Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, released in 2019, but still in demand in the secondary market. Its appearance has become a benchmark for many subsequent models of the brand, combining minimalist design, practical materials and recognizable brand elements. If you are planning to buy this device or just wondering how it looks “live” – this article will help you to understand all the details.
Unlike Xiaomi’s flagship models, the Redmi Note 8 doesn’t claim to be premium, but it doesn’t look cheap: It’s made of matte-textured plastic, making it less slippery than its glass counterparts, and its symmetrical camera layout, rounded edges, and compact display chin give the device a balanced and modern look years after its release.
In this article, we will discuss in detail:
- 🎨 Design and materials of the case - that to the touch, as held in the hand, strength.
- 📏 Dimensions and ergonomics - is it convenient to use one hand, the weight of the device.
- 🔍 Location of elements – where are the buttons, connectors, speakers and microphones.
- 🌈 Color options – what shades are available, how they look in different lighting.
- 📱 Comparison with other models – what is different from the Redmi Note 7 and Redmi Note 9.
You will also learn about hidden design chips that are often overlooked when looking at a smartphone, for example, the protective coating of the cameras or the features of the body assembly.
Design and materials of the case: plastic vs glass
The Redmi Note 8 is made of matového plastic, imitating a metallic luster on the frame, and this choice of materials is driven by several factors:
- 💪 Durability – plastic is less prone to cracks when falling than glass.
- 🧲 Weight – the body is lighter than glass smartphones of the same size.
- 👆 Convenience – matte coating does not slide in the hand and does not collect fingerprints.
- 📡 Antennas – Plastic back panel does not block the signal, unlike metal.
On the other hand, plastic is perceived less premium than glass or metal, but Xiaomi has managed to achieve visual similarity with more expensive models due to:
- 🔄 A glossy frame around the perimeter that mimics metal.
- 🖼️ Gradient transitions in some color variants (for example, Neptune Blue).
- 📸 Gorilla Glass 5 on the screen, which gives the smartphone a more expensive look.
One of the keys is build quality. Despite the budget price, the gaps between the body parts are minimal, and the buttons have a clear stroke without backlash, but when you press the back panel hard, you can hear a light creak of plastic, which is normal for devices of this class.
⚠️ Note: Some users confuse the Redmi Note 8 with the Redmi Note 8 Pro, which has a partially glass body. The standard model has a back panel always plastic - this is important to consider when buying a used device, so as not to run into a replacement.
2. Dimensions and ergonomics: is it convenient to hold in your hand?
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 belongs to the category of compact smartphones with a screen diagonal of 6.3.” Its dimensions are:
- 📏 Height: 158.3 mm
- 📐 Width: 75.3 mm
- ⚖️ Thickness: 8.35 mm
- 🏋️ Weight: 190g
By comparison, modern smartphones with a similar screen (such as the Redmi Note 12) often weigh 10-20 grams more due to glass cases and more capacious batteries. Redmi Note 8 remains lightweight and convenient for long-term one-handed holding.
| Parameter | Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 | Samsung Galaxy A50 (2019) | Realme 5 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen diagonal | 6.3" | 6.4" | 6.3" |
| Weight. | 190 | 166 | 184 |
| Thickness | 8.35 mm | 7.7 mm mm | 8.9 mm |
| Case material | Plastic. | Plastic. | Plastic. |
With its rounded edges and small width, the smartphone sits comfortably in the palm of your hand, but because of its glossy bezels, it can slip if held carelessly, and the solution is simple: use a case with texture or stick anti-slip pads on the side faces.
Another thing that makes it ergonomic is the location of the fingerprint scanner, which is on the back, just below the camera, which makes it easy to reach with your index finger when you hold the device in your hand, unlike some competitors (like the Samsung Galaxy). M30), where the scanner is too high.
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If you're uncomfortable with the back-mounted fingerprint scanner, the Redmi Note 8 settings allow you to enable face unlock, which works fast but is less secure than a print.
3. Location of elements: where is what?
The Redmi Note 8's appearance is not only a matter of design, but also of practicality.
📱 Facing panel
- 📺 Screen: 6.3" IPS-drip notch display for the front camera.
- 🎤 Microphone: located at the top next to the speaker.
- 🔊 Dynamic: one monodynamic at the bottom (under the grid).
- 📷 Front camera: 13 MP, placed in the notch.
🔄 Side edges
- 🔘 Power button + fingerprint scanner: on the right side.
- 🔊 Volume Controller: Also on the right side, above the power button.
- 📶 Tray for SIM-maps: on the left side (supports 2 nano-SIMs) + microSD).
📤 Lower and upper edges
- ⚡ Type-C connector: in the center of the lower face.
- 🎧 3.5mm audio jack: left of Type-C.
- 🔊 Microphone: To the right of Type-C (additional for noise reduction).
- 📡 IR port: on the upper edge (for control of equipment).
Notice the lack of stereo speakers -- sound comes only from the bottom speaker, which is typical for budget smartphones, but it might come as a surprise if you're used to stereo sound on flagships.
Also worth mentioning is splash protection. The Redmi Note 8 has a splash protection. P2i-It's a coating that protects the interior from moisture, but it's not fully waterproof -- it can't withstand water immersion or rain.
What happens if you drop the Redmi Note 8 in the water?
4. Color options: which one to choose?
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 was released in four main colors, each of which has its own characteristics:
- Space Black is a classic, not a stamp, but it can be boring. It's a light blue hue in the sun.
- Moonlight White - looks stylish but gets dirty quickly, suitable for those who like light gadgets.
- Neptune Blue is a gradient shade that goes from dark blue to light, the most popular.
- Cosmic Purple is a rare color reminiscent of Huawei with its gradients. It looks unusual, but not everyone likes it.
It is important to consider that gradient colors (Neptune Blue and Cosmic Purple) look different under different lighting, for example, in artificial light Neptune Blue can appear almost black, and in the sun - bright blue.
If you buy a used smartphone, pay attention to the state of the back panel:
- 🔍 White and blue colors most often have rubbing on the frame.
- 🖤 Black is less noticeable scratches, but small chips are visible on it.
- 🟣 Purple is the rarest, so it is often faked (check out). IMEI).
1.Look at the box - the original colors are shown on the sticker.
2. Check the serial number through the Xiaomi website.
3.Note the frame shade – for fakes, it often doesn’t match the back panel.
4. Illuminate with a flashlight - the original gradient is smooth, without sharp transitions.-->
Comparison with other models: Redmi Note 7 vs Redmi Note 9
To get a better idea of what the Redmi Note 8 looks like, it’s worth comparing it to its predecessor and successor:
| Characteristics | Redmi Note 7 | Redmi Note 8 | Redmi Note 9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case material | Glass (Gorilla Glass 5) | Plastic with matte texture | Plastic (glossy) |
| Camera (design) | Double, vertical. | Quadruple, square module. | Quadruple, round module. |
| Notch on the screen | Drip (notch) | Drip (notch) | The central hole (punch-hole) |
| Color options | 3 (black, blue, red) | 4 (black, white, blue, purple) | 5 (gray, white, green, purple, blue) |
| Weight. | 186 | 190 | 199 |
The main differences in appearance:
- 📷 Redmi Note 8 received a square camera module, while the Note 7 camera is vertically located.
- 🔄 Note 9 camera module became round, and notch on the screen replaced by punch-hole.
- 🖥️ Note 8 and Note 7 are visually similar on the front, but the eight have thinner frames around the screen.
If you care about premium, the Redmi Note 7 with a glass body looks more expensive. But the Note 8 is more practical — it's not that bad to drop, and it's less slippery. And the Note 9 is closer to modern standards due to the punch-hole camera and more relevant design.
⚠️ In the secondary market often confuse Redmi Note 8 and Redmi Note 8T. They are almost identical, but they are 8T eat NFC and a slightly different camera module (additional sensor) Check the markings on the box or in the settings (Settings) → The phone. → Model).
6. Designer chips that don't catch the eye
At first glance, the Redmi Note 8 may seem like nothing special about its design, but there are a few hidden details that make it stand out from the competition:
- 🛡️ Security glass on cameras -- unlike many public sector employees, the lenses are raised above the body but closed with additional glass -- which reduces the risk of scratching.
- 🔄 Symmetrical speaker holes - the grille on the lower edge has uniform slots, which gives the device a more neat look.
- 📶 Antenna lines - they are almost invisible due to the matte texture and are located in corners, without spoiling the appearance.
- 🔋 Charging indicator – a small LED light bulb under the screen that burns white when charging and goes out when full battery.
Another interesting detail is the Redmi logo, which is not glossy on the Note 8, which makes it less noticeable than previous models, and it will appeal to those who do not like catchy branding.
It is also worth noting the ergonomics of buttons:
- The power button has a grooved texture to make it easier to find by touch.
- The volume buttons are arranged so that they are difficult to press accidentally.
- Tray for SIM-cards open without a special tool (you can use a paper clip).
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The Redmi Note 8 is one of the few budget smartphones where the design hasn’t suffered for the sake of economy. The plastic case is not a drawback, but a conscious solution to increase practicality.
7.What does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 look like in 2026?
5 years after the release, Redmi Note 8 can still be found on sale - both new (remains in warehouses) and used.
The design features that are still relevant today:
- 📱 Compact – Many new smartphones are wider and heavier.
- 🔄 Convenient location of the fingerprint scanner (it is easier to find on the back than a side scanner).
- 🎧 The presence of a 3.5 mm connector is rare for modern devices.
What's out of date:
- 📷 Drip notch – punch-hole or underscreen cameras are now popular.
- 🔊 Monodynamic – even budget smartphones from 2023 to 2026 often have stereo sound.
- 🖥️ Thick frames around the screen – new models have thinner.
However, the Redmi Note 8 doesn't look "cheap" or outdated. It's safe to use in 2026 if you're comfortable with the specs, and thanks to its protective coating and durable plastic, many devices are still in excellent condition.
If you are buying a Redmi Note 8, pay attention to:
- 🔍 Screen status - check for broken pixels and scratches.
- 🔋 Battery bloating – if the body is bloated, it is a sign of battery wear.
- 📷 Camera performance – sometimes after falls, focusing is disrupted.
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When buying a used smartphone, ask the seller to remove the case and inspect the case in good light. Pay attention to the gaps between the frame and the screen - if they are uneven, the device could be disassembled.