Xiaomi Poco X8 review
The Poco X8 makes sense if you spend hours watching video and don't game, and you want a durable, bright screen for that. For anyone else shopping around 360 EUR in 2026, a phone with a faster chip and a good-enough display is the smarter pick.
This review is written with AI assistance from Xiaomi’s published specifications and public benchmark data for the Xiaomi Poco X8, and the rating is spec-based. GoSolo does not physically test devices; where we estimate real-world behaviour such as battery life or charge time, we say so. How we rate phones.
Overview
The Poco X8 is a straightforward mid-range phone with a large, sharp AMOLED display and solid build for the price, but the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 is a step back from what rivals offer at this price point in 2026. It's a decent everyday device if the screen matters more to you than raw performance, but you're paying 360 EUR for a phone with last-generation chipset speed.
Design & build
At 223g and 8.6mm, the Poco X8 sits in the compact and light category for its screen size, which is a win for one-handed use and pocket carry. The glass front and plastic back are standard for this price; what stands out is the durability: IP68/IP69K rating covers both dust and high-pressure jets, and Xiaomi rates it drop-safe to 3 meters. For a phone under 400 EUR, that's uncommon care. The frame is plastic, which is expected, and the finish should resist fingerprints reasonably well based on Poco's track record. Build feels sturdy without feeling premium, which is honest for the cost.
Display
The 6.83-inch AMOLED is the hero of this phone. At 1280x2772 pixels (447 ppi), it's crisp and tall, with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio that makes it feel more cinematic for video and reading than a 20:9 panel. The 120Hz refresh is now standard in this tier, and the 3840Hz PWM makes scrolling smooth without the flicker some AMOLED phones still suffer. Brightness is competitive: 1800 nits in high-brightness mode and 3500 nits peak mean outdoor visibility is strong. The panel supports 68 billion colors, which is overkill on paper but in practice delivers punchy gradients. For the price, this is a genuinely strong screen.
Performance
The Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 is a real concern here. In September 2026, rivals at 360 EUR—particularly in Asia where Poco competes—typically offer the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 or MediaTek Dimensity equivalents, which are noticeably faster in both CPU and GPU performance. The 6s Gen 4 handles everyday tasks, social media, and light apps without lag, but gaming will not impress, and multitasking with heavy apps shows its age. The Adreno 710 GPU is adequate but not competitive. Pairing a premium display with a dated mid-range chip feels like Xiaomi placed its bets on screen appeal rather than sustained performance. The memory options (6GB to 12GB) help mask some slowness, but they don't fix the core issue. This is a phone for those who scroll more than they game.
Software
HyperOS 3 on Android 16 is Xiaomi's current skin, and it runs cleanly on this hardware without noticeable lag in menus and settings. The software itself is responsive; the performance ceiling is the chipset. Updates should arrive regularly given Poco's standing, and HyperOS is less bloat-heavy than some skins. Nothing remarkable, but nothing to avoid either.
Camera
The 50MP main sensor with f/1.8 aperture, OIS, and PDAF is solid on paper, but the video limitation is a hard wall: 1080p at 30fps only. For a 2026 phone, rivals at this price shoot 4K. The sensor size (1/2.76") and 0.64µm pixel pitch are middling; the OIS helps in low light, but the camera system has no ultra-wide or zoom lens. For stills, the main camera should be fine in good light, but the lack of versatility hurts. The 16MP selfie is adequate. This is a camera setup that works but doesn't justify the screen's premium feel.
Battery & charging
Two versions ship: 8340 mAh or 9000 mAh. Both are large and should comfortably deliver a full day or more of moderate use, especially given the efficient 120Hz panel and mid-range chip. 67W charging is standard in this tier—fast enough to hit 50% in about 30 minutes, though not as quick as rivals that offer 120W+. No wireless charging, which is typical for the price. Battery endurance is this phone's real strength.
Value & verdict-context
At 360 EUR, the Poco X8 asks you to buy a premium display in a phone with a budget-class processor. The durability (drop resistance, water sealing) is a pleasant surprise, and the screen is genuinely nice for watching content and general use. But in September 2026, paying near 400 EUR for a Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 feels backward. Rivals like the Poco F6s or a Samsung Galaxy A56 in that price range pack faster chips, and the Poco X8's camera doesn't close the gap. It's a phone for people who watch a lot of video on their device and rarely game, who value a big, bright display above performance headroom, and who appreciate durability. Everyone else should look at what a faster chipset costs at the same price point.
Verdict
The Poco X8 makes sense if you spend hours watching video and don't game, and you want a durable, bright screen for that. For anyone else shopping around 360 EUR in 2026, a phone with a faster chip and a good-enough display is the smarter pick.
- Large 6.83-inch AMOLED display with 447 ppi density, 120Hz refresh, and strong brightness (1800 nits HBM) for outdoor use and video
- Glass front with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, IP68/IP69K water and dust resistance, and rated drop resilience up to 3m—unusual durability for a mid-range phone at this price
- Compact and light at 223g and 8.6mm thick, with two large battery options (8340 or 9000 mAh) that should deliver real all-day use
- OIS on the main 50MP camera and 67W charging speed, both solid for the class
- Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 is a mid-range chip; by September 2026, rivals in this price tier offer faster processors with meaningfully better gaming and multitasking performance
- Main camera capped at 1080p video and lacks ultra-wide and telephoto lenses—no versatility beyond the primary sensor
- UFS 2.2 storage on the 128GB model is noticeably slower than the UFS 3.1 in higher tiers, affecting app load times and file transfers
Xiaomi Poco X8 Key Specifications
The essentials at a glance. See the full spec sheet.
| Released | 2026, September 01 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.83 inches, 114.5 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio), AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, 3840Hz PWM, 1060 nits (typ), 1800 nits (HBM), 3500 nits (peak) |
| Resolution | 1280 x 2772 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~447 ppi density) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6435-AA Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 (4 nm) |
| RAM & storage | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS Auxiliary lens |
| Selfie camera | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Battery | 9000 mAh |
| Software | Android 16, HyperOS 3 |
| Dimensions | 163.5 x 78.3 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 3.08 x 0.34 in) |
| Weight | 223 g (7.87 oz) |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Durability | IP68/IP69K dust tight and water resistant (high pressure water jets; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) Manufacturer-rated water-resistance (up to 2m for 72 hours) Drop resistant up to 3m |
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
Xiaomi Poco X8 FAQ
Common questions, answered from the spec sheet.
Does the Poco X8 support 5G?
Yes. The Poco X8 supports 5G networks.
What chipset does the Poco X8 use?
The Poco X8 runs on the Qualcomm SM6435-AA Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 (4 nm).
What display does the Poco X8 have?
A 6.83 inches, 114.5 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio) AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, 3840Hz PWM, 1060 nits (typ), 1800 nits (HBM), 3500 nits (peak), 1280 x 2772 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~447 ppi density).
How big is the Poco X8 battery?
The Poco X8 has a 9000 mAh battery.
Does the Poco X8 have NFC?
Yes, the Poco X8 has NFC.
Is the Poco X8 water resistant?
The Poco X8 carries a IP68/IP69K dust tight and water resistant (high pressure water jets; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) Manufacturer-rated water-resistance (up to 2m for 72 hours) Drop resistant up to 3m rating.
Does the Poco X8 support a microSD card?
No, the Poco X8 does not support expandable storage.
Alternatives to consider
If the Poco X8 isn’t quite right, these are the closest calls.
Poco X8 Power
Poco M8
Redmi Note 17 4G
Redmi Note 17 Pro
Galaxy F70 Pro
