Erencan YılmazPOCO has positioned itself once again at the center of the smartphone conversation, signaling upcoming launches well ahead of schedule. Recent findings from the IMEI database point directly to the arrival of the POCO F8 and the Redmi Turbo 5 Pro, with model numbers leaving clear indicators about each device’s market strategy.
The POCO F8 is now listed in the IMEI database
To break it down: the Redmi Turbo 5 Pro turns up as 2602BRT18C, that trailing ‘C’ unmistakably signifying its China-first approach. POCO F8, meanwhile, is showing two model numbers: 2602BPC18G (targeted globally) and 2602BPC18I (geared towards India). The company is aligning its flagship reveal for multiple key markets simultaneously, ensuring broader initial reach and heightened market momentum.
The prefix “2602” reveals even more: Xiaomi and POCO are known to code the model year and month in these digits, so “2602” points to a February 2026 launch. Historically, the POCO F7 followed a May 2025 schedule, but this earlier timeline represents a notable strategic shift aimed at capturing consumer interest ahead of competitors.
The timing also coincides with Mobile World Congress (MWC), held every February. For brands like POCO and Xiaomi, launching at MWC isn’t just fitting; it ensures maximum visibility among global industry leaders, analysts, and media. Such a move reinforces their intent to amplify both recognition and competitive stature on a worldwide stage.
On the hardware front, the POCO F8 is generating headlines for its anticipated use of the Dimensity 9400 chipset. This next-generation processor places the device squarely in the high-performance flagship segment, heightening competition and setting clear expectations for elevated speed and power.
These IMEI leaks underscore POCO’s adjusted roadmap: targeting a February 2026 launch, with simultaneous introductions across China, India, and international markets. If the MWC debut materializes, the brands stand to further cement their positions at the top of consumers’ minds. This proactive approach reflects POCO’s ambition to play a defining role in shaping smartphone trends for the coming year.
