Xiaomi Redmi 8: which smartphone is better to choose in 2026? Full comparison of all modifications

Xiaomi Redmi 8, released in 2019, still remains relevant for the budget segment due to balanced characteristics and affordable price. However, not everyone knows that under the brand Redmi 8 hides several modifications: the standard version, Redmi 8A, Redmi 8A Dual and Redmi 8A Pro. Each of them has its own characteristics – from the number of cameras to the capacity of the battery and processor. In this article, we will see which option is better suited for different tasks: everyday use, games, photo capture or maximum autonomy.

It's important to understand that the choice depends not only on the specifications, but also on the current needs. For example, if you want a smartphone exclusively for calls and social networks, it makes no sense to overpay for the top-end modification. But for fans of mobile games or photos, the difference between models can be critical. We will analyze all the key parameters, from the processor to the build quality, and give specific recommendations for different use cases.

Review of all models of the Redmi 8 line: what are they different?

At first glance, all the Redmi 8 series smartphones look the same, but in fact they have significant differences.

• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 8 — Basic version with dual main camera (12+2 MP) and fingerprint scanner.
• 📱 Redmi 8A — A simplified model with a single main camera (12 MP), no fingerprint scanner, but with a more powerful Snapdragon 439 processor.
• 📱 Redmi 8A Dual - analogue 8A, but with a double camera (13+2 MP) and support for two SIM-map + MicroSD simultaneously.
• 📱 Redmi 8A Pro – a rare modification with an improved front camera (8 MP) and additional shooting modes.

The main difference between the Redmi 8 and the 8A is the presence of a second lens and a fingerprint sensor, while the 8A is slightly more productive due to the updated chipset. The 8A Dual model combines the advantages of both versions: a dual camera and an improved processor, but without a fingerprint scanner. The 8A Pro is more of a marketing ploy, since it is identical to the 8A Dual on hardware, but with improved selfie software.

All models run on Android 9 Pie with a MIUI 11 shell (updated to MIUI 12.5), are equipped with a 5000 mAh battery and support fast charging 18W (but equipped with a 10W adapter).

Comparison of technical characteristics: table of key parameters

To see the differences between the models, we've put together a comparison table, and look at the parameters that are critical to you, for example, if you care about performance, look at the column with the processor, and for photographers, the key is the Cameras section.

Important nuance: only Redmi 8A Dual and 8A Pro allows you to use two SIM-The card and the memory card at the same time. 8A Hybrid slots – you have to choose between the second SIM This is critical if you travel frequently or use work and personal SIMs.

Another point is RAM capacity: Modifications with 2GB of RAM as early as 2026 can slow down when multitasking, especially if you run multiple applications at the same time, the optimal option is 3GB (available in all models except the basic 8A with 2/32GB).

Which Redmi 8 is best for gaming and performance?

All smartphones in the line are equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 processor, which is a budget segment, which means that you should not expect record performance in heavy games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile at maximum settings.

We’ve tested several popular games on Redmi 8A Dual (3/32GB) with the latest updates:

• 🎮 PUBG Mobile: Medium settings, 30 FPS — playable, but with rare friezes.
• 🎮 Free Fire: High Settings, 40-50 FPS — smoothly.
• 🎮 Mobile Legends: maximum settings, 60 FPS — no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no.
• 🎮 Asphalt 9: Medium settings are acceptable, but graphic artifacts are noticeable.

For gamers, not only is hardware critical, but the amount of RAM is critical. 2 GB RAM (for example, basic Redmi) 8A 2/32 GB) will be slowed down already through 10-15 The best choice is Redmi. 8 4/64 GB or Redmi 8A Dual 3/32 The latter wins due to a separate slot under microSD, which allows you to expand the memory without losing the second. SIM-map.

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Before starting the game, close all background applications (especially messengers and social networks) - this will free up to 300-500 MB of RAM and reduce the number of lags.

⚠️ Attention: B 2026 Snapdragon 439 If you want a smartphone to play games, consider newer models like the Redmi. 9A POCO M3, wherein helio is installed G25/G35 or Snapdragon 662.

Camera Quality: Which Model Is Better at Shooting?

Photos are one of the weak points of the Redmi 8 lineup, all models are equipped with budget modules that show mediocre results in poor lighting conditions.

• 📸 Redmi 8: double-camera (12+2 MP) with Sony's main sensor IMX363 — The best shot in the whole lineup, the second lens is responsible for blurring the background»).
• 📸 Redmi 8A: 12 MP single camera with no extra modules, no portrait mode and wide dynamic range (HDR weakly).
• 📸 Redmi 8A Dual and 8A Pro: dual camera (13+2 MP, but the main sensor is worse (Samsung) S5K3L6 Sony instead IMX363). But there is a mode of “night shooting”, which is not in the base Redmi 8.

For comparison, we give examples of images in the same conditions (daylight, no flash):

• 🌞 Redmi 8: Higher detail, more natural colors, less noise.
• 🌞 Redmi 8A Dual: the picture is softer, sometimes a halo around objects appears.
• 🌙 In the dark, all models are bad, but 8A Dual/Pro It will be a little better with the night photography».

The front camera is the same in all versions, 8MP, but the Redmi 8A Pro adds additional filters and beauty mode with more flexible settings. If you take selfies often, this model will be preferred.

Autonomy and charging: how much battery is enough?

All smartphones in the line are equipped with a battery capacity of 5000 mAh - this is one of the main advantages of the series. In everyday use (calls, messengers, watching video), the charge lasts for 1.5-2 days with moderate screen brightness. During active use (games, navigation, video shooting) - about 12-15 hours.

Important nuances for charging:

• ⚡ All models support fast charging Quick Charge 3.0 (18W), But it comes with an adapter. 10W. To speed up the process, you will have to buy the charger separately (we recommend the original from Xiaomi or certified). PD 18W).
• ⚡ Full charge time: ~2.5 hours with native adapter, ~1.5 hours 18W.
• ⚡ Redmi 8A Pro has optimized power consumption due to updated software, which gives +10-15% Autonomy compared to other models.

If you're looking for autonomy, consider the Redmi 8A Pro, which is a battery that's more efficient, and it's also worth considering that battery capacity decreases over time. When you buy a used smartphone, check the number of charging cycles through the engineering menu (#4636## → "Battery Information").

Turn off background activity of unnecessary apps |Use dark theme |Reduce screen brightness to 50-60% |Disable GPS and Bluetooth when they are not needed |Recharge phone to 80-90%, avoid full discharge

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⚠️ Warning: If your smartphone is running out quickly (less than 6 hours), check the battery status in the AccuBattery app if the capacity drops below 70% of the original capacity (i.e., if the battery is running out of power). ~3500 mAh) recommended battery replacement.The cost of the original battery for the Redmi 8 is about 1500-2000 rubles.

Display and multimedia: usability

All models of the lineup are equipped with 6.22-inch screens with HD+ resolution (720×1520) and an aspect ratio of 19:9. The matrix is IPS, which guarantees good viewing angles, but not record brightness. Maximum brightness is ~400 nits, so in the sun the image can “burn out”.

Key features of the display:

• 🎥 Support HDR is not available, but there is a “Read” mode (monochrome screen to save charge).
• 🎵 There's no stereo speakers, sound comes from one lower speaker, quality is mediocre, low frequencies are barely transmitted.
• 🔊 To improve the sound, you can turn on the Mi Sound Enhancer mode in the settings (Settings) → Sound. → Improvement of sound).
• 🎮 Delayed touch (~100 ms) is visible in dynamic games, but not critical for everyday tasks.

If you watch videos or play frequently, consider alternatives with Full HD+ screens (like the Redmi Note 8), but HD+ is enough for social media, instant messengers, and YouTube content (where most 720p videos are available).

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Redmi 8 screen is suitable for everyday tasks, but not for professional graphics or viewing. HDR-content.

Prices in 2026: where is it more profitable to buy and whether to take used?

In 2026, the new Redmi 8 smartphones are no longer produced, but they can be found on sale as leftover warehouses or used variants.

When buying a used smartphone, be sure to check:

1. Battery status (via AccuBattery or engineering menu)
2. All cameras, speaker, microphone.
3. No sign of falls or opening (check the screws on the back cover).
4. USB-C connector state (often fails when charging is careless).

If the budget allows, it is better to consider new models in the same price segment: Redmi 9A (~7000 rubles), Poco C31 (~8500 rubles) or Redmi A2+ (~9000 rubles).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Redmi 8