Poco M8 5G review: Simple, sensible, and affordable

Xiaomi's sub-brand, Poco, has made a splash in the Indian market with the launch of the Poco M8 5G, showcasing significant improvements over its predecessor, the POCO M7. This smartphone is positioned as a strong competitor in the under ₹20,000 category, boasting a sleek design, vibrant display, and robust performance. With a design that claims to be the slimmest in its segment at just 7.35mm thick, the Poco M8 5G features a dual-tone rear panel and a gently curved display. Unlike many competitors that favor flat screens, Poco is reviving curved displays, setting the M8 apart. Weighing in at only 178 grams, it feels comfortable to hold. The phone also comes with an IP66 rating for dust and water resistance, alongside MIL-STD-810H certification for durability, although the curved edges may raise concerns about impact resistance. The display is a standout feature, with a 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen offering a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness reaching 3,200 nits. This marks a notable upgrade from traditional LCD panels, providing crisp visuals and smooth animations. However, potential users should note that HDR support for streaming services like Netflix is absent, limiting its capabilities for high dynamic range content. Despite the curved display, we found no issues with accidental touches, and the slim bezels contribute to an engaging viewing experience, even in bright outdoor conditions. On the camera front, the Poco M8 5G sports a dual setup comprising a 50MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. While it captures clear images in daylight, color vibrancy can be lacking, often resulting in a yellowish tint in photos. In low-light scenarios, the camera struggles with detail and color consistency, and the absence of an ultrawide lens restricts its versatility. The 20MP front-facing camera performs well for selfies, although skin tones may appear a bit unnatural. Under the hood, the device is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage. In day-to-day tasks, it delivers reliable performance without noticeable lag when multitasking or using social media. Gaming experiences, such as playing BGMI, were smooth even at lower graphics settings, with the phone remaining relatively cool despite extended play sessions. The Poco M8 5G operates on Android 15 with HyperOS 2, which some users may find disappointing due to its older software version and the presence of bloatware. Although it comes with four years of OS upgrades and six years of security updates, the pre-installed apps can be cumbersome to manage. Battery life is one of the highlights, with a substantial 5,520mAh capacity that easily lasts over 24 hours with typical usage. Users can expect around 18 to 20 hours of screen time, making the charging time of just over an hour quite reasonable with the included 45W charger. In conclusion, the Poco M8 5G stands out as an affordable option for those seeking a stylish design, an impressive display, and dependable performance. While it has its limitations, especially in camera quality and software, it presents a compelling choice for students, casual users, and first-time smartphone buyers.