Begonia Xiaomi: what is this smartphone and whether to buy

Many users, delving into the specifications or studying the forums of firmware, are faced with the mysterious name Begonia in the context of Xiaomi devices. The natural question arises: what is this device and why is it called? In fact, we are talking about the world-famous smartphone Redmi Note 8 Pro, which was released in 2019 and became a real bestseller of the mid-segment. Code name "Begonia" was used by the developers of the company during the internal development and release of the first versions of the operating system.

It became a watershed in the industry, offering flagship-level features at an affordable price. It was Begonia that received a MediaTek processor with a powerful graphics accelerator, which allowed it to compete with Snapdragon-based solutions. For enthusiasts of Android modifications, this smartphone became a cult thanks to a huge community of developers and support for custom firmware.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what the codename is, why this phone is still interesting to users, and what to look for when buying or using it today. Understanding Xiaomi’s internal nomenclature will help you better navigate the world of Xiaomi’s gadgets.

Model Identification: Redmi Note 8 Pro

When you see the name Begonia in system logs, firmware files or in the About Phone menu (in developer mode), know: this is the Redmi Note 8 Pro. This is a global version of the smartphone, which in China came out under other designations, but it was the international version that received such a botanical code name. Xiaomi traditionally uses the names of flowers and plants for its projects, and Begonia has become a symbol of the bright and blooming success of the Redmi Note line.

It’s important not to confuse this model with the regular Redmi Note 8, which has the code name Ginkgo. Despite the similarity of the names and exterior design, these are two completely different devices with different hardware platforms. The main difference between Begonia and Ginkgo is the processor: Begonia has a MediaTek Helio G90T, whereas the regular Note 8 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665. This difference determines performance, game capabilities and flashing methods.

There are several ways to accurately identify your device, and the easiest way to do this is to go to the settings and see the model, but if the system is changed, you'd better use special applications or ADB-In the terminal or through the console, you can enter a command to get the exact code name:

getprop ro.product.device

If you get the word begonia, you are the owner of the Pro version, which is critically important to know before looking for drivers, instructions to unlock the bootloader or firmware, since the materials for Ginkgo and Begonia are not compatible with each other.

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The codename Begonia clearly indicates the Redmi Note 8 Pro with the MediaTek Helio G90T processor, which sets it apart from the base version of the Note 8 (Ginkgo).

Technical specifications and hardware platform

The heart of the Redmi Note 8 Pro was the MediaTek Helio G90T chipset. At the time of its release, it was a revolution for the middle class, as MediaTek was the first to offer a solution focused on specifically gaming (the "G" in the name), the processor is made on a 12-nm process and consists of eight cores: two powerful Cortex-A76 and six energy-efficient Cortex-A55. Graphics handles accelerator Mali-G76 MC4, which even today is able to pull many popular games at mid-sets.

The screen of the device also deserves special attention. IPS-diagonal 6.53 inch and resolution 2340×1080 The density of the pixels is 395 ppi, which provides a clear picture. An important feature is the presence of a certificate. TÜV Rheinland to protect vision from harmful blue light, and support standard HDR10 video-play.

Below is a table with the main characteristics so you can quickly assess the capabilities of the device:

The cooling system in Begonia is implemented through a liquid tube and a graphene layer, which allows the smartphone not to overheat even during long gaming sessions. However, it is worth noting that the device is made of glass in the front and rear, and the frame is made of plastic, which makes it slippery and requires the use of a protective case.

Camera: quadro-module and shooting capabilities

The Redmi Note 8 Pro was the first smartphone in the world to receive the Samsung GW1’s 64-megapixel main sensor, which allowed for incredibly detailed images in good light, and the 4-in-1 (Tetracell) pixel-combination technology provided decent quality even in low light conditions, creating a 16-megapixel final image.

The quadro camera of the device includes not only the main module, but also three auxiliary. Wide-angle lens 8 MP allows you to capture more space in the frame, which is ideal for landscapes and architectural photography. Macro camera 2 MP allows you to focus on objects from a distance of 2 cm, opening the world of small details. the fourth module — depth sensor 2 MP — is responsible for high-quality blurring the background in portrait mode.

⚠️ Attention: Software processing of photos (algorithms) MIUI) It can be too aggressive, adding excessive sharpness and color saturation. To get natural pictures, it is recommended to use Pro mode or third-party camera applications, such as Google Camera (GCam), whose ports work well on Begonia.

The front camera has a resolution of 20 MP and supports night shooting, which is rare for selfie cameras of the time. 4K At 30 frames per second, and 960 fps slow motion (albeit with time and resolution limitations) is also supported (EIS), optical stabilization (OIS) not in the device.

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To install a ported Google Camera on Begonia, download versions specifically marked as compatible with the MediaTek Helio G90T, as regular APKs may not start or work properly.

MIUI Software and Updates

Begonia was originally shipped with a MIUI 10 shell based on Android 9 Pie. During its life cycle, the device received updates to MIUI 11, MIUI 12 and even MIUI 12.5 based on Android 11. This is a pretty good indicator of support for the budget segment, although the official update to Android 12 and above from Xiaomi for this model has not come out on a global scale.

However, thanks to the unlocked bootloader (which can be officially unlocked through the Mi Unlock website), Begonia has a huge amount of custom firmware available, and enthusiasts have ported Android 12, 13, and even 14 to the site through LineageOS, Pixel Experience, and others, allowing owners of the old device to continue to use current OS versions and receive security patches.

The flashing process is standard for Xiaomi devices, but requires care. You need to install the ADB and Fastboot drivers, as well as the Mi Flash Tool utility.

Gaming opportunities and productivity

As mentioned, the Helio G90T was designed with a focus on mobile gaming. In the AnTuTu 9 benchmark, the device scores about 280,000 to 300,000. For comparison, this is the level of many modern public sector. In real-world tasks like PUBG Mobile, the smartphone is able to deliver stable 40-50 FPS on the Smooth graphics settings with ultra-HDR. In Call of Duty Mobile, the situation is similar - a playable level with the ability to win online.

However, you can't expect miracles from heavy games like Genshin Impact. At the minimum settings, the game will start, the Norite will fluctuate, and the heating of the case will become noticeable after 15 minutes of play. The cooling system copes well, but the physics of the process dictates its rules: 12-nm process technology is less energy efficient than modern 6-nm or 5-nm solutions, so the battery goes down faster.

For a comfortable game, it is recommended:

• 🎮 Close background apps before launching the game through the built-in Game Turbo.
• 🌡️ Remove the cover during long sessions for better heat sink.
• 🔋 Do not play while charging to avoid battery overheating and trottling.

The MIUI Game Turbo optimization allows you to adjust touchscreen sensitivity, block notifications and allocate additional CPU resources for a running game, which makes the experience of using Begonia in entertainment quite competitive even in 2026.

Common problems and solutions

Despite its reliability, the Redmi Note 8 Pro has a number of common “diseases” to be aware of, one of the most common problems is a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module dump, a software glitch that is often solved by resetting the network settings or, in difficult cases, flashing the device with a complete partition clean.

The second problem is the rapid wear of the battery. Given the heavy use and the not-so-modern process technology, a 4500 mAh battery often loses a significant amount of capacity by the third year of operation, the solution being to replace the battery in an authorized service or on its own (if you have the skills).

⚠️ Warning: When buying a used device, be sure to check the screen for yellow spots or burnout at the bottom. IPS-Matrices used in the early Redmi Note 8 Pro batches are not repairable, only the replacement of the display module.

Users also sometimes experience incorrect proximity sensors during conversations, such as calibrating the sensor through an engineering menu (code # #6484##) or sticking a protective glass sticker that does not overlap the top frame. MIUI software bugs, such as spontaneous reboots, are usually treated by upgrading to a stable version of the firmware or switching to a caste.

Relevance of the model in 2026

Should you buy Begonia today? If your budget is extremely tight, and smartphone requirements include social media, navigator, YouTube and light games — yes, it’s still a viable option. The GW1 camera even now shoots better than many new budgeters with 108MP marketing, but mediocre sensors. The screen with good color reproduction and the presence of NFC (in global versions) add to the piggy bank.

However, if you are counting on long-term support, perfect banking applications (via Google Pay, the situation is floating, depends on the version of MIUI and the availability of root rights) and high autonomy, it is better to consider more modern models of the Redmi Note 12 or 13 series.

For collectors and custom firmware enthusiasts, this phone remains a must-have device in the collection.The ability to turn an old phone into a powerful tool based on pure Android 14 makes it unique in its price range in the secondary market.

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In 2026, Redmi Note 8 Pro (Begonia) remains the king of the secondary market up to 8-10 thousand rubles, offering the best camera and screen in the class, but inferior to new models in autonomy and speed of the interface.