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

Apple reportedly gives up on the Vision Pro

But Apple will continue to sell the current model.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

When they unveiled the Vision Pro in 2023, Apple touted the wearable as the next big thing after the iPhone. Now, almost three years removed from the launch, the Vision Pro hasn’t really taken over the coveted spot occupied by the iPhone. Apple, according to a report, is allegedly canning the short-lived wearable.

According to MacRumors, Apple has reportedly given up on making the Vision Pro a thing. The team handling the wearable has supposedly been subsumed by other teams within Apple.

If true, the wearable’s end is unfortunate but not surprising. Despite being out for years, the Vision Pro has sold only a little more than half a million units with numerous returns from customers. Most recently, Apple updated the wearable with the M5 chip, but the move hasn’t revitalized the device’s status in Apple’s lineup.

Most of the complaints about the device stem from its exorbitant price or its cumbersome battery pack. Besides costing a whopping US$ 3,499, the Vision Pro is also difficult to move around with, especially because of its total weight and a battery pack that can get in the way.

To be clear, Apple has not officially discontinued the Vision Pro yet. The company continues to sell the version with the M5 chip. Apple can also restart development in the future.

However, the meantime retirement on future development does coincide with the recent restructuring inside the company. Tim Cook recently decided to step down as CEO with John Ternus as his replacement. Canning the Vision Pro might be Ternus’ first step in redefining Apple according to his plans.

Apps

YouTube makes picture-in-picture mode free for everyone globally

The update is rolling out globally now.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Picture-in-picture (or PiP) mode is a godsend for multitaskers. The feature lets users watch videos in a tiny floating window while doing other tasks. However, the feature isn’t readily available for all users. Or wasn’t, at least. YouTube is now rolling out PiP mode for free globally.

Previously, PiP mode was exclusive to YouTube users who pay for Premium or Premium Lite. It was also exclusive to the United States.

Now, YouTube is making the feature completely free for users all over the globe. It will be available for both iOS and Android versions of the app.

There’s still a catch, though. The free version is available only for “longform, non-music content.” The same goes for Premium Lite subscribers. Music is still an exclusive feature for those who pay for the regular version of Premium. Basically, there is no change for paying users or users in the United States.

Using PiP mode is simple. All you need to do is load up a video you want to watch in the background. Then, just exit the YouTube app and go about your other tasks. The video will be inside a floating, resizable window while you look at other things.

There’s no timeline on when the update will reach your device. However, YouTube has promised that it will roll out globally within the coming months.

Enterprise

OnePlus has reportedly merged with realme

Both brands were previously rumored for restructuring early this year.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

OnePlus has a problem. For a while now, rumors have swirled about the company’s dissolution. For their part, the company has continued to deny the reports, citing business as usual. Likely to their dismay, the reports just keep coming. Today, sources have hinted that OnePlus has merged with realme.

Back in January, it was rumored that OnePlus would be closing up shop this year. Since the company very quickly denied the rumors, the report hardly made waves. However, a suspected merger with realme is more difficult to debunk.

For one, realme is itself in a very interesting position. Also back in January, realme was reportedly moving back into being a sub-brand of OPPO. Coupled together with the OnePlus debacle, all this internal restructuring seems par for the course.

According to Digital Chat Station on Weibo, OnePlus and realme have already concluded the merger. The two brands have reportedly united their Chinese and international operations under one roof. Likewise, their marketing will be the same. Pete Lau will still be the main head for this new division.

As with anything of this nature, take this with a grain of salt. OPPO, OnePlus, and realme have not issued any official statements concerning a merger or a shutdown for any brand.