The Xiaomi Poco M8 is a feature-packed budget smartphone designed for students and heavy social media users, officially launching in Pakistan on 15 October 2024. Priced at Rs. 44,999 (approximately $162), it aims to offer premium performance at an accessible price point for the local market. You can check the latest availability and official warranty details at the official Xiaomi Pakistan website at www.mi-pk.com.
Key details
- Official Launch Date: 15 October 2024
- Price in Pakistan: Rs. 44,999
- Price in US Dollars: $162
- Official Website: www.mi-pk.com
- Key Specs: 6.79-inch display, 50MP main camera, 5000mAh battery
Design & Build
The Poco M8 sports a modern aesthetic with a glass-back finish that feels surprisingly premium for a budget handset. It weighs 199 grams and features a flat-edge design that makes it easy to grip during long gaming sessions. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is snappy, and the inclusion of an IP53 dust and splash resistance rating provides peace of mind for daily Pakistani usage.
Display
The phone features a 6.79-inch IPS LCD panel with a 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling through your social media feeds. With a resolution of 1080 x 2460 pixels and a peak brightness of 550 nits, the display remains readable indoors and in moderate outdoor light. While it is not an AMOLED panel, the color reproduction is punchy enough for streaming content on YouTube or Netflix.
Performance
Under the hood, the Poco M8 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G91 Ultra chipset paired with 8GB of RAM. In real-world testing, it handles multitasking and light gaming (like PUBG Mobile on low-to-medium settings) without significant stuttering. The 256GB of internal storage is a generous inclusion, allowing you to store plenty of photos and apps without needing an immediate memory card upgrade.
Camera
The device houses a 50MP primary sensor that performs well in daylight, capturing sharp images with decent dynamic range. You also get a 2MP depth sensor for portrait shots. In low-light conditions, the camera struggles slightly with noise, but the Night Mode helps balance the exposure. The 8MP front camera is sufficient for video calls and clear selfies under good lighting.
Battery
Equipped with a massive 5000mAh battery, the Poco M8 easily lasts a full day of heavy usage. Even with gaming and constant 4G data usage, you will likely end the day with 15-20% battery remaining. The 33W fast charging support is a welcome addition, taking the phone from 0% to 100% in approximately 75 minutes, which is standard for this price bracket.
Verdict
The Xiaomi Poco M8 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable daily driver under Rs. 45,000. It balances performance, battery life, and a clean display effectively. While the camera underperforms in dark settings, the overall value provided by its generous storage and fast charging makes it one of the most competitive options in the Pakistani market today.