POCO kills X8 and F8 as the M8 lineup rises: New 2026 model strategy explained

Every year, Xiaomi fans eagerly wait to see how Redmi smartphones will be transformed into their POCO counterparts. But in 2025, this transformation has taken an unexpected turn. Based on IMEI records and Mi Code data, POCO is making a major shift in its product strategy. The most surprising development is that the POCO X8 series appears to be cancelled, while the POCO M8 series is expanding and becoming one of the brand’s central lineups.

This article explores all known Redmi → POCO transformations, cancelled models, updated naming strategies, and how POCO is restructuring its segment hierarchy for 2025.

2025 POCO Model Mapping: What Mi Code Confirms

According to Mi Code entries, here is the accurate mapping of Redmi models to their upcoming POCO versions:

Redmi → POCO Transformations (2025 Lineup)

• Redmi Note 15 5G (kunzite) → POCO M8 5G
• Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G (flourite) → POCO M8 Pro 5G
• Redmi K90 Pro Max (myron) → POCO F8 Ultra
• Redmi K90 (annibale) → POCO F8 Pro
• Redmi Turbo 5 Pro Max (dash) → POCO X8 Pro Max
• Redmi Turbo 5 (klee) → POCO X8 Pro / Iron Man Special Edition

This mapping clearly shows that POCO is shrinking the X series and shifting its focus toward the M series and F series, redefining the brand’s overall structure.

POCO X8 Is Cancelled: Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G Won’t Become a POCO Device

For months, fans expected Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G (Lapis) to launch globally as POCO X8—similar to last year’s Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G → POCO X7 transformation.

But the new leaks reveal the opposite:

• The device appears in IMEI as a POCO variant,
• Yet GSMA database still doesn’t list any market name,
• Even the Pro+ version is being launched as POCO M8 Pro 5G,
• There is no confirmed commercial registration for X8,
• No POCO X8-related marketing data has surfaced.

These signs strongly indicate that POCO X8 is fully cancelled and Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G may not receive a POCO rebrand this year.

POCO M8 Series Becomes the New Center of the Brand

POCO M7 sold exceptionally well last year, and Xiaomi now appears to be doubling down. This year, the M series:

• Includes more models
• Covers more price segments
• Receives stronger hardware
• Gains Pro versions at higher performance levels
• Becomes POCO’s main mid-range lineup

A key indicator is that even Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G is being converted into POCO M8 Pro 5G, something previously unheard of.

Last year:

• Redmi Note 14 5G → POCO M7 Pro 5G

This year:

• POCO M7 5G is launching independently
• POCO M8 and M8 Pro are taking over the mid-range segment

This clearly shows that POCO M series is rising aggressively in 2025.

POCO F Series Repositions: Only F8 Pro and F8 Ultra Will Launch

The Redmi K90 lineup determines POCO’s F series each year. For 2025:

• Redmi K90 Pro Max → POCO F8 Ultra
• Redmi K90 → POCO F8 Pro

Most interestingly:

• There will be no standard POCO F8 model this year.

POCO is now positioning the F series exclusively as a premium “flagship killer” range, focusing only on Pro and Ultra variants.

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POCO X Series

• POCO X8 (standard) is gone.
• POCO X8 is replaced with POCO X8 Pro and Iron Man Edition as the key model.
• POCO X8 Pro Max

This proves the X series is no longer the brand’s main mid-range focus. Instead, it becomes a limited and more performance-oriented lineup.

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POCO’s 2025 Segment Hierarchy: F > X > M > C

POCO’s portfolio is now more structured and clearly segmented:

1. F Series → Premium, flagship-killer class
2. X Series → Upper mid-range, reduced lineup
3. M Series → Mainstream mid-range, expanded lineup
4. C Series → Entry-level budget devices

This hierarchy highlights POCO’s intention to simplify its product portfolio while strengthening each lineup’s identity.

Conclusion: POCO Reshapes Its Entire Strategy for 2025

Compared to last year, POCO is undergoing a significant transformation:

• POCO X8 is cancelled.
• POCO M8 series expands dramatically.
• Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G may not receive a POCO rebrand.
• POCO F8 focuses only on Pro and Ultra models.
• X series shrinks to a two key model: X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max.

With this lineup, POCO aims to create a clearer product structure that appeals to both performance-focused users and mainstream consumers.

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