Xiaomi sub-brand POCO is gearing up for its next major release, officially locking in March 17 for the online global launch of the highly anticipated POCO X8 Pro Series.

But the company isn’t just phoning it in (pun intended) with a predictable annual update. Alongside the regular Pro, POCO is finally introducing a higher-priced, heavily specced sibling — the POCO X8 Pro Max. This marks the first time a “Pro Max” moniker has graced the brand’s lineup, and it’s a milestone we already have our hands on. Check out our unboxing video embedded below for a closer look.

@revuphilippines Unboxing the POCO X8 Pro Max! 📦 8,500mAh battery and the global debut of MediaTek Dimensity 9500s — this one's a beast. 🔥 More at www.revu.com.ph! #POCOX8ProMax #POCOX8Pro #POCOX8ProSeries #RevuDotComDotPH @POCO Philippines @Xiaomi Philippines @Xiaomi @monch @Alora Uy Guerrero ♬ original sound – REVU Philippines

Our POCO X8 Pro Max unboxing video

So far, POCO has been teasing a unified design language for both models. The two smartphones share an identical aesthetic, leaning into a more premium vibe with flat edges, a “high-strength metal frame,” and a sleek, pill-shaped camera module housing a dual-lens setup.

For the comic fans and collectors, the brand is keeping its Marvel IP partnership alive. Following up on last year’s release, the POCO X8 Pro Iron Man Edition will arrive with a black and gold color scheme and a rear design seemingly inspired by Tony Stark’s iconic armor. While POCO notes that availability for the Iron Man Edition will vary by market, we’re feeling optimistic. Considering it sold the POCO X7 Pro Iron Man Edition locally, we expect the Philippines to be among the countries getting this exclusive variant.

Under the hood is where things get more interesting. Both devices are confirmed to serve as the global launchpad for MediaTek’s newest silicon. The standard X8 Pro will debut the Dimensity 8500-Ultra, while the X8 Pro Max is set to be the very first smartphone on the market to rock the flagship-tier Dimensity 9500s.

SEE ALSO: POCO X7 review: Another value champ? and Watch: POCO X7 gaming test

Where things get truly wild, though, are the batteries. POCO has crammed a 6,500mAh cell into the X8 Pro, but the Pro Max variant earns its moniker with an absurd 8,500mAh capacity. That power pack easily positions this model as one of the longest-lasting flagship-level phones out there. We’re eager to see how that spec translates to real-world endurance with mixed usage and — perhaps more importantly for the POCO crowd — extended gaming sessions. Both units also support 100-watt wired HyperCharge to quickly juice up those huge cells.

To accommodate that much battery, the physical footprint had to scale. The POCO X8 Pro sports a slightly manageable 6.59-inch AMOLED display, while the POCO X8 Pro Max stretches out to a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel. They offer a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, but that extra real estate on the Pro Max version was certainly an intentional move to physically house that giant battery backup.

We’re putting the flagship sibling through its paces right now. Stay tuned for our full, comprehensive review of the POCO X8 Pro Max after the embargo lifts.

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