Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro smartphone review: bonfires of ambition

The first smartphone with four cameras at once was last year's Samsung Galaxy A9 - and there this scattering of lenses turned out to be completely meaningless due to mediocre post-processing, and even the quality of the cameras themselves. It was a smartphone for 40 thousand rubles, let me remind you. Today you won’t surprise anyone with a four-camera smartphone; there was already a device with six modules - Nokia 9 PureView (let’s honor its memory and award a separate prize for the fastest oblivion). But a four-camera smartphone for 17 thousand rubles? With a main module of 64 megapixels (so far we have tested only one model with a similar one - realme XT), with a 6.5-inch display, a 4500 mAh battery and - for the first time in the history of official sales under the Redmi brand in Russia - with NFC (technically, the first Redmi with NFC was the K20 Pro, but here it is sold under the name Xiaomi Mi 9T).

On the one hand, there is nothing new for Xiaomi; we are already accustomed to the fact that smartphones under this brand are crushing with their characteristics, which sometimes seem impossible for their price category. On the other hand, it’s still impressive. But the Xiaomi Mi A3 was also impressive in theory, but in reality it turned out to have quite a lot of pitfalls. Maybe it's the same story with Redmi Note 8 Pro?

⇡#Technical characteristics

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro smartphone review

Table of contents

• Introduction
• Specifications
• Packaging and equipment
• Appearance and design
• Display
• Hardware platform and performance
• Software and firmware
• Safety
• Multimedia
• Wireless Interfaces and Communications
• File system
• Battery life
• Camera
• Comparison with competitors
• Conclusion

Introduction

Xiaomi is known all over the world for its affordable smartphones with very good characteristics.
And the main role in this process was given to the line of affordable Redmi smartphones. Users appreciate how nice it is to get a smartphone significantly cheaper than competitors without sacrificing performance. And Russian users were no exception, quickly elevating Xiaomi Redmi smartphones to the status of excellent (if not the best) offers in the budget segment. Not long ago, the Chinese company announced the separation of the Redmi name into a separate brand. Now this is not just the name of a model line, it is an independent brand among smartphones. However, in practice this did not bring significant changes. And this is not so important for users, the main thing is that smartphones still remain affordable and well-equipped.

Thanks to the Gadget Page, we will get acquainted with one of the new products of the Redmi brand, which is quite sensational and very promising. We are talking about the Redmi Note 8 Pro smartphone. The name itself actively hints that the device should be large and have advanced capabilities.

It remains only to find out how justified its name is and how well it performs the tasks assigned to it. First, let's look at the technical characteristics of the model.

Specifications

announcements and advertising

2080 Super Gigabyte Gaming OC for 60 rubles.

Compeo.ru - the right comp store without any tricks

RTX 2060 becomes cheaper before the arrival of 3xxx

Ryzen 4000

series included in computers already in Citylink

The price of MSI RTX 2070 has collapsed after the announcement of RTX 3xxx

Core i9 10 series is half the price of the same 9 series

The price of memory has been halved in Regard - it’s more expensive everywhere

*Approximate cost of European versions/official cost of certified copies.
Yes, the new device cannot be called compact, although it is not huge. The case is of medium size, but the weight of 200 g seems large. The device is built on the basis of a modern central processor and has fairly large amounts of memory, and the number of cameras here is quite modern.

Packaging and equipment

The packaging is made of thick white cardboard with a typical design - the main part and the lid. There are no questions about the quality of the materials used. And the assembly was done accurately and efficiently. The cover is tightly fixed in place, creating a safe space for the smartphone and protecting it from damage during transportation.

The front side shows the device itself from the front and back sides. The name of the smartphone is also indicated here. Although Redmi is now a separate brand, there was also a place for the Xiaomi brand logo.

On one of the side faces you can see a sticker with identification information, as well as information about color modification and memory capacity. Based on this information, there is a smartphone inside with the color “Mineral Gray”, while on the cover there is a smartphone in white color. By using the same packaging for smartphones of different colors, the manufacturer was able to save money.

The delivery package is quite typical for modern smartphones and includes only a basic set of accessories. So, in the box we found a power adapter with a European plug and a USB Type C cable. They are located in separate sections and come with their own packaging.

In accordance with the latest trends, the manufacturer also provided a protective silicone case. It is made translucent, black with a glossy surface. Even if it gets dirty, this case retains its decent appearance and perfectly protects the entire body from any damage.

The package includes:

• Power adapter;
• USB Type C cable;
• Silicone protective case;
• Key-clip for removing the slot for SIM cards and memory cards;
• Documentation.

There were no breakthroughs in the matter of packaging and packaging. But the high quality of workmanship has been preserved. The contents are reliably protected and will not be damaged in any way during transportation. But the factory seal stickers never appeared. This is quite typical for many Chinese manufacturers, but it still remains not the most logical solution. The massive appearance of protective covers in the standard package is encouraging. After all, adding a completely inexpensive accessory immediately eliminates the need for a large number of users to look for a protective case immediately after purchase in order to keep their smartphone intact.

Appearance and design

The manufacturer did not come up with anything innovative and used the classic candy bar form factor with a touch screen, without any additional moving parts or mechanisms. The body itself is made of glass and plastic. The front and back panels are made of Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

Three body color options are available. Classic white and gray, as well as dark green.

When turned off, the outline of the display is only barely visible against the background of black frames. If you turn on the device, the side frames become noticeable. By modern standards, they cannot be called record narrow, but they do not qualify as wide either. This is just a typical average among modern smartphones of this class.

At the top of the display there is a drop-shaped protrusion in which the front camera has found its place. It was also possible to place an LED notification indicator here, and at the junction of the glass panel with the side frame there is a speaker grille.

The ends are united by a single plastic frame with a rounded profile. The material successfully imitates metal and is practically indistinguishable from it during operation. The glass panels fit precisely to the frame, with virtually no gaps.

Mechanical power and volume control buttons are located at the top of the right side. At the bottom end there is a USB-C power connector, as well as the main speaker and an AUX jack for connecting a wired headset. Next to the main speaker grille there is also a single hole for a conversational microphone.

The top face received significantly fewer elements. Here you can only see a hole for an additional microphone and an infrared port for controlling household appliances. At the top of the left side you can see a slot for SIM cards and memory cards.

The back side is covered with a glass panel with rounded edges. They flow smoothly into the side frame, creating the feeling of a monolithic structure.

Where we are used to seeing the Xiaomi logo, the Redmi logo now flaunts. However, the mention of the Chinese company itself is still present, only the font has become smaller.

For testing, we received a version with a blue-gray color scheme. There are no fashionable gradient shimmers here, but the light is beautifully scattered across the lid, creating a pattern from a large number of individual strips of light.

At the top of the cover are the main camera lenses and a fingerprint scanner. They are placed on a common “island” located along the axis of the body. Nearby we can see an LED flash and another auxiliary module of the main camera.

Under the fingerprint scanner you can see marks about the resolution of the main camera of 64 megapixels and the use of artificial intelligence technology.

The smartphone has a classic design for most modern smartphones. However, nowadays most of them are similar to each other. Among the positive aspects, we note the good build quality of the case and the presence of protection against dust and moisture getting inside the case. There are no backlashes or gaps between the elements. The use of uniform colors helped to create a strict and stylish look for the smartphone, and it was possible to add attractiveness to it thanks to the interesting dispersion of light in the form of individual thin stripes.

Display

An IPS display with a diagonal of 6.53 inches and a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels is used. The pixel density is 395 ppi. Following the contours of the body, the display has rounded corners and the same thickness of frames on top and sides. The bottom frame is made a little wider.

At the top of the display there is a small teardrop-shaped protrusion that houses the front camera and LED event indicator. Not all applications are optimized to use the entire display area; some limit the usable area to this protrusion.

Even in sunny weather, the image does not fade, readability remains at a high level. This is supported by the use of the necessary light filters.

The image is perceived as contrasty and natural with a good range of shades.

The viewing angles are also pleasing. The image does not change brightness and color shades, only losing a little in the brightness of the backlight.

White color has a pronounced bluish tint, exhibiting an excessively “cold” color temperature. However, this does not affect the overall color rendition.

Black also has a bluish tint when viewed from the right angle and a slightly pinkish tint when viewed from an angle.

Using a colorimeter, we measured the brightness of the display backlight and tested the quality of the factory color calibration.

High contrast ratios are achieved by a solid reserve of brightness and almost zero brightness of the black field backlight. This is a very good result for an IPS display.

The graphs repeat each other as accurately as possible and are located at a minimum distance from the reference indicator.

Here, too, the graphs are pleasing with their stability and slight distance from the reference indicator.

The color temperature exceeds the standard by a quite typical 1500 K. A classic situation for modern screens.

The color range turned out to be slightly wider than the generally accepted RGB space. The expansion of the range of shades is observed at the tops of red and green shades.

The points of the gray wedge are lined up at a short distance from the delta boundaries. Parasitic shades may be present, but will not create any noticeable problems or discomfort for the user.

If necessary, you can slightly adjust the display parameters to achieve the most comfortable color rendering.

The manufacturer has used a display with a typical set of parameters. The average display size by modern standards combines well with Full HD resolution, providing good image detail. There are no complaints about color rendition. Although there is a definite tendency towards cool tones, this does not affect the overall user experience.

Among other points, we note a good oleophobic coating and excellent sensor responsiveness.

Hardware platform and performance

The new product was equipped with a modern SoC. The MediaTek Helio G90T central processor is installed here. This is an eight-core solution made using a 12 nm process technology. The eight cores are distributed according to the formula 2 + 6. Two Cortex-A76 cores can operate at up to 2.05 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores with a maximum clock speed of 2.00 GHz. The Mali-G76MC4 video accelerator with a frequency of up to 800 MHz is responsible for graphics processing.

This processor is positioned as a gaming solution and includes some distinctive features. So, it supports work with displays at 90 Hz and has a video core with an increased frequency.

The RAM capacity is 6 GB – a relevant indicator for a modern and productive smartphone. There are also 8 GB versions available.

Potentially, our hero has good input data and should cope well with a variety of tasks. However, it is the first representative of devices built on a processor of this model, and therefore it is especially interesting to evaluate its capabilities. First of all, let's look at the test results using various benchmark applications.

As you can see, the level of productivity turned out to be quite high. This allows our hero to quickly cope with a variety of tasks. During testing, not even the slightest slowdown was observed.

The new processor also handles games successfully. Even when selecting high graphics settings, performance in modern and demanding games does not noticeably decrease.

High-performance processors usually require an appropriate cooling system, and this case is no exception. In the case of Redmi Note 8 Pro, it is stated that there is a liquid cooling system for better heat removal from the processor and dissipation through the body.

We will conduct a series of load tests and evaluate the effectiveness of this solution.

As you can see, during prolonged operation under load, the temperature slightly exceeds 40 degrees. This is a positive result, especially considering the stability of the smartphone throughout the tests. Tactilely, the case becomes only a little warmer, but you can’t even call it hot.

It turns out that the engineers’ efforts in developing a new processor and optimizing it, as well as choosing the cooling system used, have borne fruit.

In general, there were no complaints about the performance of this processor. This is a stable and productive solution that has a significant supply of computing power and copes well with the load. At the same time, it pleases with the absence of pronounced throttling and a tendency to heat up.

Software and firmware

For testing, we received the Global version with the MIUI Global 10.4.5 operating system. It is based on Google Android 9. This version of the software is equipped with all the necessary Google services and does not require the user to “finish it” manually.

At the time of testing, no updates were found.

The system interface is well known to most users. This is a stylish and functional interface with a large number of different settings. There is no separate application menu here; all shortcuts are located on the desktop.

The largest number of complaints from users about the modern MIUI interface is intrusive advertising, which can be found literally at every step. There were many opponents of this situation, and this is understandable.

Immediately after launch, you can see a whole set of pre-installed third-party applications. All this allows the manufacturer to reduce the final cost of the device for the client.

These ads are called recommendations and can be turned off. But this will have to be done in every application - it’s inconvenient, time-consuming and looks like a mockery of the user. For example, to disable advertising in desktop folders, you need to open the menu for changing its name and disable recommendations. Fortunately, numerous user dissatisfaction was taken into account by the manufacturer and in MIUI 11 all such advertising can be disabled in the settings with one click. This is much more convenient than searching for the settings of each application separately.

The notification and quick settings panel is traditionally combined into one menu, accessible by swiping from top to bottom. The backlight brightness adjustment scale is also located here.

In the running applications menu, you can activate split-screen mode or launch several built-in optimization modes. So, you can open the built-in antivirus menu or run standard cleaning tools for unnecessary files.

In the settings you can find various means of optimizing the interface for the needs of a specific user. For example, you can choose between touch or gesture controls, and configure the layout of the keys themselves.

The LED indicator can be used only during charging or activated to indicate incoming notifications.

It’s hardly possible to tell anything new about the interface of one of the most popular and mass-produced smartphone manufacturers. However, it is worth noting the good optimization and thoughtfulness of the interface. Our hero also showed his best side in terms of stability and smooth operation. The main complaint about this shell is quite obvious - the abundance of advertising built into the interface. Its presence creates a feeling of disrespect from the manufacturer towards users. Fortunately, in the new version this situation will be brought to an acceptable state of affairs.

Safety

The list of user authentication means is quite standard. It includes a fingerprint scanner and a facial recognition system.

The fingerprint scanner is placed on the back cover. By modern standards, this arrangement may be perceived as outdated and replaced by under-screen scanners. However, we are talking about a representative of relatively inexpensive devices, and the manufacturer was forced to look for ways to save money.

And it’s better to have a scanner installed on the surface of the case, but one that functions properly and quickly, rather than an under-screen scanner of average quality. Here we can recall some models of affordable Samsung smartphones, in which the location of the scanner under the screen actually deprived users of the opportunity to use it due to poor quality and stability of operation.

Using a fingerprint, you can protect your entire smartphone, as well as individual applications or data.

Although the scanner used here is a classic one, the presence of a face unlock system corresponds to the trends. This function allows you to quickly unlock your smartphone automatically, without performing additional actions. However, the reliability of this method is significantly lower, as the manufacturer himself warns about.

There were no complaints about the speed and stability of this function. However, given the use of a classic front camera, it is worth considering the risk of failures in low light.

In the settings, you can further adjust the operation of the face recognition system. For example, you can configure it to automatically trigger when the display is activated or display detailed notifications only when the owner is looking at the display.

Multimedia

The Antutu Video Tester application helped clarify the list of supported video formats.

As you can see, the list is not the most impressive. However, it includes all the necessary and popular formats. At the same time, the smartphone's performance reserve is enough to use video decoding software in third-party applications if you need to play a video file that is not supported at the hardware level.

Using an external ASUS Xonar U7 sound card with a recording signal-to-noise ratio of 113 dB, we tested the sound quality in headphones. The signal level during calibration was -1.2 dB.

Positive test results are also confirmed by subjective sensations. There is no noticeable lack of frequency range or spurious noise. The sound quality remains unchanged throughout the entire volume range.

The delivery package does not include any headset, but the manufacturer did not limit the choice of accessories - the case is equipped with an independent AUX audio connector.

Wireless Interfaces and Communications

The new product supports all current means of communication. Redmi Note 8 Pro is capable of working with mobile communications in the GSM, WCDMA and LTE bands. 5G technology is not provided here, but it is unlikely that anyone will experience any inconvenience due to this.

Both SIM cards are installed in a common slot. The user will need to choose between using a second SIM or a memory card. It is also worth paying attention to the rubber seal of the slot - this will protect the case from moisture.

In the conditions of Moscow and the surrounding Moscow region, there were no complaints about the quality of communication - the connection was stable and without unexpected communication “failures”.

It's time for the NFC module with Google Pay support to find its way into the budget Redmi line. Even though this line had to become less budget-friendly for this. In any case, we are glad to have a full-fledged contactless payment system.

For stable operation of the Wi-Fi connection, a special X-shaped antenna is used, which provides the same high-quality signal in any position of the smartphone.

Navigation is carried out using GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou satellites. Testing was carried out in position determination mode using all sources.

The first launch takes approximately 10-15 seconds. A large number of satellites are detected and connected. Further, no difficulties arise with the use of geolocation.

File system

The capacity of the built-in memory can be 64 or 128 GB. If necessary, the available memory can be expanded using a MicroSD memory card. True, it is installed in a hybrid slot and you will have to abandon the use of a second SIM.

We received a 64 GB version for testing. In general, this is a typical indicator for modern devices of this class.

The speed of the file system can be assessed using test results in the AndroBench application.

Battery life

The capacity of the built-in battery is 4500 mAh. The figure is typical for modern smartphones, although we also know models with larger batteries. Getting to know the new processor also means clarifying its capabilities in terms of energy saving.

The very positive results of stability tests allow us to hope for high-quality optimization and low power consumption, and as a result, good autonomy.

First, let's look at the test results in synthetic applications.

The GeekBench 4 application also made it possible to evaluate the stability of energy consumption. Here you can pay attention to the ability of the new product to maintain full performance until shutdown, as well as the uniform discharge of the battery.

The MIUI shell provides standard means for monitoring energy consumption and automatic energy saving parameters.

The standard case includes a special flap that covers the charging connector. This solution may create some inconvenience when connecting the cable, but it will provide additional protection to the connector from moisture and dirt.

In modern smartphones, the desire to improve autonomy is carried out in several directions. In particular, manufacturers are striving to implement the fastest charging possible. In this case, the package includes a power adapter with an output current of 18 W.

The efforts of the developers brought the desired results - the new product feels quite good away from the charger. With average activity, the energy reserve is guaranteed to last for the whole day, or even longer. Of course, long-term operation at maximum load will significantly speed up battery consumption, but even here the Redmi Note 8 Pro will not have an excessively rapid need for recharging.

Camera

Redmi Note 8 Pro is equipped with a main camera of four modules. Three of them are located vertically in the center, and the fourth is located next to the LED flash. The main module protrudes significantly from the body and is additionally surrounded by a frame to protect it from rubbing.

It would seem that the case is intended to level out the camera protrusion. But even its thickness is not enough to level the back of the device into a single plane.

The main module has a resolution of 64 megapixels and a classic lens with a viewing angle of 79 degrees. The aperture of the optics is f/1.89. To obtain the highest quality images, Super Pixel technology is provided, combining four adjacent pixels into one. The result was a reduction in shooting resolution to more familiar levels, but it provided better quality shooting.

The second module with a resolution of 8 megapixels and an ultra-wide-angle lens is designed for panoramic shooting. The lens aperture is f/2.2, the viewing angle is 120 degrees.

You can compare the difference in their work using two pictures taken from the same position.

There are also separate 2 megapixel modules for macro photography and frame depth estimation.

Thanks to the high resolution of the main module, it was possible to implement a 10x digital zoom without a noticeable decrease in frame detail.

Artificial intelligence technologies are used to achieve the most efficient operation of cameras.

The front module is single with a resolution of 20 megapixels. The lens has an f/2.0 aperture. Artificial intelligence technologies are also used here.

The proprietary camera application has a familiar interface and has all the necessary functionality.

In addition to automatic modes with presets, there is a full-fledged manual settings mode. Experienced users will be able to get the highest quality pictures or achieve special effects.

It is best to evaluate the quality of camera performance using sample images, which are presented below.

Redmi Note 8 Pro camera test

Example of a photo from the front camera:

Examples of pictures from the main camera (daytime):

Examples of pictures from the main camera (night):

Video example:

The cameras delight you with high-quality images with good detail and pleasant color rendition, both during daylight hours and in low light conditions. The frames are bright and clear, with a lot of small details. Yes, among the flagships it is not difficult to find more advanced cameras capable of obtaining high-quality footage in more difficult conditions, but here we are talking about an affordable smartphone and for its price category this is a very good result.

Comparison with competitors

The segment of affordable smartphones is very popular in the Russian market, and Xiaomi has always been able to offer smartphones with very competitive characteristics. Let's see how we managed to do this now.

*Official recommended manufacturer price in Russian retail.
At a similar price, copies from official deliveries of the Vivo V17 Neo smartphone are offered. Although smartphones of this brand are not so widespread, they can be a very interesting option for purchase.

There are many differences here. Thus, the smartphone received an AMOLED display with a slightly smaller diagonal, and is also based on a different processor. The memory formula is 6 + 128.

The resolution of the main camera is lower, and the modules themselves are smaller. But the resolution of the front module is noticeably higher. In general, Vivo pays significant attention to the quality of front cameras, not forgetting about the main one. You can install a memory card without giving up the use of a second SIM. With a similar battery capacity, the weight of the case turned out to be significantly less.

Among representatives of first-tier brands, you can turn to the Samsung Galaxy A50. The version with 128 GB of main memory will be more expensive in a company store, but you can also find it in a budget of about 16-17 thousand rubles.

The characteristics of the display are almost identical to the previous competitor in almost everything, differing only slightly in diagonal. Samsung uses a proprietary processor. The amount of RAM is the same as our hero, and the main memory is 128 GB. The main camera received modules with a slightly lower resolution, the front one – on the contrary. Traditionally, for smartphones of this brand, we are pleased with the presence of a separate slot for a memory card - good proof that, if desired, space for this slot can still be found. But the battery capacity is more modest - 4,000 mAh.

Completing the list of competitors, let’s look at representatives of the “parent” company Xiaomi. In the official store 22,990 rubles, in general retail the Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite will cost approximately 17,000 rubles for the global version.

It is based on a Qualcomm processor, which is slightly behind our hero in performance. The indicated prices are valid for the minimum version of memory – 6 + 64. The display is slightly smaller in diagonal, but has the same resolution and is built on an AMOLED matrix. The resolution of the front camera is higher, but the main one is more modest in resolution of the main module and has one less camera. The battery capacity is more modest - 4,030 mAh. Nevertheless, the device is quite comparable to our hero and can compete with him. Although it cannot be called a complete analogue.

Conclusion

With its appearance, Redmi Note 8 Pro created a stir among users. And there were many reasons for this, because the declared characteristics are very interesting. The new product has all the trending technologies and among its competitors seems to be a very good option.

Among the strengths, we highlight a high-quality case with basic protection against moisture and dust. This will keep him safe in everyday life. Refusal of the under-screen fingerprint scanner allowed us to slightly reduce the cost without sacrificing the speed of the sensor.

The use of the latest processor, optimized for games, ensures a high level of performance, and the advanced cooling system ensures a very “cold” character even when operating under maximum load. The availability of several memory options allows everyone to find the optimal balance between cost and resources. And fast charging will help if you need to quickly replenish your energy reserves. This allows you to make your smartphone more convenient, although you can’t complain about battery life here.

The cameras deserve special mention. The main module is composed of four modules with different purposes. There is a main one with ultra-high resolution and a standard lens width, as well as an ultra-wide-angle lens of the second module for panoramic shooting. Separate modules are provided for macro photography and frame depth estimation. The operation of each of them is automated and allows you to achieve the highest quality images in most operating conditions. Shooting in low-light conditions showed the smartphone’s ability to achieve high-quality and sufficiently bright shots even in difficult night shooting conditions.

But is everything so rosy? Much has already been said about the abundance of advertising in the latest versions of the MIUI software shell, and so far it has not gone away. More precisely, it can be disabled, but this will have to be done in each item and application separately. MIUI 11 promises to add a general function to disable all advertising in one motion, but for now the user will have to hunt for ways to eliminate advertising in each specific manifestation. All this causes not only discomfort, but also a feeling of disrespect for the user on the part of the manufacturer. Questions also arose regarding weight and size indicators. Although protruding cameras don’t usually bother me personally, here their height turned out to be absolutely outstanding. Even the complete cover is not able to match them with the total area. And the weight of 200 g seemed too high in comparison with similar smartphones. And this takes into account the use of a plastic frame, albeit one that successfully imitates metal.

So, the smartphone turned out to be interesting and well equipped. However, Xiaomi remained Xiaomi, even if the manufacturer separated Redmi into a separate brand.

Pros of Redmi Note 8 Pro:

• High-quality housing with dust and moisture protection;
• Careful display color calibration;
• Good level of performance;
• Good autonomy;
• High-quality cameras;
• Competitive cost.

Disadvantages of a smartphone:

• Large mass.

May not suit:

• Abundance of advertising without the ability to quickly disable (at the time of testing).

Alexey Pashchuk

The Redmi Note 8 Pro smartphone was provided for testing by Gadget Page.

⇡#Design, ergonomics and software

In the first look at the Redmi Note 8 Pro, I already wrote that it is not only very powerful, which is expected, but also an unexpectedly cute smartphone. Typically, devices from the Redmi Note family are quite bulky and inconspicuous. They are chosen not with their hearts, but with their minds.

The Note 8 Pro is also quite bulky - with a 6.53-inch display, even with minimal bezels (and they are really quite small here), it’s difficult otherwise. This is a large and heavy (200 grams) device - at such moments they would have written “this is a man’s gadget” before - but the popularity of the spade-shaped iPhone Xs Max and its successor iPhone 11 Pro Max among the female audience warns against such hasty conclusions. This is an ordinary modern large smartphone.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, the front panel is almost entirely occupied by the display, with a small cutout for the front camera on top; there is also a speaker there

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, rear panel: a large block with three cameras and a fingerprint scanner (protrudes strongly above the body and collects dust abundantly around the rim), next to it is a small module with a macro camera and a single LED flash

But this is a big smartphone, not without a certain grace. Of course, the white version, which I wrote about earlier, with its silver rim, looks especially fresh. But the green Redmi Note 8 Pro is not bad either. Both the front and back panels are covered with tempered Gorilla Glass 5, the bezel is plastic, but this can only be recognized by noticing that there are no jumpers for antennas around the perimeter. It’s impossible to say that this is a champion in terms of beauty - even in its class, it probably loses to the Honor 9X in this regard. But I can’t even call the Note 8 Pro ugly or even plain-looking.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, left side: hybrid slot for SIM cards and memory card

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, right side: power/lock and volume/shutter keys

Like almost any smartphone with a glass back and curved edges, the Redmi Note 8 Pro is a very slippery gadget. It’s better to immediately pack it in a case - you can buy some original one on Ali, or you can limit yourself to the basic one - it’s transparent, made of silicone. And I must say that the tactile Redmi Note 8 Pro is not very pleasant - despite the fact that there is glass on both the front and back panels, the sensations, let’s say, are not “flagship-like”.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, top edge: microphone and IR port

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, bottom edge: microphone, mini-jack, USB Type-C port, main speaker

The set of functional elements is extremely traditional for an Android smartphone: two keys on the right side and a fingerprint scanner on the rear panel, an IR sensor and a microphone on the top edge, a USB Type-C port and a mini-jack (oh yes) with a microphone and the main speaker on the bottom. No one is surprised, it’s for the best, Redmi Note 8 Pro is not an experimental gadget, but a thing designed for the maximum mass consumer with very clear expectations.

The “frameless” problem was also solved in the simplest possible way - with the help of a “droplet” cutout. My attitude to this varies between “well, it’s already familiar” and “I’m so tired of it.” I'll leave it to you to formulate your own. In any case, the notch is small and not too annoying; in addition to the front camera, it houses a tiny status indicator.

The fingerprint scanner is integrated into a single unit with three camera lenses (another one is located on the side, next to the flash). The location is, in principle, normal, it is where it should be when using a capacitive sensor - right under the index finger. But it is still possible to confuse it with a camera lens by touch, despite even a small recess, although not as easy as in the case of the Samsung Galaxy S8. So I can’t really give a high five to the creators of the smartphone. The sensor itself is good - it works quickly and without failures. If desired, you can also enable facial recognition, but this is an optional feature for those who are less concerned about security. A single front camera without a depth sensor is responsible for user identification.

Screenshot gallery

View all images (20)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro runs on the Android 9 Pie operating system with the current MIUI shell version 10.4.5. The shell differs from what we wrote about when reviewing other Xiaomi devices this year primarily by the presence of a dark theme. Astrologers have announced the year of dark themes for smartphones - here, however, it is devoid of practical meaning; the LCD screen does not allow you to enjoy lower power consumption in this mode. It also has one problem in implementation - it not only activates dark themes in applications that support them like Instagram, but also dims notifications (!) from various services, including, for example, email. There is one caveat - the background is dark, but the font does not turn white. It becomes impossible to read the header of a letter sent to Gmail. The good old tradition of Xiaomi is screwing up in small things, rolling out everything as is, and then correcting everything with updates. MIUI, of course, is a functional and fast shell, but it never ceases to infuriate you with moments like this. It must be said that a system has appeared to search for applications in the smartphone’s memory (and on the Internet immediately) - you need to swipe from the bottom edge of the screen.

Front camera: proven model

The front camera resolution of Redmi Note 8T is 13 megapixels. The smartphone uses an OmniVision OV13855 , which is well known to everyone who more or less closely monitors Xiaomi gadgets. The Chinese company has repeatedly used it in its smartphones and even tablets, most often for budget purposes.

Of the software features of the front camera, I’ll only highlight the portrait mode - it really works great (photo below). The subject is easily separated from the background and the resulting bokeh effect is pleasing to the eye.

As for the function of unlocking a smartphone by scanning a face, it cannot be used as the main method of protection. Simply because when it gets dark the front camera stops seeing your face. This is not surprising, since, of course, there are no special infrared sensors for detecting faces in smartphones.

You can set up face unlock just to play with the new feature. Well, or for real benefit if your hands are often busy or they are constantly dirty (for example, you work in production). She will really help.

Examples of photos taken with the front camera of Redmi Note 8T

The front camera was as expected . After all, we are talking about a proven module that Xiaomi has been quoting for several months. The examples below clearly show that the selfie detail is excellent - the photo can be safely posted on any social network. Portrait mode performs its task perfectly. The object is separated from the background without large jambs. Minor flaws, of course, can be noticed, but this is only if you look closely.

⇡#Display and sound

Compared to the Redmi Note 7 Pro, the G8 has increased both in size and display diagonal - 6.53 inches versus 6.3 inches. I wonder when the trend towards ever larger screen sizes will stop? And will the advent of foldable screen smartphones have an impact on this? Questions that have no answer yet - let's talk about the practical side of what we already have.

Redmi Note 8 Pro uses a traditional screen with an IPS matrix with a resolution of 2340 × 1080 pixels and an aspect ratio of 19.5:9. Pixel density - 395 ppi. The indicator is not outstanding, but not disappointing either; the picture is quite smooth and looks decent. There is a good level of oleophobic coating, and viewing angles are free.

The maximum measured brightness of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro display was 495 cd/m2. Again, there is no need to talk about any kind of leadership in the class, but in fact there are no problems with using a smartphone on a sunny day. The brightness combined with the polarizing coating is enough.

The contrast for an IPS matrix is ​​ordinary - 1213:1.

In the settings, you can adjust the color tone (from cool to warm), but only when you activate the automatic color rendering adjustment (which is still illiterately called “contrast”). There are also “high” or “standard” “contrast” modes. I measured color rendering in adaptive and standard modes. The measurement was carried out in a room with incandescent lamps turned on.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, gamma in automatic mode. Yellow line – Redmi Note 8 Pro performance, dotted line – reference gamma

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, color temperature in automatic mode. Blue line – Redmi Note 8 Pro performance, dotted line – reference temperature

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, color gamut in automatic mode. Gray triangle – sRGB coverage, white triangle – Redmi Note 8 Pro coverage

In automatic mode, under incandescent light, the gamma is 2.22 with stable behavior of the curves. The color temperature is very high and unstable - it ranges from 8,000 to 10,500 K. By adjusting to external artificial light, the smartphone makes the colors very cold. The color space is slightly wider than sRGB, but talking seriously about an extended color spectrum is incorrect. The average DeltaE deviation on the Color Checker scale, which includes both a wide range of colors and shades of gray, was 6.61 with a standard of 3.00 - Redmi Note 8 Pro cannot boast of color accuracy in this mode.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, gamma in “standard” mode. Yellow line – Redmi Note 8 Pro performance, dotted line – reference gamma

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, color temperature in “standard” mode. Blue line – Redmi Note 8 Pro performance, dotted line – reference temperature

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, color gamut in “standard” mode. Gray triangle – sRGB coverage, white triangle – Redmi Note 8 Pro coverage

When “standard contrast” is activated, a significant narrowing of the color space is striking - it becomes even smaller than sRGB, which is very rare for modern smartphones. The average gamma is already 2.21, the curves behave a little more nervously. Colors warm up a lot, but not enough to reach the reference color temperature (6,500 K) - the average temperature remains at 8,000 K. The average DeltaE deviation on the Color Checker scale approaches the norm, but does not reach it - 4.77. In general, we can say that the screen is average in all respects: from brightness and contrast to the quality of settings.

The same can be said about the sound quality. The Redmi Note 8 Pro has a mini-jack, which makes the smartphone convenient for use with wired headphones, but it does not shine with any special talents in sound transmission. Everything is fine with wireless headphones: Bluetooth 5.0 supports both aptX and LDAC, you can count on the maximum (to date) data transfer quality. The external speaker is monophonic, located on the bottom edge and is not blocked by your finger if you hold the gadget in a horizontal position. It's loud enough and that's all there is to say about it.

⇡#Hardware and performance

Xiaomi suddenly put in the Redmi Note 8 Pro a platform not created by Qualcomm, but now very rarely found above the ultra-budget level of Mediatek. But there is logic in this: the Helio G90T system-on-chip belongs to the class of platforms above average and, at a low (apparently) purchase price, is capable of providing a level of performance that will give the Note 8 Pro a noticeable advantage over its direct competitors.

The platform consists of eight cores: two ARM Cortex-A76 with a clock frequency of 2.05 GHz work in the most resource-intensive processes, six ARM Cortex-A55 with a frequency of 2.0 GHz are responsible for energy efficiency. This is a completely modern configuration, which allows Redmi Note 8 Pro to perform very well in synthetic tests.

The graphics are handled by the latest ARM Mali-G76 MC4 subsystem clocked at 800 MHz. Technological process - 12 nm. It should be noted that this is an older version of the Helio G90 platform, with increased clock speeds of both the main cores and graphics. It allows you to run any modern games available for Android on Redmi Note 8 Pro - the only limitation will be the frame rates in the most demanding of them. I wouldn't call the Redmi Note 8 Pro a truly gaming smartphone, but at its price point it is perhaps the most powerful offering to date. In terms of working with 3D graphics, realme 3 Pro can compete with it, but overall there is nothing to compare with it.

Mediatek platforms could be quite good in terms of performance, but there were often problems with heat dissipation and energy efficiency. Helio G90T shows noticeable progress. The Redmi Note 8 Pro, unlike the Redmi Note 7, has no serious problems with throttling: the CPU Throttling Test benchmark showed a drop in performance to 83% of the maximum with an average performance of 141 GIPS. This is a confident, good level; the smartphone has no problems with cooling.

In operations involving neural networks, Redmi Note 8 Pro is also very good: 12,952 points in Ludashi AI Mark - this may not be a flagship level, but it is clearly above average. Mediatek has also learned about “artificial intelligence”.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro has two options for RAM: 6 or 8 GB LPDDR4X. For a mid-class smartphone, that’s a lot. Non-volatile memory standard UFS2.1 provides 64 or 128 GB. Not very much, but the amount of memory can be increased thanks to a microSD card - it is installed instead of a second SIM card.

⇡#Communications and wireless communications

The LTE modem installed in Redmi Note 8 Pro is normal - LTE Cat.6 is supported with a maximum data download speed of 300 Mbit/s. You'll hardly really feel the lack of speed, but with the rest of the impressive specifications it's still a bit discordant - especially when compared with the Redmi Note 7, which supported LTE Cat.12. But it is important that all bands necessary for the correct operation of 4G networks in Russia are supported - this is not always typical for Xiaomi.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, slot for SIM cards and/or memory card

The wireless modules are in perfect order: Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (two bands), IR port and, yes, that same NFC - Google Pay is supported. The navigation system works with GPS (including A-GPS), GLONASS, BeiDou and does it efficiently.

⇡#Camera

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro received four cameras at once, but only one of them is really important - the main one, with a Samsung ISOCELL Bright GW1 sensor with a resolution of 64 megapixels. This is not the first smartphone with such a sensor that we tested - Redmi was ahead of the realme XT, in the review of which for the first time we could get up close and personal with the new Quad Bayer sensor, which has an absurdly high resolution.

By default, Redmi Note 8 Pro shoots, as we are used to with other smartphones using the Quad Bayer system, with a resolution four times less - 16 megapixels. The maximum resolution shooting mode is activated separately. The sensor is very large for a smartphone - 1/1.7″, which made it possible to keep the size of an individual pixel unchanged compared to 48-megapixel modules - 0.8 microns. The lens lacks optical stabilization, but has a fairly high aperture ratio - f/1.9. The main camera has a phase detection autofocus system.

I already posted examples of shooting with 16 and 64 megapixels in the preliminary review of Note 8 Pro, so I won’t dwell on this in any particular detail. I will only say that the really high detail, the absence of noticeable aberrations and the ability to use the maximum resolution mode in low light conditions came as a surprise, and photo processing is performed at a higher quality than in realme XT. Of course, we are not talking about “real” 60+ megapixels, as in the Sony a7R IV camera, for example, but this is a completely working system. It is worth considering that the size of each file in a resolution of 9248 × 6936 is on average from 14 to 17 MB - the memory will fill up very quickly.

The other three cameras are less remarkable. This is a wide-angle module with an 8-megapixel sensor (sensor size - 1/4″, individual pixel size - 1.12 microns) and an f/2.2 lens, which does not have autofocus, a special 2-megapixel camera for macro photography with f/ aperture 2.2 and large pixels (1.7 microns). The fourth camera is needed only for portrait mode - this is a depth sensor. Wide-angle shooting is done quite well. Of course, there is not enough autofocus, and the detail of the images leaves much to be desired, but we must still remember that we are not talking about a flagship smartphone for 60-70 thousand rubles, but about a device costing 16-18 thousand. In a head-to-head comparison with the direct competitor Honor 9X, which we conducted recently, you can see a serious advantage of the Note 8 Pro. Also available here is a 2x “hybrid” zoom, in which the smartphone takes a 16-megapixel crop from a 64-megapixel image. It turns out well - in difficult or insufficient lighting, such photographs lack detail, but overall this is a good level.

Macro photography is carried out in a resolution of 2 megapixels - and I can’t say that I’m impressed with the result. The module does not shine at any particularly short focusing distance; detail, which is logical, is low, the focus is fixed, the dynamic range is very limited.

In the shooting menu, in the center in the top row there is an AI icon, which connects neural network calculations to the process. The smartphone tries to identify the situation and slightly adjust the photo to suit it. The key word is “slightly.” His intervention is not always noticeable; local “artificial intelligence” works carefully. Perhaps even too neat.

Portrait mode works fine: there are the usual filters, imitation of studio light and some additional blur effects - most of them are quite useless, but the separation of the object from the background is carried out efficiently. There is only one problem - the zoom is not used, and close-ups on a fairly wide-angle main module are not very successful due to inevitable optical distortions.

And of course, there is a night mode - as in the case of artificial intelligence, it is not very effective: the dynamic range does not expand very seriously, detail is average. But the shooting is done quickly - it takes the smartphone 2-3 seconds to make a series. And, it should be noted, the main camera allows you to shoot at night without blur and without activating a special mode - even if the quality of the photos is not always impressive.

The camera application is standard for MIUI 10. There is a watermark enabled by default indicating the model of the smartphone you are taking pictures with, do not forget to disable it in a timely manner.

Despite the fact that the card of four cameras in the Redmi Note 8 Pro smartphone, in fact, does not play out - perhaps only two of them are really useful (portrait mode can be safely used without an additional depth sensor) - but the overall impression of the process shooting, and in terms of image quality in a variety of lighting conditions, the gadget makes a very pleasant impression. It supports the initiative of Redmi Note 7/7 Pro and justifiably claims to be the best smartphone in its class in terms of shooting quality.

Gallery of pictures

Video recording is available in 4K resolution at up to 30 frames per second or Full HD at up to 60 frames per second. There is also a slow motion mode with a frequency of up to 960 frames per second (resolution - 720p), but in terms of performance quality it is much inferior to what we are used to seeing in the “luminaries” of slow motion - the flagships of Sony or Huawei.

The front camera is also very good - 20 megapixels, f/2.0 lens - without autofocus and flash, but with good sharpness and good blur in portrait mode.

Cameras: high quality and honest, even at night

Xiaomi didn’t look at Samsung with its mouth open for long and very quickly adopted one of the main features of its latest low-cost smartphones. We are talking about a quad camera , which is now also available in the public sector phones of the Chinese brand. It is precisely because the smartphone has four cameras that you need to understand them thoroughly.

First, let's talk about what we're dealing with. In the photo arsenal of Redmi Note 8T:

• 48-megapixel camera with a six-element lens with f/1.79 aperture, 1.6 micron pixel size.
• 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera (120°) with f/2.2 aperture, 1.12 micron pixel size.
• 2MP depth camera with f/2.4 aperture, 1.75µm pixel size.
• 2 megapixel macro camera with f/2.4 aperture, 1.75 micron pixel size.

The main 48-megapixel module is a Samsung S5KGM1 . This, for example, is installed in the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite and Samsung Galaxy A90, which are much more expensive models. Some manufacturers, such as Lenovo, are pushing this camera into their flagship solutions, for example, Lenovo Z6.

In other words, the camera choice seems excellent for such an affordable smartphone. Perhaps the only thing that can ruin the shooting situation is crooked optimization, which Xiaomi is by no means famous for.

I thoroughly tested the Redmi Note 8T camera in various conditions and modes. This is what happened.

Note: all photos are clickable.

Examples of photos on Redmi Note 8T

Daytime shooting

The Redmi Note 8T copes well with daytime shooting. The images have great detail throughout the frame - look at the far end of the building. The color rendition is correct, without embellishment. By the way, this is especially clearly visible in this frame. There is not enough natural light here. However, the camera did not colorize the image to obtain a more colorful result, as is often the case.

The picture also shows the first jamb of the camera. Look at the people. They were moving at the usual speed of pedestrians, but they were already washed out.

A shot from the same angle, but at ultra-wide. The quality is comparable to photos taken with the main camera: high detail and honest color rendition have not gone away. I liked that when shooting with the ultra-wide-angle camera, the smartphone does not lag and takes photos instantly.

Two more examples of photos taken with the main and ultra-wide-angle cameras to consolidate the result. Here we managed to catch more natural light, so the detail increased. True, the dark places are poorly processed. In addition, chromatic aberrations are observed on background objects, for example, on the dome of a temple.

The wide-angle shot takes on all the pros and cons of the regular shot. I was pleased that the edges of the frame were practically not distorted. I admit, I didn’t expect to see this on the inexpensive Redmi.

The camera handles close-ups well, even when there isn't enough direct natural light, as in the example above. Of course, there is a lack of light - the curves would ideally be tightened up programmatically.

A good example of taking a closer look at a subject. I note that in all frames, in general, there is a lack of contour sharpness.

Evening shooting

Redmi Note 8T is an inexpensive smartphone, but when the sun goes down, it doesn't lose its photographic capabilities. In the evening you can really take good, eye-catching pictures. Local night mode, of course, will not allow you to photograph very far from artificial lighting. But if you choose the lighting well, you will get decent shots. There is no detail in the background, but the foreground is finely detailed.

A smartphone is great for shooting New Year's illumination. I am especially pleased with the correct color rendition.

However, no one canceled the noise in the evening photos. They will be, sometimes quite distinct.

Night photography

You can also get decent shots on the Redmi Note 8T in low light conditions. The main thing is to cling to any more or less bright object. In this case, you will get an acceptable photo. Note the absence of obvious visible noise and artifacts. Here they really tried.

The local night mode works in software terms as an improved HDR. This is confirmed by photographs taken at night. There is a complete absence of noise in the photo, which is why the frame even on a budget smartphone turns out to be more or less attractive. This was achieved by shooting at low ISO.

Another good example of a photo, but with greater light sensitivity. You can see how much more detailed the high-rise buildings have become, but noise has also appeared in the sky. The reality is that for high-quality photos in the evening and at night you will have to balance the light sensitivity in order to get high-quality photos. Or do it like everyone else - just save and save all the photos in automatic night mode, which is actually the best option.

Shooting video

Redmi Note 8T is capable of shooting video in 4K resolution. It sounds impressive, but in reality, you can only shoot a high-quality video for later viewing in comfort or publishing on YouTube in greenhouse conditions. And we’re not talking here about the quality of the picture, it’s quite okay.

Smartphone microphones are incredibly sensitive. Because of this, even in not the strongest wind, the video sounds like some kind of wild hurricane. I specifically looked at video samples from my colleagues’ reviews - the same problem. It's a shame, because in fact the video is of good quality.

At night, video detail drops significantly. Added to this is periodic defocus, and the microphones continue to howl.

⇡#Autonomous work

In the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the manufacturer installed a very capacious battery, reasoning quite logically that a smartphone with a 6.5-inch display needs something more than the usual four thousand milliamp-hours. It uses a 17.1 Wh battery (4500 mAh, 3.8 V) and I won’t say that the device demonstrates any special “survivability”. But it’s not bad - even with a full load, the smartphone will last through daylight hours, and in ordinary use scenarios you can count on a day’s work.

In our traditional test with HD video playback at maximum brightness, with updates and notifications turned on, the Redmi Note 8 Pro lasted ten hours - for a smartphone with an LCD screen, the level is, in principle, not bad.

The USB Type-C port is used for charging; Quick Charge 4 (18 W) is supported. But as expected, the kit does not include an 18-watt adapter – only a standard 10-watt one. With its help, it takes about a little over two hours to fully charge the smartphone.

DESIGN

• Dimensions: 161.3 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm
• Weight: 199 g
• Case materials: glass front (Gorilla Glass 5) + glass back (Gorilla Glass 5)
• Water and dust protection: IP52, speaker dust protection
• Tray: Hybrid SIM + MicroSD slot

The appearance of the Redmi Note 8 Pro smartphone has not undergone fundamental changes compared to the previous generation model. However, the device began to look more elegant and complete.

Now the lid is rounded (using 3D technology) and has a boat shape, which is why it fits better in the hand. It consists of four layers and has increased strength.

Considering that the dimensions of the device have increased, the extra grip can only benefit it. The glass on the back remains the same iridescent, only the pattern is now slightly different. It looks interesting, it sparkles beautifully in the sun. But all this is completely useless if you carry the device in a case, which is what most users do.

The droplet for the front camera output has become more rounded, it looks neat and is not distracting. The bottom edge has become thinner, now from the front the device is not at all different from the flagships.

Redmi Note 8 Pro has certified IP52 protection against water and dust. You can't drop your phone into water, but it will survive getting caught in the rain.

It is noteworthy that the Note 8 Pro was left without a fingerprint scanner under the display, which was predicted for it. Instead, the phone was equipped with a rear fingerprint sensor. Some will be disappointed, but in vain. Any scanner on the back or side works more reliably and faster than an under-display scanner. If you don’t like putting your finger on the back of your smartphone, then use face unlock. Xiaomi promised to make it much faster and safer as they release new versions of the software.

The camera block is located in a vertical orientation, on top, in the middle of the rear panel. It protrudes strongly above the body. So much so that the supplied case does not cover the height of the module (it still sticks out by 0.5 mm). On the right side of the smartphone there is a volume button and a power key. On the left side you will find a hybrid SIM tray. The speaker and USB Type-C port are in the usual place. The notification indicator is built under the microphone grille. However, it is monochromatic, which is not very pleasing.

Note! According to the company, the white version of the gadget will have a metal frame, but in fact it is made of plastic with a metal coating.

The smartphone comes in three colors, namely:

1. "Black Sand" (black);
2. "Northern Lights" (green);
3. “Sunset on the snow” (white).

The device is for youth, everyone can choose the color to their liking.