POCO Probably Regrets Making This Phone: X8 Pro. After 6 Months.

Product reviewed

Poco X8 Pro (marketed as a strong value mid-range phone, reviewed ~6 months after release).

Key features mentioned

Performance

• MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra (4nm)
• Up to 12GB RAM
• UFS 4.1 storage
  • Base model mentioned as 8GB RAM + 256GB UFS 4.1
• Smooth multitasking: apps stay in the background
• In day-to-day use, the reviewer noted no noticeable lag after ~2 weeks
• Gaming: no major frame drops reported

Display

• 1.5K, 120Hz AMOLED
• HDR10+ and Dolby Vision
• Smooth scrolling; vibrant colors; deep blacks

Camera

• Rear: 50MP main + 8MP ultra-wide
• Front: 20MP
• Main camera: good for everyday photos
  • Decent processing and preserved details
  • Some shots can look darker in poor lighting
• Video highlight: rear camera records up to 4K @ 60fps
• Optical image stabilization (OIS) for handheld stability
• Stronger stabilization mode exists, but requires recording at 1080p

Battery & charging

• Huge 6500 mAh battery
• Endurance reported: 2–3 days
  • Anecdotal note: down to 7% by day 3
• 100W fast charging
  • Reaches 100% in just over an hour
  • Reviewer used a 66W charger (charger not included)
• 27W reverse wired charging
  • Functions as a power bank
  • Reviewer claims it’s faster than some flagship reverse-charging comparisons (e.g., Z Flip 7)

Build / design

• Mostly plastic body (expected at this price point)
• Matte back helps reduce fingerprints
• Front bezels described as uniform on all sides

Software

• Android 16 with HyperOS (compared to Redmi’s experience)
• Pre-installed apps, recommendations, and occasional ads
  • Mostly noticed during customization (wallpapers/themes/effects), not constant interruptions
• Ads can be reduced by uninstalling/disabling apps that show them

Price / value claims

• Base price cited: ~£320 / ~$390
• Framed verdict: best or close to the best value mid-range phone under ~$400

Comparisons made

Redmi Note 17 Pro (series)

• Mentioned as an example of manufacturers cutting features or raising prices to remain affordable

Google Pixel 10a

• Speaker comparison: Pixel 10a ranked best, Galaxy A57 second; Poco X8 Pro is close
• Performance comparison: reviewer claims Dimensity 8500 Ultra beats Tensor G4 in multi-core and graphics
• Camera/software positioning:
  • Pixel 10a recommended if you prioritize cameras and cleaner software
• Overall contrast:
  • Poco = power/value
  • Pixel = AI/features and camera-focused cleanliness

Samsung Galaxy A57

• Referenced as another alternative in speaker rankings
• Suggested as a potential camera leader vs Poco

iPhone 17 Pro

• Used by the reviewer as a daily benchmark for feel/performance and audio/haptics
• Haptics: described as ~60% as good as iPhone 17 Pro (subjective estimate)
• Multitasking: apps open/multitask “almost as quickly” as iPhone in the reviewer’s experience

Pros (as stated)

• Strong value for money (especially under $400)
• Excellent display (1.5K 120Hz AMOLED + HDR10+/Dolby Vision)
• Very strong performance for gaming/multitasking (Dimensity 8500 Ultra + UFS 4.1)
• Impressive battery life (2–3 days) for a 6500 mAh phone
• Fast charging (100W) and useful reverse charging (27W)
• Good video recording: 4K 60fps with OIS; suitable for high-res video
• Matte back reduces fingerprints; hardware design generally clean
• Speakers: generally great (with distortion at maximum volume noted)

Cons (as stated)

• HyperOS ads/recommendations: criticized as intrusive, even if not constantly visible
• Plastic build
• Camera not “impressive” overall:
  • good for everyday, but not class-leading vs Pixel 10a / Galaxy A57
• Speakers: distortion at maximum volume
• Best stabilization vs movement requires 1080p (not 4K) in stabilization mode

User experience notes

• Smooth scrolling and “excellent” display experience
• Performance feels fast in real usage; minimal lag over ~2 weeks
• Ads are more noticeable during customization actions (wallpapers/themes), not constant background interruptions
• Haptics: accurate, but not iPhone-level

Overall verdict / recommendation

Highly recommended for buyers who want maximum performance, battery life, and charging at a mid-range price (under ~$400).

Not the best choice if you prioritize cameras and a “clean” software experience—where the Google Pixel 10a is positioned as the better option.

Unique points mentioned (consolidated list)

1. Market/value pressure leading manufacturers to cut features or raise prices
2. Poco X8 Pro picked as the “best value” alternative excluding Samsung/Google/Apple (viewer comment)
3. Supports 4K 60fps video
4. Dimensity 8500 Ultra (4nm) performance
5. 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision
6. 6500 mAh battery
7. 100W charging (100% in just over an hour; 66W charger used in test)
8. IP68/IP69 protection (as claimed)
9. Base model: 8GB RAM + 256GB UFS 4.1 (UFS 4.1 explicitly called out)
10. Mostly minimalistic plastic design
11. Matte finish reduces fingerprints
12. Preference for uniform bezels
13. Excellent display clarity/vibrancy and smooth scrolling
14. Speakers: strong sound, distorts at max volume; close to best-in-class models
15. Haptics: good/accurate; subjective ~60% of iPhone 17 Pro
16. Performance comparison vs Pixel 10a Tensor G4 (better multi-core/graphics)
17. Stable real-world performance: fast app switching; no significant lag in ~2 weeks; no major frame drops
18. Software compromise: HyperOS with ads/recommendations (mitigable by removing certain apps)
19. Camera: everyday photos good but not leading; darker shots in poor lighting
20. Video stabilization: OIS helps; stronger mode requires 1080p
21. Battery life: 2–3 days, with anecdotal day-3 drain to 7%
22. Reverse charging: 27W USB-C power bank
23. Charging is faster than some reverse-charging claims (e.g., Z Flip 7 mentioned)
24. Final recommendation: best/near-best value under $400, with Pixel 10a preferred for cleaner software/camera

Speaker views / roles

• Main reviewer perspective across topics: performance, display, battery/charging, HyperOS ads, camera/video, and subjective comparisons to Pixel/iPhone/Samsung
• Secondary input only as a viewer comment: recommends Poco X8 Pro as top mid-range value excluding Samsung/Google/Apple