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POCO introduces X8 Pro Series with Dimensity 9500s

Next-gen performance push

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POCO X8 Pro Max

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

POCO X8 Pro Max

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

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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.

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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 X8 Pro Iron Man Edition

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.

 

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TECNO’s SPARK 50 Pro is the latest budget smartphone battery beast

Just two months after the SPARK 50 5G

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TECNO SPARK 50 Pro

One after another, TECNO launches the SPARK 50 Pro with a beastly battery within. That’s just days after the grand launch of the POVA 8 5G in India.

Built to last

The icing of the cake has got to be the battery of the SPARK 50 Pro. However, the battery capacity will differ depending on where you live.

There’s a 5600mAh dual-cell version and a slightly larger single-cell model hitting the 6000mAh mark.

TECNO SPARK 50 Pro

Still, despite that battery capacity, it measures just 7.8mm thin.

If you’re worried about battery longevity, the SPARK 50 Pro can still last more than 80% of their original battery capacity — even after 1900+ charging cycles in six years.

Charging support is faster at 60W, better than what TECNO’s 45W speeds in their most recent smartphones.

TECNO SPARK 50 Pro 6000mAh battery

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Beneath that battery lies MediaTek’s Helio G100 Ultimate SoC. When it comes to memory, it allows up to 24GB extended thanks to Memory Fusion 4.0.

Up front, there’s a 6.78-inch 120Hz display paired with DTS-supported dual stereo speakers.

Finally, the SPARK 50 Pro also boasts SGS Five-Star durability certification alongside IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance — making it one of the budget-friendly devices to have such durability rating.

More than meets the eye

Unlike the base SPARK 50 5G, the SPARK 50 Pro is powered by a 50MP Sony LYTIA 600 (or LYT-600) main camera. The said sensor promises improved low-light performance compared to typical cameras in its category.

The company is also bringing its TECNO’s very-own FlashSnap capabilities found in higher CAMON series. This feature offers shutter speeds of up to 1/10,000 of a second to better capture fast-moving subjects like pets, sports, or action shots.

TECNO Ella AI Assistant

Speaking of, TECNO’s Universal Tone technology also returns, aiming to produce more natural-looking skin tones across different environments.

Several AI-powered editing tools are included as well. That includes AI Eraser 2.0 and AI Extender for photos, AI Noise Cancellation for clearer calls, as well as AI Health Assistant. Even Ella as your AI Assistant was not left behind.

For off the grid communication, FreeLink 2.0 exists when needed.

Pricing and Availability

The TECNO SPARK 50 Pro comes in five color choices: Ink Black, Titanium Grey, Midnight Blue, Dynamic Orange, and Cloud White.

TECNO SPARK 50 Pro

TECNO has yet to announce official pricing and regional availability.

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Nothing is coming to over 500 Best Buy stores in the United States

Also available online

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As the newest kid on the block, Nothing hasn’t made it terribly easy to grab one of their phones. But that’s all part of the allure. After all, fashion shouldn’t be easy.

Thankfully, all that difficulty isn’t forever. Nothing, together with all its phones and accessories, are coming to over 500 Best Buys across the United States.

It’s been a long time coming. Last year, Nothing expanded first in Canada as part of its push to spread across the North American continent. Now, after all the wait, the brand is finally available in one of the other North American country’s biggest retailers for tech.

From coast to coast, fans of the fashionable brand can grab the Phone (4a) Pro, the Headphone (a), the Phone (3), and the Ear (3) at their nearest Best Buy branch. Alternatively, they can also order any of these devices online through BestBuy.com.

It’s been a quiet year for Nothing. Though the brand successfully launched the Phone (4a) Pro series earlier this year, it has no plans to launch a follow-up to last year’s Phone (3) yet, leaving the flagship market hanging by another year. That said, there’s still much to love about the brand this year, from its heavily notable designs to its capable specs.

SEE ALSO: Nothing Phone (4a) + (4a) Pro review

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TECNO’s POVA 8 5G is both futuristic and future-ready

8000mAh battery, Sony LYTIA 600 camera, Alive Matrix display, and more

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TECNO POVA 8 5G
Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Four months after the POVA Curve 2 5G, TECNO adds the POVA 8 5G to their performance-focused arsenal.

Futuristic vibe

TECNO’s POVA 8 5G continues the series’ signature sci-fi-inspired design language. The latest smartphone features sharp geometric elements and a semi-transparent rear panel.

TECNO POVA 8 5G

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

One of its standout features is none other than the new Alive Matrix Display. It’s a customizable light panel on the back that can display 49 pre-loaded lighting effects for incoming calls, notifications, charging status, gaming sessions, and more. Prospective users can also personalize scenarios to match their style and could actually store many more customized effects aside from the pre-loaded ones.

Beside that LED display lies the 50MP main rear camera based on Sony’s LYTIA 600 (or LYT-600) sensor. The said sensor offers improved light capture for brighter and more detailed photos. It also supports 2x lossless zoom. Up front, you’ll get a 13MP front-facing shooter.

Sony LYTIA 600

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Powering the device is MediaTek’s Dimensity 7100 SoC. That’s paired together with TECNO’s in-house G1 Signal Enhancement Chip and SE1 Wi-Fi Enhancement Chip — making it a triple chipset smartphone.

TECNO says these chips help improve connectivity in challenging environments such as elevators and basements while boosting Wi-Fi reception.

The phone also features a 144Hz display with TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification and military-grade durability.

Last but definitely not the least, its 8000mAh battery that can last as much as two days. For some measure, TECNO says the phone can last up to 85+ hours of music playback, 29+ hours of YouTube streaming, 26+ hours of WhatsApp, or 14+ hours of playing Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB).

Future-ready

Aside from the beastly battery packed inside, TECNO is also bringing several practical AI tools to the POVA 8 5G.

Among them is AI YouTube Summary. This turns lengthy videos into concise notes with key points and timestamps. The device also features AI-powered noise cancellation that helps isolate the speaker’s voice during calls, recordings, and meetings.

8000mAh Battery

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

For photography, AI LightMaster 2.0 can remove unwanted reflections, lens flare, and shadows. The phone also supports uploading Live Photos directly to Instagram as Boomerang.

In select markets, users can even access AI Health features that estimate metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and respiration through facial scanning technology.

TECNO POVA 8 5G

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Further solidifying its future readiness, TECNO promises two major Android OS upgrades and three years of security updates.

The company is also bundling three years of FREE 256GB cloud storage for POVA 8 5G users. Eligible markets can also receive a 3-month Google AI Plus trial which includes 2TB of cloud storage.

Pricing and Availability

The TECNO POVA 8 5G debuts first in India and is available in 16-Bit White, Terminal Green, and Plasma Orange colorways.

Specific pricing and availability in global markets are yet to follow along these four color choices: Arc White, Graphite Black, Echo Green, and Helios Orange.

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