Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: how to check the originality of the smartphone before buying

Buying the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro in the secondary market or in unofficial stores always carries the risk of running into a fake. According to Counterpoint Research, up to 15% of Xiaomi smartphones in some regions are counterfeit — from low-quality copies to relabeled devices of other brands.

Not only are counterfeits worse at performance, they are also dangerous: they can contain malware, explosive batteries, or uncertified radio modules. In this article, we will discuss 7 reliable ways to verify originality, including analyzing IMEI, packaging, firmware, and hardware components. You will learn what parts give a copy, how to recognize a relabeled device, and where to look for hidden authentication marks.

1. IMEI verification: the main authentication identifier

Code. IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity is a unique 15-digit number that is assigned to each smartphone. The Redmi Note 8 Pro has it registered in three places: on the box, under the battery (or on the tray). SIM-If the codes don't match, you're 100% fake.

How to check the IMEI program:

• 📱 Enter the code *#06# in the phone application and it will appear on the screen. IMEI.
• 🔍 Compare it to the number on the box (usually on a barcode sticker).
• 🌐 Check it out. IMEI The original Redmi Note 8 Pro must be identified as a model. M1906G7G (global version) or M1906G7E (China).

Warning: Fraudsters sometimes fake stickers with IMEI Always check the code against what's displayed in the system if the seller refuses to show the box or open the tray. SIM-The cards are a reason to be wary.

Packaging and configuration analysis

The original Redmi Note 8 Pro box has several protected elements that are difficult to fake:

Critical sign of forgery: no holographic sticker on the box or its poor quality, the original when you change the angle of view shows rainbow effect and the Mi logo.

Also note the serial number (S/N) on the box and in the phone settings (Settings → Phone → General Information) that should match and start with the letters J or K for the global version.

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If the seller claims that the box is "lost" but the phone is "new," ask for a check or a warranty card. Without packaging, it is almost impossible to confirm the originality.

3.External inspection: details that give out a copy

Fakes of the Redmi Note 8 Pro often copy the design, but miss the little things.

• 🔦 Camera: The original four lenses are vertically positioned and the main camera sensor (64 MP) is noticeably larger than the others. On copies, often all modules are the same size or smaller (for example, 3 instead of 4).
• 🎨 Logo: The Redmi inscription on the back of the original has clear edges and is slightly recessed in the case. On fakes, it can be convex or with blurred edges.
• 🔌 Connector. USB-C: The original connector is symmetrical, with uniform gaps. The copies often show a backlash or misalignment of the holes.
• 📶 Antenna lines: Originally, they are thin and smooth, without tears. On fakes, they can be uneven or too wide.

Pay attention to the weight and balance: the original Redmi Note 8 Pro weighs 200g and has a metal frame, whereas copies are often lighter (180-190g) and plastic.Try to bend the body slightly - the original won't bend.

4. Check firmware and system parameters

The original Redmi Note 8 Pro runs on MIUI firmware with Xiaomi-branded services, and fakes often use custom or fake versions of MIUI, which can be calculated on several grounds:

1. MIUI Version: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Original must have a version at least MIUI 12 (for global version). If it says MIUI 9 or lower, it's a fake.
2. Device model: In the same menu, check the line Model. Values allowed: M1906G7G - global version (Most Global) M1906G7E - Chinese version (China) M1906G7I - Indian version (India)

Any other designations (e.g., M1906G7T or Redmi Note 8 without the "Pro") are forgery.

Service applications:

Mi Community

Mi Video

Mi Music

Security

Firmware authenticity test: Install AIDA64 from Google Play and check the Android → System partition. The original Build Number must have QKQ1.190828.002 or the like (for MIUI 12). Fakes often have custom builds like generic or test-keys.

5. Hardware diagnostics: processor, memory, sensors

The Redmi Note 8 Pro is equipped with a Mediatek Helio G90T processor that cannot be faked software.

1. Install CPU-Z or AIDA64 and go to the SoC section. It should be specified: Model: Mediatek MT6785 (aka Helio G90T) Process: 12 nm Core: 2x Cortex-A76 (2.05 GHz) + 6x Cortex-A55 (2.0 GHz)

RAM and memory

AIDA64

Memory.

LPDDR4X

UFS 2.1

eMMC 5.1

sensor

• 🧲 NFMP (NFC): The original supports NFC (model NXP PN80T). Check through. NFC Tools.
• 📡 IR port: Must be at the top of the case. Counterfeiters often don't have it.
• 🎮 Gamepad: In games with controller support (for example, Call of Duty Mobile) virtual triggers must work.

If both services don’t recognize the device, but it looks like the original, it’s likely a re-labeled smartphone (like the Redmi Note 8 or Poco X2 with modified software), which is often sold as “original” with a markdown.

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Xiaomi’s official services are the only reliable way to authenticate, and if the IMEI doesn’t pass the mi.com test, the device is guaranteed to be unoriginal, even if it looks identical.

7. Camera and performance test

The Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the key elements that is difficult to fake without losing quality.

• 📸 Main camera (64 MP): Take full resolution (64 MP) photos in good light. The original retains detail even at 100% magnification. Counterfeit images give a soap image or are limited to 12-16 MP.
• 🌃 Night mode: In the dark, the original uses Xiaomi's algorithms to suppress noise. On copies, night shots are made in grainy or green.
• 🎥 Video 4K: Record the video in resolution. 4K@30fps. The original stabilizes the image and keeps it sharp, and fakes are often slowed down or recorded at lower resolution.
• 🔍 Macro lens (2 MP): Hold the phone to small text (e.g., the serial number on the box). The original focuses on the distance of 2-4 cm, copies - only from 5+ centimeter.

To check performance:

1. Install AnTuTu Benchmark and run the test. The original Redmi Note 8 Pro scores 270,000-290,000. Counterfeiting rarely exceeds 150,000.
2. Test in games: run PUBG Mobile on HDR + Ultra settings. The original holds 30-40 FPS, copies below 20 FPS with braking.

⚠️ Attention: Some fakes simulate high scores in benchmarks due to software fraud. Check not only the numbers, but also the real work: the speed of opening applications, smooth animations, heating the case (the original does not overheat above 40).°C under load).

FAQ: Frequent questions about originality verification