The POCO X8 Pro is a strong contender in the highly competitive mid-range phone market. I’ve just started using it, and so far, it delivers a smooth and responsive experience, especially considering the price.
Design: 4.5/5
I got the White variant, and it stands out with its clean, minimalist look. It is also available in Black and Mint Green. The Iron Man Edition is a bonus for fans. The flat edges give it a modern look, and it’s comfortable to hold.
The 6.59-inch AMOLED display is impressive. It offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3500 nits peak brightness. Colors are vibrant and accurate, with good clarity even under bright light.
At the back, the phone features a vertically aligned dual-camera setup that looks simple and refined, equipped with a 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera alongside an 8MP ultra-wide camera. The layout is clean and doesn’t feel bulky. On the front, the 20MP selfie camera is placed in a centered punch-hole that integrates well into the display and isn’t distracting.
The in-display fingerprint scanner is fast and reliable. Facial recognition is slower and struggles when lighting isn’t ideal.
Hardware: 4/5
The POCO X8 Pro is powered by the Dimensity 8500-Ultra processor. Daily usage, including app launching and multitasking, is fluid and responsive. App switching is fast, and it handles multiple applications without noticeable lag. While not strictly a gaming phone, it performs well for light to moderate gaming.
The 6,500mAh battery is a standout. In daily use, it delivers multi-day power depending on usage. The phone supports fast charging, although I couldn’t fully test this. The charger included in my review unit was a two-prong Europlug, and I didn’t have a suitable adapter, so I relied on a standard USB-C charger.
It also has an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, adding peace of mind for everyday use.
The camera performs well overall. It features a 50MP Sony IMX882 main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), producing sharp, detailed photos with natural colors in good light. Low-light shots are more stable and clearer, with less noise.
User Experience: 4.5/5
It feels smooth and fast to use. With the Dimensity 8500-Ultra chip and 120Hz display, navigating menus and launching apps is quick and consistent.
The multimedia experience is solid. Audio quality is clear and pairs well with the display, making video streaming enjoyable. It doesn’t fully match flagship devices, but it comes close for most use cases.
For everyday use, the phone performs consistently well. Social media browsing is smooth, video streaming is reliable, and light gaming runs without issues. The interface is easy to navigate. Video recording is stable and clear, benefiting from optical image stabilization.
Value: 4.5/5
Considering its performance, display quality, and battery capacity, the device offers strong value for money. Compared to other smartphones in the same price range, it stands out for users who want near-flagship performance without the high cost.
The POCO X8 Pro is available in 8GB + 256GB, 8GB + 512GB, and 12GB + 512GB variants, with an early bird price starting at PHP15,499. The Iron Man Edition, priced at PHP18,999, offers a more premium and collectible option.
Bottomline
Honestly, the POCO X8 Pro shows you don’t have to empty your wallet to get a great phone. It has a capable processor, a display that really pops, a battery that lasts, and a camera you can rely on. It’s not perfect, but when you look at the overall package and the price, it’s easily one of the better mid-range phones out there.
Specifications:
- Display: 6.59-inch 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED display; 3500nits peak brightness; Resolution: 2756 x 1268
- Processor: Dimensity 8500-Ultra; Octa-core CPU up to 3.4GHz
- RAM: 12GB RAM + 6GB
- Storage: 512GB
- Camera: 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera with OIS, 8MP ultra-wide camera, 20MP front camera
- Battery: 6500mAh (typ) battery, fast charging support
- Others: In-display fingerprint scanner; Face recognition; IP68 dust and water resistance
What’s Hot:
- Flagship-like performance
- Smooth user experience
- Reliable camera with OIS
- Strong value for money
What’s Not:
- Charger uses two round pins (adapter may be needed)
Reviewed by Phia Manuell Layoso
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 26 Issue No. 8