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Poco seems to be reshuffling its 2026 lineup. Recent code leaks and certification traces suggest the brand will lean heavily on rebranded Redmi models, shrink the X-series, and possibly skip some phones fans were expecting.
What the leaks show: rebrands and a trimmed X-series
Analysis of Mi code and market certifications reported by XiaomiTime points to a tidy rebrand strategy. Instead of entirely new hardware, Poco appears ready to rebadge a handful of Redmi phones for different markets. The likely mapping includes:
- Poco M8 5G — Redmi Note 15 5G (rebranded)
- Poco M8 Pro 5G — Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G (rebranded)
- Poco X8 Pro — Redmi Turbo 5 (rebranded)
- Poco X8 Pro Max — Redmi Turbo 5 Pro Max, heading to China
Noticeably absent is the standard Poco X8. That model hasn’t shown up in GSMA IMEI listings and, according to the report, may have been cancelled. If true, Poco’s X-series will shrink in 2026 to just two main models: an X8 Pro and an X8 Pro Max, with the possible addition of a special Iron Man Edition for the X8 Pro.
F8 lineup — more rebrands, but is an F8 missing?
Poco’s recent global releases already leaned on Redmi hardware. The China-exclusive Redmi K90 Pro Max and Redmi K90 were reintroduced globally as the Poco F8 Ultra and F8 Pro. The latest leak goes a step further, suggesting the Poco F8 — a handset many expected — might not exist at all. The source provides no conclusive evidence, so treat that as an unconfirmed claim for now.
Why this matters to buyers and fans
Rebranding can simplify supply chains and speed global launches, but it also changes expectations. Buyers who follow Poco for distinct designs or unique value propositions might find fewer standalone Poco-only models. On the flip side, rebadged Redmi flagships could bring flagship-level specs under the Poco banner in more markets.
Will Poco confirm this roadmap? Official announcements usually follow certification trails, so keep an eye on regional Xiaomi and Poco channels. For now, the picture is clear: M8-series rebadges are likely, the X8 standard model looks to be axed, and F8’s future is murky.
Imagine a leaner Poco in 2026 — fewer SKUs but bigger, more focused releases. That approach could be a win if Poco nails pricing and differentiation. Or it could disappoint longtime fans wanting diverse choices. Either way, the next few months should clarify what happens next.
Source: gizmochina
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