POCO has introduced a new budget-friendly phone, the X8, with battery life as its headline feature.
If your phone typically dies before the day is over, the X8 is aimed squarely at you. POCO says the X8’s battery capacity is 63% larger than last year’s model, and the company claims the phone can last for more than two days on a single charge. That addresses a common complaint about inexpensive phones, which often sacrifice battery size to reduce cost.
A Battery Built to Outlast the Day
The X8 is equipped with an 8,340 mAh battery and supports 67W fast charging, so it can refill quickly when you need a fast top-up. The phone also supports reverse charging, letting you power small accessories such as wireless earbuds directly from the handset. POCO states the battery will retain about 80% of its original capacity after 1,600 charge cycles—roughly equivalent to several years of regular use before capacity begins to drop noticeably.
Beyond capacity, the X8’s display has been improved. The phone features a 6.83-inch screen that reaches up to 3,500 nits of peak brightness, ensuring content remains readable even in bright sunlight. A 120Hz refresh rate keeps motion smooth during scrolling, gaming, and video playback, improving the everyday experience compared with lower-refresh panels.
Durability is another focus for the X8. The device carries an IP69K rating, which is POCO’s most robust water- and dust-protection level to date. The phone also includes a dedicated Underwater Mode designed to help you take photos and video while the device is briefly submerged. POCO advises that the X8 can survive short dunks in fresh water, though it is not intended for prolonged underwater use, swimming pools, ocean immersion, or serious diving.
Under the hood, the X8 runs on the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 platform and includes Google’s Gemini AI assistant. POCO has also included several AI-driven photo-editing tools to help polish shots after you take them, making basic adjustments and cleanup easier without needing a separate app.
Where the X8 Fits in POCO’s Lineup
The X8 is positioned as the most affordable option in POCO’s current family of devices. Earlier in the year, POCO released the X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max, which offer larger displays, faster processors, and even bigger batteries—up to 8,500 mAh in the Pro Max—but those models come at a higher price. If you prioritize outright performance and are willing to pay more for it, the Pro models may be a better match. However, if long battery life and a lower price are your primary concerns, the X8 presents a compelling, cost-conscious alternative.
POCO is launching the X8 in two configurations. The model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is priced at €399.90, with an early-bird price of €319.90. The higher-memory model, with 12GB of RAM and the same 256GB of storage, is listed at €449.90, or €359.90 during the early-bird period. Those pricing tiers position the X8 as an accessible choice for buyers who want a long-lasting phone without stretching to flagship-level expense.
Overall, the POCO X8 emphasizes endurance and practical features rather than cutting-edge flagship performance. Its very large battery, fast charging capability, reverse charging, high-brightness display, and strong ingress protection all align with a use case focused on reliable, everyday use. For users whose priority is getting through a long day—or multiple days—between charges while keeping costs down, the X8 is designed to be a sensible, balanced option.