The Indian budget smartphone market has a new contender that is turning heads this month. After making its official debut on January 8, 2026, the POCO M8 5G has quickly become a trending topic among tech enthusiasts.
With a starting price just under ₹20,000, this device promises a premium curved display and reliable performance. But does it truly live up to the hype? Here is a complete breakdown of what the POCO M8 offers, its key features, and what you need to know before you buy.
POCO M8 India Launch Details and Price
POCO officially launched the M8 5G in India earlier this month. It is currently available for purchase on Flipkart and select retail outlets. The company has positioned this phone to compete directly with rivals like the Realme P4 and Samsung’s F-series.
Current Pricing
The POCO M8 comes in three different storage variants. Here is the official pricing structure for India:
- 6GB RAM + 128GB Storage: ₹18,999
- 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage: ₹19,999
- 8GB RAM + 256GB Storage: ₹21,999
Buyers can choose from three color options: Carbon Black, Glacial Blue, and Frost Silver. Bank offers on select cards (like ICICI and HDFC) have occasionally brought the effective price down by ₹2,000 during sale days.
Read more: Infinix Note 40 5G
Key Specifications and Features
The POCO M8 is not just about looks; it packs some serious hardware for its price segment.
1. Display and Design
The standout feature of the POCO M8 is undoubtedly its screen. It sports a 6.77-inch 3D Curved Flow AMOLED display. This is rare for phones in this budget range.
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz for smooth scrolling.
- Brightness: It hits a massive peak brightness of 3,200 nits, making it easy to read even under direct sunlight.
- Build: The phone is slim at just 7.35mm and weighs around 178 grams. It also carries an IP66 rating, meaning it is safe from dust and strong water splashes.
2. Performance and Software
Under the hood, the device runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor (4nm architecture). This chipset is efficient and handles daily tasks like social media scrolling, multitasking, and casual gaming with ease.
It comes pre-installed with Android 15 based on Xiaomi’s latest HyperOS 2. POCO has promised up to 4 years of major OS updates, which is a big plus for long-term users.
3. Camera Capabilities
For photography, the phone uses a dual-camera setup on the back:
- Main Camera: 50MP (Sony sensor) with OIS support for stable videos.
- Secondary Camera: 2MP Depth sensor.
- Front Camera: 20MP shooter for selfies.
While the main camera captures crisp daylight shots, some tech reviewers have noted that the lack of an Ultra-Wide lens is a missing feature compared to competitors.
4. Battery and Charging
Powering the device is a 5,520 mAh battery, which is slightly larger than the standard 5,000 mAh batteries found in most phones. It supports 45W fast charging, allowing you to top up the battery quickly.
Why It Matters for Indian Users
The sub-₹20,000 segment is the most competitive space in India. The POCO M8 stands out because it brings a Curved AMOLED screen—usually a feature reserved for expensive phones—to a budget-friendly price point. For students and office goers who consume a lot of content (Netflix, YouTube), this display upgrade is a significant deal.
However, if you are a heavy gamer or a photography lover who needs wide-angle shots, you might want to compare it with other options like the Realme P-series before making a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Does the POCO M8 support 5G in India?
Yes, the POCO M8 is a fully 5G-ready smartphone and supports all major Indian 5G bands (Jio and Airtel).
Q2: Is the charger included in the box?
Yes, POCO provides a 45W fast charger inside the box along with the phone.
Q3: Does the phone have a curved display?
Yes, it features a 3D Curved Flow AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
Q4: Can I expand the storage?
No, the POCO M8 does not have a dedicated microSD card slot. You must choose your storage variant (128GB or 256GB) carefully at the time of purchase.
Q5: Is it good for gaming?
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 is a decent processor for casual games like BGMI or COD Mobile at medium settings, but it is not a hardcore gaming flagship.
