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| The Poco M7 Pro. |
Following the successful global rollout of the POCO F8 series, Xiaomi's spirited sub-brand is gearing up for its next act. Fresh leaks have now painted a clearer picture of the upcoming POCO M8, set to debut alongside the more premium POCO M8 Pro in a global one-two punch early next year.
The information, which aligns with earlier rumors, suggests POCO is preparing a formidable duo to dominate the budget-conscious performance segment.
Global Launch Timeline and Model Strategy
According to a detailed post by reliable tipster Yogesh Brar on X, the global unveiling for both the POCO M8 and M8 Pro is currently slated for January. This positions the devices as Xiaomi's first major smartphone play of 2025.
"The POCO M8 series looks like a global rebadge of the Redmi Note 15 series from China, with the vanilla model bringing great specs for its tier," Brar noted in his social media update. You can see his full leak breakdown here.
While the global curtain is set to rise in January, the timeline for the crucial Indian market may differ. Industry chatter points to a potential staggered release, with the POCO M8 Pro possibly arriving in India around February. Official dates from POCO are still awaited.
POCO M8: Leaked Specifications and Potential Heritage
The leaks provide a surprisingly comprehensive look at the standard POCO M8. If the specs hold, it promises to be a compelling package:
- Display: A large, fluid 6.7-inch FHD+ OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals.
- Performance: At its heart is expected to be the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, a capable chipset designed for efficient everyday performance and gaming.
- Camera System: The rear camera is tipped to feature a 50MP primary sensor, while selfie lovers might get a high-resolution 20MP front-facing camera.
- Battery & Charging: A substantial 5,520mAh battery is rumored, supported by 45W fast charging, aiming to eliminate battery anxiety.
These specifications strongly hint that the global POCO M8 will be based on the Chinese variant of the Redmi Note 15, continuing POCO's strategy of reintroducing Redmi models with a performance-focused twist and aggressive pricing.
The Premium Sibling: POCO M8 Pro Specs Recap
The POCO M8 Pro, as previously leaked, is shaping up to be a true spec champion for its category:
- Display: A larger, sharper 6.83-inch 1.5K (likely 1220p) 120Hz OLED display.
- Performance: A more powerful Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset.
- Camera: A 50MP main rear camera paired with an even higher-resolution 32MP selfie shooter.
- Battery & Charging: A massive 6,500mAh battery paired with incredibly fast 100W wired charging.
Market Outlook and Competition
The impending launch of the POCO M8 series signals an aggressive start to 2025 for Xiaomi. By offering two distinct tiers—one balancing cost and features (M8) and another pushing the boundaries of mid-range specs (M8 Pro)—POCO seems poised to directly challenge competitors like Realme, Samsung's Galaxy A series, and even its own Redmi lineup.
With strong screens, large batteries, and capable processors, the series' success will likely hinge on POCO's final pricing and market-specific availability. All eyes are now on the official January launch event for confirmation.