POCO India has started teasing its next smartphone launch, and all signs point to the POCO X8 Pro series. A recent post on X with a whacky caption has a not-so-subtle emphasis on the letter X, hinting that it’s teasing the next POCO X-series phones. While the company hasn’t confirmed the models or timeline yet, the teaser timing suggests the launch could happen in early March.
Leaks indicate the lineup may include two models, the POCO X8 Pro and a new POCO X8 Pro Max. If accurate, this would replace the earlier ‘Ultra’ branding with a Max variant, likely aimed at users who prefer larger screens and bigger batteries. This is in line what phones from the house of Xiaomi have been doing. The flagship Xiaomi 17 series featured Pro and Pro Max models, and so did Redmi’s K90 series. POCO also seems to be following suit with the monikers initially popularised by Apple.
None of the specifications are confirmed but leaks suggest the rumoured POCO X8 Pro Max could feature a 6.83-inch 1.5K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2,000 nits peak brightness. It may run on a Dimensity 9500s chipset, paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. On the camera side, leaks point to a 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilisation, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 20MP front camera.
Battery capacity could be the standout feature. The Pro Max is rumoured to include an 8,500mAh battery with 100W fast charging and 27W reverse charging — significantly larger than what most phones in this category offer. Features such as IP68/IP69 ratings, Wi-Fi 7, stereo speakers, and an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor are also expected.
The standard POCO X8 Pro is tipped to come with a 6.59-inch 1.5K OLED display and a Dimensity 8500 Ultra processor. It may use a 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera, supported by an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 20MP selfie camera. A 6,500mAh battery with 100W charging is expected, along with IP ratings, NFC, an IR blaster, and Wi-Fi 6.
Leaked design renders show both models with a pill-shaped dual-camera module, with the Pro Max featuring a dual-LED flash. A special Iron Man-themed edition of the X8 Pro has also surfaced, showing a grey finish with gold accents and a stylised graphic on the back. These themed variants usually target fans and collectors rather than offering different hardware.
If the leaked specifications hold, the POCO X8 Pro series will compete with mid-range performance phones from iQOO, Realme, and Redmi, where fast displays, large batteries, and aggressive pricing are key selling points. POCO has traditionally leaned on value, so pricing will likely play a major role in how the new models are received. The Pro Max may appeal to those who want maximum battery life and a larger display, while the standard Pro could suit users looking for similar features in a more compact form.
Based on leaks, if battery life and a large display top your list, the Pro Max could be the more practical pick, especially for heavy media use and gaming. The standard Pro may suit buyers who want similar performance and features in a slightly smaller, easier-to-handle device. As always, final pricing will be key and POCO’s value positioning will determine how these stack up against iQOO, Redmi, and Realme rivals.
