One of the best smartphones of 2026 is the POCO X8 Pro. And it’s no surprise — for roughly 20 thousand rubles, the Xiaomi sub-brand offered a device with performance comparable to Android flagships. That’s impressive, but the manufacturer’s lineup also includes many other great models, which is why I picked up 5 of the best POCO smartphones — and now it’s time to figure out: who should buy which one in 2026.
Here are the 5 smartphones I recommend to everyone
POCO M7 — Best Smartphone Under 10,000 Rubles
If you’re not someone who chases after technological excesses and simply want a smartphone for work that holds a charge for a long time and doesn’t lag, the best option is definitely the POCO M7. It costs roughly 10 thousand rubles, and for that money, the device truly gives you the maximum!
POCO M7 looks and feels more expensive than its price
Price: from 9,387 ₽
The exterior is top-notch, and the inside is even cooler. The Snapdragon 685 processor is perfect for handling basic tasks like social media and messengers without lag, while the 7,000 mAh battery provides 2 days of use on a single charge. On top of that, the IPS screen makes it one of the best smartphones for taxi drivers, since this type of panel doesn’t suffer from burn-in, unlike AMOLED.
POCO M8 Pro — Best Smartphone Under 20,000 Rubles
This price category is the most popular in Russia. And the POCO M8 Pro not only withstood serious competition but also managed to offer more than other manufacturers.
POCO M8 Pro offers the optimal balance of price and specs
Price: from 17,476 ₽
The smartphone features a gorgeous AMOLED screen with 1.5K resolution, a fast Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor, and a camera that’s great for its price. Moreover, the model even comes equipped with flagship features like water resistance and eSIM support. You won’t find anything better among affordable smartphones of 2026.
POCO X8 Pro — Affordable and Powerful Smartphone
For those who appreciate power, I still recommend scraping together an extra 4 thousand rubles and getting the POCO X8 Pro. It’s a truly gaming-oriented device thanks to the Dimensity 8500-Ultra processor, which scores over 2 million points in AnTuTu — guaranteeing stable gaming at maximum graphics settings.
POCO X8 Pro is built for flagship-level performance
Price: from 21,758 ₽
Additionally, a powerful processor is a guarantee of stable smartphone performance for years to come, which is especially relevant given new taxes and the general rise in tech prices. It’s definitely worth buying — besides the top-tier hardware, you get great screen and cameras, paired with a 6,500 mAh battery.
POCO X8 Pro Max — The Most Powerful Smartphone Under 30,000
Think the previous model isn’t powerful enough? Then the POCO X8 Pro Max is for you, built on the even more powerful Dimensity 9500s chip. Its ceiling is around 3 million points in AnTuTu — the performance here is simply off the charts.
POCO X8 Pro Max is even more powerful
Price: from 28,605 ₽
But it’s not just about performance. The POCO X8 Pro Max also boasts incredible battery life. No wonder — it packs a whopping 8,500 mAh battery. Two and a half days of use are guaranteed, and some users may squeeze out a full three, all while enjoying the capabilities of an excellent camera and a vibrant screen.
