Feed aggregator

With Apple turning 50 this week, I decided there was only one way to celebrate — melt my brain by playing some of the finest games made for the Apple-1. Here's how I got on.

Even as religious belief declines in Spain, the processions at Seville's Semana Santa — the Holy Week lead-up to Easter — draw crowds moved by music, tradition and powerful emotion.

(Image credit: Cristina Quicler)

The Lowe's 2026 SpringFest sale is live, and I'm rounding up all the best deals on backyard essentials, including patio furniture, grills, tools, lawnmowers, and more.

Our test results were a wake-up call to take our hearing health seriously. Here's why you should, too.

CorelDRAW has long been one of our favorite creative apps, and it's especially notable that unlike so many similar software services, it's still - even in 2026 - offering a one-time fee instead of being subscription-only (although that is available too).

The tools here blend together graphic design software, drawing tools, and even a photo editor into a well-rounded alternative to Adobe Photoshop.

Well, time waits for no successful software package. It's got a new iteration and a bunch of new features for the new year, so, I’ve come to check out what’s changed in Corel’s flagship bundle of applications since I last explored it last year.

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2026: Pricing & plans

• One-time fee option
• Monthly and annual subscriptions also available
• Works across PC and Mac

The CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2026 is available to download or try free for 15 days by clicking here.

When it comes to prices, the trend is increasingly moving towards renting your software, and here the monthly subscription cost is $22.42 / £26.58, or $269 / £319 for the year. This allows you to take advantage of any future major updates, but as always, once you stop paying, you have nothing to show for it.

Which is why I’m glad they also offer the option to actually purchase the software, for a one-time fee of $549 / £659, which is about two years’ worth of rental and you own it for good.

On top of that, Corel allows you to have a 15-day trial of their software to make sure it’s exactly what you’re after. The cherry on top? It’s compatible with Windows and Macs.

I found the specs are quite generous. For instance, PCs need Windows 10 or 11, at least an Intel Core i3 processor, or an AMD Ryzen 3, while Macs have to run Monterey (version 12) or above, and either be powered by an Intel multiprocessor or any of Apple’s own CPUs (M1 or better).

When it comes to RAM and storage space, you should never base your decision on a manufacturer’s minimum requirements, especially for a graphics application. Cram your computer with as much RAM as you can afford - you’ll never regret it.

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2026: The suite

(Image credit: Corel // Future)

• A portfolio of applications including DRAW for vector and page layout work, and PHOTO-PAINT for pixel manipulation
• Frustratingly, Macs don’t have access to CAPTURE yet pay the same price as PC users

The main tool in this suite of apps lends its name to the suite itself: CorelDRAW. Its focus is on vector-based illustration and layout design, so if you think about it in Adobe terms, it’s a mix of Illustrator and InDesign.

On top of that, PowerTRACE is built inside CorelDRAW, which is an AI-based tool designed to improve image quality during the tracing process, for instance.

Next, is Corel PHOTO-PAINT, which is Corel’s Photoshop: pixel-based photo editing and digital painting tool.

There’s also the Corel Font Manager, which is software designed to help you manage and organise your fonts, kind of like Apple’s own Font Book.

And finally, there’s CAPTURE, which is a screen capture tool - although there’s a big caveat with that one: it’s only available for Windows users. Mac users are left out in the cold.

Still, Apple does have built-in ways to take screenshots and recordings of their screen, so it’s not that big a loss. However, paying the same price and not getting all the same tools as PC users is somewhat of a disappointment.

That’s quite a lot to include in a single suite. With it, you should have all the tools you need to create any kind of graphics work. There is however one additional tool I should briefly mention…

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2026: CorelDRAW Go & Web

(Image credit: Corel // Future)

• Corel provides two services to work online from a web browser:
• CorelDRAW Go is for beginners and intermediates
• CorelDRAW Web for advanced users, and included in the Suite’s subscription

CorelDRAW Go is a very clever service: it allows you to work in CorelDRAW inside a web browser. It’s like you’re drawing with Corel...on the go (get it?).

The service is truly excellent and it’s amazing to think how far we’ve come in terms of online technology, that you can create art inside a webpage and forget the tools you’re using aren’t actually installed on your machine. This means you can use it from any computer, just about anywhere. Just login to your account and you’re good to go.

It’s definitely worth checking out, especially since, just like the main suite, Corel offers you a free 15-day trial. The service itself would cost you $10 a month or $100 for the year. Think of it more as an entry level beginner’s design tool.

The reason I thought I’d mention it, is to casually highlight an advantage to the Suite’s subscription package.

No, CorelDRAW Go isn’t included, but CorelDRAW Web is. Web comes with more advanced tools, including vector illustration and page layout design - all from a web page.

Crazy, right? Companies will do anything to get you to subscribe to their services, including creating really impressive tools, like CorelDRAW Go, and especially CorelDRAW Web.

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2026: What’s new

(Image credit: Corel // Future)

• Improved interface
• New AI tools like background removal and generative AI art

As you’d expect, the CorelDRAW Suite comes with a mighty large collection of tools, and if you’d like an idea of what software such as DRAW and PHOTO-PAINT are like to work with, I’d recommend you check out my review of the Suite’s previous version, since it’s still relevant today, as I’ll be focussing the rest of this current review on what’s new in 2026.

Right out the gate, you’ll notice the interface has been upgraded. The look feels cleaner, with more condensed icons and menus, that allow more tools to be seen in a smaller footprint. The effect can be subtle in parts, but you definitely end up having more screen real-estate for your artwork, which is a very positive thing.

The blurb states that performance has been improved compared to previous versions, but that can be a very subjective thing, as performance greatly depends on your computer’s own specs. Personally, I didn’t notice much difference, but I have a fairly beefy machine. If you’ve got a powerful processor and oodles of RAM, you should be able to power through any project with CorelDRAW Suite 2026 with ease.

But the biggest draw is all the AI tools they’re peppering throughout the interface. Now I know there can be a lot of issues surrounding AI, and Corel is aware of that too. In fact, their spiel is that their AI tools focus more on empowering the artist rather than replacing them, and for some tools, I can certainly see that. Take ‘Remove Background’ as an example. In one word, the results are impressive.

It does something that was totally possible to do manually, but depending on the complexity of the background, such a process could take minutes to hours to achieve. Here, in seconds, the background disappears, leaving you with the foreground object, with clean sharp edges. That’s certainly empowering, and the results are definitely on par with its competitors, such as Adobe Photoshop and Pixelmator Pro.

(Image credit: Corel // Future)

What’s more contentious is ‘Generative AI’, and like it or not, it’s now available directly from within Corel’s software interface, with its own dedicated button, top right of the window. Through it, you get to either let the software create an image for you, or remix an existing one.

What I really like was that you’re given a choice of which generative algorithm you’d like to use; ‘Nano Banana’ is the one selected by default, and it produces excellent results for not too many credits (more on those in a bit), but you’ve got the option of six other algorithms for you to try out.

The same goes for one of 6 styles on offer, from photorealistic, to line art, 3D render and pop art, and you can even control the colour palette, if that’s your thing. As always, there’s a text prompt field where your own creativity gets slotted in, but even that can be taken care of by an algorithm if you’re stuck with writer’s block: simply click on the ‘inspire me’ button, and the interface will also create a prompt for you.

I particularly liked the Remix option. I took the image this AI created for me, fed it into Remix and asked it to turn the autumn setting into a summer one, and the results was astonishing. The exact same image, from the exact same angle, nothing’s changed, except it’s now a beautiful sunny day. Turn the scenery to winter, and the outcome was just as good.

Now there’s no doubt that all of this is impressive, and the results are astonishing, but how does a machine creating an image for you from nothing equate to empowering the artist, as no artist was actually involved in that particular ‘creation’ process?

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2026: AI costs

(Image credit: Corel // Future)

• You get some credits when you purchase the software
• Monthly credits available when subscribing but don't roll-over
• Extra credits can be bought

It’s obvious a lot of fun can be had with generative AI, but you need to be aware that each image will cost you. Nano Banana eats 16 credits a pop. The most expensive algorithm is Nano Banana Pro, with 86 credits per image.

If you subscribe to the Suite, you get to play with 2,000 credits each month. Those who purchase the software outright, only get 2,000 credits in total (another push to incentivise the subscription model).

Now if you love generative AI, you have other purchase options open to you, starting at $20 for 2,000 credits, to $200 for 35,000. There’s even another subscription model, costing you $100 a year to get 2,500 each month, or $10 a month for 2,000.

There’s no doubt the subscription model is yet again, better value. Although there is a drawback: the credits you purchase last forever, those you rent, reset on the first of each month (so make sure you don’t start your agreement on the 30th!)

Should I buy CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2026

(Image credit: Corel // Future)

Buy it if...

If you’re looking for a powerful image editor, vector illustrator and page layout suite, with numerous tools that are easy to learn and use, and include generous lashings of AI.

Don't buy it if...

You’re not a fan that most of the new features are AI-based, and you feel scared moving away from the Adobe hegemony.

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2026 is here, and what does this powerful collection of software bring to the budding artist? Well a lot of AI actually. If you want to see if this new version is right for you, read on

Microsoft notes Copilot is for "entertainment purposes only" and to be used "at your own risk," but nothing has changed to its availability.

OLED and mini-LED are two of the best TV technologies. Which is better? Which should you get? Here are their pros and cons.

Battlefield 6 audio director Jeff Wilson has discussed the game's award-winning sound in a new interview.

OpenAI CEO shared stories of some incredible ChatGPT and CODEX successes, but what do they mean for you (and your doing)?

At least 500 people were affected in breach at Hims and Hers.

Two Nvidia GTX 1080 GPUs, a 21-inch screen, and a $10K price tag - the Acer Predator 21X was a ridiculous device 10 years ago, and I fired it up to see how it fares today.

A U.S. official confirmed the Iranian state media report and added that a search is underway by U.S. forces.

(Image credit: Vahid Salemi)

Hundreds of thousands of KYC files were exposed in attack on Duc.

Counting scans and alerts isn’t security progress—it's masking unresolved vulnerabilities and rising cyber risk.

Expanding global cyber regulations are pushing resilience into board-level governance.

Anthropic is trying to limit the damage after sections of its popular AI coding tool were made public.

Agentic AI is reshaping work, but interoperability will determine its true enterprise impact.

Your robot vacuum isn't broken; you may be hurting its performance. CNET spoke with experts to learn simple fixes for getting your bot back to peak cleaning condition.

Poco X8 Pro Max two-minute review

It may not be the best Android phone ever made, but if you need a certain type of mobile, the Poco X8 Pro Max might just end up being the best phone you can buy.

This new Android-powered device from Xiaomi’s mid-range sub-brand is the first of its family to bear the iPhone-copying ‘Pro Max’ suffix — an odd decision, since there’s no non-Pro model at the time of writing, but for all intents and purposes, this is the top-end Poco phone of 2026.

While most ‘Pro Max’ or ‘Ultra’ phones opt for flashy features and high prices, Poco goes the other way. The X8 Pro Max is possibly the ultimate workhorse smartphone, designed not for fancy gimmicks you play with once and forget about, but to be a handset you can use every day for years without worry.

Case in point: it has one of the biggest batteries you'll find in a smartphone. Its 8,500mAh power pack is absolutely huge, and it allows the Poco to last for literal days without needing to be recharged. 'Two-day battery life’ is a common claim you hear from Apple and Samsung, with dubious accuracy, but in the Poco, it’s a reality.

I imagine light phone users could even get three days' use out of the X8 Pro Max, and when you do run low, its fast charging capabilities will get you back on the move in minutes. I comfortably kept to a two-day routine, but I was using the Poco intensively to review it, and you (hopefully) won't use your device as much as me.

This is no one-trick pony either. The charging speed is equally impressive, hitting 100W, which means you can fill that massive power pack up in a reasonable time (about 45 minutes, depending on your charger). Its processor and display are both pretty great for the price, too, and I used the phone for gaming without issue.

The Poco X8 Pro Max isn’t a phone for everyone. Its cameras are fine for day-to-day use but aren’t designed for photographers, and the software isn’t as refined as on some alternatives. The addition of two LED ring lights around the camera lenses is a neat addition on paper, but they don't amount to much in practice.

But when you consider that this is a fairly affordable phone, it’s easy to forgive a few rough edges. The X8 Pro Max is a mid-range mobile that’s easy to pick up without worrying too much about the up-front cost, and it’ll last you for absolutely ages, so you won’t need to think about replacing it for many years.

Poco X8 Pro Max review: price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

• Released on March 17, 2026
• 256GB storage: $469 / £469 (about AU$940)
• 512GB storage: $519 / £519 (about AU$1,040)

The Poco X8 Pro Max was announced alongside its non-Max equivalent, the Poco X8 Pro, on March 17, 2026, and at the time of writing, there's no non-Pro entry in the lineup. We’ll wait and see, though.

The handset starts at $469 / £469 (about AU$940, but Xiaomi doesn’t sell its Poco phones in Australia). Despite the presence of a USD cost, Xiaomi phones aren’t technically available in the US, and this is just the official reference price for the device. You can still ship the X8 Pro Max to the US, but it'll incur additional costs, and you might find support spotty.

That base model has 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, but for an extra $50 / £50 (about AU$100) you can double the latter capacity to 512GB storage. If you're buying this as a power-hungry work phone, that's not much money for a lot more storage.

Poco X8 Pro Max review: specsPoco X8 Pro Max specs

Dimensions:

162.9 x 77.9 x 8.2mm

Weight:

218g

Screen:

6.83-inch FHD (1280 x 2772) 120Hz AMOLED

Chipset:

MediaTek Dimensity 9500s

RAM:

12GB

Storage:

256/512GB

OS:

Android 16, HyperOS 3

Primary camera:

50MP, f/1.5

Ultra-wide camera:

8MP f/2.2

Front camera:

20MP, f/2.2

Audio:

Stereo speakers

Battery:

8,500mAh

Charging:

100W wired, 27W reverse

Colors:

White, black, blue

Poco X8 Pro Max review: design

(Image credit: Future)

• Average-looking Android in black, blue or white
• Not too thick, but a little heavy
• Ring lights around camera

The Poco X8 Pro Max isn't as chunky as you'd expect for a phone harboring a veritable power bank under its skin. It measures 162.9 x 77.9 x 82.mm, which is about average for a phone of its ilk, and it only tips the scales a little more than average at 218g.

That weight likely comes from the glass front and back, and the aluminum frame, more than anything. The phone is IP68-rated, so it's well-protected against dust and immersion in water, though in some regions you'll get an additional IP69K rating. This isn't the case with the UK model.

At the end of the day, the X8 Pro Max is not an especially novel-looking phone. The model I tested, the white one, has a barely-perceptible vertical-stripe pattern on the back, but beyond that, it looks like your average Android. I presume the other models, which come in blue and black, are the same.

Look hard enough, and you'll find two LED rings; one surrounding each camera bump. These can be toggled to light up under specific circumstances: for an incoming call, to double as a camera app timer, or when music is playing. Honestly, though, I found these lights quite situational, and I barely saw them in action during my testing.

The power button and volume rocker, both on the right edge, were within reach of my thumb when I was using the handset one-handed, but that may not be true for smaller-handed users. The camera bump doesn't stick out too much, so the phone could be placed almost flush on surfaces. That's not a given these days.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Poco X8 Pro Max review: display

(Image credit: Future)

• 6.83 inches, 1280 x 2772 resolution
• 120Hz refresh rate, 3,500 nits max brightness
• AMOLED with 68 billion colors

The Poco X8 Pro Max has a sizeable 6.83-inch screen, like many other mid-priced Android phones on the market right now.

The rest of its display specs are in line with the competition too: you get a 1280 x 2772 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, 3,500 nits of max brightness, and support for HDR10+.

Thanks to its AMOLED panel and support for up to 68 billion colors, the phone has a little bit of extra juice for watching movies or TV shows. This technology reduces the amount of banding you see (no more weird stripey sunrises in your shows!), and it combines well with the Dolby Atmos support also offered by the phone.

• Display score: 4 / 5

Poco X8 Pro Max review: software

(Image credit: Future)

• Android 16 with HyperOS 3
• Lots of bloatware to delete
• Four years of OS updates

The perpetual problem of Xiaomi's cheaper phones is that they always come pre-loaded with loads of bloatware; random games, third-party apps, and the company's own apps result in your main menu being cluttered before you've even started using the device.

You can delete them, but it's a chore to do so. You essentially have to claw your way back to the basic interface, which is Android 16 with Xiaomi's HyperOS 3 laid over the top.

To the same degree as most Chinese-made OSes, you get out of HyperOS what you put in; it doesn't have distinctive system-wide theme controls like One UI or stock Android, and instead tasks you with building your own interface with controls over the app icons, font, wallpaper, and so on.

As someone who doesn't like the overbearing system-wide themes of rivals, I'm a fan of Poco's approach, but it's not for everyone. If you want a simple and cohesive 'look', this phone isn't for you (unless you're willing to play around with its settings).

Poco doesn't make a huge song and dance about the AI features available in HyperOS, probably recognizing that consumers are a little tired of the subject at this point, but there are a few hidden away nonetheless: Circle to Search, Speech Recognition, and wallpaper generation are all here, and both Gemini and Copilot come pre-installed.

In terms of longevity, you'll get four years of operating system updates and six years of security fixes with the Poco X8 Pro Max. That's not the longest update commitment around, but it's a lot better than two or three years offered by some mid-range Android phone manufacturers.

• Software score: 3 / 5

Poco X8 Pro Max review: cameras

(Image credit: Future)

• 50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, and 20MP front cameras
• Pictures are detailed but not optimized
• A few handy video features

Poco has never made a serious camera phone, and the X8 Pro Max doesn't change that fact. The phone has the same two-part lens array as basically every other Poco of the past few years: there's a 50MP f/1.5 main camera and 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide, with a 20MP f/2.2 camera on the front to round out the party.

It’s a tried-and-tested combo for budget phones: these lenses are great for taking pictures of pets, scanning documents, and capturing holiday shots, which is what most casual users will be using them for anyway.

But people who take their photography seriously will want to opt for an alternative device with a telephoto lens or bespoke camera modes.

As you can see from the camera samples below, snaps I took on the Poco are perfectly fine: the phone performs admirably in low-light conditions, and captured plenty of detail in various environments. The f/1.5 aperture on the main camera is a bit wider than we sometimes see in this category, and that probably explains why my pictures were nice and bright.

What differentiates this device from a bona fide camera phone, other than its lack of a telephoto lens, is its optimization capabilities (or lack thereof). Post-processing on the Poco X8 Pro Max is light-touch — the phone's software will make slight brightness and contrast adjustments, but that’s it. It doesn’t add vibrancy or color to pictures, which makes some of the photos below look a little duller than they otherwise would.

Video recording goes up to 4K at 60fps, and I was pleasantly surprised by how stable the recorded footage came out. A few other tools, like focus peaking and exposure 'zebra stripes', make the Poco X8 Pro Max a little more advanced for videography than I’ve come to expect from budget phones. However, there's no slow-mo, which I’d come to understand was a staple of phones at this price range.

• Camera score: 3.5 / 5

Poco X8 Pro Max camera samplesA pier at sunset, taken on the Poco's main camera.FutureA cacti, photographed on the Poco's main camera.FutureA night-time cityscape, captured on the Poco's main camera.FutureA red flower, photographed on the Poco's main camera.FutureA river view, photographed on the Poco's ultra-wide camera.FutureA river view, photographed on the Poco's main camera.FutureA river view, photographed on the Poco's main camera at 2x zoom.FutureA river view, photographed on the Poco's main camera at 10x zoom, its digital limit.FuturePoco X8 Pro Max review: performance and audio

(Image credit: Future)

• Solid Dimensity 9500s chipset + 12GB RAM
• Performs well in gaming, even if not top-end
• Stereo speakers or Bluetooth 6.0

If you want a solid, affordable phone for gaming, the Poco X8 Pro Max has you covered, as it’s one of the more powerful handsets you can buy without stretching your budget to the dizzy heights demanded by a top-end mobile.

The phone has a MediaTek Dimensity 9500s chipset, designed by MediaTek as a slightly stepped-down version of the brand’s flagship Dimensity 9500 processor (which itself is considered a step down from Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon range). That 9500s chipset is paired with 12GB RAM, whichever model you pick up.

Despite that 's' suffix, though, the Poco's Dimensity 9500s chipset proved an admirable performer in benchmark tests, even if it didn’t match up to the true top-end chipsets found in bespoke gaming phones. The phone's average Geekbench 5 multi-core score was 8603, while 3D Mark’s Wild Life Extreme scores hovered around the 6000 mark. For context, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, which I tested before, hit 7300.

What’s in 1300? Not much, because I found that the Poco X8 Pro Max could easily handle all the usual testing games I play: online shooters, PC strategy ports, and assorted indie titles. It could generally grapple with all the high-graphics options I threw at it, too, though sometimes it would find Ultra presets taxing. Still, titles loaded quickly and played smoothly, with none of the overheating issues that we often see on Snapdragon-loaded handsets.

For audio, you'll get a set of stereo speakers on the Poco X8 Pro Max, smartly positioned so you don't block them when holding the phone horizontally for gaming.

There's also Bluetooth 5.4 support for wireless headphones, but no 3.5mm jack for a cable connection.

• Performance score: 4 / 5

Poco X8 Pro Max review: battery life

(Image credit: Future)

• Massive 8,500mAh battery
• 2-3 days battery life, depending on use
• 100W charging

It’s taken us a while to get here, but battery life is, for me, the best part of the Poco X8 Pro Max. Xiaomi has packed the phone full of juice: its battery is 8,500mAh, one of the biggest I’ve seen on a consumer smartphone before. Apparently, some even regions get a 9,000mAh version, but in the UK, that model isn’t on sale.

Suffice to say, an enormous battery like this lasts absolutely ages on a single charge. I’m talking two straight days of average phone use, and you’ll still have something left over. I have no doubt that the Poco X8 Pro Max is the longest-lasting phone I’ve ever reviewed.

Exorcising charging from your daily routine isn’t the only benefit of a huge battery like this. It ensures you can throw some gaming, video capture, or lots of screen time into your routine, without any kind of battery anxiety creeping in.

With such a big battery, fast charging seems almost unnecessary, but Poco has sweetened the deal with 100W wired powering. You’ll need to buy your own charger to hit this speed, though, as there’s a cable in the box but no wall plug.

With this charging speed, you can power the phone up from empty to full in just under 50 minutes. That doesn’t sound quick, but bear in mind the power pack is huge. You can also use the Poco as a power bank to charge up other devices, with 27W reverse wired charging. This phone is a battery champion.

• Battery score: 5 / 5

Poco X8 Pro Max review: value

(Image credit: Future)

I've never used a Poco smartphone that didn't offer value for money in some way, and that streak remains unbroken with the X8 Pro Max.

The phone offers an unparalleled experience if you need something reliable that'll last you for ages without charging. Sure, it doesn't offer flashy features or advanced cameras, but it's trying to be the panacea for people who just want a reliable mobile.

It's also built to last better than most flagships, ensuring you won't need to buy a replacement phone every other year.

• Value score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Poco X8 Pro Max?Poco X8 Pro Max score card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

'Bang for your buck' is expected for a Poco phone.

4 / 5

Design

By-the-numbers design, but well-protected and hides the battery well.

4 / 5

Display

You're getting good camera specs with more colors than some rivals.

4 / 5

Software

The pre-installed bloatware is annoying, and some may consider the OS to look messy.

3 / 5

Camera

This isn't designed for photographers, but it'll do the job day-to-day for everyone else.

3.5 / 5

Performance

Most users won't be able to tell that it doesn't have a true top-end chipset.

4 / 5

Battery

This thing will last you ages, and charges incredibly quickly.

5 / 5

Buy it if...

You need a multi-day battery life
It's no exaggeration to say that this phone will last you for literal days on one charge. Usually, that's a marketing line; here, it's true.

You're a budget gamer
The Poco isn't expensive, but its chipset is solid for mobile gaming, with the display an extra bonus.

You need an alert LED
I didn't find it too useful, but I imagine some users will find the Poco's rear ring light handy if used well.

Don't buy it if...

You need a good camera phone
For the price, you can get better camera phones, with macro or zoom lenses.

You need a classy-looking OS
Forget the bloatware; HyperOS isn't exactly a looker. Many people won't mind, but if you like a system theme, you won't be impressed.

Poco X8 Pro Max review: Also consider

Not quite sold on this budget battery blower? Here are a few similarly-priced alternatives which are also worth your consideration.

Nothing Phone (4a) Pro
This mobile is a budget camera beast, but it also offers a lot more to like: it looks distinctive, has unique-looking software, and offers a 'Glyph' display on the back. Unlike the Poco, it's no battery winner, though.

Read our full Nothing Phone (4a) Pro review

Samsung Galaxy A57
The Samsung Galaxy A57 offers a great-looking display, and it's also pretty slender, so is perfect for people who don't want a massive mobile. Don't expect much processing power though.

Read our hands-on impressions of the Samsung Galaxy A57

OnePlus 15R
Another phone that focuses on battery life, the OnePlus 15R has a slightly smaller battery but compensates with more processing power.

Poco X8 Pro Max

OnePlus 15R

Samsung Galaxy A57

Nothing Phone (4a) Pro

Starting price (at launch):

$469 / £469 (about AU$940)

$699 / £649 (about AU$1,300)

$549.99 / £529 / AU$749

$499 / £499 (about AU$1,000)

Dimensions:

162.9 x 77.9 x 8.2mm

163.4 x 77 x 8.1 mm

161.5 x 76.8 x 6.9 mm

163.7 x 76.6 x 8 mm

Weight:

218g

213

179g

210g

OS (at launch):

HyperOS 3, Android 16

OxygenOS 16, Android 16

OneUI 8.5, Android 16

Nothing OS 4.1, Android 16

Screen Size:

6.83-inch

6.83-inch

6.7-inch

6.83-inch

Resolution:

2772 x 1280

2800 x 1272

2340 x 1080

2800 x 1260

CPU:

Mediatek Dimensity 9500s

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5

Exynos 1680

Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4

RAM:

12GB

12GB

8GB / 12GB

8GB / 12GB

Storage (from):

256GB / 512GB

256GB / 512GB

128GB / 256GB / 512GB

128GB / 256GB

Battery:

8,500mAh

7,400mAh

5,000mAh

5,080mAh

Rear Cameras:

50MP main, 8MP ultrawide

50MP main, 8MP ultrawide

50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro

50MP wide, 50MP periscope telephoto, 8MP ultrawide

Front camera:

20MP

32MP

12MP

32MP

How I tested the Poco X8 Pro Max

(Image credit: Future)

• Review test period = 3 weeks
• Testing included = Everyday usage, including web browsing, social media, photography, video calling, gaming, streaming video, music playback
• Tools used = Geekbench 6, 3D Mark, native Android stats

I used the Poco X8 Pro Max for roughly three weeks before writing this review, and tested it alongside the non-Max version of the phone, which I was also sent.

Part of testing was lab-based: I used benchmark apps like Geekbench and 3D Mark, conducted battery tests, and timed it charging. The rest of my testing was experience-based: I used the Poco for normal smartphone purposes, gaming, and taking photos.

I've been reviewing smartphones for TechRadar for seven years, and in that time have tested countless mobiles from a variety of brands and price points. These include past Poco and Xiaomi devices, and other battery-focused phones.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed March 2026