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| The Poco X8 series already consists of four models, Poco X8 pictured. |
The Xiaomi Poco X8 series is about to get a whole lot bigger—and more powerful. After a busy year that saw the launch of the Poco X8 Pro, Pro Max, and the standard Poco X8, Xiaomi is reportedly preparing to add a fifth member to the family: the Poco X8s.
Thanks to a series of new regulatory and benchmark listings, we now have our first concrete look at what this mid-range powerhouse will offer. It appears the Poco X8s is gearing up for a global release, and it won't be short on performance.
Global Release Confirmed via IMDA and Geekbench
The strongest evidence yet comes from the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) in Singapore. A device bearing the model number 2609CPC5FG has been listed, confirming that Xiaomi is preparing a global variant. The "G" at the end of the model number is a telltale sign of a global model, distinguishing it from Chinese ("C") or Indian ("I") variants.
This listing aligns perfectly with a recent Geekbench sighting of the same device. The benchmark results confirm that the phone will run on Android 16 out of the box, which is a significant leap for the Poco X series.
According to reliable tipster Anvin (@ZionsAnvin) on X, the device has officially been spotted at both Geekbench and IMDA, solidifying the leak. The tipster notes the device will feature the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and Android 16.
A Massive Performance Leap
The inclusion of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 is a major upgrade for the "s" model. To put it in perspective, the standard Poco X8 (released earlier this year) runs on the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4. The move to the 7-series chipset means the Poco X8s will offer significantly better processing power, improved AI capabilities, and superior gaming performance.
The Geekbench listing specifically highlights a 12GB RAM configuration. This is a generous amount of memory for a mid-range device, ensuring smooth multitasking and future-proofing for heavy apps. It is likely Xiaomi will also offer a cheaper 8GB variant in select markets, but the 12GB version is the one currently making the rounds.
Design, Camera, and Launch Timeline
While the benchmark confirms the brain of the phone, earlier reports from XimiTime shed light on the camera and launch strategy.
The Poco X8s is expected to feature a 50-megapixel main camera. Leaks suggest the camera system will support multiple focal lengths, including 0.6X ultrawide, 1X standard, and a 2.5X zoom mode. The 2.5X zoom could be achieved via pixel binning or a dedicated telephoto lens, which would be a rare feature in this price bracket.
Interestingly, XimiTime notes that the Poco X8s will be sold under the Redmi brand in China (likely as the Redmi Note 15 series or similar), while the global market will receive it as the Poco X8s. The "2609" model number suggests a September 2026 launch window, meaning the announcement is likely just weeks away.
What About the Rest of the Lineup?
The Poco X8s will join a crowded but well-received lineup:
- Poco X8 Pro & Pro Max: Launched in March 2026, these are currently available on Amazon and are known for their MediaTek processors.
- Poco X8: A budget-friendly option launched in September with the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4.
With the X8s, Xiaomi is clearly targeting users who want a step up in performance without breaking the bank. The combination of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 and 12GB of RAM makes it a compelling competitor to the likes of the Nothing Phone (2a) and the Samsung Galaxy A56.
Pricing and Availability
As of now, pricing remains a mystery. However, given the specs and the current market trend, we expect the Poco X8s to launch somewhere in the $350–$450 range. Given the IMDA listing, Singapore is likely to be one of the first markets to receive the device, alongside Europe and other Asian regions.
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the official launch.
