Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 vs Redmi Note 8T: what is different and what is better to buy in 2026

Choosing between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 and the Redmi Note 8T is easy to get confused: both phones look almost identical, have similar characteristics and belong to the same line. However, there are key technical and functional differences between them that can affect your choice. In this article, we will discuss 12 main differences — from the processor and camera to support for networking and design — and help determine which model is right for you.

Both models were released in 2019, but the Redmi Note 8T came out later as an "updated" version, and the manufacturer positioned it as an improved version, but is it really true? We'll analyze real-world tests, user reviews and official specifications to give an objective answer. If you're planning to buy a used device or looking for a budget smartphone with good specs, this information will be especially useful.

1. Processor and performance: who is more powerful?

Both models are equipped with chipsets from Qualcomm Snapdragon, but with different indexes:

• 🔹 Redmi Note 8: Snapdragon 665 (8 nm, 4 Kryo cores 260 to 2.0 GHz) + 4 cores to 1.8 GHz)
• 🔹 Redmi Note 8T: Snapdragon 665 (the same as the Note 8)

On paper, the processors are identical, but there is a caveat: the Note 8T received an optimized MIUI firmware with improved power management, which in practice gives a small increase in autonomy (about 5-7%) at the same load.

For everyday tasks (social networks, instant messengers, video) you will not notice the difference, but in games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile Note 8T keeps the FPS more stable due to better heat transfer (more on this below).

2.NFC and support for contactless payments

One of the most notable differences is the presence of the NFC module:

• 🚫 Redmi Note 8: No NFC (Does not support Google Pay, Mi Pay, contactless tags)
• ✅ Redmi Note 8T: eat NFC (Full support for payment systems and smart home devices)

If you’re actively using contactless payments or plan to connect your smartphone to Xiaomi Mi Band, smart locks or speakers, the Note 8T is the obvious choice, with the NFC module in this model supporting:

• 💳 Google Pay / Mi Pay (payment in stores)
• 🔑 Emulation of transport cards (in some regions)
• 📱 Quick bundle with other Xiaomi devices (for example, file transfer)

⚠️ Note: In some regions (for example, Russia) to work Google Pay requires certified firmware. ROM LineageOS or Pixel Experience Payments may not work.

3. Design and body: what has changed?

Externally, smartphones are almost identical, but there are 3 key differences:

1. Rear material: The Note 8T uses Gorilla Glass 5 with improved scratch resistance (the Note 8 has regular glass).
2. Location of the fingerprint scanner: In the Note 8T, it is offset slightly lower (by 3 mm), which is more convenient for users with small hands.
3. Color options: Note 8T is available in Star Blue (different from the standard blue Note 8 in pearl effect).

Dimensions and weight remained the same: 158.3 × 75.3 × 8.4 mm and 190 g Both models have IP53 spray protection, but do not withstand immersion in water.

4. Camera: Is there a difference in the shooting?

On paper, the cameras are identical: 48 MP (main) + 8 MP (wide-angle) + 2 MP (macro) + 2 MP (deep sensor). Note, however 8T received an updated image processing algorithm, which affects the:

• 🌃 Night mode: on 15-20% less noise when shooting in the dark.
• 🎥 Video 4K: note 8T Stabilization added when recording in the resolution 3840×2160 (note 8 Stabilization works only in full HD).
• 🔍 Macrographing: Improved focusing at a distance 2-4 note 8 often misses focus).

Examples of comparison (made under the same conditions):

⚠️ Note: In the Chinese market (CN-version) models, the cameras may have different firmware settings, which will make the shooting quality worse than in the global versions (Global/EEA).

5. Battery and charging: who lives longer?

Both models have a 4,000 mAh battery, but there are differences in charging:

• ⚡ Redmi Note 8: Support for fast charging 18W (block-piece — 10W).
• ⚡ Redmi Note 8T: fast-charging 18W + reverse-wire charging 5W (You can charge headphones or smart watches).

On the tests of autonomy:

Note 8: ~10 hours of screen time for mixed loads.

Note 8T: ~11 hours thanks to MIUI optimization

Full charge time:

0 to 100%: ~2 hours (with 18W block)

- 0 to 50%: ~45 minutes.

💡

If you often discharge your smartphone to zero, turn on Settings → Battery → Optimize charging. This will extend the battery life by 20-30%.

6. Network support and communications

The Redmi Note 8T has a significant advantage here:

• 📶 Redmi Note 8: LTE Cat.12 (up to 600 Mbps, no 20th frequency (800 MHz) support - coverage problems in rural areas.
• 📶 Redmi Note 8T: LTE Cat.12 + support 20-frequency + 4×4 MIMO (Best signal reception in areas of weak coverage).

The Note 8T also supports:

- ⚡ Dual VoLTE (Simultaneous Calls to Two) SIM-map 4G).

- 🔄 Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) supportive MU-MIMO (Note 8 only has Wi-Fi 4).

⚠️ Note: In Russia and CIS countries, operators are actively using 800 MHz (Band 20) to cover remote regions. If you live in the countryside or travel often, the Note 8 may have communication problems.

7. Firmware and Updates: Who Will Get MIUI Longer?

Both models originally shipped with MIUI 10 based on Android 9 Pie, but the update history is different:

• 📱 Redmi Note 8: The latest official version — MIUI 12.5 (Android 10) Support terminated in 2022.
• 📱 Redmi Note 8T: got MIUI 13 (Android 11) and still supported by unofficial firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU).

If new functions are important MIUI (Super Wallpapers or Game Turbo 4.0, for example, 8T — It's a more promising option, also for Note. 8T accessible:

• 🔒 Encryption of the file system (FBE) Android 11.
• 🎮 Performance mode for priority games CPU/GPU.

Check the IMEI for originality (imei.info)

Make sure the battery holds ≥80% of the original capacity (checked in ##4636###)

Test all cameras (especially macro and wide-angle)

Check the NFC (if any) with the NFC Tools app

-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi Note 8 and 8T

💡

If you need a smartphone for games or photos, choose the Redmi Note 8T – it has better video stabilization, optimized firmware and NFC. For basic tasks (calls, social networks) will also work, and Redmi Note 8, but consider the problems with support Band 20 in some regions.