POCO F8 Is Dead — POCO X8 Pro Max Is Coming!

The POCO F8 lineup may soon be history, but Xiaomi is ready to shake up its mid-range flagship segment with a brand-new contender — the POCO X8 Pro Max. Official certification listings have confirmed two variants destined for launch, signaling that the future of POCO’s performance phones lies with the X-series rather than the traditional F models.

Certification entries show two regional model codes:

• POCO X8 Pro Max (Global): 2602BPC18G
• POCO X8 Pro Max (India): 2602BPC18I

These identifiers strongly suggest that the device will be sold internationally under the POCO brand with granular regional SKUs, including a dedicated Indian version.

By contrast, the POCO F8 series appears to be concluding its roadmap, with the standard F8 already launched globally, followed by higher-end F8 Pro and F8 Ultra variants. However, there has been little news about a direct successor (F9), and the early signals point to POCO repositioning its flagship-killer strategy around the X-series — starting with the X8 Pro and now scaling up with the X8 Pro Max.

What We Know So Far About POCO X8 Pro Max

Although Xiaomi has not officially announced full specs yet, a clear picture is already emerging based on early leaks, certifications, and the expected lineage from the recently spotted POCO X8 Pro specs.

Core Expected Specifications

Based on credible early leaks and existing regional certification, the POCO X8 Pro Max is shaping up with the following hardware foundation:

• Display: 1.5K 120 Hz flat OLED panel
  A premium panel with high refresh rate and vivid colors, designed for smooth UI and competitive gaming performance.
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra
  This next-generation MediaTek chip is expected to bring flagship-level performance with greater efficiency, faster AI processing, and improved thermal behavior — a natural step up from the Dimensity 8300/8300 Ultra devices seen in many upper mid-range phones.
• Memory & Storage: LPDDR5X RAM + UFS 4.0 storage
  Combining high-speed memory and fast storage ensures that the device can handle heavy multitasking, quick app launches, and demanding workflows with ease.
• Cameras:
  • 50 MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
  • 8 MP ultra-wide camera
  • 20 MP front camera
  This camera setup is balanced for vibrant daily photos and stable video capture, with OIS enhancing clarity in low-light and motion shots.
• Battery: ~8000 mAh battery with ~100W fast charging
  POCO is doubling down on endurance, with a massive cell and highly competitive charging speeds that keep downtime to a minimum.
• Software: Android 16 with HyperOS 3
  The latest OS from Xiaomi brings smoother animations, smarter memory management, refined system visuals, and deeper ecosystem integration.

These specifications strongly position the X8 Pro Max as a premium mid-range contender with endurance, performance, and design strengths.

Why POCO X8 Pro Max Matters: Evolution of the POCO Lineup

POCO F8 Series — A Strong Run

The POCO F8 lineup — including the base F8, F8 Pro, and F8 Ultra — delivered a solid mix of value and capability, especially for performance-hungry users. The F8 Pro and F8 Ultra brought flagship-class screens, strong chipsets, and aggressive pricing to global markets, particularly India and Europe.

… but despite their strength, POCO has yet to announce a clear successor in the F series, and the move toward the X-series suggests a refresh of strategy.

X8 Pro Max — The Next Flagship Killer

By shifting focus to an “X Pro Max” naming scheme, POCO is signaling a new era of devices that combine:

• Bigger batteries and top-tier endurance
• Flagship-adjacent performance from advanced chipsets
• Premium design elements and build quality
• Wider global market intention

The X8 Pro Max name also aligns with a broader trend in the smartphone industry where “Pro Max” denotes the most capable model in a series, often with enhanced display, camera, and battery capabilities.

This evolution could make POCO more competitive against rivals like the realme GT series, Samsung A-series flagship killers, and Motorola’s edge lineup — particularly in markets where value, performance, and battery life are key buying criteria.

What to Expect in the Launch Timeline

With BIS certification already complete for both global and India variants, a launch announcement is expected soon. Most mid-range flagships certified at this stage appear in the market within 4–8 weeks of certification data going public.

Given the January timeline for the POCO X8 Pro Max launch hinted by industry sources and certification details, Xiaomi may begin teasers in late December with an official launch event around mid-January 2026.

Early Impressions and Market Positioning

Here’s what early indicators suggest about how POCO will position the X8 Pro Max:

• Battery lead: ~8000 mAh battery with fast charging positions it as one of the longest-lasting phones at its price segment.
• Display for performance: A 120 Hz flat AMOLED is ideal for gaming and daily use, with fewer accidental touches and better longevity than curved panels.
• Mid-range flagship performance: The Dimensity 8500 Ultra is expected to rival Snapdragon upper mid-range chips in both efficiency and sustained performance.
• Camera capability: OIS on the main sensor is a differentiator in the category, especially for users who value stabilized shooting without flagship prices.

These traits likely aim to secure POCO’s grip on users who want flagship-like experience without flagship pricing.

The POCO X8 Pro Max could be the tipping point for POCO’s smartphone strategy in 2026, replacing future F-series releases with an X-series “Max” flagship that combines performance, durability, and premium build quality. With BIS certification confirming its arrival, India and global markets are sure to see aggressive positioning and strong competition from Xiaomi’s sub-brand.

If POCO can price the X8 Pro Max competitively — especially compared to rivals within the same hardware tier — it may become one of the standout value flagships of early 2026.