Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi launched the eighth-generation of Redmi Note devices today at an event in Beijing. The smartphones, namely Redmi Note 8 and Redmi Note 8 Pro, succeed the Redmi Note 7-series of devices. While the Redmi Note 8 is a significant step up from the predecessor, the Note 8 is a marginal improvement from the Note 7.
The Redmi Note 8's base variant with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage starts at 999 Yuan (about ₹10,000). It also comes in two other variants—6GB/64GB priced at 1,199 Yuan (about ₹12,000) and 6GB/128GB with a price tag of 1,399 Yuan (about ₹14,000).
The Redmi Note 8 Pro is priced at 1,399 Yuan for the base 6GB/64GB variant and goes up to 1,799 Yuan for the top 8GB/128GB version.
The smartphones are set to go on sale in China starting next month, however, we expect the smartphones to be launched in India just ahead of the festive season.
Redmi Note 8 Pro: Specifications
The Redmi Note 8 Pro sports improvements in terms of design, camera and processor specifications. The smartphone now comes in three colour options of Jade Green, Ice White and Grey.
It is lit by a 6.53-inch full HD+ display with a smaller notch when compared to its predecessor. It now runs a MediaTek processor instead of a Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC. The Note 8 Pro is the first smartphone to be powered by the Helio G90T processor with gaming-specific optimisations like HyperEngine and Game Turbo 2.0 mode. The chipset also brings improved network speed and lower touch latency. The smartphone is also the first Redmi Note-device to have liquid cooling.
There is also the feature to connect both to Wi-Fi and 4G to provide seamless gaming.
At the back, the Note 8 Pro comes with the much talked about quad-camera setup with a 64MP Samsung ISOCELL GW1 primary sensor. The rest of the configuration comprises an 8MP 120-degree wide-angle sensor, 2MP depth sensor, and 2MP macro camera. At the front, the smartphone has a 20MP selfie camera sitting underneath the U-shaped notch.
It is backed by a 4,500 mAh compatible with 18W quick-charging.
Redmi Note 8: Specifications
The Redmi Note 8 is a slightly stripped-down version of the Note 8 Pro and a marginal upgrade over the Note 7. It can be physically distinguished from the Note 8 Pro by looking out for its rear camera setup—it's the camera array placed on the left while the Note 8 Pro keeps it in the centre.
It is lit by a smaller 6.3-inch LCD display with full HD+. The phone runs on a Snapdragon 665 chipset, based on the 11 nm process, that is also found within the Mi A3 and the Realme 5.
The Note 8 also comes with a quad-camera setup, but with slightly different specs. The primary camera is a 48MP Samsung ISOCELL GM2 sensor. The rest of the sensors are the same as the Note 8 Pro. The notch at the front houses a 13MP selfie camera.
The camera setup of the Redmi Note 8 includes four shooters - the main one is 48 MP with the latest Samsung ISOCELL GM2 sensor. Others are an 8 MP ultra-wide-angle lens, 2 MP dedicated macro camera, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front panel sports a notch for the 13 MP selfie camera.
It has a slightly smaller 4,000mAh battery and the same 18W charging compatibility.
