Highlights
- New renders of Redmi Turbo 5 Max / POCO X8 Pro Max surface online.
- Rear camera design may adopt a horizontal layout.
- Rumors suggest a 9,000mAh battery and Dimensity 9500s chipset.
- Compact bezels, rounded edges, and punch-hole display shown in renders.
- POCO lineup restructuring: model originally expected as POCO F8 now appears as X8 Pro Max.
Full Article (~500 Words)
The smartphone market in 2026 continues to evolve, and Xiaomi’s sub-brands Redmi and POCO are at the center of attention. Recently, new renders of the Redmi Turbo 5 Max have appeared online, sparking discussions about its design and specifications. Globally, this device is expected to launch as the POCO X8 Pro Max, marking a significant shift in POCO’s lineup strategy.
Bold Camera Layout
One of the most striking details in the leaked images is the horizontal rear camera arrangement. This design rotates the traditional vertical camera setup by ninety degrees, giving the phone a fresh look compared to earlier Redmi Turbo models. However, experts caution that these images may be AI-generated, so the final design could differ.
Display and Build
The renders also show a thin-bezel display with a small punch-hole for the front camera. The chassis edges appear rounded, consistent with recent Xiaomi devices. Button placement looks similar to existing Redmi phones, suggesting that while the camera design may change, the overall ergonomics remain familiar.
Massive Battery and New Chipset
Redmi has hinted that the Turbo 5 Max will feature the largest battery capacity in its class. Leaks suggest a 9,000mAh battery or higher, which would be a game-changer for heavy users. Powering the device is expected to be MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500s chipset, a derivative of the Dimensity 9500. This chip is scheduled for official announcement on January 15, making the timing of the leaks even more intriguing.
Global Launch as POCO X8 Pro Max
In the international market, the Redmi Turbo 5 Max is almost certain to be released as the POCO X8 Pro Max. Interestingly, this model was initially rumored to be the POCO F8, a successor to the POCO F7. However, POCO has restructured its lineup, shifting towards the “Max” branding to emphasize larger screens, bigger batteries, and high-end performance.
The Rise of “Max” Models
The move mirrors Apple’s long-standing “Pro Max” strategy, which has influenced other brands like Xiaomi and Redmi. Consumers increasingly demand devices with bigger displays, stronger batteries, and premium chips, and the POCO X8 Pro Max seems designed to meet those expectations.
As Sujit Ram observes, the POCO X8 Pro Max could represent a turning point for POCO’s global strategy, blending bold design with practical performance upgrades. With the official announcement still pending, fans are eagerly waiting to see if these leaks translate into reality.
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