POCO M8 5G Review: Is This “Slim King” the Best Budget 5G Phone in India?

Let’s be honest—the budget smartphone market in India is a battlefield. Every month, a new “killer” arrives, and most of them look like identical plastic slabs. But then comes the POCO M8 5G, and suddenly, everyone is talking. Launching with a massive hype at an expected price of around ₹11,999 to ₹12,999, POCO is trying to do something different this time.

The real truth is, POCO usually focuses on “raw power” while ignoring how the phone feels in your hand. But the M8 5G is a different beast. It’s being marketed as the slimmest phone in its segment, measuring just 7.35mm and weighing a mere 178 grams. In a world where budget phones are becoming heavy “bricks” because of giant batteries, POCO is betting on style and comfort.

But can a slim phone still provide heavy-duty performance? Or is this just a “fancy dress” for a mediocre device? Don’t waste your money until we dissect every single detail.

Quick Specs Table: The POCO M8 5G at a Glance

For those who want the numbers without the “gyaan,” here is the hardware that powers this device:

Feature	Specification
Display	6.77-inch Curved AMOLED, 120Hz Refresh Rate, 3200 Nits Peak Brightness
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4nm)
RAM/Storage	8GB LPDDR4X
Rear Camera	50MP Main (f/1.8) + 2MP Depth
Front Camera	20MP Selfie Shooter
Battery	5,520mAh Silicon-Carbon Battery
Charging	45W Fast Charging (Type-C)
OS	Android 15 with HyperOS 2.0
Build	7.35mm thickness, 178g weight, IP65 Rating
Security	Under-display Optical Fingerprint Sensor

Design & Build: “Designed to Slay” or Just Thin?

When you first pick up the POCO M8 5G, the first thing you notice is the weight (or lack thereof). At 178 grams, it feels light enough to disappear in your pocket. POCO has moved away from the “big yellow block” aesthetic. Instead, we get a sophisticated dual-tone finish on the back. Some variants even feature a racing-inspired look with carbon fiber-like strips.

The in-hand feel is surprisingly premium for a phone that costs less than a decent pair of noise-canceling headphones. The edges are curved, and the “squircle” camera module sits centrally, giving it a balanced look.

The real truth is: While it looks like glass, it’s mostly high-quality polycarbonate. It’s sturdy, and the IP65 rating means you don’t have to panic if you get caught in a light drizzle while waiting for your Swiggy order. However, because it’s so thin, you might find it a bit slippery without a case.

Display & Visuals: A 3200-Nit Miracle?

POCO has packed a 6.77-inch AMOLED panel here. In the sub-₹15k segment, seeing an AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate is a win. But let’s talk about that brightness claim. POCO says it hits 3200 nits peak brightness.

In our real-world outdoor test under the harsh 1:00 PM Bhopal sun, the screen was perfectly readable. You won’t have to squint while checking Google Maps. The colors are punchy, typical of AMOLED, and the FHD+ resolution keeps things sharp.

Performance & Gaming: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 Test

This is where POCO usually wins. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 is a solid mid-range 4nm chip. In daily usage—scrolling Instagram, switching between WhatsApp and Gmail, and watching YouTube—the phone is buttery smooth. HyperOS 2.0 feels significantly lighter and less “bloated” than older versions of MIUI, though you’ll still find some pre-installed apps you’ll want to delete immediately.

Gaming Performance:

• BGMI/PUBG: Runs comfortably at ‘Smooth + Ultra’ settings (40-45 FPS). If you push it to ‘HDR’, you will see occasional frame drops after 20 minutes of gameplay.
• Genshin Impact: Playable on ‘Low’ settings, but don’t expect a flagship experience.
• Heating: Thanks to the 4nm architecture, the phone stays relatively cool. It only reached 41°C after an hour of intensive gaming.

Camera Analysis: 50MP is the Magic Number?

The POCO M8 5G sports a 50MP primary sensor. Let’s be clear: don’t expect DSLR quality. In broad daylight, the photos are social-media ready—good dynamic range and natural colors. However, the secondary 2MP depth sensor is mostly there to fill up space on the spec sheet.

The 20MP selfie camera is a pleasant surprise. It captures decent skin tones without over-smoothing your face like a plastic doll.

Video Quality: It supports 4K @ 30fps, which is rare in this price bracket. Stabilization is “okay” but you’ll want to keep your hands steady or use a tripod for professional-looking clips..

Battery & Endurance: Slim Phone, Big Juice?

Usually, slim phones mean tiny batteries. But POCO has used a 5,520mAh Silicon-Carbon battery. This is “new-age” tech that allows for higher energy density in a smaller space.

• Charging Speed: It supports 45W fast charging. It charges from 0-50% in roughly 31 minutes and takes about 72 minutes for a full 100% charge.
• Drain Test: With heavy usage (5G on, 120Hz enabled, 2 hours of gaming), the phone easily lasted a full day with 15% left at bedtime.

Read more : Oppo Find X9 Pro

The Competition: POCO M8 5G vs The Rivals

In 2026, the budget segment is crowded. Here is how the POCO M8 5G stands against its biggest enemies: Realme Narzo 90X and Moto G57 Power.

Comparison Table

Feature	POCO M8 5G	Realme Narzo 90X	Moto G57 Power
Price	~₹12,499	~₹13,999	~₹11,999
Display	120Hz AMOLED	144Hz LCD	120Hz LCD
Processor	Snapdragon 6 Gen 3	Dimensity 6300	Snapdragon 6s Gen 4
Battery	5,520mAh	7,000mAh	7,000mAh
Thickness	7.35mm (Slimmest)	8.5mm	9.1mm
Charging	45W	60W	33W

The Analysis:

• Realme Narzo 90X is for the battery obsessed. If you want a 7,000mAh monster and don’t care about a thick phone, go for Realme.
• Moto G57 Power offers a cleaner Android experience but uses an inferior LCD screen.
• Winner: The POCO M8 5G wins on the Display and Design front. It’s the only one offering a premium AMOLED screen and a slim profile that doesn’t feel like a brick in your pocket.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The POCO M8 5G is a “balanced” phone. It doesn’t have the biggest battery or the fastest charging in the world, but it offers the best display and most comfortable design in the sub-₹13,000 category.

Buy it if:

• You want a phone that looks and feels expensive (Slim & Light).
• You watch a lot of content (The AMOLED screen is beautiful).
• You want a solid 5G experience on a budget.

Skip it if:

• You are a hardcore gamer (Go for the POCO X-series instead).
• You want a 2-day battery life (Realme is better for this).
• You hate HyperOS/Bloatware.

FAQs (People Also Ask)