Choosing between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 and the Redmi Note 8 Pro, but you can’t figure out whether to overpay for the Pro version?These smartphones, released in 2019, are still popular in the secondary market due to their balanced specs and affordable price, but the differences between them are much more serious than just the “Pro” in the title.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at 10 key differences between models, from processors and gaming capabilities to camera nuances and autonomy. You’ll learn what technical trade-offs the basic Note 8 version hides, and in which scenarios the Note 8 Pro lives up to its price. And if you’re planning to buy a used device, we’ll give you a hint of what to look for when you look around.
Spoiler: If you want a smartphone for games or video, the choice is obvious. But for everyday tasks, the difference may seem insignificant. Let's figure it out!
1. Processors: MediaTek vs Snapdragon - who's faster?
The main “iron” difference lies under the hood. Redmi Note 8 is equipped with a chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11 nm), while the Note 8 Pro received the flagship at the time of the release of MediaTek Helio G90T (12 nm). On paper, the difference in process technology seems insignificant, but in practice everything is different.
The Helio G90T is game-oriented: it has 2 Cortex-A76 cores (up to 2.05 GHz) versus 4 Cortex-A73 cores in the Snapdragon 665. In synthetic tests (Antutu 8), the gap reaches 30-40% in favor of the Pro version. However, in real-world tasks - social network launches, instant messengers, YouTube - both chipsets show similar performance.
- 🎮 For gamers: Note 8 Pro confidently pulls PUBG Mobile on settings «HDR + Ultra» (60 FPS), The Note 8 is now on the “High” side».
- 📱 For everyday tasks: Differences in interface speed MIUI No, both smartphones work smoothly.
- 🔋 Energy efficiency: Snapdragon 665 more cost-effectively 15-20% with a simple load (web surfing, messengers).
⚠️ Redmi Note 8 Pro warms up more during long gaming sessions (up to 45)°C versus 40°If you play for more than an hour, we recommend using a cooled case or taking breaks.
2. Screens: identical in appearance but not to the touch
Both smartphones received a 6.53-inch IPS-display with a resolution of 2340×1080 (Full HD+) and an aspect ratio of 19.5:9. On paper, the parameters are identical, but there are nuances:
| Parameter | Redmi Note 8 | Redmi Note 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness (max.) | 450 nits | 500 nits |
| Contrast | 1200:1 | 1500:1 |
| Support for HDR | No. | Yes (HDR10) |
| Glass protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 |
The Note 8 Pro is better at brightness and contrast, as seen when watching videos or games in the sun. HDR10 support is relevant for streaming services (Netflix, YouTube), but only when viewing content labeled HDR. Otherwise, the difference is minimal.
Both screens suffer from yellowness at low brightness – a typical problem IPS-Xiaomi matrices of the generation. You can fix this in the screen settings (Settings) → Display. → Color scheme → «Standard»).
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To check the screen for broken pixels, set a monochromatic black background (for example, through the Screen Test app) and examine the display from different angles.
3. Cameras: 64MP vs 48MP - who shoots better?
Here, the Redmi Note 8 Pro takes a big leap forward, with the Pro version having a 64 MP (Samsung GW1) camera with an aperture of f/1.89, while the Note 8 has 48 MP (Sony IMX586) with f/1.79.
- 📸 Daytime shooting: Note 8 Pro gives more detailed pictures due to greater resolution, but Note 8 better handles shadows.
- 🌃 Night shooting: Both smartphones use Night Mode, but Note 8 Pro cope with noise a little better thanks to the larger size of the matrix.
- 🎥 Video: Note only 8 Pro's shooting. 4K@30fps and has stabilization EIS full HD.
- 🔍 Ultrashirik: Viewing angle of 120 in both models°, Note 8 Pro has less distortion around the edges.
Examples of images (daylight):
Note 8 (48 MP): The detail is good, but the textures are smoothed out noticeably when you zoom in. Note 8 Pro (64 MP): retains more small details (like leaves on trees), but sometimes overdoses with noise reduction.
⚠️ Note: The Redmi Note 8 Pro does not have the Document mode that the Note 8 has. If you often take photos of papers, this can be critical.
How to turn on Pro mode in the camera?
4. Battery and charging: who lives longer?
Both models received 4500 mAh batteries, but the differences lie in the optimization and support for fast charging:
- ⚡ Redmi Note 8: 18 Watts. 3.0), charging 0-100% post ~2 hour.
- ⚡ Redmi Note 8 Pro: 18 MediaTek Pump Express, but the real speed is lower 10-15% Due to the less efficient controller.
- 🔄 Both support reverse charging (OTG) for gadgets, but the current is limited 5V/1And.
By autonomy, Note 8 win 10-15% It's a more energy efficient processor:
| Script | Redmi Note 8 | Redmi Note 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Video (YouTube, 720p) | 14-15 hours | 12-13 hours |
| Games (PUBG Mobile) | 5-6 hours | 4-5 hours |
| Social media/messaging | 1.5-2 days | 1-1.5 days |
Critical nuance: Redmi Note 8 Pro is more likely to have a problem of "bloating" the battery after 2-3 years of operation. When buying a used device, be sure to check the warping of the back cover!
Install AccuBattery | View the number of charging cycles (up to 500)| Estimate the running time from 100% to 1% | Check the battery temperature in games (not higher than 40 ° C)
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5. Design and Ergonomics: Plastic vs Glass
Externally, smartphones are almost identical, but the materials of the case are different:
- 📱 Redmi Note 8: the back panel of matte plastic (less slippery, but looks cheaper).
- ✨ Redmi Note 8 Pro: 3D-Gorilla Glass 5 with a gradient coating (brilliant, collects prints, but premium-feelings).
Dimensions are almost the same (161.4 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm in Pro vs 161.1 × 75.4 × 8.4 mm in Note 8), but the Pro version is heavier by 10 grams (200 g vs 190 g).
- 🔊 Stereodynamics (lower) + spoken).
- 🎧 3.5mm audio jack.
- 🔌 USB Type-C (USB 2.0).
Both smartphones have an IR port for controlling appliances, but only the Note 8 Pro supports NFC (for contactless payments).
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If you are interested in NFC for payment by phone, choose only Redmi Note 8 Pro – in the basic version of the module is not.
6. Memory and productivity: how long will it last?
Both models were available in several memory configurations:
| Model | RAM | ROM | MicroSD slot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8 | 3/4/6 GB | 32/64/128 GB | Yeah (hybrid) |
| Redmi Note 8 Pro | 6/8 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Yeah (hybrid) |
In 2026, 4GB of RAM (the Note 8’s minimum configuration) is no longer enough for comfortable multitasking. When used actively, instant messengers and background processes take up to 2.5GB, leaving little resources for games or photo editing.
Selection recommendations:
- 📲 For social media and calls: Note 8 s 4/64 GB.
- 🎮 For games: Note 8 Pro 6/128 GB (8 GB of RAM is excessive).
- 📷 For video shooting: Note 8 Pro with 128 GB (64 GB will fill up quickly) 4K-roller).
Both smartphones support microSD up to 256 GB, but the slot is hybrid (priority is given to the second). SIM-map).
7.Software: Relevance in 2026
At the time of release, both smartphones were running Android 9 Pie with the shell MIUI 10. Now (2026) official support for updates has ceased, but:
- 🤖 Redmi Note 8: The latest version — MIUI 12.5 (Android 11).
- 🤖 Redmi Note 8 Pro: The latest version — MIUI 13 (Android 12).
That means:
- ✅ Both phones won’t get Android 13+ new functions MIUI.
- ⚠️ Security vulnerabilities not fixed since 2023.
- 🔄 You can install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience), but this requires unlocking the bootloader.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 8 Pro with custom firmware often has problems with the wide-angle camera (it stops working). TWRP!
For everyday use, the difference between MIUI 12.5 and 13 is not critical, with the main differences being animations and interface design.
8.Price and relevance in 2026: Is it worth buying?
In the secondary market (2026) prices are about the following:
- 💰 Redmi Note 8 (4/64 GB): 6 000–8 000 ₽.
- 💰 Redmi Note 8 Pro (6/128 GB): 9 000–12 000 ₽.
Who will be the best Redmi Note 8:
- 👵 Elderly relatives for calls and messengers.
- 🎓 Students for study (notes, reading) PDF).
- 💼 As a second phone to the phone».
Who will be the best Redmi Note 8 Pro?
- 🎮 Gamers (on average settings).
- 📹 Bloggers for video shoots (4K, stabilisation).
- 🛠 Those who like to “shoot” the snare. CPU, custom-fix).
Important: in 2026, both smartphones are obsolete for mainstream use. If budget allows, consider newer models (Redmi Note 11 or POCO X5).
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When buying a used Redmi Note 8 Pro, check the performance of NFC – often the module falls off after falls.