Affordable and Reliable: POCO M8 Review 2026 Shows Solid Performance Despite Low Cost

Author: Qoo Media

POCO M8 remains a popular choice in the second-hand smartphone market in 2026. Despite being a few years old, it offers solid performance thanks to its efficient chipset and capable hardware. This makes it an appealing option for budget-conscious users who need a reliable device for everyday tasks.

The POCO M8 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, built with a 4 nm fabrication process. This chip balances power efficiency and performance well, allowing users to enjoy smooth multitasking and moderate gaming without aggressive battery drain.

The GPU Adreno 710 complements the chipset, while configurations up to 8 GB of RAM and UFS 2.2 storage ensure responsiveness across common apps. This hardware setup remains competitive for mid-range devices and supports contemporary applications quite effectively.

Gaming Performance: Suitable for Casual Players

In testing, the POCO M8 runs popular mobile games like Mobile Legends, PUBG Mobile, and Call of Duty Mobile smoothly on low to medium graphic settings. Frame rates remain stable, making extended gaming sessions comfortable for casual users.

However, more demanding games such as Genshin Impact and Honkai Impact 3rd push the POCO M8 to its limits. To maintain playable frame rates, users need to lower graphic quality, which affects visual fidelity. Thus, while good for lightweight gaming, the device may disappoint heavy gamers.

Editing Capabilities for Social Media Content

For content creators, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 handles video editing apps like CapCut, VN, and InShot efficiently. Cutting, adding text, and exporting short videos run without major hiccups on this device.

The AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate enhances this experience by providing smooth visuals and vibrant colors. Nonetheless, rendering longer clips or high-resolution 4K content takes noticeably more time compared to high-end smartphones, reflecting its mid-tier status.

Affordable Price Point on the Second-Hand Market

One of POCO M8’s strongest appeals in 2026 is its price in the used smartphone market. Current prices range between IDR 700,000 and IDR 1,000,000 (approximately $45 to $64), depending on battery health, physical condition, and included accessories.

At this price, the POCO M8 represents excellent value for users needing a dependable phone without a hefty investment. It fits well for students, casual users, and beginner content creators focusing on social platforms.

Summary of POCO M8’s Key Features and Price Range

Feature Specification/Details
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPU Adreno 710
RAM Up to 8 GB
Storage UFS 2.2
Display AMOLED, 120 Hz refresh rate
Gaming Performance Smooth on low-medium settings for popular titles
Video Editing CapCut, VN, InShot supported with smooth editing on short clips
Used Market Price (2026) IDR 700,000 – 1,000,000 ($45-$64)

The POCO M8 continues to hold its ground in 2026 as a budget-friendly smartphone that performs well for daily use, light gaming, and basic video editing. Its combination of efficient hardware, decent display, and affordable second-hand price makes it a practical choice for many users navigating the entry-level smartphone segment this year.

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