Quick Answer
- With a curved AMOLED display, an unusually slim profile, and a strong update promise, the M8 is clearly trying to punch above its weight in the Rs 15,000 segment.
- Despite its slimness, the build is solid polycarbonate, and the phone features a curvy design on both the front and back.
- The RAM can be extended, and while apps might take a moment to open initially, the RAM management is efficient enough to keep multiple apps active in the background.
The POCO M8 arrives in India as a clear step forward from the POCO M7 Pro. It does not chase raw specs, but brings a balanced focus on design finesse and long-term usability, two things budget phones usually compromise on. With a curved AMOLED display, an unusually slim profile, and a strong update promise, the M8 is clearly trying to punch above its weight in the Rs 15,000 segment.
Many would argue that smartphones have become boring, and so have their reviews. Instead of judging each aspect one-by-one, here’s a comprehensive FAQ-style review that should answer all of your questions related to the POCO M8. Let’s dive in.
POCO M8: FAQ Style Review
Q: What makes the design of the POCO M8 unique in its price range?
The POCO M8 is distinguished by its dual-tone finish and a central circular camera module. The middle section of the back features a matte finish to prevent fingerprint smudges. Notably, it is the slimmest phone in its price segment, weighing only 174 grams, which makes it exceptionally comfortable to hold. Despite its slimness, the build is solid polycarbonate, and the phone features a curvy design on both the front and back.
Q: What kind of display experience does the POCO M8 offer?
You get a 6.77-inch Full HD+ AMOLED curved display that looks premium due to its slim bezels. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and is bright enough for comfortable use under direct sunlight. For media consumption, it features L1 support for Netflix and can play 4K content, though it lacks HDR support. It also includes an in-display fingerprint scanner for security.
Q: What comes inside the box with the POCO M8?
The retail package is quite comprehensive, ensuring users don’t need to make immediate extra purchases. Inside, you will find a high-quality protective cover and the phone itself, which comes with a screen protector already applied to the display. A 45W charger is also included in the box.
Q: Does the phone have good audio features for media?
Yes, the POCO M8 features stereo speakers and supports Dolby Atmos. It also features a volume boost function to enhance the audio experience during content watching.
Q: Is the POCO M8 durable enough for daily use?
Yes, the POCO M8 has an IP66 rating, which provides protection against dust and water splashes. Furthermore, it has military-grade certification, offering peace of mind regarding accidental drops. The polycarbonate build feels solid and does not flex when pressed.
Q: How does the phone perform in gaming and multitasking?
Under the hood, the POCO M8 uses the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, paired with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. It achieves AnTuTu scores close to 600,000. In gaming, specifically BGMI, it supports 60fps on Smooth settings and can even go up to Extreme in HDR. The phone also features a dedicated gyro sensor for gamers. The RAM can be extended, and while apps might take a moment to open initially, the RAM management is efficient enough to keep multiple apps active in the background.
Q: What software and update policy does POCO provide?
The phone runs on HyperOS 2.0 based on Android 15. POCO has promised an impressive update cycle: 4 major Android updates and 6 years of security updates, meaning the device should eventually receive Android 19. While there is pre-installed bloatware, all such apps and games can be uninstalled.
(Images Credit: Techie Bist)
Q: Are there any special software features or AI tools?
The POCO M8 includes several useful features like Circle to Search, silent call recording, app lock, and dual app creation. It also features smooth app opening and closing animations. For photography, it includes AI features like an AI Eraser to remove unwanted objects, a Sky Replacement tool to change backgrounds, and customisable portrait lighting shapes.
Q: What are the camera specifications and video capabilities?
The POCO M8 features a 50MP main rear camera and a 20MP selfie camera. It produces photos with natural skin tones and good light control, avoiding overexposure even in difficult conditions. For video, the main camera supports 4K recording, while 1080p mode provides better stability for handheld shots. The front camera supports stable 1080p video recording.
Q: How is the battery life, and what are its charging capabilities?
The device is powered by a 5520mAh silicon-carbon battery, a new technology that allows the phone to remain incredibly thin while maintaining high capacity. It supports 45W fast charging with the included charger and also offers 18W reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge accessories like earphones or other phones directly from the device.
Verdict
The POCO M8 gets the basics right in a way that feels refreshingly deliberate. Its slim, lightweight design and curved AMOLED display make it stand out visually, while solid performance, strong battery life, and meaningful durability ratings ensure it holds up in everyday use. The long-term software promise further strengthens its appeal, especially in a segment where phones are often designed to feel disposable after a couple of years.
However, it isn’t flawless. The lack of HDR support and average 4K video stabilisation hold it back slightly, and HyperOS still ships with removable bloatware. But taken as a whole, the Poco M8 feels thoughtfully balanced rather than aggressively specced, making it a sensible choice for buyers who value comfort, longevity, and a premium feel without stretching their budget.
The POCO M8 will go on sale in India on January 13th, at 12 noon, exclusively on Flipkart. The base variant is p[riced at Rs 15,999, making it an attractive option for users with a budget around the Rs 15,000 mark.
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