POCO M8 and POCO M8 Pro Expected to Launch in January: Specifications, Features, and More

POCO is gearing up to expand its M-series lineup with the upcoming POCO M8 and POCO M8 Pro, which are expected to launch in January. Early information suggests that both smartphones will be rebranded versions of the Redmi Note 15 and Redmi Note 15 Pro+, following POCO’s long-standing strategy of offering similar hardware with slight design tweaks and feature adjustments.

While POCO phones usually share their core specifications with Redmi counterparts, they often come with subtle changes in design, tuning, and sometimes software optimizations to better match POCO’s performance-focused branding.

POCO M8 and M8 Pro: What We Know So Far

According to current leaks, the POCO M8 series will focus on offering premium display technology, powerful Snapdragon processors, large batteries, and solid durability ratings in the mid-range segment. Both devices are expected to run the latest Xiaomi software out of the box, most likely Xiaomi HyperOS, with future upgrades already in Xiaomi’s roadmap.

Let’s take a closer look at what each model is expected to offer.

POCO M8 Expected Specifications

The POCO M8 is shaping up to be a strong mid-range smartphone aimed at users who want a balance of performance, display quality, and battery life.

It is expected to feature a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. This should deliver smooth scrolling, vibrant colors, and a responsive viewing experience for gaming, streaming, and everyday use.

Under the hood, the device is rumored to be powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset. This processor is designed for efficient performance and improved power management, making it suitable for multitasking, casual gaming, and long-term usage.

Battery life is another highlight. The POCO M8 is expected to pack a 5520mAh battery with support for 45W fast charging, allowing users to quickly top up their device and comfortably last through a full day or more on a single charge.

In terms of durability, the phone is said to carry an IP65 rating, offering protection against dust and water splashes. This is a useful addition for users who want extra reliability in daily conditions.

POCO M8 Pro Expected Specifications

The POCO M8 Pro is expected to be the more premium offering in the lineup, targeting users who want flagship-like features at a competitive price.

It is rumored to feature a larger 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a sharper 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. This combination should provide a noticeably crisper and more immersive visual experience compared to standard Full HD+ panels.

Powering the POCO M8 Pro could be the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset. This processor is expected to deliver significantly better performance, making the device suitable for heavier multitasking, advanced gaming, and long-term software support.

One of the biggest upgrades on the Pro model is its battery setup. The POCO M8 Pro is tipped to feature a massive 6500mAh battery paired with 100W fast charging support. If accurate, this would place it among the fastest-charging phones in its segment, allowing users to recharge in a very short time.

The device is also expected to come with an IP68 rating, providing full dust resistance and protection against water immersion. This level of protection is still rare in the mid-range category and could be a major selling point.

Camera Details Still Under Wraps

As of now, there is no confirmed information about the camera specifications of either the POCO M8 or POCO M8 Pro. However, considering their Redmi Note counterparts, users can expect capable camera systems with improved image processing, night photography enhancements, and stable video recording.

More details about sensors, megapixel counts, and camera features are likely to surface closer to the official launch.

Expected Positioning and Launch Timeline

With a January launch expected, the POCO M8 series could play a major role in POCO’s early-2026 strategy, especially in markets like India where value-for-money smartphones are in high demand. Pricing will be key, but if POCO maintains its aggressive pricing approach, both models could become strong competitors in their respective segments.

As more leaks and official confirmations appear, a clearer picture of pricing, camera capabilities, and software features will emerge. Until then, the POCO M8 and POCO M8 Pro already look promising based on their leaked specifications alone.