News
POCO introduces X8 Pro Series with Dimensity 9500s
Next-gen performance push
POCO has officially introduced the new POCO X8 Pro Series, expanding its performance-focused lineup with the POCO X8 Pro Max, POCO X8 Pro, and the POCO X8 Pro – Iron Man Edition.
Announced in Beijing on March 17, the new devices shift the brand’s X Series into the X Pro Series, positioning the lineup around flagship-level performance, larger batteries, and premium design aimed at power users and mobile gamers.
“With the new POCO X8 Pro Series, we’ve made cutting-edge technology and flagship-level experiences more accessible to users around the world,” said Kang Lou, Senior Product Marketing Manager and spokesperson at POCO Global.
For the first time, the lineup introduces a Pro Max model, which POCO says is designed to push the boundaries of extreme performance while the standard X8 Pro focuses on delivering strong all-around value.
Flagship performance leads the lineup
At the top of the series is the POCO X8 Pro Max, which globally debuts with the Dimensity 9500s flagship chipset. Built on a 3nm process, the chip uses a 4+4 all-big-core CPU design with clock speeds up to 3.73GHz and delivers an AnTuTu score of more than 3 million.
The device pairs the chip with LPDDR5X RAM running at up to 9600Mbps and UFS 4.1 storage for faster data access and smoother everyday performance.
Meanwhile, the POCO X8 Pro introduces the Dimensity 8500-Ultra platform. POCO says the chip offers a 15.8 percent AnTuTu performance increase compared to its predecessor along with a 25 percent boost in GPU performance.
Both models also support hardware-level ray tracing, enabling more realistic lighting and reflections in supported games.
POCO also integrates its WildBoost Optimization system across the lineup. The feature predicts computing demand for each frame in a game and adjusts resources in real time to prevent frame drops while improving power efficiency.
The system also supports several gaming enhancements including smart frame rate adjustment, 1.5K super resolution, Game HDR, and 24x super-resolution touch input.
To manage heat during extended gaming sessions, the devices also feature POCO’s IceLoop cooling systems. The POCO X8 Pro Max includes a 5,800mm² 3D IceLoop cooling system with a specialized bulge above the chipset, while the POCO X8 Pro uses a 5,300mm² dual-layer IceLoop cooling solution.
Massive batteries and fast charging
Battery capacity is another highlight of the new lineup.
The POCO X8 Pro Max features what the company says is the largest battery ever in a POCO smartphone at 8,500mAh, delivering up to two days of battery life on a single charge.
POCO also claims the battery retains more than 80 percent of its capacity after 1,600 charge cycles, which it says is equivalent to around six years of regular use.
The standard POCO X8 Pro packs a 6,500mAh silicon-carbon battery designed to provide longer endurance while keeping the device relatively compact.
Both devices support 100W HyperCharge and 27W reverse charging.
Smart charging features are also built into the system to regulate charging speed and temperature, helping maintain battery health while keeping the device stable during fast charging.
Displays and audio designed for immersion
The POCO X8 Pro Max features a 6.83-inch display, while the POCO X8 Pro comes with a slightly smaller 6.59-inch panel.
Both displays can reach up to 3,500 nits peak brightness across 25 percent of the screen for improved outdoor visibility.
The panels use new M10 materials with updated red luminous components designed to improve brightness efficiency while reducing power consumption.
On the X8 Pro specifically, POCO says the new material improves luminous efficiency by up to 20 percent compared to the previous generation.
The lineup also supports 3840Hz PWM dimming and carries triple TÜV Rheinland eye-care certifications.
For audio, the POCO X8 Pro Max features dual symmetrical 1115F speakers with Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos support. The phone also includes a 400 percent volume boost mode for louder playback in open environments.
Premium design and durability
The POCO X8 Pro Series adopts a minimalist design with a metal frame and fiberglass back on the Pro Max model.
Both devices feature racetrack-inspired camera modules paired with a Dynamic RGB light that reacts to notifications, charging, gaming, music playback, and camera activity.
Durability is also a focus for the lineup. Both models use Corning Gorilla Glass 7i and carry multiple dust and water resistance ratings including IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K.
The POCO X8 Pro Max also earned a five-star SGS Premium Performance Certification for resistance to drops, crushing, and bending.
Camera system and AI features
Both phones feature a 50-megapixel main camera paired with a 20-megapixel front camera.
The Pro Max uses the Light Fusion 600 sensor, while the standard X8 Pro uses Sony’s IMX882 sensor for its main camera.
POCO says the system is designed to deliver sharp images and stable results across various lighting conditions.
Additional shooting features include UltraSnap for capturing fast-moving subjects and Dynamic shots for motion photos.
The devices also support seamless conversion between video and live photos along with an AI Creativity Assistant designed to simplify editing and image enhancement.
HyperOS 3 and AI features
The new lineup runs on Xiaomi HyperOS 3 and introduces several connected features.
Xiaomi HyperConnect enables easier interaction across devices, while HyperIsland brings live activity support for apps.
Google Gemini and Circle to Search are also integrated into the system for AI assistance and faster information lookup.
One new feature introduced in the series is Ticket Purchase Mode, which optimizes touch responsiveness and processing performance when trying to secure tickets during high-demand sales.
The phones also support Xiaomi Offline Communication, allowing voice calls even without a mobile network.
The POCO X8 Pro Max also includes eSIM support for easier setup and international travel.
Iron Man Edition returns
POCO is also continuing its collaboration with Marvel through the POCO X8 Pro – Iron Man Edition.
The special version features a black body with gold accents inspired by one of Tony Stark’s black-and-gold armors. The camera module design integrates an Arc Reactor-inspired flash element.
The theme extends into the software as well, with an Iron Man-themed interface that appears when the device powers on.
Availability
- The POCO X8 Pro Max will be available in White, Black, and Blue with two configurations: 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB.
- The POCO X8 Pro will come in Black, White, and Mint Green with three configurations: 8GB + 256GB, 8GB + 512GB, and 12GB + 512GB.
- The POCO X8 Pro – Iron Man Edition will be available in a single 12GB + 512GB configuration.
Pricing and availability will vary by region.
Singapore pricing
In Singapore, the POCO X8 Pro Series will be available with early bird pricing from March 17 to April 5.
The POCO X8 Pro Max (12GB + 256GB) is priced at SGD 589, with an early bird price of SGD 559, while the 12GB + 512GB variant retails for SGD 619 and drops to SGD 599 during the promo period.
Meanwhile, the POCO X8 Pro (8GB + 256GB) has a recommended retail price of SGD 469, with an early bird price of SGD 439. The 12GB + 512GB configuration is priced at SGD 519, discounted to SGD 489 during the launch promotion.
Gaming
Call of Duty drops the PlayStation 4 starting with its next game
Is this the beginning of the end for the PlayStation 4?
When can we declare that a console is officially dead? Is it as soon as the launch of the next generation? Is it when games no longer come out on the console? Recently, Call of Duty has confirmed that the next game will not be available anymore on the PlayStation 4, which presents an important question: Is the PlayStation 4 officially dead?
Call of Duty is one of the most persistent gaming franchises today. The last entry, Black Ops 7, is still available for the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One. Both consoles were launched over twelve years ago. (If that doesn’t make you old, the current generation was launched almost six years ago.)
As such, the franchise is one of the last stalwarts keeping the past generation alive. This week, Call of Duty, via a post on X, confirmed that the next game will not arrive on the PlayStation 4. Presumably, this also means the Xbox One.
Not sure where this one started, but it’s not true. The next Call of Duty is not being developed for PS4.
— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) May 4, 2026
Currently, we don’t have details about the upcoming game yet. But a new entry is confirmed to arrive later this year.
With the departure of the Call of Duty franchise, it’s fair to ask what will become of the old generation moving forward. Over the years, developers have started shying away from the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One. Since the franchise still maintains a steady fan base today, a lot of PlayStation 4 users might be forced to make an upgrade to play the latest entry.
SEE ALSO: PC Game Pass gets cheaper, but Call of Duty delays are coming
News
TCL CSOT Unveils ‘APEX Pixel’ innovations at SID Display Week 2026
Breakthroughs in display technologies
Pushing the boundaries of display physics, TCL CSOT has officially launched its APEX Pixel framework at SID Display Week 2026.
This unified innovation path targets the microscopic architecture of pixels across FMM OLED, Inkjet-printed (IJP) OLED, and LCD panels to redefine clarity, power efficiency, and color volume.
The Super Pixel revolution
The highlight of the showcase is the Super Pixel technology for mobile FMM OLEDs.
By increasing sub-pixel density by roughly 1.8%, TCL CSOT has achieved sharpness comparable to WQHD standards while slashing power consumption by 25%.
Key mobile prototypes on display include:
- 6.9-inch Ultra-Clarity Display: Features a 2608×1200 resolution with a 0.5mm top bezel
- 165Hz High-Refresh Panel: Utilizes a Real RGB layout to boost motion smoothness by 40% over standard 120Hz screens
- Ultra-Low Power 8T LTPO: A 420PPI powerhouse that reduces SoC power draw by a quarter.
IJP OLED and the Tri-Fold Future
TCL CSOT continues to lead the transition toward Inkjet-printed (IJP) OLED.
By utilizing the world’s first 8.6-generation IJP line, the company has debuted a 28-inch Foldable and Portable IJP OLED Monitor.
This “Real Stripe” RGB display features a tri-fold design that expands from a 16-inch footprint to a 28-inch workspace.
IJP OLED allows for larger light-emitting areas, occupying 50% to 60% of the pixel. This leads to a significantly enhanced luminous efficiency compared to traditional evaporation methods.
RGBC: The New Standard for LCD
For large-scale cinema experiences, TCL CSOT introduced RGBC Four-Color Technology.
By adding a Cyan sub-pixel to the traditional RGB matrix, the 85-inch WHVA Ultra LCD TV achieves a staggering 131% of the BT.2020 color gamut.
This hardware-level shift allows for more saturated hues and finer resolution rendering that traditional three-color pixels cannot replicate.
Through APEX Pixel, TCL CSOT is no longer just chasing size, but perfecting the very atoms of the digital image.
News
iPhone 17 is the best-selling phone of 2026 so far
Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 series didn’t make the top ten list.
With more than a quarter of the year done and dusted, it’s time to figure out which smartphone has taken the early lead in the charts. According to the numbers, it can’t get any clearer. The iPhone 17 is currently dominating the charts.
According to Counterpoint Research, the bestselling smartphone in the world as of the first quarter is the base iPhone 17. The model took 6 percent of the global share in unit sales. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pro took the second and third spots, respectively. Only a bit surprisingly, Apple rounded out its quarter with the iPhone 16 taking the number 6 slot.
The stranger thing is Samsung’s presence on this list. The South Korean brand took five spots on the top 10 list. However, none of them are of the Galaxy S26 series. All of them are from the Galaxy A series: in order, Galaxy A07 4G, A17 5G, A56, A36, and A17 4G. (The Galaxy S26 series narrowly missed the top 10.)
That makes nine. The final spot was taken by the Xiaomi Redmi A5.
Going only by the last two paragraphs, you’ll likely assume that the midrange market is rightfully dominating the charts in the months following the Christmas season. However, the iPhone 17’s dominance confirms that Apple has not lost its stride.
Plus, with the iPhone 17e only just having launched, Apple might continue its run well into 2026.
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