Xiaomi Redmi 8 has become one of the most popular budget models of its time, combining affordable price, reliability and balanced performance. Many users still wonder about this model — whether it is to buy a used device, replace the battery or compare with new gadgets. But what year of release of the Redmi 8, and how it differs from other versions of the series?
In this article, we will not only look at the exact year of the Xiaomi Redmi 8 release, but also its key features, relevance in 2026, as well as the typical problems faced by owners. You will learn whether to buy this smartphone today, how to distinguish it from fakes and what alternatives to consider.
Official release year of Xiaomi Redmi 8
The Xiaomi Redmi 8 was announced on October 9, 2019 at a special event in India, and global sales started as early as November of the same year.This is important to consider, as the announcement date and start of sales sometimes vary - especially for markets outside of China.The model is the successor to the Redmi 7 and has received a number of improvements, including a larger battery, a more powerful processor and an updated design.
Fun fact: Redmi 8 was the first smartphone in the line to receive spray protection according to the P2i standard. This is not a full waterproof, but an additional layer of protection from accidental moisture.
If you see offers for a Redmi 8 with a release date before 2019, it’s either fraud or confusion with another model (like the Redmi Note 8, which came out a little later).
Technical characteristics: what is under the hood of the Redmi 8
Despite the budget position, Xiaomi Redmi 8 has received quite modern components for its time.
- 📱 Screen: 6.22-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720×1520 (HD+) and an aspect ratio of 19:9 Brightness up to 400 nits, Reading Mode support for vision protection.
- 🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh (one of the most capacious in the class) with support for fast charging 18W (but comes with an adapter for 10W).
- 💻 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (8 cores, 12 nm), which is 20% more powerful than its predecessor (Snapdragon 425).
- 📷 Cameras: 12 MP + 2 MP main dual camera (wide-angle + depth sensor), front 8 MP with AI- portrait mode support.
- 🗄️ Memory: variants of 3/32GB, 4/64GB and 4/128GB (microSD slot up to 512GB).
- 📶 Communication: support for 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou.
The audio system deserves special attention: the smartphone is equipped with a 3.5 mm audio jack (which is rare for modern models) and stereo speakers, one of which is located on the lower edge, and the second in conversational dynamics, which provides a more surround sound when watching videos or games.
Differences from Redmi 8A and Redmi Note 8: how not to confuse the model
Many users confuse the Redmi 8 with other models of the series, especially the Redmi 8A and Redmi Note 8.
| Characteristics | Redmi 8 | Redmi 8A | Redmi Note 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of release | October 2019 | September 2019 | August 2019 |
| Screen. | 6.22" HD+ (720×1520) | 6.22" HD+ (720×1520) | 6.3" FHD+ (1080×2340) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 439 | Snapdragon 439 | Snapdragon 665 |
| Cameras | 12 MP + 2 MP | 12 MP (single) | 48 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP + 2 MP |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
The main differences are:
- 🔍 Redmi 8A is a simplified version without a fingerprint scanner and with a single main camera.
- The 📸 Redmi Note 8 is a more advanced model with a FHD+ screen, quadruple camera and Snapdragon 665 processor, but with a smaller battery.
- 👆 Redmi 8 is the middle ground: fingerprint scanner, dual camera and large battery.
⚠️ Warning: There are often fakes on the market posing as Redmi 8 Pro or Redmi 8 Plus - such models officially do not exist!
Redmi 8 in 2026: Should I Buy It?
Almost 5 years after the release of Xiaomi Redmi 8 remains in demand in the secondary market due to its reliability and low price, but before buying it is worth assessing its strengths and weaknesses in the context of modern requirements.
The advantages of the model in 2026:
- 🔋 Long run time: Even with a worn-out 5000 mAh battery, it provides 1.5–2 days of battery life with moderate use.
- 🛠️ Repairability: Cheap parts (screen, battery, cameras) and simple construction.
- 🎮 Light gaming support: Snapdragon 439 handles PUBG Mobile on low settings, Free Fire, Among Us.
- 💰 Low price: In the secondary market, you can find for 5,000–8,000 ₽ (depending on condition).
Cons and limitations:
- 🐢 Outdated software: The latest official update is MIUI 12.5 based on Android 10. No support for Android 11+.
- 📸 Weak camera: 12 MP gives mediocre quality in low light, no video stabilization.
- 🔒 Absence of NFC: Cannot be used for contactless payments (except for models for India with NFC- chip).
- 🔄 Slow charging: despite support for 18W, comes with a 10W- adapter, and takes ~2.5 hours to fully charge.
Who will the Redmi 8 be for today?
- 👴 For older people, a simple interface, a big screen, long work without recharging.
- 🧑💼 For work – if you need calls, instant messengers and office applications (Word, Excel).
- 🎓 Students are a budget option for study and social media.
- 🔧 To repairmen as part donor or test device.
⚠️ Warning: If you plan to use a smartphone for mobile payments (e.g. Google Pay), check if the seller has NFC – most versions for Russia do not have this module!
Battery status (capacity not lower than 80% of the original)| Performance of the fingerprint scanner | No yellow pixels on the screen | Presence of original charging (or compatible on 18W) | IMEI check on the Xiaomi--> website
Support for updates and current firmware
Official update support for Xiaomi Redmi 8 ended in 2022, with MIUI 12.5.3.0 running Android 10 being the last stable version.
- ❌ There are no security updates from Google (the latest one is from June 2022).
- ❌ No support for Android 11/12/13 and new features (e.g. Scoped Storage, improved app resolutions).
- ✅ You can install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) to extend the life of the device.
If you are critically interested in updates, consider alternatives:
- 📱 Redmi 9 (Android 11, 2020 release)
- 📱 Redmi Note 10 (Android 12, coming in 2021)
- 📱 POCO M4 Pro (Android 13, similar to the price in the secondary market).
To install custom firmware will require:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
- Install TWRP Recovery (Olive version codenamed Redmi 8).
- Switch GApps (Google services) and the firmware itself.
Risks of custom firmware
Typical Redmi 8 Problems and How to Solve Them
Like any budget smartphone, the Redmi 8 has a number of typical "diseases": the most common ways to eliminate them are:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Fast battery discharge | Battery wear (capacity <70%) | Replacement of the battery (cost ~1 500 ₽) |
| Overheating during charging | Use of a non-original charger | Charging with a 10W-18W adapter with Quick Charge 3.0 support |
| Hanging and lags | Lack of RAM (3 GB) | Disabling background processes in Settings → Applications |
| The fingerprint scanner is not working. | Sensor contamination or plume damage | Cleaning the sensor with alcohol or replacing the plume (~2000 ₽) |
| Poor reception of the network | Software failure or damage to the antenna | Resetting network settings or replacing the antenna module |
If the smartphone has started to restart on its own, check:
- Battery condition (possibly swelled).
- Damage to the motherboard (especially after falls)
- The relevance of the firmware (sometimes helps rollback to the factory version).
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Before selling Redmi 8, be sure to reset to factory settings via Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset.This will delete your associated Mi Account accounts and protect your data.
Redmi 8 alternatives in 2026: what to choose instead
If the Redmi 8 doesn’t fit the specs or you’re looking for a more modern model, consider the following alternatives in the same price range (up to 10,000 ₽ in the secondary market):
- 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 9A (2020) — Helio G25, 5000 mAh, but the camera is weaker (13 MP).
- 📱 Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (2020) — Helio G85, FHD+ screen, 48 MP camera, but battery 5020 mAh.
- 📱 POCO M3 (2020) — Snapdragon 662, 6000 mAh, 48 MP camera, the best option for gaming.
- 📱 Samsung Galaxy A12 (2021) — Helio P35, 48 MP camera, AMOLED- screen, but weak processor.
- 📱 Realme C25 (2021) — Helio G70, 6000 mAh, 18W charging, a good alternative for autonomy.
If the budget allows, it is better to consider the new entry-level models:
- 💰 Xiaomi Redmi A3 (2026) — Helio G36, Android 13 (Go Edition), price ~10 000 ₽.
- 💰 POCO C65 (2023) — Helio G85, 5000 mAh, 50 MP camera, price ~12 000 ₽.
When choosing, pay attention to:
- 🔋 Battery capacity is a minimum of 5,000 mAh for long-term operation.
- 💻 Processor: Snapdragon 4xx/6xx or Helio Gxx for stable operation.
- 📸 Camera – If shooting is important, look for models with 48 MP and up.
- 🔄 Update support – check how many years the device will still receive security patches.
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If you want a smartphone solely for calls, social media and easy tasks, the Redmi 8 is still a good choice. For games, photos or long-term use, it is better to consider newer models.