Redmi Note 8 is one of Xiaomi’s most successful budget smartphones, combining style, solid performance, and great camera capabilities at a very affordable price. Launched at a starting price of ₹9,999, the device quickly became a favorite among budget-conscious buyers looking for a phone that didn’t compromise on features.
Even years after its release, the Redmi Note 8 continues to be popular in the resale market, thanks to its durability and dependable user experience. It is a classic example of how Xiaomi redefined the budget smartphone segment with a mix of design, performance, and camera innovations.
Design and Build
The Redmi Note 8 stands out with its premium glass back, a feature rarely seen in budget smartphones at the time of its release. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both front and back, it offers a glossy, modern look while ensuring scratch resistance and durability.
The phone features slim bezels with a waterdrop notch at the top for the selfie camera, giving it a high screen-to-body ratio. Available in attractive colors like Neptune Blue, Moonlight White, and Space Black, the Redmi Note 8 appeals to a wide range of users.
Display Quality
The device sports a 6.3-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2340 × 1080 pixels. This ensures sharp visuals, good brightness levels, and accurate color reproduction. Whether you’re watching videos, browsing social media, or playing games, the display remains vibrant and easy on the eyes.
The screen also supports Reading Mode and Night Mode, making it more comfortable for extended use, especially during late-night reading sessions.
Performance and Hardware
Powering the Redmi Note 8 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor, paired with up to 6GB of RAM and up to 128GB of internal storage. The Snapdragon 665 is built on an 11nm process, ensuring a good balance of performance and power efficiency.
For everyday tasks like messaging, calling, web browsing, and streaming, the phone performs smoothly. Even casual gaming runs well, with titles like PUBG Mobile and Asphalt 9 playable at medium settings without major frame drops. Storage is expandable via a dedicated microSD card slot, which is a huge plus for those who store a lot of media.
Battery and Charging
The Redmi Note 8 comes with a 4000mAh battery, which provides a full day of usage with ease. Thanks to the efficient Snapdragon 665, battery drain is minimal during standby.
The phone supports 18W fast charging through a USB Type-C port, allowing it to charge from 0% to around 50% in just under 40 minutes. This makes it ideal for users who are always on the go and need quick top-ups.
Camera Setup
One of the Redmi Note 8’s biggest selling points is its quad-camera system — a rarity in budget phones at launch.
- 48MP Primary Camera (f/1.8): Produces detailed and sharp images in daylight.
- 8MP Ultra-Wide Camera: Captures a 120° field of view, great for landscapes and group shots.
- 2MP Macro Lens: Allows close-up photography for creative shots.
- 2MP Depth Sensor: Helps produce better portrait shots with background blur.
The 13MP front camera housed in the waterdrop notch delivers clear and vibrant selfies, with AI beauty enhancements for those who prefer a polished look. Both front and rear cameras support Full HD video recording, and the primary rear camera can record up to 4K resolution at 30fps.
Software and Features
The Redmi Note 8 initially shipped with MIUI 10 based on Android 9 Pie, but received updates to newer MIUI versions over time. MIUI offers a range of customization options, themes, and additional features like dual apps, second space, and full-screen gestures.
Extra features include:
- Rear-mounted Fingerprint Sensor for quick unlocking.
- Face Unlock option for convenience.
- IR Blaster to control TVs, ACs, and other appliances.
- P2i Nano-Coating for splash resistance.
- Dual SIM + Dedicated microSD Slot for flexibility.
Why the Redmi Note 8 Was a Game-Changer
At launch, the Redmi Note 8 was considered unbeatable in its price range. It offered:
- A premium glass design usually reserved for higher-priced models.
- A versatile quad-camera setup that catered to multiple photography needs.
- Solid day-to-day performance with efficient battery life.
- Future-ready features like USB Type-C, fast charging, and Gorilla Glass protection.
Even today, for users looking for a secondary device or an affordable daily driver, the Redmi Note 8 remains a reliable choice.
