Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: the exact release date and why this smartphone changed the market

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro has become one of the most talked about models of 2019 — not only among fans of the brand, but also on a global scale. This device marked a new stage in the development of budget flagships, offering users a 64-megapixel camera, a Mediatek Helio G90T game processor and a design that is still considered the reference for the Note series. But when exactly was the official release of this device, and why did the release date cause such a stir?

In this article, we'll not only give you the exact date of the presentation, but we'll also look at how the Redmi Note 8 Pro impacted the smartphone market, what innovations it brought, and why it's still remembered as one of the best devices in its price range. You'll learn about the launch geography, the features of the first sale day, and even what hidden features were only available in the early batches of the device. If you're planning to buy this smartphone today or just wondering about Xiaomi's history, here you'll find all the answers.

The official release date of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: the chronology of events

The exact date of the announcement of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is August 29, 2019. the Presentation took place in China as part of a special event, where in addition to this model, the Redmi Note 8 and other devices of the Xiaomi ecosystem were presented. However, it is important to understand that between the announcement and the start of sales, it took several weeks - this is a typical practice for the brand, allowing you to prepare logistics and production.

The first sales in China started on September 18, 2019, and the global release (including Russia, India and Europe) came a little later – in October of the same year. Interestingly, in some countries, such as India, the smartphone was released under a slightly different name – Redmi Note 8 Pro India Edition, but technically it was the same model with adapted firmware.

• 📅 29.08.2019 – official announcement in China
• 🛒 18.09.2019 – start of sales in China
• 🌍 October 2019 – Global Release (Including Russia)
• 📦 November 2019 – mass arrival in European stores

Importantly, the Redmi Note 8 Pro was Xiaomi’s first smartphone to feature a 64MP camera (Samsung’s ISOCELL Bright GW1), a revolutionary solution for the budget segment that prompted rivals like Realme and Samsung to urgently rethink their 2020 plans.

Why is the Redmi Note 8 Pro a sensation?

The release of the Redmi Note 8 Pro coincided with several key trends in the smartphone market:

1. Megapixel race: In 2019, manufacturers were competing for the number of megapixels in the main camera, Xiaomi beat the competition, offering 64 MP versus 48 MP for most flagships of the time.
2. The Helio G90T chipset was positioned as a solution for gamers, which is atypical for the Note series, which is focused on the mass buyer.
3. The design is without compromise: Gorilla Glass 5's glass case on both sides and aluminum frame made the model more premium than previous Redmi Notes.

Xiaomi also played on fans’ expectations, with leaks of real photos of the device and benchmarks showing performance a month before its release, creating an unprecedented stir: more than 500,000 devices were sold in China on its first day of sales, a record for the Note series at the time.

⚠️ The first batches of Redmi Note 8 Pro had problems with firmware MIUI, Xiaomi promptly released a patch a week after the start of sales.

Redmi Note Series Comparison: Why Is the 8 Pro Special?

To understand why the Redmi Note 8 Pro has caused such a resonance, it is worth comparing it with its predecessors and competitors.

Officially, the screen only supported 60Hz, but enthusiasts have found a way to unlock 90Hz through an engineering menu.

• 📈 Performance: Helio G90T Snapdragon 675 was 15-20% ahead of the Snapdragon in tests, which was critical for games of the type. PUBG Mobile.
• 📸 Camera: 64 MP vs 48 MP not only gave more detail, but also better performance in low light conditions thanks to a larger pixel size (1.6 microns after binning).
• 🔋 Battery: 4500 mAh + Support for fast charging of 18 W (vs. 10 W for Note 7 Pro).

Interestingly, despite the higher price, the Redmi Note 8 Pro sold better than the base Note 8, proving that users are willing to overpay for unique features, even in the budget segment.

Geography of release: where and when could I buy a smartphone?

Xiaomi’s strategy for the Redmi Note 8 Pro to hit the market was thought out to the smallest detail, with the brand traditionally starting in China and then expanding to other regions, but with this model, the pace was record-breaking:

• 🇨🇳 China: September 18, 2019 – start of sales at Mi.com, JD.com and Tmall.
• 🇮🇳 India: October 21, 2019 – Presentation of the local version with adapted firmware (without Google apps by default).
• 🇷🇺 Russia: October 25, 2019 – official start in partner stores (Svyaznoy, M.Video, Citilink).
• 🇪🇺 Europe: November 2019 – Admission to Amazon, Gearbest and Local Retailers.

In some countries, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, the smartphone was released only in December 2019 due to logistical delays, while in Russia the model immediately became a hit: according to M.Video, in the first month it sold more than 100,000 devices – a record for Xiaomi at that time.

⚠️ Warning: In the first batches for Europe, there were devices with Chinese firmware (without Google Play), buyers had to manually stitch the global version. MIUI, What could have resulted in the loss of the guarantee.

Prices at the start of sales varied depending on the region and configuration:

• 6/64 GB: ~22 000 ₽ (Russia), ~$250 (globally)
• 6/128 GB: ~24 000 ₽, ~$280
• 8/128 GB: ~26 000 ₽, ~$310 (It came out later in November. 2019)

What makes the Redmi Note 8 Pro unique?

Let’s take a closer look at the Redmi Note 8 Pro, which has earned it the status of a cult smartphone:

• 🖥️ Display: 6.53" IPS LCD, permit 2340×1080, brightness 500 thread, support HDR10 (software).
• 🔧 Processor: Mediatek Helio G90T (2×Cortex-A76 + 6×Cortex-A55), graphical Mali-G76 MC4.
• 📷 Cameras: Main: 64 MP, f/1.8, phase autofocus wide-angle: 8 MP, f/2.2, 120° Macro: 2 MP, f/2.4 Depths: 2 MP, f/2.4 Frontal: 20 MP, f/2.0
• 🔋 Battery: 4500 mAh, fast charging 18W (Quick Charge 3.0).
• 🎵 Sound: Stereo speakers (one above, one below), 3.5mm headphone jack.
• 🛡️ Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 case, oleophobic coating, certification IP52 (spray-proof).

The Helio G90T processor deserves special attention. At the time of its release, it was one of the most powerful in its class, overtaking the Snapdragon 710 in multithreaded tests, which allowed the Redmi Note 8 Pro to confidently run games at high settings:

• 🎮 PUBG Mobile: 60 FPS setting HDR + Ultra
• 🎮 Call of Duty: Mobile: maximum settings without lags
• 🎮 Genshin Impact (after release in 2020): mid-range settings, 30 FPS

Another feature is liquid cooling (an 8mm heat tube), which prevented the processor from trottling at long loads, a rarity for budget smartphones in 2019.

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If your Redmi Note 8 Pro is getting too hot, check to see if the dust charging connector is clogged, often leading to overheating due to poor contact.

How did the Redmi Note 8 Pro affect the smartphone market?

The Redmi Note 8 Pro is a reference point for several key trends:

1. With the massive adoption of 64MP cameras, Xiaomi’s competitors have begun to use Samsung GW1 sensors in their devices, and in 2020, 64MP became the standard for the mid-range segment.
2. The popularization of gaming processors among public sector players. The Helio G90T proved that a powerful chipset could be offered at an affordable price, which led to the Redmi G and POCO X lines.
3. The move away from plastic enclosures.Redmi Note 8 Pro was one of the first budget smartphones to feature a glass back, forcing competitors to rethink their design approach.

Analysts note that this model helped Xiaomi gain a foothold in second place in smartphone sales in the world (after Samsung) in 2019-2020. In Russia, the Redmi Note 8 Pro became the best-selling Android smartphone in the fourth quarter of 2019, overtaking even the Samsung Galaxy A50.

Fun fact: a year after its release, in 2020, Xiaomi released an updated version, the Redmi Note 8 Pro 2021 (for some markets), which got a new firmware and a slightly changed design, but the hardware remained the same, which proves how successful the original concept of the device was.

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Redmi Note 8 Pro became the first budget smartphone that offered users flagship features (64-MP camera, glass case, game processor) at a price below 25 000 rubles.

2026: Should I Buy the Redmi Note 8 Pro Today?

It's been almost 5 years since its release, but the Redmi Note 8 Pro is still available for sale (usually used or refurbished models). Should it be bought in 2026?

If you need a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks (calls, social networks, photos, light games), the Redmi Note 8 Pro in 2026 may be a good choice – especially if you find it for a price of up to 10,000-12,000. ₽. However, for modern games or long-term use, it’s best to consider newer models like the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ or POCO X5 Pro.

⚠️ Note: When buying a used Redmi Note 8 Pro, be sure to check the battery status through the engineering menu (#4636##). Many instances have already worked 3-4 years, and their batteries have lost up to 30-40% of capacity.

Battery status (capacity and charging cycles)|Operational capacity of all cameras|Absence of yellow pixels on the screen|Type-C connector state and speakers|Availability of original box and documents-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro