POCO is set to shake up the mid-range smartphone market with the upcoming launch of the POCO M8 on January 8, 2026. This new model promises to bring premium features typically reserved for higher-tier devices. Early leaks reveal the POCO M8 will offer a powerful Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, a bright 3D curved OLED display, and a robust 5200 mAh battery, positioning it as a formidable competitor in its price segment.
The POCO M8 distinguishes itself with a futuristic design featuring curved glass on both the front and back. This design choice departs significantly from the previous generation’s simpler look. The device measures just 7.35 mm in thickness and weighs 178 grams, making it lightweight despite the sizable 6.77-inch screen. Such build quality aligns the M8’s ergonomics and aesthetics with flagship smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S series or Xiaomi 14, offering a premium feel uncommon for mid-range phones.
Display Features: 3D Curved OLED with Exceptional Brightness
The POCO M8 incorporates a 3D curved OLED panel that supports a Full HD+ resolution of 2392 x 1080 pixels. It boasts a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming experiences. Notably, the screen can reach peak brightness levels of up to 3200 nits. To put this into perspective, most mid-range devices usually offer between 800 and 1500 nits. This outstanding brightness ensures that content remains clear and readable, even under direct sunlight. HDR10+ support is also rumored, which would further enhance color accuracy and contrast for media consumption.
Performance Powered by Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
Under the hood, the POCO M8 is equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, manufactured using an energy-efficient 4 nm process. The chipset features an octa-core CPU configuration consisting of four Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz and four Cortex-A55 cores running at 1.8 GHz. It pairs with an Adreno 710 GPU suitable for everyday tasks and light to moderate gaming.
This combination allows the POCO M8 to handle popular titles like Mobile Legends, PUBG Mobile (at HD settings), and Genshin Impact (on low settings) reliably. The device is expected to come with RAM options up to 8 GB, catering well to multitasking, social media, streaming, and productivity needs without significant lag.
Camera Setup: Quality over Quantity
While the POCO M8 keeps a minimal camera setup, it prioritizes quality in its main sensor. The rear camera arrangement consists of:
- 50 MP primary sensor with f/1.8 aperture and AI support
- 2 MP depth sensor for bokeh effects
The main sensor likely uses pixel-binning technology to combine four pixels into one, producing 12.5 MP images with enhanced detail and reduced noise in low-light conditions. The front camera features a 20 MP sensor capable of portrait shots and night selfies, enhancing the device’s photography capabilities without resorting to multiple secondary lenses often found on other mid-range models.
Battery and Charging: Long-lasting with Quick Refill
Battery capacity stands at 5200 mAh, which is sizeable given the device’s slim build. Thanks to the efficient chipset and optimized software, the POCO M8 is expected to last up to 1.5 days under regular usage scenarios. It supports 45W wired fast charging, allowing a full recharge from zero to 100% in roughly an hour. Wireless charging is not included, which aligns with the M8’s mid-range positioning.
Durability: Rugged Certification for Everyday Toughness
One of POCO’s standout features with the M8 is its exceptional durability. The phone carries the MIL-STD-810H certification, proving resilience against vibrations, extreme temperatures, humidity, and minor impacts. It also boasts an IP66 rating, indicating strong dust protection and resistance to water splashes from any direction, though it is not rated for full water immersion. Additionally, the Wet Touch 2.0 technology ensures the display remains responsive even when wet or sweaty, a useful feature for outdoor and active users.
Anticipated Release and Market Impact
The global launch is slated for early January 2026. Specific availability in Indonesia remains unconfirmed, but due to the strong demand for POCO’s M series locally, an Indonesian release is likely to follow within 1-2 months of the global debut. Price estimates for the base model with 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage range between approximately $190 to $235, making it a serious challenger among rivals like the Redmi Note 14 series, realme Narzo N60, and Samsung Galaxy A15 5G.
The POCO M8 combines a cutting-edge display, durable build, robust battery life, and competitive performance in an elegant package. For consumers seeking flagship-like aesthetics and toughness without a high price tag, this phone promises notable value and could redefine expectations in the mid-range segment in 2026.
