Many users are still interested in the history of the legendary Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro, and this is not surprising. It was this model that became a landmark for the company, representing a revolutionary rear panel design for the mass market. If you wonder when the Xiaomi 8 pro came out, the answer takes us to a distant time for the smartphone industry — 2018. This was a period when the frameless screen was only becoming the standard, and face unlock technology was actively introduced into the budget segment.
The timing of the device was key to its popularity, and at the time, the Mi 8 Pro offered features that today seem basic but were then a premium choice, and in this article, we will take a closer look at the timeline, the technical features of the transparent version, and answer questions relevant to 2026.
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Note that the Mi 8 Pro and the regular Mi 8 came out at different times and have design differences, despite the similar name.
Official date of presentation and start of sales
The world premiere of the smartphone took place on May 31, 2018 at a special event in Shenzhen, when Xiaomi introduced the Mi 8 line, timed to coincide with the announcement of the 8th anniversary of the brand. However, as for the Pro version, its global debut took place a little later, during the presentation in Berlin at the IFA 2018 exhibition.
The launch in China began almost immediately after the announcement, in early June 2018, and the device didn’t reach the European market until September of that year, a delay due to logistics and the need to certify equipment for EU networks. For many users, the fall of 2018 was the moment when the world’s first production model with a transparent rear cover became available for purchase outside China.
It is worth noting that the demand for the device exceeded supply in the first months, and the shortage (stock) was observed even six months after the release, which confirms the high interest in the novelty. In Russia, official sales began in October 2018, which allowed customers to get a warranty and localized firmware.
Unique design: transparent panel and scanner
The main visual feature that many people were waiting for the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro was the rear panel, which, unlike the conventional version, used tempered glass with laser engraving of the internal components, creating a transparency effect, although the real details under it were hidden by a decorative layer.
Engineers were able to integrate an optical fingerprint scanner directly into the display, which was rare at the time of its release for devices at this price range, and the technology allowed a smartphone to be unlocked with a light touch, although it was inferior in speed to capacitive counterparts of the time.
The body of the smartphone is made of metal and glass, which gave the device a premium weight and tactile pleasantness. dimensions were 154.9 x 74.9 x 7.6 mm, which for a 6.21-inch screen was a great result. the frames around the display were minimal, and the top “bang” contained sensors for the Face ID system.
⚠️ Warning: The transparent panel is decorative.Do not attempt to disassemble the back cover in the hope of seeing the real components, as this will result in loss of warranty and possible damage to the glass.
Technical characteristics and productivity
The device was based on the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor at the time, which provided high performance in games and heavy applications, paired with 6 to 8 GB of RAM standard LPDDR4X, which allowed you to keep many applications open in the background.
The screen was made using Samsung's Super AMOLED technology. The diagonal was 6.21 inches at a resolution of 2248x1080 pixels. Support for HDR10 and the wide color coverage of the DCI-P3 made the picture rich and bright. The screen refresh rate was standard 60 Hz, because 90 and 120 Hz technologies were not yet widely adopted.
Below is a table with the main technical parameters of the model:
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) |
| RAM | 6/8GB |
| Built-in memory | 128/256GB |
| Main camera. | 12 MP + 12 MP (TV) |
| Battery | 3,000 mAh |
Secrets of the Snapdragon 845 processor
Cameras and multimedia capabilities
The Mi 8 Pro’s photographic capabilities were praised by DxOMark experts, putting the device 103 points. The 12 MP core module with f/1.8 aperture and optical stabilization (OIS) provided excellent detail. The 12 MP telephoto lens also allowed you to take portraits with high-quality background blur and zoom in without loss of quality.
The front camera received a resolution of 20 MP and support for Infrared AI Face Unlock technology, which meant that unlocking the face worked even in complete darkness, thanks to infrared illumination, 4K resolution at 30 frames per second was supported for video shooting, as well as 960 fps slow motion.
The multimedia part was also not left out. The smartphone lacked a 3.5 mm connector, which at the time of release caused a lot of controversy. However, the presence of a quality DAC inside and support for the aptX HD codec compensated for the lack of a "jack." Stereo sound is implemented through a conversational speaker and the main, creating a surround sound effect.
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Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro was one of the latest flagships of the company, received high marks for photography before the introduction of modules with a resolution of 48 and 64 MP.
Software and Relevance in 2026
At the time of release, the smartphone was running on Android 8.1 Oreo with a shell MIUI 9.During its life cycle, the device received updates to Android 10 and MIUI 12.After that, official support ceased, which is standard practice for manufacturers.
In 2026, the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro as the primary device has its limitations.Most modern apps are still working, however, the lack of security updates makes the device vulnerable.Some new MIUI and Android features may not be available or not work properly.
However, for collectors or as a second phone for calls and navigation, the model is still relevant. AMOLED screen and compact dimensions make it easy to read and media content. However, it is worth considering the wear and tear of the battery, which over 7-8 years of operation could significantly reduce the life of the battery.
☑️ Check the condition of the used Mi 8 Pro
Frequent questions and problems of the model
Over the years, users have faced a number of typical problems, such as unplugging the back cover due to heat in the processor under heavy load, and complaining about the NFC module, which sometimes could not read cards after updating the firmware.
Another important aspect is the wear of the charging port plume. Frequent cable connections may have necessitated the replacement of the connector. Owners are encouraged to use original cables or quality analogues to extend the life of the connector.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a used device, be sure to check the proximity sensor. In this model, it often gets dirty or fails, which leads to a broken screen during a conversation.
Some users have noted the low-brightness green tint of the screen, a feature of Samsung's matrices of the period, which is not a defect, but rather a technological characteristic of the type of panels used in production.
The bottom line: Is it worth buying today?
To sum up, the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro came out at a great time and became a real hit. Its transparent design still looks futuristic, and the performance of the Snapdragon 845 is enough for basic tasks, but in 2026 it is worth buying it only enthusiasts or collectors.
If you want a reliable working tool, you’d better look at the more recent models that support the latest versions of Android. But as a monument to Xiaomi’s engineering and an example of how to make stylish devices, the Mi 8 Pro will forever remain in the history of the brand.
Hopefully, the release date and specs have helped you get a complete picture of the device, and the story behind this smartphone is a prime example of how one design element can make a model legendary.