Poco has officially announced the launch date for its next smartphone in the Indian market. The much-anticipated Poco M8 5G is set to debut in the country on 8 January, 2026. The brand has started building hype by revealing key design elements and confirming its partnership with a major e-commerce platform.
Launch Details and Design Preview
The launch event is scheduled for 12 PM on the announced date. Ahead of the official unveiling, a dedicated Flipkart microsite has gone live, confirming that the smartphone will be available for purchase on the e-commerce giant's platform post-launch. While the company has not hinted at any other model launching simultaneously, rumors about a potential Poco M8 Pro variant have been circulating for several days.
Poco has teased the design, showcasing a squiricle-shaped camera module at the back. This design language is familiar to users, as it bears a resemblance to camera housings seen on other recent Poco and Xiaomi devices. The company has highlighted the device's sleek profile, stating it will measure just 7.35mm in thickness and weigh a mere 178 grams, promising a comfortable and lightweight feel.
Expected Specifications and Features of Poco M8 5G
Industry speculation strongly suggests that the Poco M8 5G could be a rebranded version of the Redmi Note 15 5G, which is itself slated for an Indian debut on 6 January, 2026. If these rumors hold true, the smartphone is expected to pack impressive hardware.
The device is likely to feature a large 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and an exceptionally bright 3200 nits peak brightness. The screen is also expected to be protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i. Under the hood, it may be powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, coupled with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
For photography, leaks point to a dual-camera setup on the rear, led by a 50MP primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS), accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor. Selfie duties could be handled by a 20MP front-facing camera. A substantial 5,520 mAh battery with support for 45W wired fast charging is also on the cards. The software experience is expected to be HyperOS 2 based on Android 15. Additional premium features might include an optical under-display fingerprint scanner and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
Rumors Around the Poco M8 Pro 5G
While not confirmed by Poco, tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore has shed light on the possible specifications of a higher-end Poco M8 Pro 5G. This model is rumored to be powered by the more capable Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor. It could sport a larger 6.83-inch quad-curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, protected by the tougher Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
The camera system on the Pro model might see an upgrade, potentially featuring a 50MP main camera paired with an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens. For selfies, it could house a 32MP shooter.
Pricing Expectations and Market Context
Pricing will be a critical factor for the Poco M8 5G's success in the competitive Indian market. Its predecessor, the Poco M7, was launched in India at a starting price of ₹9,999. However, given the speculated upgrades and the fact that its alleged sibling, the Redmi Note 15 5G, is tipped to be priced around the ₹20,000 mark, the Poco M8 5G is expected to see a price hike. Industry observers predict its starting price could be above ₹15,000.
The confirmed launch on Flipkart and the strategic early teasers indicate Poco's focused approach to capturing attention in the budget-to-mid-range 5G segment. With detailed specifications and an official date now in the public domain, the countdown to January 8, 2026, has officially begun for Indian smartphone enthusiasts.
