Smartphones · Ranked #20 of 82 · Best for budget battery and gaming

Poco X8 Pro Max

86
Highly rated
Average of 5 professional reviews
5 of 5 recommend it · critics agree
Where the 5 reviews landedRange 80–90

Exact average 86.0 · all scores printed by the outlets

Poco X8 Pro MaxImage: Poco

5 professional reviewers tested the Poco X8 Pro Max, and 5 recommend it. Most praised: performance and battery life. Most common complaint: software and app.

Reviewed by Trusted Reviews, Tech Advisor, Pocket Tactics and 2 more

The catch: Cameras are mediocre, and it has no telephoto lens.

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What 5 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 90
    Trusted ReviewsHands-on review · 2026

    A big-battery bargain with stellar performance and fast charging that could be among the year's best budget phones.

    Read Trusted Reviews review
  2. 90
    Tech AdvisorHands-on review · 2026

    Outstanding value with excellent gaming performance, premium build and incredible battery life.

    Read Tech Advisor review
  3. 90
    Pocket TacticsHands-on review · 2026

    Described as a true flagship-killer: strong gaming and everyday speed, good cameras and one of the best batteries around for a little over $500.

    Read Pocket Tactics review
  4. 80
    TechRadarHands-on review · 2026

    A solid mid-range Android phone whose massive battery is its big selling point.

    Read TechRadar review
  5. 80
    Expert ReviewsHands-on review · 2026

    An excellent-value performer with a big display and epic battery that the reviewer fully endorses for under 500 pounds.

    Read Expert Reviews review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

What critics praise most

Performance5 of 5
Battery life5 of 5
Picture quality2 of 5

What critics dislike most

Software and app3 of 5

Other smartphones critics rate highly

Oppo Find X9 UltraImage: Oppo
Best overallOppo Find X9 Ultra5 reviews · critics agree94
Apple iPhone 18 Pro MaxImage: Apple
Best for cameras and speedApple iPhone 18 Pro Max6 reviews · critics agree91
Apple iPhone 17Image: Apple
Apple iPhone 1710 reviews · critics agree90
Apple iPhone 17 ProImage: Apple
Runner-upApple iPhone 17 Pro10 reviews · broad agreement90

Also reviewed, not yet scored

Common questions

Is the Poco X8 Pro Max worth it?

Most critics think so: 5 of 5 recommend it. Cameras are mediocre, and it has no telephoto lens.

Do critics agree about the Poco X8 Pro Max?

Critics agree: scores range from 80 (TechRadar) to 90 (Trusted Reviews), a spread of 10 points across 5 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.

What do critics dislike about the Poco X8 Pro Max?

Software and app (3 of 5 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the Poco X8 Pro Max?

The Oppo Find X9 Ultra (critic score 94), best overall.