The POCO X8 Pro 5G has quickly become one of India’s top mid-range performance smartphones. With the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra chipset, up to 12 GB LPDDR5X RAM, and 120 W HyperCharge support, it delivers flagship-level power for a much lower price. However, high performance brings heat, battery stress, and long-term wear if not managed correctly.
This detailed guide, updated for November 2025, explains how to control gaming heat, extend battery life, and improve charging efficiency — all tailored for Indian users.
Optimising Game Settings for Lower Heat
One of the biggest causes of overheating in smartphones is prolonged gaming at high frame rates.
| Game | Recommended FPS | Recommended Graphics | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BGMI / PUBG | 60 fps | HDR | Enable “Performance Mode” in Game Turbo |
| COD Mobile | 60 fps | Very High | Turn off “Ultra Mode” for longer playtime |
| Genshin Impact | 45 fps | Medium | Reduce shadows and reflections |
| Free Fire MAX | 60 fps | High | Disable motion blur |
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Avoid “Ultra HD” graphics unless gaming for short bursts.
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Enable “Smart FPS Control” from POCO’s Game Turbo settings to auto-adjust frame rates during intense scenes.
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Close background apps before starting gaming sessions.
Verdict: Limiting frame rate to 60 fps maintains smoothness while reducing heat by up to 25%.
Using POCO’s Game Turbo for Temperature Management
The POCO X8 Pro 5G features a LiquidCool 2.0 system and “Game Turbo 3.0” software suite. To activate it:
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Open the Security App → Game Turbo.
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Add your favourite games manually.
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Enable “Performance Optimisation”.
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Turn on “Temperature Control” and “Resource Monitor”.
This lets the phone intelligently redistribute CPU and GPU load, reducing overheating in long gaming sessions.
Verdict: Always keep Game Turbo active — it can drop temperatures by 3–4°C during extended play.
Keeping the Device Cool During Extended Gaming
Here are some practical heat-control tips specific to India’s climate:
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Avoid direct sunlight: Heat buildup increases drastically when gaming outdoors.
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Remove the case temporarily: Cases trap heat; take it off during long gaming sessions.
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Use a stand or flat surface: Allow air to circulate under the phone.
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Avoid playing while charging: Charging + gaming doubles heat load.
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Play in air-conditioned rooms if possible.
Verdict: A few simple steps can prevent throttling and keep the device performing like new.
Refresh Rate and Display Brightness Tips
The X8 Pro 5G uses a 120 Hz AMOLED panel, which enhances smoothness but increases battery drain.
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Set refresh rate to 90 Hz for daily use and switch to 120 Hz only for games that support it.
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Keep brightness under 80% — AMOLED panels perform best below that threshold.
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Enable Adaptive Brightness to reduce strain during long sessions.
Verdict: Lower refresh rates save 15–20% battery without noticeable lag in visuals.
Battery Health and Charging Habits
The 5 160 mAh battery with 120 W charging is powerful, but smart charging habits extend its life:
| Tip | Ideal Practice | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Partial Charging | Keep between 20–85% | Extends battery life cycle |
| Use Original Adapter | Always use 120 W charger | Prevents overheat & damage |
| Avoid Overnight Charging | Unplug at 100% | Avoids battery swelling |
| Game After Charging | Wait 10 min post-charge | Reduces internal heat |
Verdict: Following these steps can retain up to 95% battery health even after a year of heavy gaming.
Managing Battery Temperature in Indian Conditions
Summer heat is especially harsh on smartphones. Follow these tips:
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Avoid gaming above 35°C room temperature.
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Do not keep the phone under pillow or blanket after charging.
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Use Battery Saver Mode during idle hours or travel.
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Update to the latest HyperOS build for better thermal optimisation.
Verdict: A well-maintained phone stays 5–6°C cooler and performs more consistently.
Long Gaming Sessions: Cooling Accessories and Tricks
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Use clip-on external fans (available from POCO accessories) for extra airflow.
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Keep a desk fan nearby if playing longer than an hour.
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Place the phone on metal or marble surfaces to dissipate heat faster.
These small adjustments make a huge difference in maintaining frame rates and preventing CPU throttling.
Verdict: Active cooling can reduce heat spikes by 20–25% during continuous gaming.
Battery Life Expectations (November 2025)
| Usage Type | Screen-On Time | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming (High Graphics) | 6.5 hours | Moderate Heat |
| Video Streaming | 11 hours | Cool Operation |
| Web + Social Apps | 14 hours | Very Cool |
| Standby (5G On) | 28 hours | Low Battery Drain |
With moderate gaming and regular charging discipline, most users report 1.5 days per charge on mixed usage.
Verdict: Easily among the best-performing batteries in the ₹25K–₹30K range.
Software and Update Optimisations
POCO’s HyperOS builds after August 2025 include updates for AI Thermal Control and Battery Smart Charging. These automatically adjust wattage based on ambient temperature and device load.
Verdict: Always keep software updated — firmware-level optimisations often deliver better cooling than accessories.
Final Verdict
The POCO X8 Pro 5G is an impressive performer for gamers and power users, but careful use ensures longevity. With a bit of battery discipline, refresh-rate management, and active temperature control, you can keep your device running fast and cool for years.
Final Verdict: As of November 2025, the POCO X8 Pro 5G remains one of the most balanced mid-range gaming phones in India — capable of sustained performance, excellent charging speed, and reliable thermals when properly tuned.
FAQs
How to reduce heating during gaming?
Enable Game Turbo and reduce FPS to 60; avoid gaming while charging.
Does 120 Hz refresh rate drain the battery?
Yes, switching to 90 Hz saves significant power during non-gaming use.
Can I charge with third-party fast chargers?
Always use the original 120 W adapter to avoid overheating or reduced charging efficiency.
How long does the battery last per charge?
Expect around 6–7 hours of gaming or 1.5 days of mixed use.
Is the phone suitable for long daily gaming sessions?
Yes, with proper cooling habits, it handles 2–3 hours of continuous play without noticeable throttling.