Many users are still interested in the history of the legendary Xiaomi Mi 8, as it was this smartphone that marked a turning point in the company’s strategy: the exact release date of the device in China came on May 31, 2018, which marked the beginning of the era of screens with cutouts for the Chinese giant.
This model is remarkable for being the first Android smartphone to support GPS L5 navigation, which provided unprecedented positioning accuracy at the time. The design of the glass back and the presence of an infrared port also made the device a desirable gadget for a wide audience. Let's take a closer look at how the history of this device developed and what it offers today.
Official presentation dates and start of sales
The launch of the device took place in Beijing and was timed to coincide with the eighth anniversary of the company, which is reflected in the name of the model, Chinese users were able to pre-order the day after the announcement, June 1, 2018, the start of retail sales in China took place on June 8, symbolizing good luck in the local culture.
The global version was officially shown at IFA 2018 in Germany, sales in Europe began in mid-September, and the first shipments reached Russia closer to October, which is standard practice for logistics chains of the time.
- 📅 Chinese announcement: May 31, 2018
- 🌍 World premiere: end of August 2018
- 🇷🇺 Start of sales in Russia: October 2018
⚠️ Note: When buying a used device, be sure to check the firmware region, as the Chinese versions may have restrictions in working with Google services and banking applications without flashing.
It is important to understand that the differences between the Chinese and global versions were not only about (packaging), but also about the frequencies supported. LTE-ranges for telecom operators of CIS countries, which made it more attractive for the user.
Key technical characteristics of the model
At the time of its release, the Xiaomi Mi 8 had a top-end filling that allowed it to compete with market leaders: the heart of the device was the Snapdragon 845 processor, made on a 10-nm processor, which provided high performance in games and heavy applications, remaining relevant even a few years after its release.
The screen part also deserves special attention. Amoleda matrix diagonal of 6.21 inches had a resolution of FullHD + and an aspect ratio of 18.7:9. The cutout in the screen ("bangs") was the subject of controversy, but allowed to increase the usable area of the display while maintaining the dimensions of the body. The pixel density was 403 ppi, which ensured high definition of the image.
Hidden features of the Snapdragon 845 processor
The table below shows the main configuration parameters that were officially supplied:
| Parameter | Basic version | Extended version | Special version |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAM | 6GB of LPDDR4X | 6GB of LPDDR4X | 8GB of LPDDR4X |
| Built-in memory | 64GB UFS 2.1 | 128GB of UFS 2.1 | 128GB of UFS 2.1 |
| Main camera. | 12+12 MP | 12+12 MP | 12+12 MP |
| Battery | 3,000 mAh | 3,000 mAh | 3,000 mAh |
The camera system deserves special mention. The main module with 12 MP optical stabilization and f/1.8 aperture allowed you to take high-quality pictures even in low light. The special version of the Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition featured a transparent back cover through which you could see a decorative element that mimics the insides of the smartphone.
Body design and ergonomics
The look of the device was a step forward from previous generations. Using Gorilla Glass 3 for the front and back gave the smartphone a premium look. The aluminum alloy frame provided stiffness, although it made the device slippery without a protective case.
The location of the controls remained classic for the company: connector for SIM-maps and IR port on the upper end, connector USB Type-C and the speaker from the bottom. The fingerprint scanner was moved to the back under the camera block, as the technology of underscreen scanning was not yet massively implemented in the flagships of the brand.
The body size was 154.9 x 74.8 x 7.6 mm at 175 grams. For 2018, this was an excellent performance, but the lack of IP68 moisture protection was a noticeable omission compared to competitors.
Software and updates
At the time of release, the smartphone was running Android 8.1 Oreo operating system with a MIUI 9 shell. Subsequently, the device received an update to Android 10, which was the last major update of the OS version. The MIUI shell was updated to version 12, providing the current interface and functions.
The firmware update process was usually smooth, but required enough free memory. The developer mode allowed experienced users to customize the system, although unlocking the bootloader required waiting and binding an account.
☑️ Preparations for renewal MIUI
It’s worth noting that support for the device with official security updates stopped a few years ago, meaning that using a smartphone to handle sensitive banking data today requires increased caution and additional security features.
⚠️ Note: Installation of custom firmware (Custom) ROM) On older models, it can return the current version of Android, but often leads to unstable operation of the camera and sensors.
Camera: Capabilities and quality of shooting
The Xiaomi Mi 8's photographic ability was praised by critics, especially in the daytime. The wide-angle dual-focus lens allowed for a bokeh effect, although software rather than optical zoom sometimes gave artifacts around the edges of the frame. Image processing algorithms aimed at bright, rich colors.
Night photography was conducted with varying success. The lack of full night mode in the stock camera (it appeared later in updates or third-party apps) made shots in the dark noisy. The front camera with Pixel Binning technology provided detailed selfies even in poor light.
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To improve the quality of night shooting on Xiaomi Mi 8, install the Google Camera (GCam) app ported specifically for your model – this will significantly improve the dynamic range.
Video was taken at 4K at 30 frames per second or 1080p at 60 frames. Electronic stabilization (EIS) helped smooth out small hand shaking, but when walking, the picture could tremble. The sound was clear, with good wind noise suppression.
Should you buy Xiaomi Mi 8 in 2026?
Buying this smartphone today makes sense only as a budget option for certain tasks. The low cost in the secondary market makes it attractive for those who are looking for a device with NFC, IR port and a decent screen for minimal money.
The main problem is battery wear: over the years of operation, the capacity may have fallen to 70-80% of the nominal value, which will require replacing the battery immediately after purchase, and the lack of security updates should be considered, which makes the device vulnerable to new viruses.
- ✅ Pros: Excellent AMOLED screen NFC and IR port, 3.5 mm connector.
- ❌ Cons: Battery wear, lack of Android updates, slippery body.
- 🤔 The verdict: A good choice as a second phone or a baby device.
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The Xiaomi Mi 8 in 2026 is a great budget for basic tasks, but requires battery replacement and data care.
If you think of this phone as a basic workhorse, it’s best to look at the more recent Redmi Note series models or the current Xiaomi lineup. But as a collectible or device for specific purposes (navigator, remote, media player), it still has the power to surprise.