Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the most talked-about devices of 2019 — and for good reason. Not only did it continue the successful Redmi Note lineup, but it set new standards for the budget segment. Users around the world are still wondering when the Redmi Note 8 Pro came out, what innovations it brought and why it is still considered a hot choice despite the release of newer models.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the exact release date, the history of the device, its technical features and how it affected the smartphone market. You will also learn what mistakes users made when buying this model and how to avoid typical problems. If you plan to buy the Redmi Note 8 Pro today, here you will find current tips for choosing a complete set and checking the originality.
The official release date of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro was announced on August 29, 2019 at a special event in China, and the global release took place on September 23, 2019. It was the first model in the Redmi Note line, received a processor from MediaTek – Helio G90T, which was a real breakthrough for the budget segment.
Interestingly, the presentation was held simultaneously with the announcement of the Redmi Note 8 (on the Snapdragon 665), but it was the Pro version that attracted the main attention thanks to:
- 🔥 64-megapixel main camera (first in class)
- 🎮 Helio processor. G90T Support for LiquidCool for gamers
- 🔋 4500 mAh battery with fast charging support 18W
- 💎 Gorilla Glass 5 front and rear
In Russia, official sales started on October 4, 2019, with demand exceeding all expectations - in the first days more than 50,000 devices were sold. The price at the start was from 17,990 rubles for the version with 6/64 GB, which was unprecedentedly profitable for such characteristics.
Why the Redmi Note 8 Pro was revolutionary for its time
Redmi Note model 8 The Pro didn't just go on with the series, it changed the way we think about budget smartphones, and before it came out, people were used to what it was like to have a smartphone. 15-20 You can get only average performance, but Xiaomi proved otherwise, offering a few thousand rubles:
⚠️ Warning: Many people mistakenly believe that the Redmi Note 8 Pro was the first smartphone with a 64MP camera. XT It was released a month earlier (August 24, 2019), but it was Xiaomi’s model that made this technology popular.
Key innovations of the device:
- The Samsung GW1 64MP sensor with Tetra-cell technology combining 4 pixels into one for better light transmission.
Especially impressive was the 64MP mode, which allowed for incredible detail, and for comparison, the flagships of the time (like the iPhone 11 Pro) had a main camera of just 12 MP, but with better optics and processing.
How did Xiaomi fool users with a 64MP camera?
Technical characteristics: what makes the model unique
Let’s take a closer look at the Redmi Note 8 Pro, which has ensured it has a long life on the market, and despite its release in 2019, it still ranks well with public sector workers in 2023-2026.
| Characteristics | Meaning | Comparison with competitors in 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G90T (12 nm, 2x2.05 GHz + 6x2.0 GHz) | Faster Snapdragon 710 in the Redmi Note 7 Pro, but inferior to the Snapdragon 730 in graphics |
| RAM | 6 or 8GB of LPDDR4X | Standard for flagships, but rare in the budget segment |
| Main camera. | 64 MP (Samsung GW1, f/1.8) + 8 MP (wide-angle) + 2 MP (macro) + 2 MP (depth sensor) | Best camera in the class up to 25,000 ₽ |
| Screen. | 6.53" IPS, 2340×1080 (FHD+), 19.5:9, 91.4% screen-to-body ratio | Brightness of 500 nits is average, but with good viewing angles |
| Battery | 4500 mAh, fast charging 18W (includes a unit for 18W) | One of the most capacious in the segment, the Samsung Galaxy A50 – 4000 mAh |
One of the main advantages was support for MIUI 12 and even MIUI 13 (albeit with limitations).For comparison, the Redmi Note 7 Pro never received an update to Android 10, and the Note 8 Pro officially updated to Android 11.
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If you buy the Redmi Note 8 Pro today, be sure to check the firmware version through Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. The last official updates came out in 2022, so for security, it is recommended to install custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience).
Comparison with its predecessor: Redmi Note 7 Pro vs Note 8 Pro
Many users are still arguing whether to overpay for the Note 8 Pro if the Redmi Note 7 Pro was cheaper. Let's take a look at the key differences that make the Note 8 Pro a better choice even today.
- 📸 Camera: 64MP vs 48MP (Sony) IMX586). On paper, there is a difference, but in practice, the Note 7 Pro often took more balanced shots thanks to better processing.
- 🎯 Performance: Helio G90T vs Snapdragon 675. In games, for example, PUBG Mobile) the difference is noticeable - Note 8 Pro keeps stable 40-60 FPS high-set.
- 🔋 Battery: 4500 mAh vs. 4000 The difference is 12-15% Autonomy with Active Use.
- 🔄 Note 8 Pro got Android 11, and Note 7 Pro stuck on Android 9.
Critical moment: Redmi Note 8 Pro became the latest model in the lineup with a 3.5 mm audio jack.Beginning with the Redmi Note 9 Pro, Xiaomi abandoned it, which still causes discontent among users.
If you care about sound through wired headphones, the Note 8 Pro is one of the best options among modern budgeters (where audio jack is already rare), and it is worth noting that this model used an improved DAC (digital-to-analog converter), which gave a cleaner sound than the competition.
Typical Problems and How to Avoid Them When Buying in 2026
Despite all the advantages, the Redmi Note 8 Pro has several “diseases” that you should know about before buying, many of which are related to the age of the model (it is already 4-5 years old) and design features.
⚠️ Attention: One of the weakest points is the plume of the display, which often flies away when the screen is changed or dropped, leading to artifacts or a complete failure of the touchscreen.
Checklist before buying a used Redmi Note 8 Pro:
☑️ What to check before buying Redmi Note 8 Pro in 2026?
Another common problem is overheating of the Helio G90T. In games or long-term 4K video recording, the temperature can rise to 50-55°C, leading to trottling.
- 🧊 Installation of a custom core with improved ventilation control (e.g. Kernelsu).
- 🔧 Replacement of thermopaste (cost of service - about 1,500 rubles).
- 📱 Disabling background processes through Settings → Battery → Performance mode.
If you buy a smartphone for gaming, pay attention to the version with 8 GB of RAM - it copes better with modern projects like Genshin Impact (at minimum settings) or Call of Duty: Mobile (at high).
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Despite its age, the Redmi Note 8 Pro still remains relevant for gamers thanks to the Helio G90T processor, which is not inferior to many state-owned players in games in 2022-2023 (for example, the Redmi Note 11 on the Snapdragon 680).
2026: Is it worth buying today?
4.5 years after the release of the Redmi Note 8 Pro is still sold in the secondary market (price — from 8 000 to 15 000 rubles depending on the condition). But how relevant is it today? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of buying in 2026.
Advantages:
- 💰 Price: For 10 000 rubles you get a smartphone with a 64-MP camera, FHD+-A screen and processor that pulls up modern games.
- 🔧 Repairability: spare parts are cheap and common (screen - from 2,500 rubles, battery - from 1,200 rubles).
- 🎵 3.5mm audio connector: Rare among new models.
- 📱 Custom firmware support: You can install LineageOS or Pixel Experience to upgrade to Android 13/14.
Disadvantages:
- ⚡ Battery: Original capacity 4500 mh 2026 year-round 3000-3500 Replacement (cost) will be required — 1 200-1 800 ruble).
- 📶 Network: No support 5G and modern Wi-Fi 6 standards.
- 🔒 Security: The last official security patch is June 2022.It is recommended to use a separate device for internet banking.
- 📷 Camera: Compared to new budget players (for example, Redmi Note 12) shooting in the dark loses.
For whom will the Redmi Note 8 Pro in 2026 fit:
- Gamers who want a budget device for PUBG Mobile, Free Fire or Mobile Legends.
- Those looking for a smartphone with a 3.5mm audio jack and good sound.
- Users who need a spare phone with a good camera and performance.
- For custom firmware fans, the model is well supported by the XDA Developers community.
If you want a smartphone for social media, photos and everyday tasks, it’s best to consider newer models like the Redmi Note 12 or the POCO X5. But if you’re on a budget and you’re looking for a price-performance balance, the Note 8 Pro remains one of the best options.
Where to buy and how not to run into a fake
In the secondary market, the Redmi Note 8 Pro is often forged - especially versions with 8 GB of RAM. To avoid becoming a victim of fraud, follow these tips:
The original Redmi Note 8 Pro features:
- 🏷️ Box: Must be with a Xiaomi hologram, barcode and the inscription Made in China (not Made for China!).
⚠️ Attention: AliExpress and similar platforms often sell replicas of the Redmi Note 8 Pro under brands like Ulefone or Blackview. They look similar, but have weak processors (Helio). P60) 13MP cameras. Always check the model name in Settings → Phone: Redmi Note 8 Pro should be listed, not Note 8T or similar.
Where is it safe to buy:
- 🛒 Official retailers: Svyaznoy, M. Video, Eldorado (sometimes there are used devices with a guarantee).
- 🌍 Global Version: On AliExpress, look for sellers with a rating above 98% and reviews of the checkout IMEI. Price from $120.
- 🔄 Secondary Market: Avito, Yula, but only with a personal meeting and verification (see checklist above).
Average prices for the Redmi Note 8 Pro in 2026:
| Status. | Price (₽) | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| New (sealed) | 18 000 — 22 000 | Hologram on the box, production date (no older than 2021) |
| B/w (excellent) | 12 000 — 15 000 | Battery capacity, operation of all cameras, absence of scratches on the screen |
| B/y (satisfactory) | 8 000 — 10 000 | Display plume state, presence of falls, NFC operation |
| Spare parts. | 3 000 — 5 000 | Integrity of the body, the efficiency of the motherboard |
If you found a device cheaper than 8 000 rubles, this is a reason to be wary - most likely, the seller is hiding serious defects (for example, a broken NFC or a broken display).