Poco M8 5G Review: Curved AMOLED Display, 5520mAh Battery & 45W Charging at ₹15,999 in India (2026)
Introduction
Poco M8 marks Poco’s first smartphone launch of 2026, and the company has started the year with an affordable budget device. If you’re searching for a modern-looking smartphone with a curved display, solid battery life, and decent performance under ₹16,000, this phone deserves your attention.
This detailed review covers everything about the Poco M8 — from design, display, and camera performance to real-world usage, gaming capabilities, and value-for-money analysis. Whether you’re a student, working professional, or someone upgrading from an older budget phone, this article will help you decide if the Poco M8 fits your requirements. We’ve also included comparison with competitors, FAQs, and our honest verdict.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Poco M8 Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.77″ FHD+ AMOLED, 3D Curved, 1000 nits HBM |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 |
| RAM & Storage | 6GB/128GB, 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB (LPDDR4X + UFS 2.2) |
| Rear Camera | 50MP (Light Fusion 400 sensor) |
| Front Camera | 20MP Selfie |
| Battery | 5520mAh |
| Charging | 45W Fast Charging (Adapter in-box) |
| OS | HyperOS 2.0 based on Android 15 |
| Connectivity | 5G (All Bands), Dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.1, IR Blaster |
| Special Features | IP65-66 Rating, MIL-STD-810H, Stereo Speakers |
| Price in India | Starting ₹15,999 (Effective Price) |
Design & Build Quality
The Poco M8 immediately stands out with its slim profile and lightweight construction. Despite packing a massive 5520mAh battery, the phone weighs just 175.8 grams, which is impressive for this segment.
The back panel features a unique dual-texture finish — shiny edges with a matte finish in the center. This not only looks premium but also reduces fingerprint smudges. The phone comes in three colour options, all featuring the signature black accent.
Durability That Matters
Poco has reinforced the front glass and used durable plastic at the back. The phone carries MIL-STD-810H military-grade certification, meaning it can handle accidental drops better than most competitors. During our drop test from pocket height, the phone survived without any visible damage — that’s reassuring for everyday users.
Port & Button Layout:
- Bottom: Speaker grill, USB Type-C port, microphone, SIM tray
- Top: Noise-cancelling microphone, IR blaster, secondary speaker
- Right side: Volume rocker & power button
The SIM tray is hybrid, so you can either use dual SIM or sacrifice one slot for microSD storage expansion.
Display Quality
The Poco M8 features a 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED curved display — a rarity in this price segment. The bezels are thin on all sides, including the chin, giving it a modern flagship-like appearance.
Key Display Highlights:
- 3D curved edges for better aesthetics
- 1000 nits peak brightness (HBM mode) for outdoor visibility
- Triple TUV certification for reduced eye strain during night-time usage
For content consumption, this display is excellent. Colours appear vibrant, blacks are deep, and the viewing angles are impressive. If you enjoy watching movies, web series, or YouTube videos, the curved AMOLED panel paired with stereo speakers delivers a satisfying multimedia experience.
Performance & Gaming
Under the hood, the Poco M8 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset. This is a reliable mid-range processor that handles daily tasks smoothly — be it browsing, social media, or switching between multiple apps.
Benchmark Scores:
- AnTuTu v11: ~8.25 Lakh
- AnTuTu v10: ~6.5 Lakh
For casual gaming, the phone performs adequately. You can play popular titles like BGMI or Free Fire on medium graphics settings without major frame drops. However, if you’re a hardcore gamer looking for high-FPS performance, this might not be the ideal choice. Also, curved displays aren’t typically preferred by serious gamers due to accidental edge touches.
The LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage ensure apps load quickly, though premium phones in this range sometimes offer faster UFS 3.1 storage.
Camera Performance
The Poco M8 sports a 50MP primary camera with the Light Fusion 400 sensor, alongside a 20MP front camera for selfies.
Daylight Photography
In well-lit conditions, the 50MP sensor captures detailed shots with accurate colours. Dynamic range is decent, and photos appear sharp enough for social media sharing.
Low Light & Night Photography
This is where the camera struggles. Low-light shots tend to lose detail, and noise becomes visible. There’s no dedicated night mode that dramatically improves results, so manage expectations accordingly.
Selfie Camera
The 20MP front camera delivers good skin tones and captures fine details like hair strands. Portrait mode works well with accurate edge detection. For video calls and casual selfies, it’s more than capable.
Video Recording
- Rear: 4K @ 30FPS
- Front: Full HD @ 30FPS
Video stabilization is basic, so don’t expect gimbal-like smoothness. For everyday vlogging or family videos, the quality is acceptable.
Camera Modes Available: Ultra HD, Video, Photo, Portrait, Pro Mode, Document Scanner, Slow Motion, Time Lapse, Panorama
Battery Life & Charging
The Poco M8 packs a 5520mAh battery — one of the largest in this price segment. With moderate usage (calls, social media, streaming), expect the phone to last a full day comfortably. Heavy users might still get through the day without needing a top-up.
Charging Speed:
- 45W fast charging (adapter included in-box)
- Full charge in under 60 minutes (estimated)
- 18W reverse wired charging support for accessories like TWS earbuds
The included charger is USB Type-A, which is slightly disappointing in 2026, but at least Poco hasn’t removed the adapter from the box.
Software & Updates
The Poco M8 ships with HyperOS 2.0 based on Android 15. While Android 16 would have been ideal for a 2026 launch, Poco has promised an upgrade within 1-2 months.
Update Policy:
- 4 years of major Android updates (Android 16, 17, 18, 19)
- 6 years of security patches
This is a solid commitment for a budget smartphone.
Bloatware Situation:
There are pre-installed third-party apps like Bubble Blast, which can be uninstalled. Poco likely includes these to offset costs, which is understandable but slightly annoying.
AI Features:
- Google Gemini integration
- Circle to Search functionality
- Standard Xiaomi AI features
Connectivity & Extra Features
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| 5G Bands | All Indian bands supported |
| WiFi | Dual-band |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 |
| IR Blaster | Yes |
| NFC | No |
| USB Port | USB 2.0 Type-C |
| Fingerprint | In-display (position slightly low) |
| Face Unlock | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP65-66 |
| Widevine | L1 (HD streaming supported) |
| FM Radio | No |
The lack of NFC might disappoint users who prefer tap-to-pay, but for most Indian buyers, this isn’t a dealbreaker.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful 3D curved AMOLED display | Low-light camera performance is average |
| Large 5520mAh battery | No NFC support |
| 45W fast charging with adapter in-box | In-display fingerprint placed too low |
| MIL-STD-810H durability certification | Ships with Android 15 instead of 16 |
| Lightweight despite big battery | USB 2.0 instead of 3.0 |
| 4 years of Android updates | Some bloatware apps |
| IP65-66 water resistance | Curved display not ideal for gaming |
Comparison: Poco M8 vs Competitors
| Feature | Poco M8 | Poco M7 Pro | Redmi Note 14 5G | Realme 14x |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹15,999 | ₹14,999 | ₹16,499 | ₹14,999 |
| Display | 6.77″ Curved AMOLED | 6.67″ Flat AMOLED | 6.67″ AMOLED | 6.67″ IPS LCD |
| Processor | SD 6 Gen 3 | SD 6 Gen 1 | Dimensity 7025 | Dimensity 6300 |
| Battery | 5520mAh | 5110mAh | 5110mAh | 6000mAh |
| Charging | 45W | 45W | 45W | 45W |
| Rear Camera | 50MP | 50MP | 108MP | 50MP |
| IP Rating | IP65-66 | IP64 | IP64 | IP69 |
| Updates | 4 Years | 3 Years | 3 Years | 3 Years |
Verdict: The Poco M8 offers a clear upgrade over the Poco M7 Pro with better display, bigger battery, superior durability, and longer software support. It’s a 360-degree improvement for just ₹1,000 more.
Price & Variants in India
| Variant | Effective Price |
|---|---|
| 6GB + 128GB | ₹15,999 |
| 8GB + 128GB | ₹16,999 (Expected) |
| 8GB + 256GB | ₹17,999 (Expected) |
Availability:
- Sale starts: 13th January 2026
- Available on: Flipkart, Mi.com, Mi Home stores, offline retail partners
Bank offers and exchange discounts may reduce the effective price further during launch.
Who Should Buy This Phone?
Ideal For:
- Users who want a curved AMOLED display under ₹16,000
- Those prioritizing battery life and durability
- Buyers looking for a modern, premium-looking budget phone
- People who consume a lot of multimedia content
- Users wanting long-term software support (4 years)
Not Ideal For:
- Serious mobile gamers (curved display issues)
- Photography enthusiasts who shoot in low light
- Users who need NFC for payments
- Those expecting flagship-level camera quality
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Poco M8 5G supported in India?
Yes, the Poco M8 supports all 5G bands available in India, making it fully compatible with Jio 5G and Airtel 5G networks.
2. Does Poco M8 have a charger in the box?
Yes, Poco includes a 45W USB Type-A adapter and charging cable inside the box.
3. Is Poco M8 good for gaming?
The Poco M8 handles casual gaming well on medium settings. However, the curved display and mid-range processor make it less suitable for competitive gaming.
4. What is the camera quality of Poco M8?
Daylight photos are good with the 50MP sensor. Low-light performance is average. The 20MP selfie camera delivers pleasing skin tones.
5. Is Poco M8 waterproof?
The Poco M8 has IP65-66 rating, meaning it’s splash and dust resistant. However, it’s not fully waterproof and shouldn’t be submerged in water.
6. How many years of updates will Poco M8 get?
Poco promises 4 years of major Android updates and 6 years of security patches.
7. Does Poco M8 support memory card?
Yes, it has a hybrid SIM slot that supports microSD card expansion.
8. What is the Poco M8 display type?
It features a 6.77-inch FHD+ 3D Curved AMOLED display with 1000 nits peak brightness.
Final Verdict
The Poco M8 is a well-rounded budget smartphone that delivers where it matters most — display quality, battery life, and build durability. The curved AMOLED screen is a genuine standout feature at this price, and the 4-year update commitment adds long-term value.
However, the camera’s low-light performance is mediocre, and the absence of NFC might bother some users. Gamers should also note that curved displays aren’t ideal for competitive titles.
Value for Money: ✅ Yes — If you prioritize display and battery over camera performance.
Buying Recommendation: If you have a budget of ₹15,000-16,000 and want a stylish phone with excellent multimedia capabilities, the Poco M8 is a solid choice. For photography enthusiasts, consider alternatives with better camera systems.
Rating: 8/10