The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 and Note 8 Pro represent a pivotal moment in Xiaomi’s strategy – delivering impressive features at incredibly competitive prices. While both phones share a similar aesthetic, significant internal differences dictate which model is best suited for different users. This comparison dives deep into the chipset, display, and battery performance to reveal the true strengths of each device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-around usability and efficiency, the Redmi Note 8 Pro emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G90T chipset delivers noticeably improved gaming performance and responsiveness, while the slightly longer battery endurance and brighter display enhance the overall experience. However, the Note 8 remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat12 600/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August 29. Released 2019, October 16 | 2019, August 29. Released 2019, September 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 158.3 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm (6.23 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 161.4 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.35 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 (6.70 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, HDR, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6785V/CC Helio G90T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 0.9µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Neptune Blue, Moonlight White, Space Black, Nebula Purple, Cosmic Purple | Black, Red, Blue, White, Deep Sea Blue, Midnight Blue, Electric Blue, Twilight Orange |
| Models | M1908C3JH, M1908C3JG, M1908C3JI | 2015105, M1906G7I, M1906G7G |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | 0.26 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 1.15 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.19 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.47 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -94.0dB / Crosstalk -93.3dB |
Noise -93.6dB / Crosstalk -91.9dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 108h
| Endurance rating 114h |
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1521:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1326:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 78dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 81dB
|
Voice 64dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 82dB |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 141915 (v7), 161572 (v8)
GeekBench: 5590 (v4.4), 1339 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 224759 (v7), 279355 (v8)
GeekBench: 6999 (v4.4), 1622 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 14fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
- More affordable price point
- Excellent battery efficiency for basic tasks
- Reliable performance for everyday use
- Less powerful processor for gaming
- Dimmer display compared to the Pro model
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro
- Superior gaming performance with the Helio G90T
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Slightly longer battery endurance
- Higher price tag
- More power-hungry processor
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 8 features a contrast ratio of 1521:1, while the Note 8 Pro boasts a slightly lower 1326:1 ratio. However, the Pro model significantly improves on brightness, reaching a measured 640 nits compared to the Note 8’s unspecified value. This higher peak brightness makes the Note 8 Pro far more usable in direct sunlight. Both displays utilize similar LCD technology, and while neither offers high refresh rates, the Pro’s superior brightness is a clear advantage for outdoor viewing and overall vibrancy.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are advertised with capable photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking in the provided data. However, the Pro model’s chipset is better equipped to handle image processing tasks, potentially leading to faster capture times and improved image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to definitively declare a camera winner, but the G90T’s image signal processor (ISP) gives the Note 8 Pro an edge. The presence of a 64MP main sensor (commonly found in the Note 8 Pro) would further solidify this advantage, though this isn't confirmed in the provided data.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi Note 8 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11nm), an efficient but less powerful processor. The Note 8 Pro, conversely, is powered by the MediaTek Helio G90T (12nm). The G90T’s octa-core configuration, featuring two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, provides a substantial performance uplift over the Snapdragon 665’s Kryo 260 cores. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a significantly better gaming experience. The 12nm process node on the G90T, while slightly larger than the 11nm on the SD665, is optimized for performance, making the Pro the clear winner for power users.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve impressive endurance ratings, with the Redmi Note 8 lasting 108 hours and the Note 8 Pro extending that to 114 hours. While the Note 8 Pro offers slightly longer battery life, the difference is marginal. Both phones support 18W wired charging, meaning charging times will be comparable. The Note 8 Pro’s more powerful processor does consume more power, but its optimized efficiency and slightly larger battery capacity (typically found in the Pro model, though not specified here) offset this, resulting in the longer endurance rating.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 if you need a reliable daily driver with solid battery life and aren’t heavily invested in mobile gaming. It’s ideal for users who prioritize efficiency and affordability. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro if you prefer a more powerful processor for gaming and demanding applications, a brighter display for outdoor visibility, and are willing to spend a bit more for a noticeable performance boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G90T in the Note 8 Pro overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Helio G90T is a powerful chip, it can generate heat under sustained load. Xiaomi implemented thermal management solutions, but prolonged gaming at maximum settings may lead to some throttling. However, the Note 8 Pro generally handles gaming better than the Note 8 due to its superior cooling capabilities and processor architecture.
❓ Is the difference in display brightness between the Note 8 and Note 8 Pro noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the 640 nits peak brightness of the Note 8 Pro is significantly higher than the Note 8. This difference is most apparent when using the phone outdoors in direct sunlight, where the Note 8 Pro’s screen remains much more readable. Indoors, the difference is less pronounced, but the Pro’s display still appears more vibrant.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 8 Pro support higher frame rates in popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Redmi Note 8 Pro, with its Helio G90T chipset, is capable of running PUBG Mobile at higher frame rates (60fps) with optimized settings. However, achieving consistently smooth performance at the highest settings may require adjusting graphics options to balance visual quality and frame rate.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 665 in the Redmi Note 8 handle multitasking compared to the Helio G90T?
The Snapdragon 665 is adequate for basic multitasking, but the Helio G90T in the Note 8 Pro offers a noticeably smoother experience when switching between multiple apps or running demanding applications simultaneously. The G90T’s more powerful cores and optimized architecture provide a significant advantage in multitasking performance.
