Poco M8 5G

Searching for a smartphone that balances a premium look with raw speed often turns into a compromise in the sub Rs 20,000 segment. People usually end up choosing between a curved display that feels high end and a processor that stays smooth during gaming. The Poco M8 5G tries to remove that trade off. Launched in India on January 8, 2026, the Poco M8 5G targets value focused prosumers who want features like a 120Hz AMOLED curved screen and the comfort of longer software support without paying flagship prices. Looking at its debut, it is clear Poco is not only chasing specs per rupee now. It is also chasing a more polished day to day experience.

Key Features & Real-World Performance

A Visual Masterpiece: 120Hz Flow AMOLED

The standout feature of the Poco M8 5G is undoubtedly its 6.77-inch 3D Curved AMOLED display. In my assessment, this panel punches way above its weight class. With a staggering peak brightness of 3,200 nits, outdoor visibility is no longer a struggle even under direct Indian sunlight. The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures that scrolling through social media or navigating the UI feels fluid, while the 3840Hz PWM dimming significantly reduces eye strain during late-night usage.

Performance: Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 Efficiency

Under the hood, the device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset. Built on a 4nm process, this processor is focused on efficiency and sustained performance. In real-world multitasking—switching between Chrome, YouTube, and heavy apps like BGMI—the phone maintains its cool. While it isn't a dedicated "gaming phone," it handles medium-to-high settings with ease, backed by an AnTuTu score exceeding 8,25,000 points.

Design & Build Quality: Segment’s Slimmest

Poco has pivoted from its traditional "blocky" design to a much more sophisticated 7.35mm ultra-slim profile. It weighs only 178g, making it exceptionally comfortable for one-handed use. The dual-tone rear finish—combining a matte center with a carbon fiber-esque pattern on the sides—gives it a modern, tactical look. Remarkably, despite its slimness, it carries an IP66 rating, providing robust protection against dust and high-pressure water jets, a rarity at this price point.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Stunning Curved Display: The 3,200 nits brightness and 1.5K-like clarity make it the best screen in its segment.
• Exceptional Software Support: A promise of 4 years of OS updates and 6 years of security updates is industry-leading for mid-rangers.
• Modern Aesthetics: It is incredibly slim and lightweight without sacrificing battery capacity.
• Reverse Charging: The 18W reverse wired charging is a "clutch" feature for charging TWS earbuds on the go.

Cons

• UFS 2.2 Storage: While the processor is fast, UFS 2.2 storage is slightly slower than the UFS 3.1/4.0 found in pricier rivals.
• Auxiliary Camera: The 2MP secondary sensor adds little value; a dedicated ultra-wide lens would have been preferred.

Who Should Buy This?

The Poco M8 5G is the ideal choice for college students and young professionals who prioritize media consumption and style. If you spend hours watching HDR content or want a phone that looks like a ₹50,000 flagship while only spending ₹18,999, this is your best bet. It also appeals to long-term users who don't want to upgrade every two years, thanks to the extensive 6-year security update roadmap.