POCO has officially launched the POCO X8 Pro Series in the Philippines, introducing the POCO X8 Pro Max, POCO X8 Pro, and the special POCO X8 Pro – Iron Man Edition.

Price and availability

The new lineup will be available through Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop nationwide, with an Early Bird Sale running from March 17 to March 26, 2026.

Pricing for the series starts at PHP 15,499 for the POCO X8 Pro during the early bird promo. Meanwhile, the POCO X8 Pro Max starts at PHP 18,999, while the POCO X8 Pro – Iron Man Edition (12GB + 512GB) is also priced at PHP 18,999. Buyers during the promo period can also receive an additional PHP 500 voucher discount.

In the Philippines, the POCO X8 Pro Max will be available in White, Black, and Blue, in 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB configurations. The POCO X8 Pro comes in Black, White, and Mint Green, with 8GB + 256GB, 8GB + 512GB, and 12GB + 512GB variants.

Performance-focused X Pro series

The POCO X8 Pro Series marks the brand’s shift from the traditional X Series to the new X Pro Series, designed to deliver flagship-level performance and endurance at competitive price points.

Leading the lineup is the POCO X8 Pro Max, which globally debuts with the Dimensity 9500s flagship chipset built on a 3nm process. The chip features a 4+4 all-big-core CPU design with clock speeds up to 3.73GHz, delivering an AnTuTu score of more than 3 million.

The POCO X8 Pro is powered by the Dimensity 8500-Ultra mobile platform, offering improved GPU performance and greater power efficiency compared to its predecessor.

Both phones also support hardware-level ray tracing and POCO’s WildBoost Optimization, which helps maintain smoother frame rates and reduce power consumption during intensive gaming.

Large batteries and fast charging

Battery capacity is another highlight of the lineup.

The POCO X8 Pro Max features an 8,500mAh battery, the largest ever used in a POCO smartphone, which the company says can deliver up to two days of battery life on a single charge.

Meanwhile, the POCO X8 Pro uses a 6,500mAh silicon-carbon battery designed to offer strong endurance while keeping the device relatively compact.

Both devices support 100W HyperCharge as well as 27W reverse charging, allowing users to charge other devices when needed.

Displays, cameras, and software

The POCO X8 Pro Max features a 6.83-inch display, while the POCO X8 Pro has a 6.59-inch panel. Both screens can reach up to 3,500 nits peak brightness for improved outdoor visibility.

On the camera side, both devices feature a 50MP main camera and a 20MP front camera. The Pro Max uses the Light Fusion 600 sensor, while the standard model uses a Sony IMX882 sensor.

The phones run on Xiaomi HyperOS 3, with features such as Xiaomi HyperConnect, HyperIsland, Google Gemini, and Circle to Search integrated into the system.

POCO is also continuing its collaboration with Marvel through the POCO X8 Pro – Iron Man Edition, which features a black-and-gold design inspired by Tony Stark’s armor along with a customized Iron Man-themed interface.

DJI has officially introduced the Inspire 3 Basic Package, a streamlined kit designed to lower the barrier of entry for professional aerial cinematography.

Since its debut in 2023, the Inspire 3 has established itself as the primary choice for studio film and television productions.

This new package provides a cost-effective path for independent filmmakers to integrate 8K aerial imaging into their workflow or for production houses to scale their existing fleet.

Cinema-grade performance in a portable form factor

The Inspire 3 remains a revolutionary all-in-one drone, built to handle the rigorous demands of high-end sets.

At the core of the package is the Zenmuse X9-8K Air Gimbal Camera, which features dual native ISO and more than 14 stops of dynamic range.

These specifications translate to high-fidelity footage that retains authentic colors and accurate skin tones, even when filming in challenging urban environments or varying lighting conditions.

By utilizing the DJI Cinema Color System (DCCS) and the O3 Pro transmission system, the drone acts as a reliable partner in movement, ensuring that technical performance supports the creative vision without the need for overly complex setups.

Essential tools for modern production

The Basic Package is curated to include the core hardware necessary for professional use while allowing for modular expansion. The kit features:

• The Inspire 3 Aircraft and Zenmuse X9-8K Air Gimbal Camera
• Four TB51 Intelligent Batteries to support extended shooting schedules
• Specialized storage solutions, including the Inspire 3 Trolley Case and Gimbal Camera Case

Filmmakers who require the full ecosystem can still purchase key peripherals separately, such as the RC Plus remote controller, allowing the gear to grow alongside their specific project needs.

Price, availability

The DJI Inspire 3 Basic Package is available starting today through authorized retailers and the official DJI store. The package retails for PhP 615,049.

This release reinforces the philosophy that while technology provides the tools, the focus remains on the life and stories captured through the lens.

Subscribers of Smart Communications and its value brand TNT enjoy the best mobile video experience in the Philippines, according to a new recognition from Ookla, the global network intelligence firm behind Speedtest.

Smart recently earned the Best Mobile Video Experience award based on analysis of Speedtest Intelligence data covering Q3 to Q4 2025.

The award measures users’ real-world quality of experience when streaming video over mobile networks. It evaluates three equally weighted factors: fast video start time, uninterrupted playback, and the ability to stream in full HD resolution.

Smart achieved a Video Score of 78.60, the highest among mobile operators nationwide.

Ookla’s methodology reflects the percentage of users who experience video start times of less than two seconds, minimal rebuffering interruptions, and 1080p or higher resolution in most playbacks.

For subscribers, this translates to smoother streaming of content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Netflix without long loading times or constant buffering.

Customers also benefit from faster video start times and clearer HD playback whether they are watching trending series during a commute, livestreaming events, sharing short-form videos, or tuning in to sports and concerts on their phones.

Filipinos among the world’s top video consumers

“We are proud to recognize Smart for winning Best Video Experience in the Philippines,” said Stephen Bye, President and CEO of Ookla. “This accolade is a testament to their industry-leading performance, as proven by Ookla’s methodology.”

Smart says the recognition reflects its ongoing investment in strengthening its mobile network.

“This latest recognition affirms our continued efforts in strengthening our network to support the growing digital needs of Filipinos, who are among the top video consumers in the world today,” said Debbie M. Hu, First Vice President and Head of Wireless Networks at Smart.

According to the Digital 2026 Report by Meltwater and We Are Social, Filipinos spend 20.48 hours per week watching online videos — the second highest in the world after Kenya.

“As video increasingly becomes the primary way people learn, work, and entertain themselves online, we remain focused on delivering a consistently superior streaming experience for our customers,” Hu added.

Back-to-back network recognitions

The latest award follows an earlier recognition from Ookla for Best Mobile Latency in the Philippines, highlighting the responsiveness of Smart’s network.

Low latency refers to the reduced delay between sending and receiving data. It plays a crucial role in delivering smooth experiences for real-time applications such as video streaming, online gaming, and video calls.

“Winning both the Best Mobile Video Experience and Best Mobile Latency awards reflects our goal of continuously elevating the digital experience of our customers,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, First Vice President and co-OIC at Smart.

“As demand for high-quality video continues to grow, Smart will keep investing in network innovation to ensure Filipinos across the country continue to enjoy world-class mobile experiences wherever they are,” added Marjorie C. Garrovillo, also First Vice President and co-OIC at Smart.

The recognition also supports the broader mission of the PLDT Group to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and help build a more connected nation.