Xiaomi Poco M8 Pro Review: Great Value Comes at a Cost
The Poco M8 Pro is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers great value for money, with impressive hardware including a fantastic display, big battery, and fast charging capabilities. However, it does come with some drawbacks such as outdated software and an average camera experience.
Design & Build:
The Poco M8 Pro has an eye-catching design with interesting color options. It features a plastic build with a large camera housing on the back. The phone is slightly heavy due to its large screen and battery but is comfortable to hold. It also comes with IP66 and IP68 protection from dust and water, along with a protective case included in the box.
Screen & Speakers:
The phone boasts a brilliant 6.83-inch AMOLED display with vibrant colors and high brightness levels. It supports up to 120Hz refresh rates and features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for protection. The stereo speakers provide good sound quality but can be a bit shrill at high volumes.
Specs & Performance:
Powered by a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, the Poco M8 Pro offers solid mid-range performance suitable for daily tasks and gaming. It supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 standards, with two storage options available. The phone delivers a reliable connection and clear call quality, although it lacks a microSD card slot and eSIM support.
Cameras:
The phone features a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 32MP selfie camera. While the main camera performs well in bright conditions, it struggles in low light settings. The ultrawide camera has a different color tone compared to the main camera. The front camera works best in good lighting conditions and offers a portrait mode with adjustable bokeh effect.
Battery & Charging:
One of the standout features of the Poco M8 Pro is its massive 6500mAh battery, which provides impressive battery life. The phone supports 100W wired charging, allowing for quick charging speeds. However, it does not support wireless charging.
Software & Apps:
The phone runs on HyperOS 2 based on Android 15, which may feel outdated compared to other devices. The software experience is marred by bloatware and duplication of apps, impacting the overall user experience. While the UI offers customization options, it can be overwhelming for some users.
Price & Availability:
The Poco M8 Pro is priced at £249, with an RRP of £299. It is available from Mi.com and Amazon, but currently unavailable in the US. The phone competes with other budget and mid-range devices from brands like Google and Samsung.
In conclusion, the Poco M8 Pro offers a lot of hardware and performance for its price point, making it a great choice for budget-conscious consumers. However, the software experience may require some tweaking to optimize performance. Overall, it’s a solid option for those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with impressive features.
