Poco X8 Pro Max review: Power that keeps up with you

Rating 3.8/5

Poco’s X-series usually occupies a sweet spot between performance and value. The latest X8 Pro Max takes that philosophy to a new level. Starting at Rs 42,999, the phone brings a compelling set of specifications to the table: the MediaTek Dimensity 9500s chipset, a massive 9,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display and runs Android 16 based on Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3.

However, beyond the numbers, the real question is how the phone holds up through actual daily use. We tested the 12GB+256GB variant in White as a primary device, putting it through routine tasks, extended gaming sessions, camera usage, and long stretches of battery drain. Here's what we think about the phone:

Design

At first glance, the Poco X8 Pro Max makes no attempt to hide what it is built for. The design is bold and unmistakably performance-oriented, with a vertically aligned dual camera module and RGB accent lighting around the lenses that gives it a distinct gaming personality.

The RGB lighting around the camera module is a talking point, but it comes with a notable limitation: it only responds to music playback on Spotify and Mi Music. Apps like YouTube do not trigger the lighting effect, which reduces their practical appeal for most users. But works with most games.

The back panel is made of fibreglass rather than glass, keeping the phone relatively lightweight for its size while still feeling solid. The metal frame adds structural rigidity, and the overall build feels durable. At 6.83 inches, the phone is notably large, and combined with the big battery, it can feel heavy, so single-handed use can feel like a stretch.





The White variant we tested features a subtle textured pattern on the rear to reduce fingerprint visibility, a thoughtful touch. The camera bump has a presence but does not protrude excessively. One practical highlight is its IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings, offering thorough protection against dust and water.

Display

The POCO X8 Pro Max features a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution, and the screen held up well across different usage scenarios during our time with it.

Colours are bright and punchy, with contrast levels that allow for deep blacks, making it good for media consumption and gaming alike. Whether we were streaming on YouTube or scrolling through social media feeds, the display kept everything looking sharp and nice.





The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate makes everything smooth, from app navigation to in-game animations. In-game transitions between apps felt smooth, with no appreciable stutter.





Outside visibility was good. The screen was clear in direct sunlight without squinting or seeking shade, so it’s practical for use on the go.





The display also features high-frequency PWM dimming at 3840Hz, along with TÜV Rheinland certifications for low blue light. We did not feel any eye strain after spending long hours on the screen, whether watching a series or sitting through extended BGMI sessions. HDR10+ support added a visible improvement while watching compatible content.

Performance and software

The Poco X8 Pro Max is driven by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500s chipset, paired with 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage in the variant we tested. Across daily use, the phone felt consistently smooth.





Switching between apps, browsing, and running multiple things at once went smoothly, without any noticeable lag. The phone handled heavier workloads without slowing down.





Gaming is where the phone made the strongest impression. We played BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile at high settings, and the frame rates stayed stable throughout. Poco's 3D IceLoop cooling system did its job well; even during long gaming sessions, the phone stayed at a comfortable temperature, unlike many others in this segment, which would have started to warm up noticeably.

The stereo speakers delivered punchy, full-sounding audio that worked well whether we were gaming or watching content. At the highest volume levels, however, the device did get slightly warm around the speaker area, something to keep in mind during long listening sessions.





On the software side, the phone runs Android 16 with HyperOS 3. The interface felt cleaner and more composed compared to earlier Poco software versions, and animations held up smoothly during regular use.





That said, we did find pre-installed third-party apps and games within the system UI, which broke the flow of an otherwise capable experience. However, most of it can be uninstalled and shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.

Camera

The Poco X8 Pro Max features a dual rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor with an f/1.5 aperture and an 8MP ultra-wide camera, along with a 20MP front camera for selfies.





In daylight, the primary camera produced detailed shots with balanced exposures. The wide aperture helped in drawing in good light, and we found the dynamic range handling held up across most outdoor scenarios without blowing out the highlights. Here are some camera samples:

The ultra-wide camera came in handy for group shots and open landscapes, though we noticed a drop in sharpness and detail compared to the main lens.





Low-light performance was decent. Night mode boosted brightness and kept noise in check, but in darker scenes, some softness crept into the details. The camera gets the job done for everyday use, but does not stand out from the competition in this segment.





Selfies from the 20MP front camera came out clear, with natural-looking skin tones, making them well-suited for everyday social media use.





Video recording goes up to 4K, and stabilisation holds up adequately during regular movement without too much shake.

Battery

The 9,000 mAh silicon-carbon battery is one of the Poco X8 Pro Max's biggest highlights, and it lived up to its promise during our testing.





With a regular mix of browsing, video streaming, social media, and gaming, the phone comfortably ran past a full day and often pushed into two days on moderate use. Even on heavier days, it outlasted most phones we have used in this segment.





The 100W HyperCharge made managing the large battery straightforward. We found that even a short charging window of around 25 minutes was enough to bring the phone to 50%, keeping downtime to a minimum.





Heat during charging was well-managed, and we did not notice any discomfort while holding the phone plugged in. The 27W reverse-wired charging also proved useful on a couple of occasions when a secondary device needed a top-up and a power bank was not to hand.

Verdict

At Rs 42,999, the Poco X8 Pro Max delivers a focused experience for users who prioritise performance and battery endurance. The Dimensity 9500s chipset handled everything we put it through, the cooling system genuinely held temperatures in check during extended gaming, and the battery life set itself apart from most phones at this price.





The display was comfortable for long sessions, the build felt durable throughout our usage, and the fast charging kept the large battery easy to live with. The speakers added to the overall media experience, though heating at maximum volume and the limited RGB functionality were minor letdowns. The cameras met our everyday needs without standing out, but the software introduced some avoidable clutter.





If you are looking for a smartphone that handles gaming and sustained performance well while keeping you away from the charger for extended periods, the Poco X8 Pro Max is worth considering.