Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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Reviewing Xiaomi's Poco X8 Pro Max, an incredibly good value mid-range smartphone boasting an 8500mAh battery with 100W charging and impressive gaming chops. The Poco X8 Pro Max may lack a telephoto camera but it's still a dependable snapper, and in many ways matches the best flagship phones in 2026.

If you're after an affordable handset that's not cack like the iPhone 17e, this is a solid rival for the Nothing Phone 4a Pro and my other favourites. The Poco X8 Pro Max will satisfy even the most demanding users, even gamers, with excellent performance. That enormous battery provides a full weekend of multi-purpose action on a single charge, while the display is fantastic for movies, gaming and everything else.

The Poco X8 Pro Max uses Xiaomi's own HyperOS 3 launcher, which unfortunately does ape some Apple design unnecessarily. However, some software gripes aside, there's not too much more to complain about here. It's certainly one of the best value phones of 2026 so far.

Check out my reviews of the Nothing Phone 4a Pro and that regular 4a for more on the Poco X8 Pro Max's biggest rivals from March. Let us know your thoughts below!

Xiaomi Poco X8 Pro Max Review Chapters:
0:00 - Bit that everyone skips
0:50 - Design
2:47 - RGB shenanigans
3:59 - Features & HyperOS 3
6:47 - Display & audio
8:58 - Performance & gaming
10:39 - Battery life
12:26 - Cameras
16:03 - Verdict