‘Cancelled’ POCO X8 spotted in HyperOS code, could arrive as a rebranded Redmi Note 17 Pro

By
Saloni Tandon
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Highlights
  • The previously rumoured cancelled POCO X8 has surfaced in HyperOS code, suggesting the smartphone is still in development.
  • The leak points to a 50MP primary camera, a 2MP secondary sensor and a possible 9,000mAh battery.
  • These are the same specifications as the Chinese Redmi Note 17 Pro.

The POCO X-series got its annual refresh in India in March with the POCO X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max and even an Iron Man edition. For all those who thought the brand was done with the series, here’s a fresh piece of news. The standard POCO X8, which was widely believed to have been cancelled, may still be on its way. A new leak suggests the smartphone is back in development and could arrive with one of the biggest batteries in its segment.

The information comes from tipster Kacper Skrzypek, who recently revealed the existence of the POCO M8 Power. The same source has now spotted references to the POCO X8 in HyperOS code, hinting that Xiaomi may not have shelved the device after all.

Key highlights and features

According to the leak, the POCO X8 will feature a 50MP primary camera accompanied by a 2MP secondary sensor. The camera setup matches the Redmi Note 17 Pro, reinforcing reports that the upcoming POCO phone will be a rebranded version of the China-exclusive Redmi model.

Battery capacity is expected to be the biggest talking point. The Redmi Note 17 Pro launched in China with a 9,000mAh battery, while its upcoming global version is tipped to feature a smaller 8,340mAh unit. The tipster has not confirmed whether the POCO X8 will have separate Indian and global variants, but if Xiaomi follows its recent strategy, the Indian model could retain the larger 9,000mAh battery.

Other expected specifications include a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 chipset, 67W wired fast charging, 22.5W reverse charging and an 8MP front camera.

There is currently no word on the launch timeline, although the POCO X8 could debut alongside the recently leaked POCO M8 Power, which is also expected to be based on the Redmi Note 17.

POCO X8 series lineup

If the standard X8 arrives, it will complete the POCO X8 family, which currently includes the POCO X8 Pro and POCO X8 Pro Max. The POCO X8 Pro targets buyers looking for flagship-grade performance in a compact package with its MediaTek Dimensity 8500-Ultra chipset, 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED display and the optional Iron Man Edition design. The Pro Max sits above it with the more powerful Dimensity 9500S processor, a larger 6.83-inch display and an upgraded ultrasonic fingerprint scanner.

The standard POCO X8, however, appears to be taking a different approach. Instead of competing on performance, it is expected to focus on battery life, potentially offering a 9,000mAh battery in a segment where most smartphones still ship with 6,000mAh to 8,000mAh cells.

That would also put it in line with the industry’s recent shift towards ultra-large silicon-carbon batteries. Brands like OnePlus, Realme, Vivo and Honor have already introduced or are developing phones with battery capacities ranging from 9,000mAh to over 10,000mAh, making long battery life an increasingly important selling point.

For buyers, the POCO X8 could be worth waiting for if battery endurance is a priority. However, if gaming performance, camera versatility or premium materials matter more, the existing X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max are likely to remain the stronger options within the lineup. Don’t expect competitive prices as that era has long gone.

POCO X8 5G Price, Launch Date
Expected Price:N/A
Release Date: (Expected)
Variant:8 GB RAM
Phone Status:Upcoming Phone
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