Choosing between the Xiaomi Mi 8 and Xiaomi Mi 9 in 2026 is not just a comparison of specs, but a balance between cost and residual life. Both smartphones were once considered benchmarks, but the time is inexorable: technology has gone far ahead, leaving these models in the category of budget solutions for the secondary market. The key factor in buying now is not only hardware, but also support from developers, as well as the physical condition of batteries that could degrade over the years.
Many users are wondering whether it makes sense to overpay for the ninth series, or is the eight still able to meet basic needs? The answer depends on your priorities: if you want to optimize power consumption and more modern design without bezel, the choice is obvious. However, for those who are looking for the cheapest possible entry into the Xiaomi ecosystem with a working NFC and headphone jack, the situation looks different.
In this article, we will conduct in-depth analysis, comparing not only the dry benchmark numbers, but also the actual user experience in the current realities of 2026, we will look at how these devices cope with modern versions of Android and the shell of HyperOS (or the latest stable versions of MIUI), and assess their suitability for everyday tasks such as instant messengers, navigation and watching media content.
Design and Ergonomics: The Evolution of the Form Factor
The look of smartphones determines the first impression and convenience of daily use. Xiaomi Mi 8 is made in the classic style of 2018: glass back panel, aluminum bezels and, most notably, wide bezels at the top and bottom of the screen. the presence of “notch” for the front camera and sensors became the standard of the time, but today looks archaic, especially when watching video in 18:9 format.
Xiaomi Mi 9 has made a significant leap in design, introducing the concept of "frameless." The screen occupies almost 91% of the front panel area, and the bangs are reduced to a minimum, turning into a neat drop-shaped cutout. The rear panel has a gradient coloration and curved edges, which makes the smartphone visually thinner and more pleasant to the touch. The ergonomics of the ninth model is much better: it is narrower and lighter, it is easier to hold with one hand.
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi 8: Thickness 7.6 mm, weight 175 g, presence of 3.5 mm jack, wide frames.
- 🌌 Xiaomi Mi 9: 7.6 mm thickness, weight 173 g, no jack, minimal bezels and drop-shaped cutout.
- 🎨 Both smartphones use Gorilla Glass, but the Mi 9 has a more complex rear panel processing.
Importantly, the lack of a headphone jack in the Mi 9 could be a critical drawback for audiophiles accustomed to wired sound. At the same time, the Mi 8 retains this port, making it more versatile in 2026, when wireless headphones have already become the norm, but wired ones are still relevant for the budget segment.
⚠️ Warning: The glass on the back of both smartphones is very slippery and easily collects fingerprints. When buying a used device, be sure to check for microcracks on the faces, as falling on the glass often leads to expensive repairs.
Screen and multimedia: image quality
Both smartphones are equipped with matrices such as Super AMOLED, which provides deep black color and high contrast. The screen size is almost identical - 6.21 inches for the Mi 8 and 6.39 inches for the Mi 9. The resolution also coincides: FullHD + (1080x2248 pixels). However, the pixel density of the Mi 9 is slightly higher due to the diagonal, although (to the naked eye) the difference is almost invisible.
The main difference lies in the technology of protection and brightness. Xiaomi Mi 9 received a more modern oleophobic coating and support for HDR10, which makes the picture when watching videos from streaming services (Netflix, YouTube) more saturated and detailed. The screen brightness of the ninth model is also higher, which allows you to use your smartphone more comfortably in bright sunlight.
It’s worth mentioning the refresh rate. Both smartphones run on the standard 60Hz. In 2026, when public sector workers have long been equipped with 90 or 120Hz screens, scrolling through social media feeds on the Mi 8 and Mi 9 may seem less smooth, a significant drawback for both devices in modern realities.
DC Dimming Technology
Performance: Snapdragon 845 vs 855
The heart of the Xiaomi Mi 8 is the Snapdragon 845 processor, and the Xiaomi Mi 9 runs on the Snapdragon 855. At first glance, the difference in one generation seems small, but in the world of mobile electronics it is a whole year of optimizations and new architectures. In the benchmark AnTuTu Mi 8 scores about 300-350 thousand points, while the Mi 9 confidently overcomes the mark of 450-480 thousand points.
In everyday tasks — launching apps, switching between browser tabs, working with the navigator — both smartphones behave decently. However, the Mi 9 copes with heavy tasks noticeably faster. The Adreno 640 graphics accelerator in the ninth model provides more stable FPS in games, albeit at low graphics settings, which is relevant for heavy projects in 2026.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi Mi 8 | Xiaomi Mi 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) | Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) |
| RAM | 6GB of LPDDR4X | 6/8GB of LPDDR4X |
| Storage | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| AnTuTu (v10) | ~320,000 points | ~470,000 points |
The Snapdragon 845 is known for its tendency to trottling (decreased performance when heated). Mi 9 thanks to the more subtle process technology (7 nm) heats less and keeps the maximum frequency longer. This is critical if you plan to use your smartphone not only for calls, but also for navigation in the car or video shooting.
Cameras: Comparison of photo capabilities
Photographic ability is where the Xiaomi Mi 9 shows its superiority most vividly. The 48MP core module (Sony IMX586) with an f/1.75 aperture combined with a telephoto lens and ultra-wide-angle lens gives tremendous flexibility in shooting. The Xiaomi Mi 8 features a dual camera: the 12MP main module (Sony IMX363) and the 12MP TV. The absence of a "width" (ultra-wide-angle camera) in the eight is felt immediately.
In good lighting, both smartphones take great pictures. But night shooting is the territory of the Mi 9. Image processing algorithms, coupled with more light-powered optics and a better signal processing processor (ISP), allow you to get less noisy and more detailed shots with a lack of light. Night Mode on the Mi 9 works faster and more efficiently.
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For the best photo quality on these models in 2026, use third-party camera apps like Google Camera (GCam). The ports for the Mi 8 and Mi 9 are community-optimized and can do wonders with dynamic range.
Video shooting also varies.The Mi 9 can shoot 4K video at 60 frames per second, while the Mi 8 is limited to 30 frames in 4K (although Full HD shoots at 60 fps). Image stabilization (EIS) on the ninth model works softer and removes micro-shaking more efficiently.
Autonomy and charging speed
Battery capacity is one of the main parameters that you should look at when buying a used device. Xiaomi Mi 8 is equipped with a battery of 3400 mAh, and Xiaomi Mi 9 – 3300 mAh. It would seem that the eight should live longer, but the more energy-efficient processor Snapdragon 855 in the Mi 9 compensates for the smaller capacity. In practice, both smartphones in 2026 with a worn-out battery are unlikely to live to the evening of an active user.
Charging speed is where the Mi 9 breaks forward. Support for 27W fast charging technology (a 27W unit was often included, although 18W was put in some regions) allows you to charge the smartphone much faster. Mi 8 supports fast charging QC 3.0 (18W), which is also good, but slower.
- 🔋 Real time: Both keep a charge well in standby mode, but with active screen use (SoC) you should count on the power of the device. 3-4 hour.
- ⚡ Wireless charging: Unique feature for its time - Mi 9 supports wireless charging, Mi 8 such an opportunity is deprived.
- 🔄 Reverse charging: Mi 9 can charge other devices (earphones, watches) through the air, acting as a powerbank.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a used smartphone, be sure to check battery wear (recharge cycles).If the capacity is below 80% of the nominal value, prepare for an immediate replacement of the battery, otherwise the autonomy will be catastrophic.
Software and Relevance in 2026
Official support for Xiaomi Mi 8 and Xiaomi Mi 9 from the manufacturer has long since ceased. the final versions of MIUI they received are based on Android 10 or 11. In 2026, many modern applications begin to require newer versions of the operating system, which can lead to compatibility problems with banking applications or new versions of messengers.
But thanks to a huge community of developers, both smartphones are alive thanks to custom firmware. LineageOS, Pixel Experience and other projects allow Android 13, 14 and even later to be installed on these devices. Custom firmware can breathe a second life into the device, making the interface easier and more modern.
☑️ Check before buying a used smartphone
However, the lack of security patches from 2026-2026 makes the device vulnerable to new viruses and network attacks, and it is not recommended to use such smartphones to store critical data or conduct large financial transactions without additional protection measures.
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Buying the Xiaomi Mi 8 or Mi 9 in 2026 is justified only as a second device, a phone for a child or for collecting.
Conclusions and Comparisons
To sum up, the Xiaomi Mi 9 is a more advanced device in almost every aspect: screen, camera, performance and the presence of wireless charging make it more attractive.The price difference in the secondary market is often minimal, so overpaying for the ninth model makes sense.
Xiaomi Mi 8 should be considered only if the budget is extremely limited, or if you are vitally need a headphone jack and a classic design with a bezel.It is a reliable "soldier" that, if used carefully, will last for some time for simple tasks.
Both smartphones are legends of their time, but in 2026 their time is gone forever, giving way to more modern public sector workers who offer 90 Hz, 5G and next-generation AI cameras, choosing between them is the choice of the lesser of two evils in a world of a bygone era.