Xiaomi Poco X8 Pro Review: Flagship Performance, Entry-Level Prices
The Poco X8 Pro is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers impressive performance for its price. Poco, a sub-brand of Xiaomi, aims to provide high-performance phones to younger buyers on a budget, focusing on delivering a great gaming experience. The X8 Pro follows the success of the X7 Pro, with improvements in key areas.
Design & Build
The Poco X8 Pro features an aluminium frame and a glass back, with an IP68 rating for protection against water and dust. The design is more understated compared to previous models, with options in black, white, and mint green. The phone has a flat display, ideal for gamers, and a weight of 201g with a thickness of 8.38mm.
Screen & Speakers
The X8 Pro sports a 6.59-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3500 nits. The display offers vibrant colors and good brightness levels. The speakers provide clear sound quality for calls and multimedia.
Specs & Performance
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra chipset, the X8 Pro comes with either 8 or 12GB of RAM and 256 or 512GB of storage. The phone delivers smooth performance and handles gaming well without overheating. The device offers flagship-level performance at a mid-range price point.
Cameras
The X8 Pro features a 50MP main camera with a Sony IMX882 sensor and an 8MP ultrawide camera. The main camera delivers decent performance in good lighting conditions but struggles with overexposure and low-light shots. The ultrawide camera provides satisfactory results but can be slightly inconsistent.
Battery Life & Charging
One of the standout features of the X8 Pro is its impressive 6500mAh battery and 100W wired charging support. The phone offers excellent battery life, allowing users to go a full day without charging. The fast charging capability ensures quick top-ups when needed.
Software & Apps
The X8 Pro runs on HyperOS 3, based on Android 16, with a few tweaks and additions compared to stock Android. The software experience is smooth but includes some bloatware that can be removed. The phone offers decent software support with regular updates.
Price & Availability
The Poco X8 Pro is priced at £349 for the base model but is often discounted to £299 or less. The phone is available in the UK and Europe but not in the US. The X8 Pro offers great value for money compared to its competitors.
Verdict
Overall, the Poco X8 Pro is a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers looking for a powerful and feature-packed smartphone. Despite some compromises in software and camera performance, the X8 Pro excels in delivering exceptional value for its price. If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly phone with impressive performance, the Poco X8 Pro is worth considering.
