Choosing between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro and Honor 20 Pro, even in 2026, remains a must for those looking for a powerful smartphone at an affordable price. Both models released in 2019 are still in demand in the secondary market due to their balanced specs and reliability.
On the one hand, the Redmi Note 8 Pro offers a unique MediaTek Helio G90T processor that still remains one of the most productive in its class, as well as a 64-megapixel main camera, a rarity for budget devices of the time. On the other hand, the Honor 20 Pro stands out for its premium design, a more advanced system of four cameras with a telephoto lens and optimized firmware based on EMUI.
In this article, we will compare the two smartphones in detail on key parameters: performance, camera, screen, battery, software and relevance in 2026, and we will also analyze what tasks each model is best for, and give recommendations for choosing based on current prices in the market.
1. Design and ergonomics: plastic vs glass
The first thing that catches your eye when comparing is the materials of the case. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is made of plastic with a simulated glass, which makes it less premium to the touch, but more resistant to falls. The body has Gorilla Glass 5 only on the front, and the back is covered with glossy plastic, which quickly collects prints.
The Honor 20 Pro, in turn, features a full-fledged glass body on both sides, which gives it a more premium look. However, this also makes the device more slippery and fragile - without a cover, it is risky to use it. Both smartphones have spray protection (but not full water resistance!), but the Honor implementation is more reliable thanks to the gluing of all joints.
- 📏 Redmi Note 8 Pro: 161.3 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm, 200 d (heavier due to battery)
- 💎 Honor 20 Pro: 154.6 × 74 × 8.4 mm, 182 d (thinner and lighter)
- 🎨 Colors: Redmi - black, white, green; Honor - blue, black, "Emerald Pearls" (gradient)
⚠️ Warning: If you drop your phone a lot, the Redmi Note 8 Pro will be more practical thanks to its plastic body.The glass Honor 20 Pro requires the mandatory use of a case and glass!
2. Screen: AMOLED vs IPS - which is brighter and clearer?
The difference is the difference: Honor 20 Pro is equipped 6.26-inch AMOLED-resolution-screen 2340×1080 (Full HD+), while Redmi Note 8 Pro got it. 6.53-inch IPS-It's a little bit diagonal on paper, but in practice. AMOLED Provides deeper black, higher contrast and better viewing angles.
But IPS-Redmi screen has its advantages:
- 🔆 Brightness: up to 500 nits (Honor has 430 nits), better visible in the sun
- 🎮 Update frequency: 60 Hz for both, but Redmi has Read 2.0 mode to protect vision
- 🖍️ Honor has more saturated colors, but they may seem unnatural
| Parameter | Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro | Honor 20 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Screen type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| Diagonal | 6.53" | 6.26" |
| Permission | 2340×1080 (FHD+) | 2340×1080 (FHD+) |
| Max. brightness. | 500 nits | 430 nits |
| Support for HDR | No. | HDR10 |
AMOLED-Honor 20 Pro screen is better for video and gaming thanks to support HDR10, but IPS-Redmi Note 8 Pro display is more practical for everyday use on the street.
3.Performance: MediaTek vs Kirin 980
This is one of the key points of comparison. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro runs on MediaTek Helio G90T, one of the company's first gaming processors optimized for heavy tasks. Honor 20 Pro is equipped with Huawei's flagship chipset Kirin 980, which at the time of release was the top solution.
In synthetic tests (such as AnTuTu or Geekbench), the Kirin 980 is about 20-30% ahead of the Helio G90T, especially in multithreading tasks.
- 🎮 Games: Both smartphones will pull PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile is on high settings, but Honor will be more stable to hold FPS.
- 📱 Everyday tasks: Redmi can slow down with long use due to less optimized MIUI.
- 🔋 Heat: Kirin 980 warms up more when loaded, but Honor cooling system will cope better.
⚠️ Note: If you plan to use your smartphone to emulate console games (e.g. via a mobile phone). PPSSPP Dolphin, Honor 20 Pro will do better thanks to a more powerful processor and optimized firmware.
Details on processors
4.Camera: 64 MP vs quadruple camera with telephoto
The camera is one of the main arguments when choosing between these smartphones. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro boasts 64-megapixel main sensor Samsung GW1, which in good light conditions takes very detailed pictures. However, the software processing MIUI often overdoses with noise cancellation, which can make the photos look “plastic”.
The Honor 20 Pro offers four cameras:
- 📷 Basic: 48 MP (Sony) IMX586), f/1.4 (The light is better than Redmi)
- 🔍 Telephoto: 8 MP, 3x Optical zoom (Redmi only has digital zoom)
- 🌌 Wide-angle: 16 MP, 117° (Redmi has 8 MP, 120°)
- 🎯 Macro: 2 MP (Redmi also has 2 MP, but with better detail)
In real-world conditions:
- 🌃 Night shooting: Honor 20 Pro wins thanks to the best night mode algorithm and aperture f/1.4.
- 📸 Portrait Mode: Honor has more accurate background segmentation, but Redmi gives more natural skin colors.
- 🎥 Video: Both are filming 4K@30fps, But the stabilization of Honor is better.
💡
If you want a camera for social networks, try turning off the “AI-improvement” in the settings of the Redmi Note 8 Pro – this will reduce overprocessing photos.
5: Battery and autonomy: who lives longer?
Here, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro has an undeniable advantage: a battery of 4500 mAh against 4000 mAh for the Honor 20 Pro. In everyday use, the difference is about 15-20% in favor of Redmi:
- 📱 Running time: Redmi - up to 2 days with moderate use, Honor - 1.5 days.
- ⚡ Charging: Both support fast charging of 18W, but the Honor charges up to 70% in 30 minutes (vs. 50% for Redmi).
- 🔋 Energy efficiency: Kirin 980 more economical than Helio G90T, But Redmi's big battery eliminates that advantage.
⚠️ Note: If you use mobile internet frequently, please note that the Honor 20 Pro does not support modern networks. 5G (Like the Redmi Note 8 Pro, but its modem is better optimized for the same. 4G+, Which can give you a more stable connection.
6.Software: MIUI vs EMUI
Both smartphones originally ran on Android 9 Pie, but today (2026) they can be upgraded to Android 10 (Redmi) or Android 11 (Honor) via custom firmware. Official updates have long since been discontinued, but the development community is actively supporting both models.
Shell comparison:
- 🤖 MIUI (Redmi: More features (like Game Turbo, Second Space) but lots of advertising and background processes.
- 📱 EMUI (Honor: More minimalist design, better optimized for performance, but less customization options.
- 🔒 Security: Honor doesn’t have access to Google services out of the box (due to Huawei sanctions), but it can be installed manually.
Reset to factory settings|Update the firmware to the latest version|Check the status of the battery (via #4636##)|Install custom recovery (for example, TWRP)-->
💡
If you’re interested in security updates, consider installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) on any of these smartphones.
7.Relevance in 2026: Is it worth buying?
Both smartphones remain a good choice for the budget segment, but with reservations:
- 💰 Price (used): Redmi Note 8 Pro – 8000–12 000 ₽, Honor 20 Pro — 10 000–15 000 ₽.
- 🛠️ Repairability: Redmi parts are cheaper and more affordable.
- 📱 Alternatives: In this price range, you can find newer models (for example, Redmi Note 11 or Realme). 9i), But they often lose in productivity.
Who will be suitable Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro:
Who will be the best for the Honor 20 Pro?
- 📷 Photographers who need a telephoto lens and a good night shot.
- 🖥️ Those who prefer AMOLED-videoscreen.
- 🏆 Lovers of premium design and compactness.