Poco X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max launch with big Si/C batteries and Dimensity chipsets

Poco has launched its X8 Pro series, introducing a new Max variant that pushes the boundaries of battery capacity and display size in the budget flagship segment. The Poco X8 Pro Max features a 6.83-inch OLED display, an 8,500mAh silicon-carbon battery, and the Dimensity 9500s chipset, while the standard X8 Pro offers a 6.59-inch panel with the Dimensity 8500-Ultra processor.

Poco X8 Pro Max: The new heavyweight champion

The Poco X8 Pro Max represents a significant evolution in the X-series lineup. Its 6.83-inch OLED display delivers a 1,280 x 2,772px resolution at 120Hz refresh rate, supporting 12-bit colors with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. The panel achieves 2,000 nits in High Brightness Mode and peaks at 3,500 nits with 25% APL, controlled via 3,840Hz PWM dimming for reduced eye strain.

A standout feature is the ultrasonic fingerprint reader integrated beneath the display - a first for the X-series. The phone is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i and features a metal frame with fiberglass back.

However, the headline specification is undoubtedly the 8,500mAh silicon-carbon (Si/C) battery. This represents the largest battery ever in a Poco device and dwarfs the capacities found in most flagship smartphones. The battery supports 100W HyperCharge and PPS protocols, reaching 50% charge in just 24 minutes with the appropriate adapter. Reverse charging at 27W allows the phone to power other devices.

At 8.2mm thick and weighing 218g, the X8 Pro Max maintains a relatively slim profile despite its massive battery. The global model carries an IP69K rating, though some regions will receive the IP68 variant.

Dimensity 9500s brings flagship performance

The X8 Pro Max debuts the Dimensity 9500s chipset in the X-series - a 3nm processor featuring an unusual all-big-core configuration: one Cortex-X925 Ultra at 3.73GHz, three Cortex-X4 cores, and four Cortex-A720 efficiency cores. The Immortalis-G925 GPU handles graphics, essentially making this a tuned-up Dimensity 9400+ from last year.

Poco claims the chipset can handle popular games like Honkai: Star Rail and Genshin Impact at 120fps, aided by Super Resolution technology. The 5,800mm² vapor chamber cooling system, branded as Poco 3D IceLoop, manages thermals during extended gaming sessions.

Memory configurations reach 12GB LPDDR5X RAM at 9,600Mbps and up to 512GB UFS 4.1 storage.

Dynamic RGB lighting and audio upgrades

A distinctive feature across the X8 Pro series is the Dynamic RGB light on the back, capable of displaying eight colors. This can indicate charging status, notifications, camera activity, or sync with music playback. The phone also features dual 1115F symmetrical speakers with Hi-Res Audio certification and Dolby Atmos support.

Poco X8 Pro: Compact powerhouse

The standard X8 Pro shrinks the display to 6.59 inches while maintaining the same 120Hz refresh rate and 12-bit color support. The resolution is slightly higher at 1,268 x 2,756px, and the panel matches the Max's brightness capabilities at 2,000 nits HBM and 3,500 nits peak.

Instead of ultrasonic, this model uses an optical fingerprint reader. The 6,500mAh Si/C battery supports the same 100W charging speeds, reaching full charge in 48 minutes. The phone measures 8.38mm thick and weighs 201g.

The Dimensity 8500-Ultra chipset uses a 4nm process with eight Cortex-A725 cores and a Mali-G720 GPU. Cooling is handled by a 5,300mm² 3D Dual-Layer IceLoop system.

Camera systems and connectivity

Both models feature similar camera setups with different primary sensors. The X8 Pro Max uses a Light Fusion 600 sensor (1/1.95", 0.8µm pixels, f/1.5 aperture with OIS), while the X8 Pro employs an IMX882 sensor. Both include 8MP ultra-wide cameras and 20MP front-facing cameras.

Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, and Xiaomi Offline Communication.

Pricing and availability

The Poco X8 Pro starts at $300 (early bird) for the 8/256GB model, rising to $400 for the 12/512GB variant. The X8 Pro Max begins at $430 for 12/256GB, reaching $460 for the 12/512GB model.

A special Iron Man Edition of the X8 Pro (12/512GB) is available for $400, featuring a black body with gold accents and themed UI elements. This edition includes a custom case, Marvel-branded SIM ejector, and red USB-A to C cable in a bespoke box.

Early bird pricing suggests significant discounts from MSRP, continuing Poco's value-oriented approach. The pricing strategy positions these devices competitively against other mid-range offerings while delivering specifications typically found in more expensive flagships.