A new POCO smartphone with model number 2511FPC34G surfaced in the Geekbench database Tuesday. The listing confirms the upcoming POCO X8 Pro will feature the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra chipset.
The benchmark results showed a single-core score of 1,708 and a multi-core score of 6,297. This performance positioning places the device as a direct competitor to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 in the premium mid-range segment. As the successor to the popular POCO X7 Pro, the device is expected to make its global and Indian debut in March 2026.
Also Read |Â Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years in Jail
Geekbench Reveals “Klee” Performance
The device, codenamed “klee,” utilizes an octa-core architecture with a prime core reaching 3.40 GHz. Therefore, the X8 Pro provides a 7% single-core uplift over its predecessor. The listing also confirmed a Mali-G720 MC8 GPU and 12GB of RAM as the standard configuration for the Pro variant.
Meanwhile, the software side shows the device running Android 16 out of the box. This makes the POCO X8 Pro one of the first smartphones to launch with the 2026 Android iteration. In fact, internal testing suggests the device will feature Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3, optimized specifically for MediaTek’s AI-heavy NPU.
The Redmi Turbo 5 Rebrand Strategy
The POCO X8 Pro is a rebranded version of the Redmi Turbo 5, which launched in China on January 29. Therefore, we already have a clear picture of the physical hardware. The device features a 6.59-inch 1.5K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 3,500 nits of peak brightness.
Next, the camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. For protection, the device carries an IP69K rating, the highest for dust and water resistance in its class. In fact, European pricing leaks suggest a starting price of €399 (roughly ₹37,500) for the 8GB+256GB variant.
Also Read |Â Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years in Jail
POCO X8 Pro Max: The 9,000mAh Monster
MediaTek recently confirmed that a POCO device featuring the flagship Dimensity 9500s is coming to India. This device is widely believed to be the POCO X8 Pro Max. This “Max” variant is tipped to pack a massive 9,000mAh battery, a first for the global X-series.
“We are targeting the ultimate endurance segment,” a MediaTek representative noted during a recent event in New Delhi. While the standard Pro model gets a 7,560mAh cell, the Max variant will push the limits of battery density. Still, both models will support 100W wired fast charging to minimize downtime.
Reality Check
POCO markets the X8 Pro as a “flagship killer” due to its benchmark scores. Still, the multi-core score of 6,297 only matches last year’s flagship chips rather than surpassing them. Therefore, while it is a major mid-range upgrade, it doesn’t quite “kill” the 2026 flagship tier.
In fact, the global variant often arrives with slightly different battery sizes than the Chinese Redmi models. History shows that India-bound POCO units sometimes trade battery capacity for a slimmer profile. Thus, the 7,560mAh figure might be optimized down to 6,500mAh for the Indian retail units to maintain “hand-feel” ergonomics.
Also Read |Â Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years in Jail
The Loopholes
The IP69K rating is often cited as a reason to use the phone under high-pressure water jets. In fact, most standard warranties still exclude liquid damage despite these certifications. Therefore, the “K” rating is more of a marketing badge than a service guarantee for most users.
Still, the European pricing of €399 includes heavy VAT that does not apply to the Indian market. Therefore, the POCO X8 Pro India price could sit closer to ₹29,999 with introductory bank offers. Yet the base 8GB RAM variant may not be sufficient for the “Generative AI” features baked into HyperOS 3.
What This Means for You
If you are a mobile gamer, the Dimensity 8500 and 12GB RAM combo is currently the most cost-effective power house for 2026. First, check your current battery health; if you are charging twice daily, the 7,560mAh cell is a mandatory upgrade. Then, wait for the official March announcement before buying the older X7 Pro.
Also Read |Â Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years in Jail
Finally, realize that Android 16 on a mid-ranger provides significant longevity. You should expect security patches through 2030 on this hardware. Before buying, verify if your local service center supports the new fiberglass back-panel repairs, which are more complex than traditional plastic.
What’s Next
POCO will likely tease the official India launch date during MWC Barcelona starting February 23. Then, the first teaser for the Iron Man Limited Edition is expected to drop on social media. Finally, the full POCO X8 Pro series will hit Flipkart shelves in the second week of March 2026.
Also Read |Â Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years in Jail
End…
