Owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro have been waiting for a long time, hoping to see an update to the Android 12 operating system. This device, released in 2019 based on the MediaTek Helio G90T processor, became a real hit sales thanks to a successful combination of performance and price. However, Xiaomi’s policy in support of mid-range devices often leaves users in the dark about the exact dates of release of updates.
Complicating matters, official MIUI support for this model is coming to a close. Many users in Russia and the CIS are still wondering whether to expect an official upgrade or whether it is time to think about changing the gadget. In this article, we will discuss in detail the current status of firmware, technical limitations and real prospects for a new version of Android.
It is important to understand that the global version of the software can be significantly different from the Chinese or Indian. Officially getting Android 12 for the Redmi Note 8 Pro is possible only through the installation of custom firmware, since the official path is closed on the version of MIUI 11. Let's see why this happened and what workarounds there are for enthusiasts.
Official status of updates and Xiaomi policy
Xiaomi has traditionally provided two major operating system updates for its Redmi Note series smartphones.The Redmi Note 8 Pro model originally shipped with Android 9 Pie and the MIUI 10 shell.The device subsequently received an update to Android 10 with MIUI 12, which was the last major upgrade for most global versions.
Why has Android 12 outperformed this popular smartphone? The fact is that the lifecycle of support for budget and mid-budget lines is usually limited to two years. Technical support for drivers from MediaTek also plays a role in shaping the update schedule. Qualcomm developers often provide longer support for chipsets, which allows smartphones based on them to receive updates longer.
In Russia, users have been receiving security updates even after the release of the major versions of Android. However, with the release of MIUI 13, it became clear that the Redmi Note 8 Pro is not on the list of devices claiming a new shell in the global segment, which means that there are no official ways to get Android 12 through the standard update menu.
⚠️ Warning: Attempts to install global firmware from other regions (e.g. Indian or Chinese) via the recovery menu can result in a bootloader lock or a complete device failure (brick.
Despite the lack of official support, the developer community has not left the device owners without attention. Activity on the forums of XDA Developers confirms the high interest in this model.
Technical limitations of the MediaTek Helio G90T processor
One of the main reasons why Android 12 didn’t come to the Redmi Note 8 Pro officially is the MediaTek processor architecture. Unlike Snapdragon, where Google provides reference drivers (GSI), MediaTek’s support requires deeper engagement from the chipmaker itself.
The problem is that Android 12 requires updated drivers for the camera, modem and graphics accelerator. If the chipmaker didn’t release them for the new version of the Linux kernel, Xiaomi won’t be able to adapt its MIUI shell, which is why many Helio G90T-based smartphones have stopped with Android 10.
However, there are projects to port pure Android (AOSP) and shells like LineageOS, which often run even faster than stock ones because they lack heavy MIUI code. However, the stability of communication modules and cameras in such builds can vary.
Alternative ways to install Android 12
For those who still want to experience the twelfth version of Android on their device, the only working option is to install custom firmware, a process that requires unlocking the bootloader, which is a prerequisite for modifying the system partition.
There are several popular builds that have been successfully ported to the Redmi Note 8 Pro (codenamed begonia), including LineageOS, Pixel Experience and various variations of MIUI EU (Extended Update), which are based on Android 11 and Android 12, providing up-to-date security patches and a new interface.
The installation process is not trivial and requires care. You will need a computer with ADB and Fastboot drivers installed, as well as a good quality cable. Before starting any manipulations, it is strongly recommended to make a full backup of the data, since in the process of unlocking the bootloader all data will be destroyed.
☑️ Preparation for the installation of custom firmware
It is worth noting that after installing custom software, some functions, such as: HD-Voice (VoLTE) in some regions or Widevine L1 (For high-quality content streaming services, it may not work properly, due to a breach of the Android security chain of trust.
Comparison of stock MIUI and custom firmware
Before you decide to install third-party software, you should weigh the pros and cons. The MIUI stock shell, even in its latest version for this model, is optimized specifically for the hardware of the smartphone. The camera, energy saving and networking in it have been debugged for years.
Custom firmware offers a clean interface, no advertising, no built-in parasite applications, but it can consume more power due to less efficient management of background processes. Below is a table comparing the key aspects of drain and custom use.
| Parameter | Stock MIUI 12 (Android 10) | Castom firmware (Android 12) |
|---|---|---|
| Stability of work | Tall, tested for years | Medium, possible bugs |
| Camera. | Original quality, all functions | Often simplified, there may be artifacts |
| Security | Official Patts (rarely) | Depends on the builder. |
| Productivity | Standard, many background processes | High, minimum background load |
If you’re critical to high-quality shooting and stable communication, you’d better stay on the official firmware, and if speed and new features are the priority, then experimenting with Android 12 might be worth it.
What is GSI and how does it relate to the Redmi Note 8 Pro?
Risks and precautions when reflashing
Interfering with smartphone software always carries certain risks. The most common scenario is getting a brick when the device stops responding to commands. In Xiaomi’s case, the situation is complicated by the presence of Mi Account protection and binding to activation servers.
When unlocking the bootloader, the Factory Reset triggers, which permanently deletes all user files, and it’s also worth considering that banking apps and services like Google Pay (now Google Wallet) may refuse to work on a device with the bootloader unlocked due to security breaches.
⚠️ Attention: Using unverified firmware files from random sources in Telegram channels can lead to malware installation. ROM-files from authoritative resources, such as 4PDA or XDA Developers.
To minimize risks, always use the original USB-cable USB 2.0/3.0 Interrupting the firmware process due to battery discharge or cable disconnection can make recovery possible only through paid service tools.
Prospects for further support of the device
With the Redmi Note 8 Pro coming out in 2019, its lifecycle is coming to an end, with no official security updates expected in 2026-2026, and users who care about software relevance should consider switching to newer models in the Redmi Note 11, 12 or 13 series.
But thanks to a huge community, the smartphone’s second life can be extended for a couple of years, and enthusiasts continue to make patches and improvements for even older devices, making the Android ecosystem unique in its kind, allowing the tech to last longer than the manufacturer would like.
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If you have decided to stay on the official MIUI, Turn off automatic app updates in Mi GetApps and use only verified sources APK-files to extend the life of the device without unnecessary loads.
Ultimately, the choice is left to the user: put up with the old version of Android for stability or risk for new features. Either way, the Redmi Note 8 Pro remains a legend that proved that the budget segment can be powerful.
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Officially, Xiaomi does not plan to release Android 12 for the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the only way to get a new OS is to install custom firmware by third-party developers.