POCO M8 5G Review, Price in India, Full Specs, AnTuTu Score & Everything You Need to Know (2026)
Labha Sarathi
POCO M8 5G Review, Price in India, Full Specs, AnTuTu Score & Everything You Need to Know (2026)
 POCO M8 5G Price in India, Full Specs & Review 2026 |
When POCO announced the M8 5G at the start of 2026, my first reaction was honestly a little skeptical. The budget 5G market is absolutely packed right now — Redmi, Realme, Samsung, Motorola — everyone is fighting for that ₹15,000–₹20,000 sweet spot. So what exactly does POCO's M8 bring to the table that justifies your attention?
I spent a good amount of time going through every review, benchmark, and real-world test I could find on this phone. And what I found is actually more interesting than I expected. The M8 5G gets some things really right — things that most phones at this price completely ignore — but it also has some clear weak spots that you absolutely need to know about before spending your money.
This article covers everything: POCO M8 5G price in India, full specifications, AnTuTu scores, BGMI gaming performance, camera quality, battery life, software update policy, and how it stacks up against the competition. Let's get into it.
POCO M8 5G Price in India — All Variants (2026)
POCO launched the M8 5G in India on January 8, 2026, and it's available exclusively on Flipkart and POCO's official store. Here's the full pricing breakdown across all variants:
- 6GB RAM + 128GB Storage — ₹17,999 (Launch price was ₹15,999 with early bird offer)
- 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage — ₹18,999
- 8GB RAM + 256GB Storage — ₹19,749 to ₹20,999 (current market price)
- 12GB RAM + 512GB Storage — Higher variant, check Flipkart for live pricing
The phone is available in three colors: Black, Green, and Silver. Personally, the Green looks stunning in real-life photos — it has this subtle texture finish that makes it look far more premium than its price tag suggests.
If you're shopping on Amazon, note that availability may be limited — Flipkart is the primary retail partner for POCO M8 5G in India. Prices have fluctuated slightly since launch, so always check the live price before purchasing.
POCO M8 5G Full Specifications — Complete Details
Before we get into my actual thoughts on each part of this phone, here are all the specs in one place:
- Display: 6.77-inch Flow AMOLED, FHD+ (2392 × 1080), 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling, 3200 nits peak brightness, 3D curved glass
- Processor: Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4nm)
- RAM: 6GB / 8GB / 12GB LPDDR4x (+ RAM extension feature)
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 2.2, expandable up to 1TB via microSD
- Rear Camera: 50MP main (f/1.8) + 2MP depth sensor
- Front Camera: 20MP
- Video: 4K recording supported
- Battery: 5,520mAh
- Charging: 45W TurboCharge (charger in box)
- Wireless Charging: Not supported
- OS: Android 15, HyperOS 2.0
- Software Updates: 4 major Android OS upgrades + 6 years security patches
- Fingerprint: In-display optical fingerprint sensor
- Face Unlock: AI Face Unlock supported
- NFC: Yes
- 3.5mm Jack: No (not included)
- Speakers: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
- IR Blaster: Yes
- IP Rating: IP65 / IP66 (splash and dust resistant)
- Dimensions: 164 × 75.42 × 7.35mm
- Weight: 178 grams
- SIM: Dual SIM (Nano + Nano + microSD)
- 5G Bands: Multiple 5G bands supported for India
- Colors: Black, Green, Silver
POCO M8 5G Display — The Star of the Show
I'll be honest — the display is where the POCO M8 5G earns most of its praise, and it deserves every bit of it. A 6.77-inch curved AMOLED panel with 3200 nits peak brightness at this price is genuinely impressive. That brightness number puts it above several phones that cost twice as much.
The 120Hz refresh rate keeps scrolling and animations feeling smooth, and the 240Hz touch sampling rate means the screen responds very quickly to your finger — great for gaming. The 3D curved edges give it a premium, almost flagship feel in the hand.
One thing I noticed in reviews was the mention of Wet Touch 2.0 — the screen responds even with slightly wet fingers, which is a practical feature most people don't think about until they actually need it.
Where the display falls short? No ultrawide color support beyond DCI-P3, and the default Vivid color profile can look a little oversaturated. You can tone it down in settings, but it takes some tweaking. Also, no 144Hz option — for competitive gamers, that's a miss.
POCO M8 5G Processor — Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 Performance
The POCO M8 5G runs on the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 — a 4nm chip from Qualcomm. This is a solid mid-range processor, though it's worth noting it's not the newest chip on the market — phones like the Realme Narzo 80 Pro are already shipping with the Dimensity 7400 which is more capable on paper.
That said, real-world performance on the M8 5G is better than its spec sheet might suggest. Animations are fluid, app switching is quick, and multitasking handles daily tasks without issues. The RAM management is genuinely well-optimized — multiple apps stay in memory without constantly reloading.
CPU throttling tests showed 91–93% stability over sustained load — meaning the phone maintains its performance without significantly dropping speed during longer tasks. That's a solid result for a budget device.
POCO M8 5G AnTuTu Score — Benchmarks Explained
This is one of the most searched things about the M8 5G, so let me give you the clear numbers.
POCO M8 5G AnTuTu Score:
- AnTuTu v11: 844,659 (real-world tested unit)
- POCO's official claim: 825,000+
- Digit.in tested score: 852,000
Geekbench 6 Score:
- Single-core: ~1,010–1,020
- Multi-core: ~2,926–2,958
3DMark Wild Life score: 3,269
To put the AnTuTu score in context — 825,000+ is one of the highest in the under-₹20,000 segment in India. It comfortably outperforms phones running the Dimensity 6300 or Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. For daily use, social media, streaming, and casual gaming, these numbers translate to a smooth and responsive experience.
POCO M8 5G Gaming Performance — BGMI, PUBG & More
This is where things get real for a lot of buyers. If you're picking up the M8 5G primarily for gaming, you need to go in with the right expectations.
BGMI / PUBG Mobile on POCO M8 5G:
- Supported FPS: Up to 60fps on Smooth graphics
- HDR mode: Supported at Extreme frame rate
- 90fps mode: Not available on this device
- Gyroscope: Yes — dedicated gyro sensor for aim assist
In 30-minute gaming sessions, the phone temperature rises by around 11 degrees Celsius, which is noticeable but not uncomfortable. For casual BGMI players, the experience is perfectly fine — smooth enough to enjoy a few matches without frustration. For competitive players chasing 90fps, this phone won't give you that, and it's worth knowing upfront.
Call of Duty: Mobile plays well at balanced settings with no major frame drops during most encounters. Mobile Legends and similar lighter titles run smoothly at max settings.
The stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are a genuine plus for gaming audio — directional sound is clear and the volume goes surprisingly loud (300% volume is supported). Using the phone without headphones while gaming is actually enjoyable, which isn't something you can say about most phones at this price.
POCO M8 5G Camera — Real-World Quality
The camera setup on the M8 5G is where most reviewers have mixed feelings — and honestly, I think the camera is the honest weak spot of this phone.
Rear Camera Setup:
- 50MP main sensor (f/1.8 aperture)
- 2MP depth sensor (for portrait mode)
- No ultrawide — this is a significant omission in 2026
- No OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation)
- 4K video recording supported
Front Camera:
- 20MP selfie camera
- AI Face Unlock with AI Beautify
In daylight, the 50MP main camera produces detailed, sharp photos. Colors are vibrant — sometimes a little oversaturated — and dynamic range is decent for a budget phone. Where it struggles is low light. Without OIS, night shots can get blurry if your hands aren't perfectly steady, and the lack of a dedicated night mode algorithm at par with competitors shows.
The absence of an ultrawide lens genuinely hurts. In 2026, not including an ultrawide — even a basic 8MP one — feels like a missed opportunity. If you shoot a lot of landscape, architecture, or group photos, you'll notice this gap regularly.
Video at 4K is stable for a static shot, but handheld walking video lacks the smoothness that OIS provides. For casual creators, it's fine. For anyone serious about mobile content creation, look elsewhere.
POCO M8 5G Battery Life — How Long Does It Last?
The battery is genuinely one of the highlights of the M8 5G. A 5,520mAh cell in a phone this slim (7.35mm) is a real engineering achievement — and POCO has delivered.
In real-world usage — a mix of calls, Instagram scrolling, one episode of a show, and one BGMI match — reviewers consistently reported around 7 hours of screen-on time before needing a charge. For most people, that means a full day on a single charge without anxiety.
The 45W TurboCharger fills the battery from empty to 100% in approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. That's quick enough to be practical — a half-hour charge while you get ready in the morning will easily get you through the afternoon.
What's missing: no wireless charging, no reverse wireless charging. Given the competitors at this price — some offering up to 7,000mAh batteries — the M8 5G's cell isn't the biggest around, but the combination of size, efficiency, and charging speed makes it one of the more practical battery packages in the segment.
POCO M8 5G Software — Android 15 & HyperOS 2.0
The M8 5G ships with Android 15 and HyperOS 2.0 out of the box. The update policy POCO has announced is genuinely one of the best in the budget segment:
- 4 major Android OS upgrades — meaning this phone will eventually receive Android 19
- 6 years of security patches
This is a massive deal for long-term buyers. Most budget phones get 2 years of updates, at best. POCO is essentially promising this phone will stay relevant and secure until 2031-2032. For students, first-time smartphone buyers, or anyone who doesn't want to upgrade phones frequently — this commitment alone is worth paying attention to.
HyperOS 2.0 itself is smooth and responsive. It comes with useful features like Circle to Search, silent call recording, app lock, dual app (run two instances of WhatsApp), and AI tools for photography. The downside is pre-installed bloatware — there are several third-party apps and games pre-loaded that most people won't use. The good news is that they can all be uninstalled.
POCO M8 5G Design — Slimmest in Segment?
At 7.35mm thickness and just 178 grams, the POCO M8 5G is one of the slimmest and lightest phones in its price segment — and POCO is quite loud about this in their marketing, which is fair because it genuinely shows.
The curved 3D glass on both front and back gives the phone a premium feel that you don't usually get under ₹20,000. The back has a matte texture that resists fingerprints reasonably well. The side frame is flat, making it comfortable to grip.
Build quality feels solid overall. The phone carries an IP65/IP66 rating, which means it's protected against dust and water jets — not full waterproofing, but enough to survive rain or an accidental splash. For a budget phone, this is a thoughtful addition.
Color options — Black, Green, Silver — are all tasteful and understated. The Green variant with its subtle texture finish has gotten particularly good reactions from early buyers.
POCO M8 5G vs Competitors — How Does It Compare?
POCO M8 5G vs Redmi Note 15 5G
The Redmi Note 15 5G is essentially the closest sibling — same family, similar price range. The Redmi Note 15 edges ahead on camera versatility with its ultrawide lens, while the M8 5G wins on display brightness and design slimness. Both offer similar performance. If camera flexibility matters more to you, go Redmi. If you want the better-looking, slimmer phone with a brighter screen, M8 5G is your pick.
POCO M8 5G vs POCO M7 Pro 5G
The M8 5G is a meaningful upgrade over the M7 Pro — brighter display, faster charging, better software support commitment, and a more premium design. The M7 Pro remains a valid option if you find it at a heavy discount, but the M8 is worth the premium at current prices.
POCO M8 5G vs Realme P4 5G
Realme's P4 5G brings a larger battery and a more capable chipset to the fight. If you're a heavy gamer or want future-proof performance, Realme P4 is worth considering. The M8 5G fights back with better display quality, slimmer design, and a far superior software update commitment.
POCO M8 5G vs Vivo T4x 5G
The Vivo T4x 5G brings a massive 7,000mAh battery to the table — a significant advantage for heavy users who travel frequently. The M8 5G counters with its brighter AMOLED display and more premium design. If battery endurance is your number one priority, T4x wins. For everything else, M8 5G is the more balanced package.
POCO M8 5G vs POCO M8 Pro 5G
The M8 Pro 5G is the more powerful sibling — packing the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, a larger 6,500mAh battery, and a 6.83-inch display. The Pro scores over 1,000,000 on AnTuTu v10. It's heavier (206g) and thicker (8.3mm) than the standard M8. If gaming performance and battery are priorities over slim design, the Pro is worth the extra money. If you want the sleeker everyday phone, the standard M8 5G is the more sensible buy for most people.
POCO M8 5G Price in Other Countries
POCO M8 5G Price in Pakistan: Approximately PKR 55,000–65,000 depending on the variant and local retailer.
POCO M8 5G Price in Bangladesh: Approximately BDT 22,000–26,000 for the base variant.
POCO M8 5G Price in Philippines: Around PHP 10,990–13,990 depending on the RAM/storage configuration.
POCO M8 5G Price in Nepal: Approximately NPR 29,000–33,000 for the base model.
POCO M8 5G Price in UAE: Around AED 650–750 for the 8GB variant.
Note: All international prices are approximate and may vary with exchange rates and local availability.
Should You Buy the POCO M8 5G? — Honest Verdict
After going through everything, here's my honest take: the POCO M8 5G is a phone that does a few things exceptionally well and a few things disappointingly average. Your decision really comes down to what you value most.
Buy the POCO M8 5G if:
- You want a genuinely premium-looking, slim design under ₹20,000
- Display brightness and quality are important to you
- Long-term software support (4+6 years) matters for your decision
- You're a casual gamer — BGMI at 60fps is perfectly enjoyable
- You want a reliable daily driver with solid battery life
- NFC for contactless payments is useful to you
Don't buy the POCO M8 5G if:
- You're a competitive mobile gamer who needs 90fps in BGMI
- Camera quality — especially ultrawide and low light — is your top priority
- You need wireless charging
- You want a massive battery phone — look at Vivo T4x or Oppo K13 instead
- You're a mobile content creator who needs OIS for smooth video
Ultimately, the POCO M8 5G is a well-designed, reliable smartphone that kicks off 2026 with some genuinely smart choices — especially that display and the software update commitment. It's not the most powerful phone at this price, and the camera setup is one year behind the competition. But as an everyday phone for calls, streaming, social media, and light gaming — it punches comfortably above its weight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the price of POCO M8 5G in India?
POCO M8 5G price in India starts at ₹17,999 for the 6GB + 128GB variant. The 8GB + 256GB model is priced at approximately ₹19,749–₹20,999. It's available on Flipkart and POCO's official store.
What is the AnTuTu score of POCO M8 5G?
The POCO M8 5G AnTuTu v11 score is approximately 825,000–852,000 — one of the highest scores in the under-₹20,000 segment. Geekbench 6 single-core is ~1,010 and multi-core is ~2,926.
What is the BGMI fps on POCO M8 5G?
POCO M8 5G supports BGMI at up to 60fps on Smooth settings. HDR mode at Extreme frame rate is also supported. 90fps is not available on this device. The phone has a dedicated gyroscope sensor for aim assist.
What is the processor of POCO M8 5G?
POCO M8 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4nm) processor, paired with LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.2 storage.
What is the battery capacity of POCO M8 5G?
The POCO M8 5G packs a 5,520mAh battery with 45W TurboCharge fast charging. A full charge takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Wireless charging is not supported.
When did POCO M8 5G launch in India?
POCO M8 5G was officially launched in India on January 8, 2026. It went on its first sale on January 13, 2026, via Flipkart.
What Android version does POCO M8 5G run?
POCO M8 5G runs Android 15 with HyperOS 2.0 out of the box. POCO has committed to 4 major Android OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates.
Does POCO M8 5G have NFC?
Yes, POCO M8 5G supports NFC for contactless payments and data transfer. This is a notable feature at this price point.
Is POCO M8 5G waterproof?
POCO M8 5G carries an IP65/IP66 rating, making it resistant to dust and water jets. It can survive rain and accidental splashes but is not rated for full submersion.
Does POCO M8 5G support wireless charging?
No, POCO M8 5G does not support wireless charging. It only supports 45W wired fast charging.
What is the display size and type of POCO M8 5G?
POCO M8 5G features a 6.77-inch Flow AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution (2392 × 1080), 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling, and 3200 nits peak brightness with 3D curved edges.
Is POCO M8 5G good for gaming?
For casual gaming, yes — POCO M8 5G handles BGMI, COD Mobile, and similar titles at 60fps smoothly. For competitive gaming requiring 90fps, this phone doesn't offer that. It's best described as a solid casual gaming phone, not a dedicated gaming phone.
What is the camera quality of POCO M8 5G?
POCO M8 5G has a 50MP main camera with decent daytime photography. It lacks an ultrawide lens and OIS, which limits its versatility. Low-light performance is average. The 20MP front camera is strong for selfies and video calls.
What storage variants does POCO M8 5G come in?
POCO M8 5G is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. Storage is expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card.
What colors does POCO M8 5G come in?
POCO M8 5G is available in Black, Green, and Silver color options. The Green variant has received strong positive feedback for its premium finish.
Final Thoughts
The POCO M8 5G is one of those phones that makes you think a little before recommending it. It's not the easiest "just buy this" recommendation because its strengths are specific — the display, the design, the slim build, and that outstanding software update promise. But if those things align with what you're looking for in a phone, there's genuinely good value here.
At ₹17,999 starting price, it's not as aggressively priced as POCO's older M-series phones used to be. The competition has gotten fierce, and there are phones that beat it on camera, battery size, and raw performance at similar prices. But none of them combine a curved AMOLED screen, a 7.35mm thin body, IP66 rating, NFC, and a 6-year software support commitment in one package under ₹20,000.
If you've been using your phone for three or four years and want to upgrade to something that feels genuinely fresh and premium without breaking the bank — the POCO M8 5G deserves serious consideration.
Disclaimer
Note: The specifications, prices, and performance data mentioned in this article are sourced from publicly available reviews, official POCO announcements, and third-party benchmarking platforms as of March 2026. Prices are subject to change based on offers, sales events, and market availability. International prices are approximate and may differ from actual local retail prices. AnTuTu scores and gaming fps data may vary depending on software version, device temperature, and testing conditions. Always verify the latest price and availability on official retail platforms like Flipkart or POCO's official website before making a purchase decision. labhsarathi.in is not responsible for any pricing discrepancies or purchase decisions made based on this article.