The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T and the Redmi Note 8 2021 represent iterative updates within Xiaomi’s popular budget line. While both aim to deliver excellent value, they diverge in key areas like display technology and chipset choice. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone best suits your needs, especially considering the price fluctuations often seen in this segment.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 is the better choice. Its significantly brighter display (620 nits vs 450 nits) and improved contrast ratio (1487:1 vs 1360:1) offer a superior viewing experience. However, the Redmi Note 8T’s slightly better battery endurance and potentially more efficient Snapdragon 665 are worth considering for power users.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| 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, November 06. Released 2019, November 08 | 2021, May 25 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 27 |
| 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 | 161.1 x 75.4 x 8.6 mm (6.34 x 2.97 x 0.34 in) | 158.3 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm (6.23 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 190 g (6.70 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 (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC | eMMC 5.1 |
| 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, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS | 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starscape Blue, Moonlight White, Moonshadow Grey | Neptune Blue, Moonlight White, Space Black |
| Models | M1908C3XG | M1908C3JGG |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | 1.02 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) | 0.97 W/kg (head) 0.75 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.74 W/kg (head) 1.30 W/kg (body) | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.94 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -93.9dB / Crosstalk -93.7dB | - |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 108h |
Endurance rating 102h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1360:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1487:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 78dB / Noise 74dB / Ring 79dB |
-28.6 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 141077 (v7), 167395 (v8)
GeekBench: 5620 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 5.9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 180195 (v8), 165779 (v9)
GeekBench: 5259 (v4.4), 1314 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 8.7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T
- Slightly better battery endurance (108h rating)
- More power-efficient chipset (Snapdragon 665, 11nm)
- Potentially better sustained performance due to thermal efficiency
- Dimmer display (450 nits)
- Lower contrast ratio (1360:1)
- Older chipset (Snapdragon 665)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
- Significantly brighter display (620 nits)
- Improved contrast ratio (1487:1)
- More modern chipset (Helio G85)
- Slightly shorter battery endurance (102h rating)
- Less power-efficient chipset (Helio G85, 12nm)
- Potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 8 2021 boasts a clear advantage in display quality. Its measured peak brightness of 620 nits is a substantial leap over the Redmi Note 8T’s 450 nits, making it far more usable outdoors. The contrast ratio also improves from 1360:1 to 1487:1, resulting in deeper blacks and more vivid colors. While both phones share the same resolution, the 2021’s panel offers a more visually engaging experience, particularly for video streaming and gaming. We lack data on panel type (IPS vs. VA), but the contrast ratio suggests a VA-type panel in the 2021, which would further enhance the viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing. Given the budget nature of these phones, it’s safe to assume similar camera performance. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical value. Without more detailed specifications, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner in the camera department. Image processing algorithms will likely be the differentiating factor, and user preference will play a significant role.
Performance
Under the hood, the Redmi Note 8T features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11nm), while the Redmi Note 8 2021 utilizes the MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). While both are octa-core processors, the Helio G85 employs a different core configuration (2x Cortex-A75 & 6x Cortex-A55) compared to the Snapdragon 665 (4x Kryo 260 Gold & 4x Kryo 260 Silver). The 12nm process of the Helio G85 is less efficient than the 11nm process of the Snapdragon 665, potentially leading to slightly higher power consumption. However, the Helio G85’s Cortex-A75 cores offer a performance boost in single-core tasks. Real-world performance differences will likely be subtle, with the Helio G85 edging out the Snapdragon 665 in gaming, but the Snapdragon 665 potentially offering better sustained performance due to thermal efficiency.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 8T holds a slight edge in battery endurance with a rating of 108 hours, compared to the Redmi Note 8 2021’s 102 hours. This difference, while not massive, suggests the Snapdragon 665’s greater power efficiency contributes to longer runtimes. Both phones support 18W wired charging, meaning charging times will be comparable. The brighter display of the Redmi Note 8 2021 will inevitably consume more power, partially offsetting the benefits of its slightly larger battery capacity (not specified in the data, but likely similar).
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T if you prioritize maximum battery life and are frequently outdoors in bright sunlight where the lower peak brightness won't be as noticeable. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 if you value a vibrant, easily visible display for media consumption and gaming, and are willing to accept a slightly shorter battery life. The 2021 is also the better option for those who want a more modern chipset, even if the performance gains aren't massive.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G85 in the Redmi Note 8 2021 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G85 is a capable gaming chip, but its 12nm process is less efficient than the Snapdragon 665’s 11nm process. While it won’t likely reach critical temperatures, you may experience some thermal throttling after extended gaming, potentially leading to a slight drop in frame rates. The Redmi Note 8T might maintain more consistent performance over longer periods.
❓ Is the difference in display brightness between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the 150-nit difference in peak brightness is quite noticeable, especially outdoors or in brightly lit environments. The Redmi Note 8 2021’s screen will be significantly easier to see in direct sunlight, while the Redmi Note 8T’s screen may appear washed out. This is the biggest practical difference between the two devices.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 8 2021 support faster charging than the Redmi Note 8T?
No, both phones support 18W wired charging. While charging speeds will be similar, the Redmi Note 8 2021’s slightly smaller battery capacity might result in marginally faster full charge times, but the difference will be minimal.
