POCO · Reviewed by Domingo Gomes · Published 2026-04-25
Based on a review by Domingo Gomes (accessed 2026-04-25).
Based on this review alone: worth considering for strong raw performance for its price point., but minimal evolutionary improvements over the poco x7 pro, which is much cheaper. is a real trade-off.
The reviewer concludes that the POCO X8 Pro is a good phone for under 300 euros if raw performance is the primary focus. However, he generally advises that the older POCO X7 Pro offers better value due to minimal improvements in the X8 Pro, and suggests alternatives like the POCO F8 Pro for a more premium experience, especially considering the X8 Pro's limitations in emulation.
The review compares the POCO X8 Pro to its predecessor, the X7 Pro, and several other smartphones in its price range. It evaluates the X8 Pro's design, display, speaker quality, camera hardware, and performance through benchmarks, real-world app tests, and gaming/emulation demonstrations.
The POCO X8 Pro is a solid contender in the sub-€300 market, especially if raw performance is your top priority. While its design is more compact and comfortable to hold, and battery life improved by an hour in PCMark tests compared to its predecessor, its overall camera and processing power show only marginal gains over the significantly cheaper X7 Pro. Furthermore, software optimization lags behind some competitors, and emulator compatibility is limited due to MediaTek drivers. If you need a powerful Android phone for general use and mobile gaming from the Play Store, this is a viable option. If you require top-tier system fluidity or broad emulator support, you should explore other devices.
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The POCO X7 Pro is about 90 euros cheaper in Spain and nearly 30 percent cheaper in Mexico compared to the X8 Pro, offering better value for money.
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The reviewer did not notice the POCO X8 Pro's screen being brighter as claimed, and found its panel to be slightly worse calibrated with warmer whites.
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The POCO X8 Pro's speakers are still very good, providing an enjoyable audio experience.
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The cameras on the POCO X8 Pro are exactly the same as those found in the previous year's model.
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Benchmarks for the POCO X8 Pro are very similar to its predecessor, indicating only a slight evolution in its processor.
measurement_testneutralt=1:20–1:24
In a CapCut video export test, the POCO X8 Pro achieved the same time of 2 minutes and 32 seconds as the previous model.
reviewer_claimpositivet=4:09–4:18
The POCO X8 Pro features a more compact design with much more rounded edges, which the reviewer personally likes and finds feels better in hand.
measurement_testpositivet=4:23–4:29
The POCO X8 Pro's battery life objectively improved, providing one additional hour in the PCMark battery test at 120 Hz.
hands_on_demopositivet=5:10–5:16
The reviewer demonstrates playing Wuthering Waves on the POCO X8 Pro without any problems, indicating decent fluidity for standard Android games.
hands_on_demopositivet=5:22–5:26
The reviewer successfully emulated Ballexpeed using Game Hub on the POCO X8 Pro, indicating it runs well.
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The POCO X8 Pro had a failed start with Sea of Stars emulation but eventually executed the game, though the reviewer noted occasional stutters.
hands_on_demonegativet=5:38–6:08
The POCO X8 Pro failed to run Hades 2 due to processor drivers, and experienced errors or crashes with Cassette Beast and Disco Elysium emulation.
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In an app opening and closing speed test, the POCO X8 Pro was slower than both Nothing phones (with 12GB RAM) and the Galaxy A56 (with 8GB RAM).
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After updating and retesting the POCO X7 Pro, its app opening speed results were described as "very different" compared to the X8 Pro, implying a significant performance delta where the X8 Pro did not show a clear advantage.
The reviewer states the POCO X8 Pro is a very small evolution from the X7 Pro, with similar processors, camera hardware, benchmark results, and video export times. While design and battery life show slight improvements, the X7 Pro is significantly cheaper, making it a better value according to the reviewer.
The POCO X8 Pro performs decently for games from the Play Store, such as Wuthering Waves. However, for emulation, it faces significant challenges, including occasional stutters (Sea of Stars) and outright failure to run some games like Hades 2, Cassette Beast, and Disco Elysium due to processor driver compatibility issues.
The reviewer noted an objective improvement in battery life for the POCO X8 Pro. In the PCMark battery test conducted at 120 Hz, it delivered an additional hour of usage compared to the previous model.
In an app opening and closing speed test, the POCO X8 Pro was found to be slower than both Nothing phones (which have 12GB RAM) and the Samsung Galaxy A56 (with 8GB RAM). The reviewer also noted a significant difference when comparing it to an updated POCO X7 Pro.
The reviewer found the POCO X8 Pro's speakers to be very good, similar to the previous generation. However, despite claims of increased brightness, the reviewer did not notice an improvement and felt the panel was slightly worse calibrated, with warmer whites.
The POCO X8 Pro boasts an updated design that is more compact and features significantly more rounded edges. The reviewer personally appreciates this change, finding that it makes the phone feel better and more comfortable in hand.
75/100 source quality
Domingo Gomes reviews the POCO X8 Pro, highlighting its similarities to the POCO X7 Pro and comparing it against other mid-range devices. He notes that the X8 Pro offers only a slight evolution in processor performance, with benchmarks and video export times being nearly identical to its predecessor. While praising its improved design and slightly better battery life, he points out significant limitations in game emulation due to its MediaTek processor. Ultimately, he recommends the X7 Pro for better value or the F8 Pro for a more advanced experience, suggesting the X8 Pro is best for those prioritizing raw performance from the Play Store.
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This page converts Domingo Gomes's review of the POCO POCO X8 Pro into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.
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