News

POCO introduces X8 Pro Series with Dimensity 9500s

Next-gen performance push

Published

March 17, 2026

GadgetMatch

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.

News

TECNO unveils the world’s first 0mm bezel-less phone

Is this the future of smartphones?

Published

July 31, 2026

Vincenz

It seems like the race towards an all-screen smartphone isn’t over just yet.

While most in the tech industry are currently obsessed over Samsung’s latest wide foldable, TECNO announces a more refreshing sight — at least for the regular “slab-type” phone form factor.

Black borders begone

Modern flagship smartphones already have incredibly slim bezels, but there’s still a thin black border separating the active display from the frame. That’s due to the internal circuitry and safety clearances required by current display technology

TECNO proves it’s possible to dissolve that with their Next-Gen Bezelless Concept Phone. And this is actually the industry’s first smartphone with a true 0mm display bezel.

With this fresh concept, the uprising brand says it has solved that “final millimeter” by redesigning the phone’s internal structure and display packaging. The result is a display with a visible border measuring 0 microns (0mm). This makes the screen appear to stretch all the way to the edges.

Removing the bezel completely isn’t just about aesthetics. The company says such uninterrupted display makes a more immersive experience — whether you’re watching videos, playing games, browsing photos, or simply reading.

Without these visible borders, content appears to flow naturally from edge-to-edge, making the display look as if it’s floating in your hand.

A glimpse at TECNO’s future

As with most concept devices, there’s no word yet on whether this exact design will make it into a commercial smartphone. Still, TECNO says the engineering behind the concept goes beyond the display itself.

The technologies developed for the project (such as improvements related to cameras, touch responsiveness, audio, and AI-driven user interactions) could eventually find their way into the brand’s future flagship devices.

Whether or not a true bezel-free phone becomes reality anytime soon, the concept offers a glimpse at where smartphone design could be heading next. After all, TECNO’s super slim concept last 2025 actually became an actual retail product with the existence of TECNO Slim.

The concept is set to make its public debut on the upcoming ShowStoppers at IFA 2026 this September 3.

Laptops

Apple introduces Apple Upgrade leasing program

Flexible leasing arrives

Published

July 31, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Apple has introduced Apple Upgrade, a new leasing program that makes it easier to get an iPhone, Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch through monthly payments. The program also gives customers more flexibility to upgrade to newer devices over time.

Apple Upgrade replaces new enrollments for the iPhone Upgrade Program with a single offering that covers four product categories. Apple partnered with Klarna to power the service.

Customers can lease an iPhone or Apple Watch for one or two years. Mac and iPad leases are available for two or three years.

At the end of the lease, customers have three options. They can upgrade to a newer device, purchase the leased device by paying the remaining balance, or return it with no further obligation.

Monthly payments start at US$17.99 for iPhone and US$24.99 for Mac, depending on the selected model and configuration. Customers must also qualify through Klarna before enrolling.

More than iPhones

Apple Upgrade expands beyond the company’s previous iPhone-only financing program. It brings iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch under one leasing service, making upgrades more consistent across Apple’s hardware lineup.

Customers can manage their lease through Apple, while Klarna handles financing and lease administration. They can also pay off their device early, although additional terms and fees may apply depending on the agreement.

Apple Upgrade is currently available only in the United States. Apple has not announced plans to expand the program to other regions.

News

Is the Pixel 11 copying a feature from Nothing?

A new ad is hinting at something like the Glyph interface.

Published

July 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

August 12 cannot come soon enough. On that date, Google is set to launch the upcoming Pixel 11 series. There isn’t much to indicate that the brand is changing the formula this year. Now, a rampant rumor, now seemingly confirmed by Google’s own ad, is hinting that a popular feature from Nothing is making its way to the Pixel.

Besides the transparent rear, Nothing prides itself with numerous iterations of the Glyph interface, a lighting system that serves as customized notifications for your phone. It’s mostly a novelty, but the feature is a unique take in a smartphone market plagued with too much sameness. It looks like Google wants to take a page from that same notebook.

For a while now, it’s been rumored that Google is adopting a version of the feature for the Pixel 11 series. The so-called Pixel Glow will reportedly add a light-based notification feature. Now, Google itself has seemingly confirmed the rumors.

In a new ad, titled “The Obvious Next Move,” Google is teasing a new feature coming to the flagship series. Though the ad leaves the feature untitled and without a description, it’s clear that it’s a circular glowing thing similar to Nothing’s take. The glowing thing is right on the Pixel’s iconic camera bar, just like Nothing.

But again, Google didn’t name the feature. However, if it helps, the ad says that we already use the Pixel for Gmail, Maps, Search, Calendar, and Docs, so the next evolution is whatever is depicted in this ad. August 12 really cannot come soon enough.