Xiaomi’s newly launched Poco X8 in France offers a formidable 8,340mAh battery, enhanced durability, and fast charging, positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative to the Redmi Note 17 Pro for long-lasting, robust everyday use.
Xiaomi has launched the Poco X8 in France, positioning it as a large-battery phone with a specification sheet that is close to the Redmi Note 17 Pro, but at a lower price. The device went on sale on Wednesday 30 September through Xiaomi’s online store, with Poco leaning heavily on endurance, charging speed and ruggedness as the main selling points.
The headline feature is the 8,340mAh silicon-carbon battery, which Xiaomi says is designed to deliver more than two days of use. The company also says the battery retains 80% of its capacity after 1,600 charging cycles, while 67W HyperCharge support should make refuelling much faster than on many competing mid-range phones. A 22.5W wired reverse-charging function is included as well, allowing the handset to top up another device. Xiaomi is offering the Poco X8 in white, black and orange, with configurations up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, according to its product pages.
The rest of the hardware is firmly aimed at the upper end of the budget and lower mid-range market. Xiaomi lists a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and a peak brightness figure of 3,500 nits in a small portion of the panel, plus a 50-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilisation. The phone runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6s Gen 4, a 4nm chip that sits below the faster processors used in Poco’s F-series devices. The frame is also unusually well protected for this price bracket, carrying IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K certifications for dust and water resistance.
Pricing is where the Poco X8 becomes more interesting. Xiaomi’s official specifications page lists the 8GB/256GB model at €399.99 and the 12GB/256GB model at €449.99, with early-bird prices of €319.99 and €359.99 respectively. Frandroid notes that the launch promotion runs until 7 October in France, after which the higher price will apply. That puts the Poco in a notably stronger position than many rivals, especially given the battery size and durability ratings on offer.
The closest comparison is Xiaomi’s own Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G, which uses the same chipset and the same 8,340mAh battery, along with 67W charging. Frandroid reports that the Redmi starts at €449 with only 6GB of RAM, while the Poco X8 offers 8GB at a lower promotional price and adds IP69 and IP69K protection. The Redmi’s one clear advantage is its ultra-wide camera. For buyers who prioritise battery life, resistance to water and dust, and a lower entry price, the Poco X8 appears to be the better value. It is less compelling for gaming, where the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 is likely to draw power more quickly under sustained load, but as a long-lasting everyday phone it looks well placed.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
