Having appeared on the market just a couple of months ago, the POCO X8 Pro instantly became one of the best smartphones of 2026. The secret to its success turned out to be simple: the developers focused on performance while cutting corners on other specs. Perfect for gamers, but not so great for the average user. But what to buy instead? I suggest choosing an alternative among other smartphones under 30,000 rubles.
Selected several smartphones as replacements for the POCO X8 Pro. Image: TechDaily
REDMI Note 15 Pro+ — the Best REDMI in 2026
If not POCO, then first and foremost I suggest considering the REDMI Note 15 Pro+. It’s the top model from another Xiaomi sub-brand that focuses on a balance of specs without leaning too heavily in one direction. A 200 MP camera, a solid Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor that handles everything (albeit not on “ultra” settings), and a 6500 mAh battery with 100W charging — the cherry on top.
The top pick among REDMI smartphones
Price: from 22,584 ₽
The smartphone looks stylish and even hints at premium. It features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protective glass, full water resistance, and eSIM support.
The Interesting Nothing Phone (3a) Pro
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is even more appealing in terms of price-to-specs balance, but at first glance, it’s the design that catches your eye. It’s unusual, as you’d expect from a device with British heritage. It won’t appeal to everyone, but some will definitely love the glowing glyphs on the back of the device. It’s beautiful.
The most unusual alternative to the POCO X8 Pro
Price: from 23,312 ₽
In terms of internals, everything is in great shape here, just like with the best smartphones under 30,000 rubles in 2026. A fast processor for system responsiveness, an advanced camera with optical zoom, and a proprietary shell that isn’t overloaded with unnecessary features, unlike offerings from “Chinese” brands.
The Powerful realme GT 7T
The realme GT 7T is ready to offer power comparable to the POCO X8 Pro, as it runs on the Dimensity 8400 chipset, delivering sub-flagship level performance. Its durability will last for several years ahead, and as a bonus compared to POCO, it has a massive 7000 mAh battery. That’s very impressive even in 2026.
Just as powerful, but with a bigger battery
Price: from 25,452 ₽
On top of that, the base version of the smartphone offers 12 GB of RAM, which is especially valuable in the era of shortages. Apps won’t crash, and the absence of lag is complemented by an advanced shell without built-in ads, unlike the annoying HyperOS.
The Affordable Camera Phone vivo V70
The vivo V70 is nothing like the POCO X8 Pro. While the Xiaomi camp representative focuses on performance, this model focuses on cameras. The mid-budget vivo is a full-fledged camera phone with a great periscope lens providing 100x zoom.
A smartphone for those who value a great camera
Price: from 27,496 ₽
Taking photos on the vivo V70 is pure joy. Compared to POCO, the vivo device doesn’t deliver the same raw power, but the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 is still a very capable solution that will be more than enough.
Xiaomi 15T — a Smartphone with a Leica Camera
Finally, a great alternative to the POCO X8 Pro in 2026 is the Xiaomi 15T. The smartphone positions itself as a premium device with full water resistance and flagship features like a collaboration with the German camera manufacturer Leica. Sounds very promising.
