When Xiaomi Mi 8 came out: the release chronology, features and why it remains in demand

Xiaomi Mi 8 is one of the most iconic smartphones of the company, which not only defined the direction of the development of the flagship line, but also became a symbol of the technological breakthrough of the brand. If you are looking for the exact date of its release, technical nuances or want to understand whether it is relevant today, this article will answer all the questions. We will examine not only the official chronology of the presentation, but also the context in which the first Xiaomi smartphone with a Snapdragon 845 processor appeared, and why it is still discussed in 2026.

The release of the Mi 8 was a turning point for Xiaomi: the company first introduced a device with a high-performance device. 3D-We've got a face scanner, like the iPhone X, and we've got DxOMark certification for the camera. But when exactly did that happen? Let's take a look at the first leaks to the global release, and see if it's worth buying this device today.

The official release date of Xiaomi Mi 8: the chronology of events

Xiaomi Mi 8 was officially announced on May 31, 2018 at a special event in Shenzhen, China, and was one of the brand’s most high-profile presentations to mark the company’s 8th anniversary – hence the model’s name.

• 📅 May 31, 2018 – Official presentation in China.
• 🛒 June 5, 2018 – start of sales in China (the first batch dispersed in 1 minute).
• 🌍 June-July 2018 – the start of global supplies (including Russia and Europe).
• 📱 September 2018 – release of Mi 8 Pro and Mi 8 Lite.

Xiaomi specifically chose the 31.05 date (May 31) to highlight the link to the number “8” – a symbol of luck in Chinese culture.It was also a response to criticism that the brand “copies” Apple: the Mi 8 was positioned as a direct alternative to the iPhone 8, but with more modern specs.

In Russia, the smartphone went on sale on June 19, 2018 at a price of 32 990 rubles for the version 6/64 GB. It was 20% cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy S9 with a similar processor, which was one of the key factors in its popularity.

Why Xiaomi Mi 8 was revolutionary for the brand?

The Mi 8 didn’t just continue the flagship lineup, it laid the foundation for future Xiaomi models, and here are the key innovations that made it special:

• 🔍 3D-face scanner (analogue of Face) ID Apple’s infrared-lighted smartphone is the world’s first Android smartphone with this technology.
• 📸 Double camera. 12+12 MP with optical zoom and DxOMark support (99 The record for Android at the time).
• ⚡ Snapdragon 845 processor – Qualcomm’s most powerful chipset in 2018, ahead of competitors by 30% in performance.
• 🖥️ AMOLED-screen 6.21" with support HDR10 18.7:9 aspect ratio (new standard for Android).

In addition, the Mi 8 was Xiaomi’s first smartphone with wireless charging (10 watts) and dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5), which significantly improved navigation accuracy – chips previously only available in top-end models of Samsung and Apple.

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If you’re buying the Xiaomi Mi 8 in 2026, look out for the 6/128GB version – it’s better at keeping the price on the secondary market and supports all MIUI updates.

Xiaomi Mi 8: What has changed in 6 years?

Let's compare the Mi 8 to today's budget smartphones to see how relevant it is today.

As you can see from the table, the Mi 8 still outperforms budget smartphones in 2026 in performance thanks to the top-end chipset. However, in terms of autonomy, screen refresh rates and photo quality, it is inferior even to mid-budget innovations, which makes it relevant only for specific tasks – for example, for gaming or as a backup device.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use the Mi 8 as your primary smartphone in 2026, consider that Xiaomi has officially stopped supporting updates MIUI This is the model in 2022. The last version available — MIUI 12.5 based on Android 10.

How much did the Xiaomi Mi 8 cost when it came out and how did the prices change?

At launch in China, Mi 8 worthless 2699 renminbi (≈$415) basic 6/64 In Russia, official prices started from 32 990 And then, in a month after the release, you could buy it cheaper thanks to the stock:

• 💰 2018 (June) - 32,990 ₽ (formal).
• 📉 2019 — 24 000–28 000 ₽ (after the Mi 9 was released).
• 🔄 2020–2021 — 15 000–20 000 ₽ (b/w in perfect condition).
• 💸 2026 — 8 000–12 000 ₽ (secondary-market).

Today, the Mi 8 can be found on Avito or Yula at a price of 6,000 rubles for versions with wear and tear up to 15,000 rubles for devices in "as new" condition.

Battery condition (capacity not lower than 80%)

Possibility of work 3D-face scanner

Absence of yellow pixels on AMOLED-screen

The presence of original charging (18 watts)

Support for all bands 4G (For Russia: Band 7, 20)-->

Should you buy the Mi 8 in 2026? Definitely not if you need a basic smartphone.

• 🎮 Gamers (Snapdragon 845 still pulls Genshin Impact on mid-sets).
• 🔧 Enthusiasts of custom firmware (there are ports LineageOS 20 based on Android 13).
• 📱 Collectors (limited versions of the Mi 8 Explorer Edition with transparent rear panel).

Xiaomi Mi 8 vs 2018 competitors: who was the stronger?

In the year of release, the Mi 8 competed with flagships such as the Samsung Galaxy S9, Huawei P20 Pro and OnePlus 6.

The Mi 8 was priced at a premium of 30 to 40 percent cheaper than its competitors at comparable performance. P20 Pro as a camera and Galaxy S9 — It's a waterproof system. Xiaomi's biggest asset is the waterproof system. 3D-The face scanner, which at the time was a unique feature.

⚠️ Note: If you’re choosing between the Mi 8 and OnePlus 6 in the secondary market, consider that OnePlus has been getting updates longer (up to Android 11) and has more “clean” ad-free software. MIUI.

Topical problems Xiaomi Mi 8 in 2026: what to look for?

Despite its legendary status, the Mi 8 has several critical flaws that show up with age:

1. Battery degradation: even when used carefully, battery capacity drops to 70-75% in 4-5 years, costing 2,000-3,000 replacements ₽.
2. "Burnout" AMOLED-screen: on devices with high operating time may appear yellow spots or uneven backlight.
3. Problems with 3D-scanner: infrared sensors lose accuracy over time, making face unlocking worse.
4. No updates: The latest version of MIUI (12.5) contains security vulnerabilities critical to online banking.

Another common problem is overheating when charging, which is due to wear on the power controller, and if the smartphone gets too hot while charging, it's recommended that you:

If you do decide to buy the Mi 8, be sure to check it through ##4636## (test menu) for sensor errors and battery status.

Custom firmware for Xiaomi Mi 8: how to extend the life of a smartphone?

Official support for the Mi 8 is over, but enthusiasts are still developing custom firmware.

• 📱 LineageOS 20 (Android 13) is the most stable firmware with a minimalist interface.
• ⚡ Pixel Experience – ported “clean” Android with chips from Google Pixel.
• 🔧 MIUI EU — modified MIUI Advertising-free and Chinese-based.
• 🎮 Havoc OS — firmware for gamers with advanced performance settings.

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding).
2. Install TWRP Recovery (version 3.6.2 for Mi 8).
3. Switch firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader on the Mi 8 resets all data and can result in the Mi Account being blocked if you don't follow the instructions!

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Custom firmware can significantly improve Mi 8 performance, but it will deprive you of the official warranty (if it is still valid) and increase the risk of errors in the operation of sensors.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi 8