Exclusive Leaks: POCO M8 Pro 5G Coming in January – A Rebranded Redmi Note 15 Pro+ with a Smarter Camera Twist!
Hey everyone, it's December 18, 2025, and I've got some exclusive scoop on POCO's next big mid-range launch that's got me seriously excited! The POCO M8 Pro 5G is officially gearing up for an India debut in January 2026, and from what my trusted sources are sharing, this thing is shaping up to be a total powerhouse – especially if you're all about that battery life and smooth performance without spending flagship money.
POCO is basically taking the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ (which launched in China recently) and giving it their signature twist. The biggest change? They've swapped out the Redmi's fancy 200MP periscope telephoto camera for a more straightforward 50MP main camera on the rear. My insider even shared some prototype images with me (super detailed renders showing the design from all angles), but I can't post them here to respect the privacy and keep things under wraps until the official reveal. Trust me, it looks sleek – that classic POCO yellow accents and a premium feel.Let me break down everything we know so far about the specs, why I think it's a winner, and how it stacks up in the under-₹30k segment.
Display: Big, Bright, and Smooth
- 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel
- 120Hz refresh rate for super fluid scrolling and gaming
- High brightness levels (likely around 3000 nits peak) and HDR10+ support
This screen is going to be a joy for binge-watching Netflix, scrolling Instagram, or playing PUBG. The flat design means no accidental touches, and that 1.5K resolution keeps things sharp without draining battery like crazy. POCO's displays have been on point lately, so I'm expecting vibrant colors and great outdoor visibility.
Performance: Solid Mid-Range Muscle
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset (an efficient 4nm SoC with good balance of power and battery sipping)
- Adreno 810 GPU for smooth graphics
- LPDDR4X RAM (up to 12GB?) and UFS 2.2 storage (up to 512GB, expandable)
- Runs Android 15 with HyperOS 2 (POCO's customized MIUI skin – clean, customizable, and packed with features)
This setup should handle multitasking, casual gaming (like COD Mobile at high settings), and everyday apps without breaking a sweat. It's not a flagship beast like the Snapdragon 8 series, but for the price, it's plenty capable. Early benchmarks from the Redmi version suggest AnTuTu scores around 700k-800k – solid for under 30k.
Cameras: Practical Setup, No Gimmicks
- Rear: 50MP main camera (Sony IMX sensor with OIS for steady shots) + 8MP ultrawide for landscapes and group pics
- Front: 32MP selfie camera with AI beauty modes
By ditching the periscope zoom, POCO is keeping things simple and focused on what most people use daily – great main shots in daylight/low-light and fun ultrawides. Selfies should be sharp and natural. No telephoto means you won't get that 4x optical zoom like on the Redmi, but honestly, for a mid-ranger, this feels more practical and cost-effective. Expect Realme-level AI enhancements for portraits and night mode.
Battery: The Real MVP – 6500mAh with 100W Charging
- 6500mAh battery (one of the biggest in this segment)
- 100W fast charging – 0-100% in about 30-35 minutes
- USB Type-C 2.0 port
This is where the M8 Pro shines. We're talking 1.5-2 days of heavy use easily, or a full day of gaming/streaming without worry. POCO's been killing it with battery tech (remember the M7 Pro's endurance?), and this should be even better. No wireless charging, but at this price? Who cares!
Other Cool Features
- In-display fingerprint scanner (optical, fast and reliable)
- IP68 dust and water resistance – can handle splashes and even brief submersion
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC for contactless payments
- IR blaster (turn your phone into a TV remote – handy!)
- Stereo speakers with good sound
Design-wise, it's expected to be slim (around 8mm) with a plastic frame and glass back – available in cool colors like yellow, black, and maybe green.
Pricing and Launch Details
POCO hasn't confirmed yet, but based on the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ pricing in China (around ¥2,000 or ~₹22,000), I expect the M8 Pro to start at ₹24,999-₹26,999 in India for the base 8GB+256GB variant. That's insane value! Launch is slated for January (possibly mid-month), with sales on Flipkart and POCO's site.
My Honest Opinion: This Could Be a Mid-Range Winner
POCO has a knack for delivering "flagship killers" on a budget, and the M8 Pro looks like it'll continue that tradition. The huge battery, fast charging, and solid performance make it perfect for students, gamers, or anyone who wants reliability without splurging. Swapping the zoom camera for a better main sensor is a smart move – most people don't need 200MP telephoto anyway.
Compared to rivals:
- Vs. Realme Narzo 90: Better chip and display, similar battery
- Vs. Moto G85: Way bigger battery and faster charging
- Vs. Samsung A36: More premium build and features at similar price
If you're upgrading from an older phone, this feels like a no-brainer. My only nitpick? The storage is UFS 2.2 (not the fastest), but it won't be noticeable in daily use.
What do you think? Hyped for the POCO M8 Pro 5G, or waiting for the OnePlus Nord 5? Would you miss the telephoto camera? Drop your thoughts in the comments – I read them all and might reply!
I'll keep you updated with more leaks or official teasers as they come. Stay tuned!
Leaks Credit: @yabhishekhd (x.com)
#POCO #POCOMSeries #pocomobiles

Comments
Post a Comment