The mid-range smartphone segment in India is about to witness another disruption as POCO prepares to launch the highly anticipated POCO X8 Pro. Following the success of the X7 Pro, this next-generation device promises significant upgrades in performance, battery life, and camera capabilities. With leaks and certifications surfacing rapidly, Indian consumers are eager to know the POCO X8 Pro launch date in India, expected pricing, and whether it truly delivers flagship-level features at a mid-range price point.
POCO X8 Pro Launch Date in India
While POCO has not officially confirmed the exact launch date, industry insiders and certification listings suggest the POCO X8 Pro India launch will occur in March 2026. The device has already appeared on multiple certification databases including NBTC Thailand and South Korean RRA, indicating imminent global availability. The Indian market typically receives POCO X-series devices within weeks of international announcements, so consumers can expect availability through Flipkart and POCO’s official website shortly after the global unveiling.
POCO X8 Pro Price in India
The POCO X8 Pro price in India is expected to start at approximately ₹40,999 for the base 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant, while the higher 12GB RAM + 512GB storage configuration could be priced around ₹45,990. This pricing strategy positions the X8 Pro competitively against the OnePlus Nord 5, Redmi Note 15 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy A56. POCO’s aggressive pricing history suggests potential launch discounts and bank offers could bring the effective price down to around ₹37,999 during initial sales, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers and power users.
Design and Display Quality
The POCO X8 Pro is expected to feature a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a resolution of 1268 x 2756 pixels. The panel supports a 120Hz refresh rate with LTPS technology, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive touch inputs. With a peak brightness of 3500 nits and 3840Hz PWM dimming, the display offers excellent outdoor visibility and reduced eye strain during extended usage. The device maintains a slim profile at just 8.1mm thickness despite housing a massive battery, and the ergonomic weight distribution at 206 grams ensures comfortable handling during long gaming sessions. The phone features an IP68/IP69 rating for dust and water resistance, making it durable for daily use.
POCO X8 Pro Camera Specifications
The camera setup on the POCO X8 Pro focuses on delivering reliable photography performance in its price segment. The device is tipped to feature a dual rear camera system comprising:
- 50MP Sony IMX882 primary sensor with optical image stabilization and an f/1.5 aperture for detailed shots in various lighting conditions
- 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens with a 120-degree field of view for landscape and group photography
For selfies and video calls, the X8 Pro is expected to house a 20MP front-facing camera capable of recording 1080p Full HD video. While the camera system lacks a dedicated telephoto lens found in some competitors, the inclusion of OIS on the main sensor ensures stable video recording and improved low-light performance. Daylight photography is expected to deliver sharp images with good dynamic range, making it suitable for social media sharing and casual photography needs.
Performance and Gaming Capabilities
Under the hood, the POCO X8 Pro is expected to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra chipset built on a 3nm process. This octa-core processor, paired with the Mali-G720 MC8 GPU, delivers an impressive AnTuTu score of approximately 2.1 million points, placing it at the top of the mid-range performance chart. The device will be available with 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 256GB or 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage, ensuring fast app loading and seamless multitasking.
For gaming enthusiasts, the X8 Pro is particularly exciting as it supports 120FPS gameplay in BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile, providing smooth frame rates even during intense multiplayer battles. The advanced thermal management system prevents overheating during extended gaming sessions, maintaining consistent performance without throttling. This makes the POCO X8 Pro one of the best gaming smartphones under ₹35,000 in the Indian market.
Battery Life and Charging Technology
One of the standout features of the POCO X8 Pro is its massive 6500mAh battery, which easily delivers two to three days of regular usage or full-day endurance even with heavy gaming. The device supports 100W wired fast charging, capable of replenishing the battery from zero to full in approximately 40 minutes. Additionally, the X8 Pro includes 27W reverse charging functionality, allowing it to charge other devices wirelessly. This combination of large battery capacity and rapid charging addresses one of the most common pain points for smartphone users, particularly mobile gamers who require sustained power throughout the day.
Software and User Experience
The POCO X8 Pro is expected to launch with Android 16 out of the box, featuring POCO’s custom HyperOS 3 interface. This software skin emphasizes performance optimization and gaming enhancements while maintaining a clean, bloatware-free experience. The in-display optical fingerprint scanner provides quick and secure biometric authentication, while the IR blaster allows the device to function as a universal remote control for home appliances. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC for contactless payments, and comprehensive 5G band support for future-proof network compatibility.
POCO X8 Pro vs Competition
In the crowded mid-range segment, the POCO X8 Pro differentiates itself through superior gaming performance and exceptional battery life. Compared to the OnePlus Nord 5, the X8 Pro offers a larger battery and faster charging, though the Nord may provide a more polished software experience. Against the Redmi Note 15 Pro, the X8 Pro’s Dimensity 8500 Ultra chipset delivers superior gaming performance, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 competes with better display calibration and brand recognition but falls short in raw processing power and charging speeds.
POCO X8 Pro Availability and Where to Buy
Upon launch, the POCO X8 Pro will be available exclusively through Flipkart during the initial sale period, followed by availability through POCO’s official website and select offline retail partners. Given POCO’s history of flash sales and quick sellouts, interested buyers should register for notifications on Flipkart and keep payment methods ready for the launch day. The device is expected to be available in multiple color options including classic Black and White, with potential special edition colors launching later in the year.
Final Verdict
The POCO X8 Pro represents a compelling evolution in the company’s mid-range strategy, focusing on the core strengths that matter most to Indian consumers: gaming performance, battery endurance, and fast charging. While the camera system may not revolutionize mobile photography, it delivers reliable results for everyday usage. For mobile gamers, power users, and anyone seeking a high-performance device without flagship pricing, the POCO X8 Pro emerges as a strong contender in the under ₹35,000 segment. The combination of the Dimensity 8500 Ultra processor, 120Hz AMOLED display, 6500mAh battery, and 100W charging creates a well-rounded package that prioritizes practical performance over unnecessary frills.
Key Specifications at a Glance:
- Display: 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 3500 nits peak brightness
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra (3nm)
- RAM/Storage: 12GB/256GB or 16GB/512GB (UFS 4.1)
- Rear Camera: 50MP Sony IMX882 (OIS) + 8MP ultra-wide
- Front Camera: 20MP
- Battery: 6500mAh with 100W fast charging + 27W reverse charging
- OS: Android 16 with HyperOS 3
- Protection: IP68/IP69 dust and water resistant
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, IR blaster
Stay tuned to TheIndianTech.in for confirmed launch dates, hands-on reviews, camera samples, and exclusive offers when the POCO X8 Pro officially arrives in India.
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Sources: FoneArena , Beebom , Smartprix , 91Mobiles , TechAdvisor , Himanshu Swami , Cashify