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.

Finance

HONOR, Fidesmo partner for contactless payments across Europe, Middle East

Enabling contactless payments on the HONOR Watch 6

Published

September 16, 2026

GadgetMatch

HONOR and Fidesmo have partnered to launch contactless payments across Europe and the Middle East on the HONOR Watch 6.

Powered by Fidesmo Pay, the integration enables users to connect an existing Mastercard or Visa card to their watch and complete contactless transactions directly from the wearable device.

This brings Fidesmo’s network of over 900 banks and financial institutions to HONOR’s customers. Users can connect an existing card to the HONOR Watch 6 instantly through the HONOR Health App, which installs a unique token directly onto the watch.

Acting as a secure reference to the payment method, this token allows customers to pay without storing their actual payment details on the device. Once installed, users can tap the watch at any
contactless terminal to pay, just as they would with a card or phone.

HONOR joins a group of device partners that already includes Swatch, Polar, and Mondaine as Fidesmo continues to build momentum across categories.

Entertainment

Max vs 100 will feature Max Verstappen race against 100 go-karters

The live event will stream at midnight on September 17.

Published

September 15, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

As a child, one of my favorite thought experiments is to imagine who would win in a fight between my favorite characters at the time and a number of other random beings. For example, will Superman prevail against 100 Magnetos? Those are the ways I kept my young mind occupied. Now, as a former child, I still do the same thing but with more realistic people, like imagining if Steph Curry can win against 100 high schoolers. This week, ESPN and Disney+ are making one of those imaginary fights real: Formula 1 legend Max Verstappen versus 100 go-karters.

In an upcoming live event streaming exclusively on Disney+, Max vs 100 will pit the four-time world champion against 100 go-karters from everywhere in pop culture. This gaggle of 100 will include popular content creators such as Twitch streamer ExtraEmily, car photographer Larry Chen, and NBA shooting coach Chris Matthews.

All 101 drivers will race around one of the most iconic tracks in Formula 1 history, Silverstone in England. The track will be reconfigured to match the special race.

Of course, this is more than just a parade of go-karts. Max Verstappen will start at the back of the grid, meaning he has to overtake all 100 racers to win. Now, the Dutch driver is no stranger to winning from the back. In 2024, he won the Sao Paulo Grand Prix despite starting from P17 (out of 20 racers). Max vs 100, though familiar for the driver, presents a different challenge. Can he overtake 100 times to win the race?

Max vs 100 will stream live through Disney+ on September 17, 12:00am PHT.

Apps

Apple’s best feature to cure motion sickness is finally on Android

Google copies a good page from Apple’s playbook.

Published

September 15, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

As an Android user, I’ve been jealous of iPhone users for a while now, but it’s not for the reason you might think. See, I’m ridiculously prone to motion sickness when I’m not driving. So, when I discovered that Apple has a software-based cure called Vehicle Motion Cues, I wanted it immediately. Now, Android does have third-party apps that do the same thing, but they’re not as good as a fully native version. Well, those dark, nauseating days are about to come to an end. Android 17 is finally getting a similar tool called Motion assist.

Before that, let’s rewind for a bit. What do these features do? How can they cure motion sickness?

Whenever you open Vehicle Motion Cues or Motion assist, the interface spawns a series of dots on the screen. These dots respond to movement. For example, if the vehicle turns to the left, the dots also go to the left, mimicking the movement. Without cues like this, the stationary nature of the screen clashes with our brain’s perception of movement. The disparity creates that feeling of nausea. Basically, our eyes are desperately trying to focus on the static screen, but our brains are telling us that we should be seeing motion. Having moving dots reorients our brain and places the phone inside our perception of movement.

Now, you can enable the same feature on your Android 17 device through Settings > All services > Motion assist under Personal & device safety. You can also set it so that the feature turns on automatically when the phone detects that you’re in a moving vehicle. Finally, you can also tweak the shape, color, and opacity of these dots.

Android 17’s Motion assist is rolling out now to compatible devices.