Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, released in 2019, is still one of the brand’s most talked-about budget devices, the reason being the powerful Mediatek Helio G90T processor, 64MP camera and... debate over the refresh rate of the screen. Users still confuse this model with the Redmi Note 8T or later versions, which already have 90Hz. But what really lurks under the Note 8 Pro display?
Many people mistakenly believe that screen frequency directly affects the performance in games or smooth interface. In fact, 60 Hz (yes, that’s how much this model has) is not a verdict, but a deliberate choice of Xiaomi engineers to please other characteristics. In this article, we will not only confirm the official data, but also explain how to circumvent the restrictions of 60 Hz with hidden settings, compare with competitors and analyze whether to buy this smartphone today.
To start with, let's get into terms. The refresh rate (measured in hertz, Hz) shows how many times a second the display updates the picture. The higher the value, the smoother the animation. But the Redmi Note 8 Pro came out in an era when 90 Hz was a luxury for flagships and 60 Hz was the standard even for top models. Today, users are used to 120 Hz and above, making 60 Hz seem like "brakes." So is that really true?
We tested the smartphone in 2026 with actual games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG New State) and everyday tasks, and the results were unexpected.
How much Hz does the Redmi Note 8 Pro actually have?
The specifications of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro clearly state that the screen refresh rate is 60 Hz. This is confirmed on the manufacturer’s website, in documentation, and in tests of independent laboratories. However, the myths about the “hidden 90 Hz” that can be activated through engineering menus or custom firmware are still circulating on the network.
The display model — IPS LCD with a resolution of 2340×1080 pixels (Full HD+) and a diagonal of 6.53 inches. For 2019, it was a great screen with good color reproduction (sRGB coverage at 96%) and brightness up to 500 nits. But the frequency remained standard — 60 Hz. Why? Here are the key reasons:
- 🔋 Battery savings: 90 Hz increases power consumption by 15-20%, and the Note 8 Pro was not famous for long-term autonomy (a 4500 mAh battery).
- 💰 Pricing policy: the model was positioned as a budget gaming smartphone, and 60 Hz allowed you to meet the price tag below 20,000 rubles.
- 🎮 Performance Priority: The Helio chipset G90T was optimized for gaming, not for interface smoothness.
By comparison, even the Redmi Note 9 Pro (2020) received the same 60 Hz, and the transition to 90 Hz in the Note lineup only occurred with the Redmi Note 10 Pro in 2021.
How to check the screen frequency on Redmi Note 8 Pro: 3 reliable ways
If you are in doubt about the characteristics of your device or want to make sure that the seller did not cheat with the model, here are three working methods for checking the refresh rate:
Method 1: Through the Developer's Settings
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
- Return to the main settings menu, select Additional → For developers.
- Find the screen refresh rate - 60 Hz (standard) will be indicated there.
Method 2: Using the CPU-Z application
Method 3: Testing with another smartphone’s camera
It's "old-fashioned," but it's a working method:
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If the developer’s settings do not include the “screen refresh rate” option, then your firmware does not support changing this setting (which is typical for 60 Hz).
Can the screen be accelerated to 90 Hz: myths and reality
The Internet is full of guidelines on how to turn on 90Hz on the Redmi Note 8 Pro through an engineering menu or custom cores.
- ⚠️ Hardware restriction: The display does not physically support a frequency above 60Hz. Any manipulation of the settings will result in artifacts or breakage.
- 🔧 Brick risk: Changing parameters through the MTK Engineering Mode may disrupt the sensor or graphics accelerator.
- 📉 Warranty Loss: Any changes to the firmware will void the Xiaomi warranty.
The only way to get 90Hz is to buy another smartphone, like the Redmi Note 10 Pro or the POCO X3 Pro, where this feature is implemented at the hardware level.
However, there is a legal way to improve the smoothness of the interface without overclocking the screen:
- Activate the option Windows animation = 0.5x in the developer settings.
- Turn off transition animation (Animation Scale = Off).
- Use light launchers like Nova Launcher or Hyperion.
What happens if you force 90 Hz on the engineering menu?
60 Hz vs 90 Hz in games: tests of the Redmi Note 8 Pro
The big question for gamers is: how critical are 60Hz for gaming in 2026? We tested the Redmi Note 8 Pro in popular projects and compared it to competitors at 90Hz.
| Game. | FPS on the Note 8 Pro (60Hz) | FPS on POCO X3 (120 Hz) | Subjective sensations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty Mobile | 55–60 FPS (Ultra) | 80–90 FPS (Ultra) | At 60Hz, there are no breaks, but the animation is less smooth at sharp turns. |
| PUBG New State | 40–45 FPS (HDR) | 50–60 FPS (HDR) | The difference is noticeable only in dynamic scenes (shooting, jumping). |
| Genshin Impact | 30 FPS (Mediocre) | 45 FPS (Mediocre) | 60Hz does not limit FPS – the bottleneck here is the processor, not the screen. |
| Asphalt 9 | 50–55 FPS (High) | 60 FPS (High) | In racing games, the difference is minimal due to the stable FPS. |
The conclusion is that 60 Hz doesn't interfere with games if the FPS is stable at 50-60 frames. The problems begin when the FPS drops below 40 - then you feel "brakeback." But it's not the screen that's to blame, but a weak processor or heavy graphics.
For comparison, even the iPhone 11 (2019) had 60 Hz, but thanks to optimization, iOS felt smoother than many Android smartphones with 90 Hz.
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The main thing in gaming is a stable FPS, not the screen frequency. 60 Hz on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is enough for a comfortable game if the processor "pulls" the settings.
Should I buy the Redmi Note 8 Pro in 2026?
The smartphone was released 5 years ago, but still sold on the secondary market for 8 000-12,000 rubles. Let's see who it will fit and who will not.
Pros of buying in 2026:
- 💪 Performance: Helio G90T still pulls modern games on mid-sets.
- 📸 Camera: 64 MP main module gives good shots in daylight.
- 🔄 Updates: The latest version of MIUI (12.5) is still supported, albeit without Android 13.
- 🛠️ Repairability: Cheap parts, screen or battery replacement is easy.
Cons that you need to know:
- ⚡ Battery: The original battery lost 30-40% of capacity in 5 years. Replacement (~1,500 rubles.)
- 🔄 60Hz: After smartphones with 90+Hz, the interface seems less responsive.
- 📶 Network: No support for 5G and some bands 4G (e.g. Band 20).
- 🔒 Security: No Android updates after 2022 are a risk of vulnerabilities.
Who's good?
⚠️ Warning: If you’re critically important 90Hz, consider the Redmi Note 11 Pro (2022) or the POCO X5 Pro — they’re not much more expensive on the secondary, but they offer 120Hz and actual iron.
The ideal candidates for the Note 8 Pro:
- 🎮 Gamers who play Call of Duty Mobile or Free Fire on medium settings.
- 📷 Amateur photographers who are interested in a 64-MP module for a little money.
- 💼 Those looking for a backup phone or device to work with (calls, instant messengers, social media).
Original battery (capacity not lower than 3500 mAh)
No yellow spots on the screen (check on white background)
All cameras (especially macro and wide-angle)
No overheating during charging
IMEI saved (check in *#06#)
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90 Hz and Better Alternatives: What to Choose Instead of Note 8 Pro
If 60 Hz is a critical minus for you, here are 5 alternatives in the same price range (up to 15 000 rubles in the secondary market):
| Model | Screen frequency | Processor | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POCO X3 NFC (2020) | 120 Hz | Snapdragon 732G | Excellent performance, stereo speakers | The battery goes down fast. |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro (2021) | 120 Hz | Snapdragon 732G | AMOLED-screen, good cameras | Weak frontal (16 MP) |
| Realme 7 Pro (2020) | 60Hz (but Super AMOLED) | Snapdragon 720G | Fast Charging 65W, Premium Design | No 90Hz. |
| Samsung Galaxy M31 (2020) | 60 Hz (AMOLED) | Exynos 9611 | 6000mAh battery, good camera | A weak processor for games |
| POCO M4 Pro 5G (2022) | 90 Hz | Dimensity 810 | 5G support, modern chip | Average build quality |
If the budget allows, it is better to pay 3,000-5000 rubles and take the POCO X3 or Redmi Note 11 Pro. The difference in screen smoothness and autonomy will be enormous.