POCO, that first entered the market under the longer name Poco by Xiaomi, appears ready to open the year 2026 with another addition to its catalogue. The company plans to introduce the POCO M8 5G in India next week, positioning it squarely in the mid-range tier. If the schedule holds, the phone will go on sale on January 8, 2026.
In advance of the launch, POCO has chosen to reveal very little, offering instead a single promotional visual released through its Indian social media accounts. This limited preview serves mainly to establish the phone’s outward look. The images suggest a pronounced dual-tone finish, which the company presents as a sign of its renewed concern with visual appeal, build quality, and the ordinary uses of everyday life.
Slim Profile Claims but Specifications Remain Under Wraps
POCO has also claimed that the handset will be the slimmest in its segment, again drawing attention to the premium character of its exterior. Apart from these assertions, concrete information remains scarce. The firm has said that further specifications and features will be disclosed nearer to the launch, leaving the device, for the moment, defined more by suggestion than by detail.
POCO Expands Its Budget Lineup with a Recent 5G Launch
In a related development, POCO has also, in recent days, introduced the POCO C85 5G to the Indian market, placing it below the twelve-thousand-rupee mark. The device is built around a large 6000mAh battery and a notably slim body measuring 7.99mm, paired with a 6.9-inch HD+ screen. It is further equipped with IP64 certification, intended to offer a basic defence against dust and water.
Processor, Software, and Update Commitments
The phone runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor and operates on HyperOS 2.0, based on Android 15. The company has made particular mention of its software policy, stating that the handset will receive two future Android version upgrades and four years of security updates, a commitment it describes as unusually generous for this price bracket.
Fast Charging and Reverse Charging Capabilities
Charging has also been emphasized. With support for 33W fast charging, the battery can reportedly reach half capacity in under half an hour. In addition, a 10W wired reverse-charging feature allows the phone to serve, when required, as a power source for other devices such as wireless earbuds, smart watches, or even another phone.
Camera Setup, Colour Options, and India Pricing
In terms of imaging, the handset carries a 50-megapixel dual rear camera system supported by software enhancements, along with an 8-megapixel front camera. Buyers may choose from three dual-tone colour options: Mystic Purple, Spring Green, and Power Black. Sales are scheduled to begin on Flipkart from December 16, with pricing set at ₹10,999 for the 4GB and 128GB model, ₹11,999 for the 6GB and 128GB version, and ₹13,499 for the top variant offering 8GB of RAM with the same storage.
Final Words
POCO seems to be bent on entering 2026 with the type of low-profile mystery that would have a spy novelist proud. Nevertheless, with the recently released C85 5G providing at least some hint, POCO appears to be determined to provide decent features without forcing its customers to sell their houses. The C85 is already making itself firmly established in the budget segment with its generous software support and reverse-charging party trick.
It is yet to be determined whether the M8 5G can prove its mid-range aspirations. Until January 8, however, both fans and budget-conscious buyers will have to wait to find out whether POCO has the content to match the appearance of the latest product, or whether it is another good-looking face in an increasingly crowded smartphone category.
