The Pocophone F1 has been lauded for the high price to performance ratio it brings to the table. Sadly, Xiaomi's high-value magnum opus isn't sold officially in the US. ZTE's Nubia is now offering something almost as good, and it's actually available in the US.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/The-Nubia-Red-Magic-Mars-is-a-Pocophone-F1-alternative-for-the-US.409611.0.html
I think the Red Magic Mars is a better phone than you are giving it credit. It is no flagship but it isn't bad either. I would say it is a better phone than the Xiaomi Pocophone in terms of materials, features, components.
As for other flagship phone's old or new there are always discounts and if you can find the right deal it may be a better phone. However, I would never recommend an older phone like the S8. There are several reasons that I won't get into here.
It is certainly not for everyone but as a budget gaming phone I think Nubia did a great job.