POCO M8 Review: Budget Phone with a Premium Curved Display

Introduction

POCO has entered 2026 with the M8, a budget smartphone that prioritizes display quality and design over raw performance. At the Rs 15,999 effective price point, it targets buyers who want a modern curved display without premium pricing. The phone delivers on that promise with a striking 6.77-inch curved AMOLED screen, but comes with real limitations in low-light photography and processing power that buyers should understand before committing.

Design and Build Quality

The POCO M8 feels premium in hand despite its budget positioning. The curved 3D display creates a natural grip, and the phone weighs just 175.8g thanks to its 5520mAh battery, making it noticeably light compared to competitors. The design combines a shiny finish on the outer edges with a matte middle section, giving it visual distinction without looking cheap.

Durability is a genuine strength. The phone supports military standard 810H and survived drop tests from pocket height without visible damage. The reinforced glass front and plastic back absorb impact well, suggesting this phone can handle everyday use without requiring a case, though one is included in the box.

The port layout is logical: USB Type-C and microphone on the bottom, speaker grills on top and bottom for stereo sound, and a hybrid SIM tray on the left that allows microSD expansion if you sacrifice the second SIM slot. The in-display fingerprint sensor sits slightly lower than ideal, requiring a small adjustment in finger placement.

Display Quality and Multimedia

This is where the POCO M8 justifies its budget price. The 6.77-inch curved AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution (2400 x 1080) offers thin bezels and a minimal chin, creating an immersive viewing experience. The 1000 nits peak brightness in HBM mode handles outdoor use without washout, and the triple TUV certification for low-light viewing means extended evening use won’t strain your eyes.

Stereo speakers deliver loud, clear audio with good quality, making this phone genuinely enjoyable for video streaming and gaming. The curved display does introduce some reflections and distortion at extreme angles, but for normal viewing distances, the quality is excellent for the price.

Performance and Software

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor delivers mid-range performance with an AnTuTu score around 8.25L (version 11). This is adequate for everyday tasks and light gaming on medium settings, but demanding games will require compromises. The LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage are standard for this segment, with options for 6GB/128GB, 8GB/128GB, or 8GB/256GB configurations.

The phone ships with HyperOS 2.0 based on Android 15, with a commitment to four years of major updates (Android 16-19) and six years of security updates. An Android 16 upgrade should arrive within 1-2 months of purchase. The software includes Google’s Gemini integration and Circle to Search, though some third-party bloatware apps come pre-installed.

Camera Performance

The rear camera setup uses a 50MP Light Fusion 400 primary sensor paired with two additional lenses. In daylight with good lighting, photos are sharp and well-detailed. However, low-light performance is noticeably weaker, with visible noise and loss of detail in dim conditions. The 20MP selfie camera produces good skin tones and detail, with a responsive shutter speed that avoids motion blur.

Video recording maxes out at 4K 30fps on the rear and Full HD 30fps on the front. The camera app includes standard modes (Photo, Video, Portrait, Pro) plus document scanner, slow motion, time lapse, and panorama. For casual photography and social media, the camera is competent; for serious low-light work, you’ll notice its limitations.

Battery and Charging

The 5520mAh battery should deliver a full day of moderate use. The 45W charging support should reach full capacity in under an hour, and the 18W reverse wireless charging lets you use the phone as a power bank for wireless earbuds via a wired connection.

Connectivity and Features

The phone supports all 5G bands, dual-band WiFi, and Bluetooth 5.1. An IR blaster is included for controlling TVs and appliances, but NFC is absent, limiting contactless payment options. The IP65-66 rating provides dust and water resistance, and Widevine L1 support ensures HD streaming on Netflix and similar services. SAR values are within safe limits.

Software and Updates

HyperOS 2.0 provides a clean interface with useful AI features integrated throughout the system. The four-year major update commitment is solid for a budget phone, ensuring you’ll receive significant Android versions through 2030. Security updates are promised for six years, which is industry-leading at this price point.

Conclusion

The POCO M8 is a straightforward budget phone that excels at display quality and design while accepting compromises in performance and low-light photography. It makes sense for buyers who prioritize screen quality, durability, and modern aesthetics over raw processing power or camera versatility. At Rs 15,999, it represents a meaningful upgrade from the POCO M7 Pro across nearly every dimension. If you spend significant time watching videos, browsing, or using social media on your phone, the curved AMOLED display alone justifies the purchase. For heavy gaming or professional photography, look elsewhere.