Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 smartphone

Photo: Maksdroider via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Xiaomi

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8

August 29, 2019 (China), October 16, 2019 (Global) 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is a budget-friendly smartphone released in late 2019, known for its versatile quad-camera system, a vibrant Full HD+ display, and a long-lasting battery. It offers solid performance for everyday tasks thanks to its Snapdragon 665 chipset, making it a strong value proposition in its segment.
Display6.3-inch FHD+ IPS LCD with Gorilla Glass 5.
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 665 for balanced performance.
Main Camera48MP quad-camera setup for diverse photography.
Battery4000mAh with 18W fast charging support.
Starting from $49

💰 Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Price

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 lowest price is $49, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeIPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)
Size6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5

Platform

OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12.5
ChipsetQualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm)
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
GPUAdreno 610

Memory

Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
Storage TypeeMMC 5.1

Main Camera

Quad48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF; 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm; 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro); 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS

Selfie Camera

Single13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
FeaturesHDR, panorama
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable
Charging18W wired, QC3

Body

Dimensions158.3 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm (6.23 x 2.96 x 0.33 in)
Weight190 g (6.70 oz)
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS
Infrared portYes
RadioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Launch

Announced2019, August 29
StatusDiscontinued

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent value for its price point
  • Capable quad-camera system for varied shots
  • Good battery life with 4000mAh capacity
  • Durable design with Gorilla Glass 5 on both sides
  • Dedicated microSD card slot and 3.5mm headphone jack

Cons

  • Graphics performance may be weak for demanding games
  • MIUI software can include bloatware and ads
  • Macro lens might not be consistently useful
  • USB 2.0 standard for Type-C port
  • Original model no longer receives security updates
★ Our Verdict

The Redmi Note 8 earns a solid rating for its exceptional value, robust build, and versatile camera system at its original price point, despite some limitations in gaming performance and software experience.

When considering the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 in today's market, it's crucial to understand its age. The original 2019 model, powered by the Snapdragon 665, is best suited for basic communication, light browsing, or as a secondary device. If purchasing a used unit, prioritize checking the battery health and ensuring it runs MIUI Global 12.5 or later for better software stability. For users seeking a more responsive experience or longer-term support, the Redmi Note 8 (2021) with its Helio G85 chipset is a better option, offering improved performance for modern apps. However, for those on a very tight budget needing a reliable device for essential functions, the original Redmi Note 8 still offers pragmatic value, especially if found at a low price.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Redmi Note 8 smartphone
  • TPU protective case
  • 18W power adapter (some regions may have 10W)
  • USB Type-C cable
  • SIM ejector tool
  • User guide and warranty card

Xiaomi typically offers a one-year limited warranty for the phone unit and six months for accessories like the charger and cable, though this can vary by region.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 released?

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 was initially released on August 29, 2019, with a global release following on October 16, 2019.

What kind of camera does the Redmi Note 8 have?

The Redmi Note 8 features a versatile AI quad-camera setup on the rear, including a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor.

Does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 support fast charging?

Yes, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 supports 18W fast charging, and it typically came with an 18W charger in the box, though some regions might have included a 10W charger.

Is the Redmi Note 8 good for gaming?

While the Redmi Note 8's Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor can handle casual games, its Adreno 610 GPU might struggle with graphically intensive games at higher settings, potentially leading to noticeable lag and heating.

What operating system does the Redmi Note 8 run?

The Redmi Note 8 originally launched with Android 9.0 (Pie) and Xiaomi's MIUI 10, and it is upgradable to Android 11 with MIUI 12.5.

Does the Redmi Note 8 have a headphone jack and expandable storage?

Yes, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a dedicated microSDXC card slot for expandable storage, allowing users to use two SIM cards and a memory card simultaneously.