8x supports 18W fast charging, which is not the fastest in the market, but it’s adequate given the battery size. A full charge from 0 to 100% takes around 2 hours, which is acceptable for a phone with such a large capacity. The phone also supports reverse charging, allowing you to use it as a power bank to charge other devices, which is a handy feature for emergencies.
Camera System: Decent for the Price
The Poco M8x features a dual-camera setup on the back, headlined by a 50MP primary sensor. This sensor captures detailed and sharp images in well-lit conditions, with good dynamic range and accurate colors. The secondary camera is a depth sensor that assists with portrait shots, creating a pleasing bokeh effect. While there’s no ultra-wide or macro lens, the main camera is versatile enough for most users.
Selfie Camera
The 8MP front-facing camera is housed in the punch-hole cutout. It takes decent selfies in good lighting, with acceptable detail and skin tones. In low light, the camera struggles a bit, producing softer images with some noise, but that’s typical for budget devices. The camera app offers various modes like Night, Pro, and Portrait, giving users creative control over their shots.
Connectivity and Other Features
The Poco M8x supports a wide range of connectivity options, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC. The inclusion of 5G ensures that the phone is future-proof, allowing users to take advantage of faster network speeds as 5G coverage expands. The phone also features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is fast and accurate, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a welcome addition for audiophiles who prefer wired earphones.
Audio and Speakers
The M8x comes with a single bottom-firing speaker that delivers decent audio quality. It gets loud enough for watching videos or listening to music, but it lacks the depth and clarity of stereo speakers. The headphone jack provides a better audio experience for those who use wired headphones, and the phone also supports FM radio, which is a nice bonus for some users.
Pricing and Availability
Poco has positioned the M8x as an affordable option in the Indian market, with a starting price that is expected to be under ₹15,000. The exact pricing will vary depending on the RAM and storage configuration, but the phone is likely to be available in multiple color options, including classic black and a vibrant blue. The device will be available for purchase through major online retailers and Poco’s official website, with sales expected to begin in the coming weeks.
Comparison with Competitors
In the budget segment, the Poco M8x faces stiff competition from devices like the Redmi 13C, Realme Narzo 60, and Samsung Galaxy M14. However, the M8x stands out with its larger battery, higher refresh rate display, and longer software support. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 chipset also gives it an edge in performance, making it a strong contender for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-packed budget smartphone.
Final Thoughts
The Poco M8x is a well-rounded budget smartphone that offers an impressive combination of performance, battery life, and software longevity. Its 120Hz display and massive 7,900 mAh battery are standout features that are hard to find at this price point. While the camera system is not the best in its class, it’s more than adequate for everyday photography. If you’re in the market for a budget phone that can go the distance, the Poco M8x is definitely worth considering.
