The Poco X8 Neo 5G stands out in the budget smartphone market, offering impressive features at a minimal price. With a refresh rate of 144 Hz, users can enjoy smooth scrolling and enhanced gaming experiences. The device is powered by a capable processor, ensuring efficient performance for everyday tasks and multitasking.
The design is sleek and modern, featuring a vibrant display that brings content to life. The camera system is another highlight, delivering sharp images and good low-light performance, making it a great choice for photography enthusiasts. Battery life is commendable, allowing users to stay connected throughout the day without frequent recharges.
In terms of connectivity, the 5G capability ensures fast internet speeds, making it future-proof for users looking to take advantage of the latest network technology. Overall, the Poco X8 Neo 5G is a compelling option for those seeking a feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank. It combines performance, design, and affordability seamlessly.
⚡ The 30-Second Verdict
Do you hate flashy gamer phones? Buy the Poco X8 Neo. It has a clean “white t-shirt” design that looks professional, and the 144Hz AMOLED screen is the best you can get under ₹20k.
Are you a photographer? Skip this. The 64MP camera is decent for daylight, but it lacks the dynamic range and low-light quality of the Realme Pro series. This phone is strictly for scrollers and gamers.
Minimalism is usually expensive. If you want a phone with thin bezels, clean lines, and a great screen, you usually have to pay a “Flagship Tax.”
Poco is flipping that script. The new X8 Neo 5G (launched January 2026) strips away the gamer aesthetics—no racing stripes, no yellow accents, no fake screws. It is just a slab of glass and metal that happens to have a 144Hz screen and the new Snapdragon 7s Gen 4.
I swapped my daily driver for this “Neo” device for 5 days. Here is the definitive deep-dive.
1. Design: The “Anti-Gamer” Phone
The first thing you notice is the texture. Poco calls it “Frosted Ice,” but to me, it feels like smooth ceramic. It is a matte white finish that completely rejects fingerprints.
It is surprisingly thin at 7.8mm. Unlike the “Pro” models, the camera bump here is subtle—a simple, symmetrical square that barely protrudes. It sits flat on a table without wobbling much.
2. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Poco X8 Neo 5G |
|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 (4nm) |
| AnTuTu Score | ~780,000 |
| Display | 6.67″ 1.5K CrystalRes AMOLED (144Hz) |
| Brightness | 1200 nits (HBM) |
| Main Camera | 64MP OIS (OmniVision) |
| Battery | 5,100 mAh |
| Charging | 67W Turbo Charge |
3. Display: A 144Hz Visual Feast
This is where your money goes. The X8 Neo uses a 1.5K CrystalRes AMOLED panel.
Most competitors (like the Redmi Note 15) stop at 120Hz. Poco pushes it to 144Hz. Is the difference visible? In daily scrolling? No. In gaming? Absolutely.
The chin is Razor-thin (2.1mm), making the screen look almost edge-to-edge. Plus, the 2160Hz PWM dimming ensures your eyes won’t get tired during late-night usage.
4. Performance: The Snapdragon 7s Gen 4
Let’s talk benchmarks. The 7s Gen 4 is not a flagship killer, but it is an efficiency monster. It prioritizes keeping the phone cool over raw power.
- AnTuTu Score: 780,000 Points
- Geekbench 6: 3,100 (Multi-Core)
- Stability: 92% in 30-minute stress test
Gaming Test: I played Call of Duty Mobile for 1 hour.
Settings: High Graphics + Max Frame Rate.
Result: A stable 60FPS. The phone barely got warm, peaking at 39°C. If you want 90FPS gaming, you might need to lower graphics to Medium.
5. The Compromise: Cameras
You cannot have everything for ₹19,999. The camera is where the Neo cuts costs.
Main Camera (64MP OIS): It is capable. In daylight, photos are sharp and contrasty. The OIS helps with shaky hands. However, it lacks the dynamic range of the Realme 16 Pro. Shadows often get crushed to black.
Ultrawide (8MP): This sensor feels dated. Edges are soft, and colors look washed out compared to the main lens.
Final Verdict: Who Wins?
🏆 Why Buy Poco X8 Neo?
- 144Hz Display: Best-in-class smoothness.
- Minimalist Design: Looks more expensive than it is.
- Battery Efficiency: Easily lasts a full day + 4 hours.
- Clean Haptics: Great typing experience.
❌ Why Skip It?
- Average Camera: Low light performance is noisy.
- Mono Audio: No stereo speakers (single bottom firing).
- Plastic Frame: The back is glass, but rails are plastic.
🏅 Editor’s Choice: Essential Budget Phone
At ₹19,999, the Poco X8 Neo 5G is the definition of “Essentialism.” It removes the gimmicks to give you a flagship-grade screen and battery at a budget price. If you prioritize screen quality over camera zoom, this is your winner.
