The Poco M8 Power is coming to India as a rebranded Redmi Note 17, according to HyperOS firmware leaks. The device is expected to feature an 8,000 mAh battery, a Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 chipset, and a 7-inch 120Hz OLED display, mirroring the specifications of the Chinese Redmi Note 17.
Poco M8 Power Leaks Point to Indian Market Launch
References to a “Poco M8 Power” surfaced within the latest HyperOS firmware build, carrying the model number 26021PC18I. According to analysis of Xiaomi’s naming conventions, the “PC” designation identifies the device as a Poco brand, while the trailing “I” specifically denotes the Indian region.
This follows the recent unveiling of the Redmi Note 17 and Note 17 Pro in China. The standard Redmi Note 17 carries the model number 26021RN18C, where “RN” stands for Redmi and “C” indicates the Chinese market. The nearly identical model numbers suggest the Poco M8 Power is a direct rebrand of the Chinese Redmi Note 17 for international distribution.
Did you know? Xiaomi frequently uses its sub-brands, Redmi and Poco, to sell the same hardware under different names in different countries to optimize pricing and branding strategies.
Expected Hardware: Battery Capacity and Display
The standout feature is an 8,000 mAh battery supporting 45W wired charging, a significant jump over the 5,000 mAh standard found in most contemporary smartphones.
The display is expected to be a 7-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 1080×2396. According to the leaked specs, this screen will support a 120Hz refresh rate and reach a peak brightness of 1,800 nits, making it highly legible under direct sunlight.
Core Performance and Camera Specs
Under the hood, the device is slated to run the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 SoC. Memory configurations will likely include 6GB or 8GB of RAM, paired with either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage.
The camera array remains modest, focusing on utility over professional photography. The leaked specifications list a 50MP main rear camera and an 8MP front-facing selfie camera.
| Feature | Expected Poco M8 Power Spec |
|---|---|
| Battery | 8,000 mAh (45W Charging) |
| Display | 7″ OLED, 120Hz, 1800 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 |
| Main Camera | 50MP |
The Strategy Behind Rebranding
Xiaomi’s decision to market the same device under multiple names is a known industry tactic. By splitting the Redmi and Poco lines, the company can target different demographics—Redmi often focusing on value-driven families and Poco targeting a younger, performance-oriented crowd—without cannibalizing sales.
Whether the Indian version of the Note 17 will differ from the Chinese version remains unconfirmed. However, the model number match suggests the hardware remains largely identical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Poco M8 Power be available outside of India?
While the model number 26021PC18I specifically targets India, it is common for these devices to eventually launch in other global markets.
How does the 8,000 mAh battery compare to other phones?
It is significantly larger than the industry average of 5,000 mAh, potentially offering two to three days of light use on a single charge.
Is the Poco M8 Power the same as the Redmi Note 17?
Based on the model numbers found in the HyperOS firmware, the Poco M8 Power appears to be a rebranded version of the Chinese Redmi Note 17.
What do you think about the move to 8,000 mAh batteries in budget phones? Does battery size matter more to you than camera quality? Let us know in the comments below.
Worth a look
