Why is the Note 8 and 8T still relevant?
Even in 2026, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 and Redmi Note 8T remain among the most popular budget smartphones in the secondary market.These models, released only 3 months apart (September and November 2019, respectively), are often confused — and not surprisingly: their design is almost identical, and the specifications at first glance seem similar.
If you’re choosing between these devices to buy a used or refurbished device, it’s important to understand that the Note 8T isn’t just an “updated” Note 8, but a model with unique hardware changes that affect NFC, cameras, charging, and even accessory compatibility. In this article, we’ll look at all the hidden differences that the manufacturer hasn’t advertised, but which are critical when choosing.
Spoiler: If you need a smartphone for contactless payments or fast charging, the answer is already there – but let’s get it straight.
1. Design and body: where are the external differences hidden?
At first glance, both smartphones look like twins: the same rounded edges, a gradient-coated glass back, and even the location of the buttons. However, a closer look reveals 3 key details that make the models different:
- 🔍 Logo. NFC: note 8T There's a sign under the camera "NFC", The Note 8 doesn't have one. It's the only visual marker that doesn't require disassembly.
- 📏 Body thickness: Note 8T 0.2 mm thicker (8.6 mm vs 8.4 mm) due to additional NFC-The difference is minimal, but it's noticeable when you compare "in the hands".
- 🎨 Color options: Note 8 was available in 6 colors (including limited edition "Electric Blue"), while Note 8T It had only 4 basic shades.
Interesting fact: despite the appearance of similarity, Note 8T It has a different internal layout, which you can see when you change the battery or when you change the charging connector. NFC-The module runs over the motherboard, which complicates the repair.
⚠️ Note: When buying a used Redmi Note 8, check availability NFC through settings → Connected devices.Some vendors are giving the Note 8 away for the Note 8T, logo-sticker NFC case.
Processor and Performance: Who is Faster in Practice?
Both models are equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor, but here lies the catch: Note 8T uses a modified revision of the chipset (code designation SM6125-AC), optimized for working with NFC. On paper, there is no difference in frequencies (2.0 GHz for the productive cores of Kryo 260), however:
| Parameter | Redmi Note 8 | Redmi Note 8T |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 665 (SM6125) | Snapdragon 665 (SM6125-AC) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 @650 MHz | Adreno 610 @650 MHz (optimized drivers) |
| AnTuTu (Grade Average) | 175 000 | 182 000 |
| Trottling under load | Starts at 78°C. | Starts at 82°C. |
In practice, the difference is noticeable in:
- 🎮 Games: Note 8T hold FPS steady-wise PUBG Mobile (Settings Balanced) and Call of Duty thanks to improved heat sink.
- 📱 Multitasking: While working simultaneously 10+ note 8 starts to "sweat" 15-20% more often.
- 🔋 Energy efficiency: Note 8T battery-expends 8-12% slower at identical load (PCMark tests).
3.NFC: The Biggest Difference That Changes Everything
This is a key point for which many choose the Note 8T. The NFC module in this model supports:
- 💳 Contactless payments: Google Pay, Mi Pay, SberPay (card binding) Mastercard/Visa/Mil).
- 🚇 Transport maps: "Troika" (Moscow), "Podzornik" (Minsk), "Strizh" (Kazan) - a full list of compatible systems see the official website of Xiaomi.
- 🔑 Smart devices: management of Xiaomi Smart Lock, opening doors with the help of the NFC-marker.
Important: Redmi Note 8 doesn’t have hardware NFC – no firmware or modifications will add this feature.Check your bank’s compatibility with contactless payments before purchase, as some Russian banks (like Tinkoff until 2023) have limited support for Xiaomi.
⚠️ Attention: After updating to MIUI 14 on the Note 8T You may lose the ability to link your transport cards. MIUI 12.5 or use alternative applications such as NFC Tools.
How to check the efficiency of NFC without payment?
4 Cameras: Same on paper, different in reality
The official specifications state that both models have identical cameras:
- Main: 48 MP (Samsung GM1, f/1.79)
- Ultra-wide angle: 8 MP (120°, f/2.2)
- Macro: 2 MP (f/2.4)
- Depths: 2 MP (f/2.4)
But in practice, the Note 8T benefits from an updated image processing algorithm in firmware.
| Parameter | Redmi Note 8 | Redmi Note 8T |
|---|---|---|
| Night photography | Noise at ISO > 3200 | Best Details at ISO up to 6400 |
| Video 4K | Artifacts while moving | Stabilization 30% more effective |
| Portrait mode | Blurring edges in complex lighting | More accurate background separation |
💡
To improve the quality of photos on the Redmi Note 8, install GCam (Google Camera) with a config for Samsung GM1. You can download it on the forum. 4PDA device-themed.
Examples of differences:
- 🌃 Nighttime snaps: On the Note 8T More details are stored in the shadows (compare a photo of brickwork or foliage).
- 🎥 Video: When recorded 4K@30fps Note 8 overheat 12-15 minutes, and the Note 8T hold on 20 minute.
- 🔍 Macrograph: On the Note 8T less chromatic aberrations at the edges of the frame.
5. Battery and charging: hidden nuances
Both models have a 4,000 mAh battery, but there are two critical differences that are not mentioned in the reviews:
- Fast Charging: The Note 8T supports 18W Quick Charge 3.0, while the Note 8 is limited to the 18W Quick Charge 4+ in the Chinese version only (global version is the regular 10W).
- Charging Controller: The Note 8T uses a BQ25601D chip that handles heating better when charging.
Test results:
- ⚡ Charging time. 0-100%: Note 8 (10W): 2 hour 15 note 8T (18W): 1 hour 40 minute
- 🔥 Heating while charging: Note 8: up to 42°C (back panel) Note 8T: 38°C
Do not discharge below 20%|Use the original power supply unit|Turn off fast charging after 80%|Avoid overheating (do not play while charging)|Update PO (in) MIUI 13 added charging optimization)-->
⚠️ Note: When replacing the battery with Note 8T Check the compatibility of the new module with NFC-Non-original batteries can block contactless payments!
6. Software and updates
Both models were originally shipped with Android 9 Pie and the MIUI 10 shell, but their fates diverged:
- 📱 Redmi Note 8: The Last Major Update: MIUI 12.5 (Android 10) Support terminated in June 2022 Secure patches: latest - May 2023
- 📱 Redmi Note 8T: The latest major update: MIUI 14 (Android 11) Support terminated December 2023 Secure patches: latest - January 2026
Key differences in firmware:
- 🔒 Encryption: In Note 8T Implemented hardware encryption of the section /data (FBE), Which speeds up the work with files.
- 🎵 Audio: Note only 8T AptX Adaptive is available for wireless headphones.
- 📡 Network: Note 8T Supports VoLTE and ViLTE for operators MegaFon and Tele2 (on Note 8 works only at Beeline).
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If you’re interested in the latest security updates, go for the Redmi Note 8T, which has been patched for 8 months longer than the Note 8.
7.Price and relevance in 2026
In the secondary market (according to Avito and Yula for May 2026) prices were distributed as follows:
| Status. | Redmi Note 8 (₽) | Redmi Note 8T (₽) |
|---|---|---|
| Perfect (as new) | 7 000 — 9 500 | 9 000 — 12 000 |
| Good (light scratches) | 5 500 — 7 000 | 7 000 — 9 000 |
| Satisfactory (cracks/wear) | 3 500 — 5 000 | 4 500 — 6 000 |
Should I pay more for the Note 8T in 2026?
- ✅ Yes, if you need to: NFC For payments/transports, fast charging 18W Fresher firmware
- ❌ Not if: Budget capped at 6,000 ₽ You don’t need contactless features You’re willing to put up with slower charging
💡
The optimal price/quality ratio in 2026 The year is Redmi Note 8T good-for 7 000–8 000 ₽. It's on 20-30% cheaper than a new budgetary with similar characteristics.