Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro became one of the most talked about models of 2019 — and for good reason. This device combined powerful stuffing, innovative camera and affordable price, which made it a real bestseller. But when exactly did it officially release? And why is the release date of this model still arousing interest among fans of the brand?
In this article, we will not only answer the question of the exact date of the presentation of the Redmi Note 8 Pro, but also analyze what technologies made it unique in comparison with the competition. You will learn about the first user reviews, features of the firmware and even how the model has affected the next generations of Xiaomi smartphones.
The official release date of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro was announced on August 29, 2019, at a special event in China, but the global release of the model took place a little later in September of the same year. It was a strategic move of the company: first to introduce the device in its home market, and then to bring it to the international arena.
Interestingly, the release date coincided with the peak of popularity of the Redmi Note series. In 2019, Xiaomi was actively increasing its presence in Europe and India, and the Note 8 Pro became one of the key tools to capture these markets. For example, in Russia, the smartphone went on sale in October 2019, which at that time was considered record time for global distribution.
Importantly, the Redmi Note 8 Pro was Xiaomi’s first smartphone to feature a MediaTek Helio G90T processor — a bold move since the company had previously favored Qualcomm chips — driven by a desire to offer users the best performance-price ratio.
Technical characteristics: what makes the model unique
The Redmi Note 8 Pro stood out from the competition for several key features: First, it was one of the first smartphones to feature a 64-megapixel main camera (the Samsung ISOCELL Bright GW1), a resolution that was considered a breakthrough for the budget segment in 2019.
Second, it received liquid cooling, a rare option for mid-range devices, which allowed the Helio G90T to run at maximum frequencies without overheating, which was critical for gamers.
Other key characteristics:
- 📱 Display: 6.53" IPS LCD, permit 2340×1080, refresh rate 60 Hz
- 🔋 Battery: 4500 mAh with fast charging support 18W
- 🎮 Processor: MediaTek Helio G90T (2×2.05 GHz + 6×2.0 GHz)
- 📸 Cameras: 64 MP (main) + 8 MP (ultra-wide) + 2 MP (macro) + 2 MP (depth sensor)
- 💾 Memory: options 6/64 GB, 6/128 GB and 8/128 GB
The design deserves special attention: the smartphone received tempered glass Gorilla Glass 5 front and rear, as well as aluminum frame, which made it more premium against the background of plastic competitors.
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If you buy a used Redmi Note 8 Pro, be sure to check the integrity of the rear window - it is prone to microcracks when falling.
Comparison with competitors: why the Note 8 Pro ahead of time
In 2019, the main competitors of the Redmi Note 8 Pro were:
- 📱 Samsung Galaxy A50s (Exynos 9611, 48MP camera)
- 📱 Realme XT (Snapdragon 712, 64 MP camera)
- 📱 Huawei P30 Lite (Kirin 710, 48 MP camera)
Xiaomi’s main advantage is the combination of a 64-megapixel camera and liquid-cooled processor at a lower price than its competitors, with the Realme XT, for example, costing 15-20% more in most regions.
| Characteristics | Redmi Note 8 Pro | Samsung A50s | Realme XT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Helio G90T | Exynos 9611 | Snapdragon 712 |
| Main camera. | 64 MPs | 48 MP | 64 MPs |
| AKB capacity | 4500 mAh | 4000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Price at start (Russia) | ~18 000 ₽ | ~22 000 ₽ | ~21 000 ₽ |
Another big advantage of the Note 8 Pro was the support for NFS and infrared port, which most competitors didn’t have, which allowed them to use their smartphone as a remote for home appliances and pay for purchases without the Internet.
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Redmi Note 8 Pro became the first smartphone in its segment, which offered 64 MP camera + liquid cooling + NFC at a price below 20 000 rubles.
First user reviews: pros and cons of the model
After the release of the Redmi Note 8 Pro received mostly positive reviews, but there were also criticisms. among the main advantages of users singled out:
- 📸 Photo quality – 64 MP gave significantly more detailed pictures than competitors
- 🎮 Productivity - Helio G90T confidently PUBG Mobile at high settings
- 🔋 Autonomy — 4500 That was enough. 1.5-2 day-of-use
However, there were shortcomings:
- ⚠️ Weight and dimensions – the smartphone weighed 200 grams, which for 2019 was considered heavy
- ⚠️ MIUI Android 9-based: Many people waited for Android 10 out of the box"
- ⚠️ Plastic bumper – despite the glass, the frame was plastic, which reduced the premium
⚠️ One of the most common problems of the first Redmi Note 8 Pro was the “green screen” – a defect in the display that manifested itself at high brightness. Xiaomi promptly replaced defective copies under warranty, but if you buy a used model, be sure to check the display for this defect.
Interestingly, many users noted the camera module’s unusual design — it was centered, not in the corner, as most smartphones of the time — and it was controversial, with some viewing it as original and others as inconvenient.
Updates and support: how many years have received updates Note 8 Pro
The Redmi Note 8 Pro has been updated for 2 years since its release:
- 📱 Android 9 Pie - Out of the Box (MIUI 10)
- 📱 Android 10 – Update Released in Early 2020 (MIUI 11)
- 📱 Android 11 is the latest official update (MIUI 12)
Since then, support from Xiaomi has been scuttled, but enthusiasts have continued to release custom firmware, such as the unofficial builds of LineageOS and Pixel Experience, which have allowed many users to upgrade to Android 12 and even Android 13.
⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware on the Redmi Note 8 Pro requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets all data and can lead to loss of warranty. NFC.
For those who want to extend the life of their smartphone, we have prepared a checklist for preparing for the firmware:
☑️ Preparation for the installation of custom firmware
If you are not sure about your abilities, it is better to contact experienced users on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums, where there are detailed firmware guides for this model.
How the Redmi Note 8 Pro influenced subsequent Xiaomi models
The Redmi Note 8 Pro was a watershed model for the entire Redmi Note lineup, and its success showed Xiaomi that users are willing to pay for:
- 📸 High-quality cameras, even in the budget segment
- 🎮 Gaming performance without overpaying for the brand
- 🔋 Large batteries with fast charging
That’s why the Redmi Note 9 Pro (2020) introduced the Snapdragon 720G, a response to criticism for using MediaTek in the previous model, and the camera remained at 64 MP, but with improved optics.
The Note 8 Pro was also the last smartphone in the line with an IR port, which was abandoned in subsequent models in order to reduce the thickness of the case, a decision that caused discontent among users who actively used the remote function.
Why Xiaomi has abandoned MediaTek in the Note 9 Pro
Should I buy the Redmi Note 8 Pro in 2026?
On the secondary market, the Redmi Note 8 Pro is still available at a price of 8,000 to 12,000 rubles (depending on the condition).
Arguments FOR:
- 💰 Low price – one of the cheapest smartphones with 64 MP camera
- 🔧 Repairability – spare parts are cheap and common
- 🎮 Productivity - Helio G90T It still pulls most games on the mid-range settings.
Arguments against:
- ❌ Outdated software - the latest official version of Android 11
- ❌ No. 5G — In 2026, this is already a serious disadvantage.
- ❌ Weak optimization MIUI — On older versions of Android, the smartphone can slow down
If you need a second smartphone for a photo or a budget gaming device, the Note 8 Pro may still be an interesting option, but for everyday use in 2026, it’s better to consider newer models, such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or the POCO X5 Pro.
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Redmi Note 8 Pro in 2026 The year is suitable only for secondary tasks (photograph, games, backup phone). 2021-2022 year-end.