Choosing a smartphone from the popular line of Xiaomi Mi 8 today can baffle even an experienced user, because the market is present in many modifications. the Flagship of 2018 became a landmark device that received a... AMOLED-screen, powerful processor and support NFC, But the different versions are very different, and you can figure out which one is best for you, and you can do a detailed analysis of the specifications and relevance of each model.
In this article, we're not just going to list dry numbers, but we're going to look at real-world use cases: Should you overpay for the Explorer Edition or should you take the basic Mi 8? Or maybe the more affordable Mi 8 Lite will be the best choice?
The main dilemma buyers face is the balance between performance and price: over the years, prices for these devices have dropped significantly, making them attractive for purchase as a second phone or a budget option for a child. However, it is important to consider the state of the battery and support for software updates, as these factors directly affect the life of the device.
Key differences in the Mi 8 model range
Xiaomi Mi 8 range includes three main directions: the classic flagship, its improved version of the Pro and the lightweight model Lite. The classic Mi 8 became the first smartphone of the company with a cutout in the screen and support for dual-band GPS, which ensured high accuracy of navigation. This device is built on the basis of the Snapdragon 845 chipset, which still demonstrates decent performance in most tasks.
The Mi 8 Pro is marketed as a premium solution with a transparent back cover and a built-in fingerprint scanner, using a more advanced camera system and increased RAM, while the Mi 8 Lite is a mid-range solution with an aluminum body and a less powerful but energy-efficient Snapdragon 660 AIE processor.
⚠️ Note: Don’t confuse the regular Mi 8 with the Mi 8 SE. The latter is based on the Snapdragon 710 processor and has a significantly smaller screen, making it less versatile for multimedia.
When choosing, it is important to pay attention not only to the name, but also to specifications, as marketing names can be misleading. For example, the presence of glass on the back in the Lite version creates the illusion of premium, but the internal stuffing remains a compromise.
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The classic Mi 8 is the “golden middle” of the line, combining a top-end processor and an adequate price, while the Pro version is more interesting to collectors and technology enthusiasts.
Comparison of performance and processors
The heart of any smartphone is its processor, and in this aspect, the Mi 8 models show a noticeable difference. The flagship versions (Mi 8 and Mi 8 Pro) run on the basis of the Snapdragon 845, made on a 10-nm process, this chip provides high speed interface, fast loading of heavy applications and stable framerate in games.
Unlike them, the Mi 8 Lite features a Snapdragon 660 processor, which is mid-range, and does a great job with social media, video streaming and light gaming, but is inferior to flagships in resource-intensive tasks. The difference in AnTuTu benchmarks can reach double the value, which is noticeable with multitasking.
The type of RAM is also important: Top models were equipped with LPDDR4X memory at 1866 MHz, which allows fast data exchange. In budget versions, bandwidth is lower, which can affect the speed of switching between heavy applications.
For gamers, the choice is obvious: only versions on the Snapdragon 845 are able to pull modern games at high graphics settings without significant drawdowns of FPS. However, it is worth remembering that powerful "iron" requires high-quality cooling, and here the construction of the body plays an important role.
Display and Design: AMOLED vs. IPS
The screen is what the user interacts with most often, and here the Xiaomi Mi 8 offers excellent image quality. Samsung's Super AMOLED matrix provides deep black, high contrast and saturated colors. A 6.21-inch diagonal with a resolution of 2248×1080 pixels creates a picture density at which individual pixels are indistinguishable.
The Mi 8 Lite model received the IPS-It's a 6.26-inch matrix, and although the viewing angles and color rendering are also good, there's no technology. AMOLED This means that black will be dark gray rather than lowering the power consumption of dark themes.
The design of the devices also varies. Flagships are made of Gorilla Glass with a metal frame, which gives them a premium look but makes them slippery. Mi 8 Lite has an all-metal body with glass inserts at the back, which improves ergonomics and reduces the risk of scratches, but deprives the possibility of wireless charging.
⚠️ Attention: AMOLED-screens are sensitive to low temperatures. When using a smartphone in extreme cold, the image may temporarily lose brightness or become inert.
Another difference is that the top-end models use a high-quality oleophobic coating that lasts longer to keep the screen neat, and in budget versions, this layer can wear off faster, requiring the use of a protective film.
Cameras: Night shooting and zoom
Photographic capabilities are one of the main arguments in favor of the flagship versions: the Mi 8 and Mi 8 Pro core module is based on Sony IMX363 sensors with f/1.8 aperture and optical stabilization (OIS), which allows you to get clear pictures even in low light, which is critical for night shooting.
The Pro version also has a telephoto lens with a 2x optical zoom, which is not found in the base model. The second module allows you to take high-quality portraits with natural background blur and zoom in without losing detail. The Mi 8 Lite has a dual 24+2 MP camera that relies on software algorithms rather than optical zoom.
The front camera in all models of the lineup has a resolution of 20 MP and supports Beautify AI technology. It does well with portraits, but in low light conditions, flagships benefit from a larger lens aperture.
Secrets of Night Shooting
Video shooting also varies: top models can write 4K video at 60 frames per second, while the Lite version is limited to 30 frames and a simpler stabilizer.
Battery and charging speed
The autonomy of the smartphone depends on the battery capacity and system optimization. Xiaomi Mi 8 is equipped with a battery capacity of 3400 mAh, which is for the first time. AMOLED-With active use, the device usually survives until the evening, but heavy users may need to recharge during the day.
The Mi 8 Lite has a more capacious 3,350mAh battery, but with a less power-hungry screen and processor, it often runs longer than the flagship, but it lacks support for Quick Charge 4.0, which older models have and can charge up to 50% of the battery in just 30 minutes.
It's important to note the battery status of a used device. Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, and if a phone is a few years old, its actual capacity can be 70-80% of the factory capacity, which is especially critical for Mi 8 Pro owners, whose transparent body will not hide the bloating of the battery.
| Model | Battery capacity | Fast charging. | Wireless charging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 8 | 3400mAh | QC 4.0 (18 W) | There is. |
| Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro | 3400mAh | QC 4.0 (18 W) | There is. |
| Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite | 3350mAh | QC 2.0 (10 W) | No. |
| Xiaomi Mi 8 SE | 3120 mAh | QC 3.0 (18 W) | No. |
The lack of fast charging support in the Lite version means that full energy recovery will take more than 2.5 hours.For the modern rhythm of life, this can be inconvenient, so having the original power supply bundled (or its counterpart) becomes an important nuance.
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Use the original cable or certified 3A-enabled analogues to activate the fast charging mode. Cheap cables can limit power to 5-10 watts.
Fingerprint scanners and face unlocking
The Mi 8 range has different biometric protections, with the regular Mi 8 and Lite using a classic fingerprint scanner on the back, which is fast and reliable, and is normally placed under the index finger.
The unique feature of the Mi 8 Pro is a scanner built right into the screen, which was a novelty at the time of its release and still looks spectacular, but the speed of an optical scanner under glass can be inferior to capacitive analogues, especially if the finger is wet or dirty.
All models support face unlocking with the use of AI-The camera scans over 100 face points, which is fast and safe, but in total darkness, the screen still has to illuminate the face, which consumes battery power.
⚠️ Note: The optical scanner in the screen (in the Pro version) may not work with thick protective glass. Use the manufacturer's recommended accessories or remove protection when setting up.
For those who use a smartphone in gloves, a physical button on the back (in the normal versions) will be more convenient, as it does not require direct skin contact with the sensor.
Final comparison and characteristics table
To sum up, it depends on your priorities: If you want the best performance, the best camera and wireless charging, the Xiaomi Mi 8 or Pro is the only right choice, and these devices still feel fast and can meet the needs of most users.
If the budget is tight and the priority is autonomy and reliability, the Mi 8 Lite will be a great option, easier to repair, less warm and has a more durable body, but you will have to put up with slower charging and lack of NFC in some regional versions.
☑️ Criteria for choosing a smartphone
When buying a used device, be sure to check all communication modules, especially NFC and GPS, as these are frequent points of failure after falls.