Poco is aggressively repositioning its budget-focused M-series with the upcoming M8 5G, confirming a suite of premium specifications ahead of its official release. The Xiaomi subsidiary announced on Thursday that the new handset will feature a curved display and an extended software support commitment, signaling a shift to challenge the definition of entry-level 5G devices when it launches in India on January 8.
Bringing Curves to the Budget Segment
The most visible departure from previous generations is the screen technology. The Poco M8 5G will utilize a 6.77-inch 3D curved display, a feature typically reserved for mid-range “Pro” models. The panel offers a resolution of 2,392 x 1,080 pixels and supports a 120Hz refresh rate for fluid navigation.
Beyond the curve, Poco is emphasizing visibility and usability. The company claims the screen achieves a peak brightness of 3,200 nits, which would make it one of the brightest panels in its class, ensuring legibility under direct sunlight. Additionally, the display integrates “Wet Touch 2.0” technology, designed to maintain touch responsiveness even when the screen or the user’s hands are wet—a practical addition for a device likely to see everyday outdoor use.
Processor Upgrades and Efficiency
Under the hood, the M8 5G will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset. This marks a significant performance leap over the previous generation. Internal testing data shared by Poco indicates an AnTuTu benchmark score exceeding 825,000, which represents an 83 percent performance increase compared to the older Poco M7 5G.
To support this processing power, the hardware configuration includes up to 16GB of RAM. It is worth noting that this figure includes 8GB of “virtual” memory, which borrows from the storage drive, meaning the physical RAM is likely capped at 8GB. The focus on the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 suggests a balance between raw speed and battery efficiency, crucial for the budget segment.
A Flagship-Level Software Commitment
Perhaps the most surprising announcement is the device’s software longevity. Poco has committed to providing four years of major Android OS updates and six years of security patches for the M8 5G. This level of support is virtually unheard of in the sub-₹20,000 price bracket, where most devices receive only one or two major updates.
Out of the box, the phone will run HyperOS 2, based on Android 15. The company also confirmed that an update to Android 16 (HyperOS 3) will follow shortly after launch. This strategy addresses a common criticism of budget phones—planned obsolescence—by ensuring the device remains secure and feature-current through 2030.
Durability and Imaging Hardware
Despite the move to a more fragile curved screen, the chassis is built for durability. The device measures just 7.35mm thick and weighs 178g, yet it has secured SGS MIL-STD-810 certification for ruggedness. It also carries an IP66 rating, offering protection against powerful water jets and dust ingress.
On the imaging front, the M8 5G adopts a new aesthetic with a centrally aligned, “squircle” camera module. The primary shooter uses a 50-megapixel sensor enhanced by AI processing, paired with a secondary sensor and LED flash.
Market Impact & Context
Poco’s decision to offer four years of OS updates on a budget device disrupts the current market hierarchy. Traditionally, long-term software support has been the primary differentiator for Samsung’s Galaxy A-series in this segment. By matching Samsung on support and offering a curved display—a feature Samsung has largely abandoned in non-flagship models—Poco is aggressively targeting the value-conscious buyer who keeps their phone for several years.
This move forces competitors like Realme and Motorola to reconsider their own support lifecycles. If consumers begin to expect four years of updates as a standard feature rather than a premium luxury, it could squeeze margins across the entire budget smartphone industry, ultimately benefiting the end user.
Launch Details
The Poco M8 5G is scheduled to debut in India on January 8 at 12:00 PM IST. Retail availability will be exclusive to Flipkart, with final pricing details expected to be the centerpiece of the launch event.
