Redmi Note 8 and Redmi Note 8T: What is different and which smartphone to choose?

Choose between Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 and Redmi Note 8T, But you can't figure out whether you should pay for a T model, and these are almost identical in appearance, but under the hood there are important differences that can affect your choice. 8T It is a "revamped" version with several improvements.

In this article, we will analyze all the key differences – from the processor and camera to support. NFC You will learn what changes are really important for everyday use and what you can ignore, and we will analyze the current prices for 2026 and give recommendations on which model to choose depending on your tasks: games, photography, long autonomy or just calls and social networks.

Spoiler: If you need one NFC For contactless payments or a slightly more modern processor, 8T But if these features aren't critical, the Note 8 can save you up to 20 percent on nearly identical specs.

1.Display: Same size, but there are nuances

Both smartphones are equipped 6.3-inch IPS-resolution-screen 2340×1080 (Full HD+) side-relation 19.5:9. On paper, the parameters are identical, but there are a few important details:

• 🔹 Brightness: Redmi Note 8T It has a slightly higher maximum brightness of 500 nits versus 450 nits in the Note 8.
• 🔹 Both screens are covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 5, but the 8T slightly better oleophobic coating (less finger marks).
• 🔹 Drip-shaped cutout: In the Note 8T cutout for the front camera is 0.5 mm narrower, which visually makes the screen a little more modern.

In practice, the difference in screens is minimal. If you don't plan on using your smartphone in direct sunlight, the Note 8 will be just as good. 8T.

2.CPU and performance: Snapdragon 665 vs 660

The main hardware difference is chipsets.Redmi Note 8 It is operated by Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14 nm, and Note 8T Get a newer Snapdragon 665 (11 On paper, the difference in productivity is about 10-15%, But in practice, it all depends on the tasks:

In real-life tests:

• 🎮 Games: On Note 8T PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty work on the “Balanced” settings FPS ~30-40. On the Note. 8 The same games will have to run on "Low" settings for stable 30 FPS.
• 📱 Everyday tasks: There is no difference in interface speed, app launch or multitasking. Both smartphones are equally quick to open Instagram, Telegram and YouTube.
• 🔋 Energy efficiency: Snapdragon 665 heats less and consumes the battery more economically thanks to 11-nanometer process technology.

⚠️ Note: If you are planning to play on a smartphone, then Note 8T For all other tasks, the difference in processors is not significant.

3 Cameras: quadruple vs quad, but not everything is that simple

Both models feature four rear cameras, but their configuration is different. - Redmi Note paper 8T It has a more modern main sensor, but in practice the difference is not always obvious:

Key observations:

• 📸 Daytime snaps: Note 8T It gives you a little more rich colors and better detail thanks to the Sony sensor. IMX586. The difference is noticeable when the photo is increased.
• 🌃 Night shooting: Both smartphones use the same Night Mode algorithm, but on the same day 8T less noise due to better handling.
• 🎥 Video: Maximum resolution — 4K@30fps on both models, but on 8T Stabilization works a little better.

Examples of comparison (daylight, 100% crop):

⚠️ Warning: If photography is not your priority, you won't notice the difference between the cameras. Both are budget-sized, as good as, but no better than, competitors like the Samsung Galaxy. A20s or Realme 5.

4. Battery and charging: same capacity, different adapters

Both devices have a 4,000mAh battery, but there are nuances with charging:

• ⚡ Redmi Note 8 supports fast charging 18W, But it comes with an adapter. 10W. To charge at full speed, you need to buy a power supply separately.
• ⚡ Redmi Note 8T supports 18W, But there's an adapter in the box. 18W (In some regions (e.g. India) it may be supplied 10W-block.

Charging time from 0 to 100%:

• With an adapter. 10W: ~2 hours 40 minutes.
• With an adapter. 18W: ~1 hour 50 minutes.

Autonomy in everyday use:

• 📱 Note 8: 1.5 day with moderate use (social networks, messengers, 3-4 screen-hour).
• 📱 Note 8T: 2 days with more energy efficient Snapdragon 665 processor.

💡

If you buy a Redmi Note 8, buy an adapter right away. 18W (For example, the original from Xiaomi MDY-10-EP). This will speed up charging by almost 2 times without harming the battery.

5. NFC and other differences in iron"

The main advantage of the Redmi Note 8T — plug-in NFC. It allows for that:

• 💳 Pay for purchases via Google Pay, Samsung Pay or Mi Pay (depending on the region).
• 🔑 Use your smartphone as a key for smart locks or transport cards (e.g. Troika in Moscow).
• 📱 Quickly connect to wireless headphones or speakers with support NFC.

Other differences:

• 📡 Wi-Fi: Both models support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), but 8T Better stability of long-distance connections.
• 🎧 3.5 mm connector: Present in both smartphones, but in 8T Improved noise reduction in headphones.
• 📦 Box: In the European version of Note 8T comes with an adapter 18W, and in the Note 8 — 10W.

⚠️ Note: Before buying Redmi Note 8T Check if your bank supports contactless payments through NFC. In some countries (for example, Russia) for Google Pay requires a tokenization card binding (most modern cards have it).

6.Software: MIUI and Updates

Both smartphones were originally supplied with MIUI 10 based on Android 9 Pie, but as of 2026 their support is different:

• 🤖 Redmi Note 8: The latest official version — MIUI 12.5 (Android 10) Security updates terminated in 2022.
• 🤖 Redmi Note 8T: Got it. MIUI 13 (Android 11) and extended security support through 2023.

What does that mean in practice?

• 🔒 Security: Note 8T Less vulnerable to new viruses and data breaches.
• 🎯 Functions: B MIUI 13 “live wallpapers”, improved gesture management and optimization for games.
• 🛠️ Custom firmware: Both smartphones are well supported by the community (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

If you are interested in the relevance of the software, then Note 8T — For the Note 8, you can consider installing custom firmware, but this will require unlocking the bootloader and losing warranty.

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Redmi Note 8T get 1-2 A year longer than security updates, which is critical if you use your smartphone to pay for or store sensitive data.

7 Prices in 2026: Should we overpay?

In the secondary market and in official stores, prices vary greatly depending on the region and condition of the device. Current average prices (at the beginning of 2026):

Conclusions on the price/quality ratio:

• 💰 Budget up to 8,000 ₽: Take the Redmi Note 8 b/w. Difference with 8T doesn't justify overpayment.
• 💰 Budget budget 10 000 — 13 000 ₽: Note 8T (4/64 GB - the best choice at the expense NFC, More modern processor and better autonomy.
• 💰 More than 15,000. ₽: Consider newer models, such as the Redmi Note 10 or the Redmi Note. POCO M4 Pro.

Where to buy:

• 🛒 Cheaper, but high risk of running into a “killed” battery or an unoriginal battery.
• 🛒 Official retailers (for example, Svyaznoy, M. Video): Expensive, but there is a guarantee (if the device is new).
• 🛒 AliExpress: You can find new notes 8T, but delivery will take 2-4 weekdays.

Check the battery status in Settings → Battery status (should be) >80%)

Make sure that NFC It works (try to link the card to Google Pay)

Check all cameras for no scratches and debris under the glass

Run a screen test for broken pixels (for example, through the Screen Test app)

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8. Alternatives: What to consider instead of Note 8/8T into 2026?

If you choose between these models, you’re most likely looking for a budget smartphone up to 15,000. ₽. There are more modern alternatives in this segment:

• 📱 Redmi Note 10 (2021): Snapdragon 678, AMOLED-screen, 33W Charging: ~14 000 ₽ b/w.
• 📱 POCO M4 Pro: MediaTek Helio G96, 90Hz screen, NFC. Price: ~15 000 ₽ new.
• 📱 Samsung Galaxy A23: Snapdragon 680, OLED-screen, 4 years of updates: ~16 000 ₽ new.
• 📱 Realme 9i: Snapdragon 680, 90Hz, 5000mAh Price: ~13 000 ₽ new.

Should I take a Note? 8/8T into 2026 year?

• ✅ Yes, if you want the cheapest smartphone for calls, social networks and easy tasks.
• ❌ Not if you care about modern games, long updates or the quality of photos.

If your budget is flexible, it’s better to pay 2,000 to 3,000. ₽ And take one of the alternatives above, and they'll offer a better screen, a more modern processor, and they'll last longer.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi Note 8 and 8T