Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition: Should we expect a new release in the future? 2026-2026 years?

Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition is a legendary smartphone that still attracts interest among mobile enthusiasts. 2018 Since the year it was a flagship model with a transparent rear panel and top-end specs, it has become an iconic device. But what if you're looking for a modern version or a reissue? 8 Explorer Edition in the new version 2026-2026 What alternatives exist today and whether to wait for the updated model.

It’s worth clarifying right away: the original Mi 8 Explorer Edition is no longer in production and the chances of a direct re-release are minimal. However, Xiaomi regularly returns to successful series in an updated format — think of the Mi 11 Ultra or Mix Fold. Is it possible that the company decides to revive the Explorer lineup with modern hardware?

Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition: Why did it become a cult?

Launched in June 2018, the Mi 8 Explorer Edition was the pinnacle of Xiaomi’s engineering thinking at the time. It wasn’t just a flagship model, it was a statement of technology leadership.

• 🔹 Transparent back panel with highlighting of internal components – a design solution that still adores.
• 📱 Under-screen fingerprint scanner (one of the first mass implementations of this technology).
• 🔋 Fast charging. 27W (fitted with an adapter 18W, But it was supported by a more powerful).
• 🤖 3D-Face scanner for unlocking (analogue of Face) ID Apple).
• 📦 Exclusive equipment: Kevlar case, wireless charging (in certain regions).

Technical specifications were also on top: Snapdragon processor 845, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB of memory, dual main camera 12+12 It's an optical zoom MP, but the main thing is that it was limited in circulation, which made it a collector's item, and today, in the secondary market, it's priced at a higher price. 50-70 thousands of rubles depending on the state - almost in 2 double-price!

That's why many fans of the brand still dream of it coming back. But how real is it?

Xiaomi’s official position: Will there be a new Explorer Edition?

Unfortunately, Xiaomi never officially announced plans to revive the Explorer Edition line, the last time mentioning such models was in the context of the Mi 9 Explorer Edition, which never came out - instead, the Mi 9 Pro appeared. 5G different-accented.

However, there are a few indirect signs that offer hope:

1. The trend is “transparent design.” In 2023, Xiaomi released the Xiaomi 13 Ultra with a unique camera design, and in 2026 introduced the Xiaomi concept. SU7 (It's an electric car with transparent elements, which means that the company hasn't forgotten about the "transparent" aesthetic.
2. Jubilee models: Xiaomi celebrates its 14th anniversary in 2026 and its 15th anniversary in 2026, often accompanied by special editions (think Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Titanium).
3. Rumors about the Mi 15 Series: Insiders (e.g. Digital Chat Station) mention that Xiaomi is preparing a "special" model in the Mi 15 lineup that can get a unique design.

But there are also scepticisms:

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi’s latest transparent rear-facing smartphone is the 2018 Mi 8 Explorer Edition, and the company hasn’t released a mass-produced device with this design since, despite the popularity of the idea. This may mean that transparency remains a conceptual solution rather than a commercial one.

Xiaomi’s current flagships (14 Ultra, Mix Fold 3) focus on other innovations: foldable screens, superzoom cameras, AI-Going back to transparent design may seem like a step backwards from a marketing perspective.

Technical Prerequisites: What could be in the new Explorer Edition?

Assuming that Xiaomi still decides to release a new version of Explorer Edition in the future. 2026-2026 What technologies could it borrow? Let's make a hypothetical list of characteristics based on current trends:

The original Mi 8 Explorer had a metal frame and glass back, but modern flagships often use titanium or ceramics for the premium segment.

• 🛡️ Titanium frame (like the iPhone 15 Pro or Huawei Mate 60 Pro).
• 💎 Ceramic back panel (like the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3).
• 🔋 Graphene cooling for improved heat sink.

Also, don’t forget about the software. The new model would almost certainly get HyperOS (the new firmware Xiaomi based on Android). 14/15) with unique features for the Explorer Edition, for example:

• 🎮 Game mode with hardware acceleration (like in Black Shark).
• 📸 Exclusive Leica filters for the camera.
• 🔒 Improved biometrics (3D-face-scanner + ultrasonic fingerprint).

💡

If the new version of Explorer Edition still comes out, follow the announcements on the official Xiaomi website in the Events section or in the brand’s social media accounts (@XiaomiRussia Telegram, @Xiaomi Twitter).

Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition in 2026

If you don’t want to wait for the new Explorer Edition, what modern Xiaomi smartphones can be a worthy replacement?

1. Xiaomi 14 Ultra 📌 Why: Flagship with Leica camera, ceramic body and top-end performance. minus - no transparent back, but a unique camera design. 💰 Price: from 120 000 rubles.
2. Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 📌 Why it works: A foldable smartphone with an innovative screen and premium materials, suitable for those looking for an unusual design. 💰 Price: from 150,000 rubles.
3. Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro 📌 Why it fits: Xiaomi's thinnest smartphone (7.45mm) with premium design. not a flagship, but looks like a "special" model. 💰 Price: from 60,000 rubles.
4. POCO F6 Pro 📌 Why it works: If you want performance at the price of the original Mi 8 Explorer (about 40,000 rubles), this is the best option with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. 💰 Price: from 45,000 rubles.

Also worth paying attention to the concept devices that Xiaomi sometimes releases in limited batches:

• 📱 Xiaomi 13 Ultra Classic Edition (2023) – Redesign with leather back panel.
• 🚗 Xiaomi SU7 (electric vehicle – if you are interested in a “transparent” design in another category of technology.

⚠️ Note: When buying alternatives, keep in mind that none of Xiaomi’s current models have a transparent back panel or a transparent back panel. 3D-Face scanner – these features are unique to the Mi 8 Explorer Edition.

Rumors and leaks: What do insiders say?

Analyzing information from well-known insiders (e.g., Digital Chat Station, Ice Universe), we can highlight a few key points that may hint at the return of Explorer Edition:

1. Xiaomi's internal documents mention the code name Dragon, which may refer to a special version of the flagship.
2. In 2023, Xiaomi filed a patent for a technology for “dynamically variable transparency” of the back of a smartphone, which could be a preparation for the new Explorer Edition.
3. Tests with 3D-In the firmware HyperOS for test devices found lines of code associated with 3D Face Unlock: This could mean the return of the technology that was in the original Mi 8 Explorer.

However, there are opposite signals:

• 📉 The decline in interest in transparent smartphones. Since the Mi 8 Explorer, no major brand has released a mass-produced device with such a back panel (except for concepts like Nothing Phone, but there is a different implementation).
• 💸 High cost of production, transparent materials and 3D-Face scanners significantly increase the price of the device, which goes against Xiaomi’s strategy for affordable flagships.

The most recent rumor (April 2026) is that Xiaomi may unveil a “jubilee model” for the brand’s 15th anniversary in 2026, perhaps not a direct successor to the Mi 8 Explorer, but something new that combines the best pieces of the past.

When to expect the announcement: possible dates

If the new Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition does appear, the most likely timing of the announcement is tied to the company’s key events:

The most logical expectation of the announcement in October-November 2026 along with the Xiaomi 15 line, as:

• 📅 This is a traditional time to present Xiaomi flagships.
• 🎁 Special editions are often timed to this period (for example, the Mi 11 Ultra was released in March 2021, but the Mi 11 Lite was released in March 2021). 5G NE — same year).
• 📈 By the end of the year, demand for premium smartphones is growing due to holiday discounts.

If it’s an anniversary model, April 2026 is the most likely month, and Xiaomi may have a separate 15th anniversary event to unveil a “special” device.

⚠️ Note: Even if the announcement occurs within the specified time, the start of sales may be delayed by the 1-2 The first month because of limited editions. 8 Explorer Edition is available for sale through 3 And it's been weeks since the launch, but only in China, and it's been a month since the global release.

💡

If you’re planning a purchase, set up Xiaomi news notifications in advance — limited editions are sold out in hours. Use services like NowhereElse or Xiaomiui to track leaks.

How to prepare for the purchase: checklist for fans

If you’re determined to wait for the new Explorer Edition (or its equivalent), here’s what you need to do right now:

It is also worth considering a few nuances:

• 💳 The original Mi 8 Explorer cost a price tag. ~35,000 rubles in 2018, with inflation and premium positioning, the new version could cost 100,000-150 000 rubles.
• 📦 It is unlikely that the box will be wireless charging (as in 2018), but you can expect branded accessories (for example, a case made of Kevlar).
• 🌍 Regional availability: Xiaomi can only release a device for China (like the Mi 10 Ultra), so you will have to order through merchants or use services like Taobao.

If you are considering buying in the secondary market (the original Mi 8 Explorer), pay attention to:

• 🔋 State of the battery after 5-6 In the past, the capacity could have fallen to 70-80%.
• 🛠️ Availability of original components (charging, case).
• 📱 Possibility of work 3D-Face scanner is the weak point of the model.

To check the condition of the smartphone before buying, use the commands:

adb shell dumpsys battery

(Review the actual battery capacity)

adb shell pm list packages | grep "face"

(check-up 3D-scanner)

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition