When did the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T come out? full story model with specs and comparison

Why Redmi Note 8T became the iconic smartphone Xiaomi

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T came to market as a logical continuation of the successful line of Redmi Note 8, but with a key difference – support for NFC technology. This model became a real hit among budget devices due to balanced specs, high-quality camera and affordable price. But when exactly did the Redmi Note 8T come out, and how did it differ from its predecessor?

In this article, we will go through the release date, the technical features of the model, its advantages over competitors and relevance in 2026. If you are planning to buy a used device or just interested in the history of Xiaomi smartphones, this material is for you.

The official release date of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T was announced on November 6, 2019 at the official event of the brand. Sales started almost immediately after the presentation – already November 8, 2019 the smartphone appeared in official Xiaomi stores and partners. Interestingly, the model was the first in the line of Redmi Note 8, received built-in NFC- chip, which made it especially attractive for the European market.

In Russia and the CIS countries, the smartphone went on sale a little later - at the end of November 2019. The price at the launch was about 15,000-17,000 rubles for the version with 3/32 GB of memory, which was more than competitive for a device with a 48-MP camera and a Snapdragon 665 processor.

The Redmi Note 8T is a bridge between the Redmi Note 8 (released in August 2019) and the Redmi Note 9 (announced in March 2020), and is timed to expand Xiaomi’s presence in the European market, where NFC was critical for contactless payments.

⚠️ Warning: In some markets (e.g. India), the Redmi Note 8T was not officially sold, instead offering the Redmi Note 8 Pro with a Helio G90T processor and without a NFC processor.

The main differences between the Redmi Note 8T and the Redmi Note 8

Despite the similarity, the Redmi Note 8T had several important differences from the base model of the Redmi Note 8. The main one is the presence of a NFC- module, which was absent in the original version, which allowed you to use the smartphone for contactless payments through Google Pay, as well as for interaction with smart devices (for example, tags or locks).

Other differences included:

• 🔋 Battery: Redmi Note 8T got a battery capacity of 4000 mAh (vs. 4000 mAh for Note 8, but with optimized power consumption).
• 📡 Networking capabilities: Support for the LTE Band 20 (800 MHz), which improved coverage in Europe.
• 🎨 Color options: An optional color called "Moonlight White" (white with a pearl hue) that was not in the Note 8 lineup.
• 🔄 Firmware: Out of the box came the more recent version of MIUI 10 (based on Android 9), whereas the Note 8 originally shipped with MIUI 10.3.3.

Both smartphones had the same:

• 📸 Main camera: 48 MP (Sony IMX586 sensor) + 8 MP (wide-angle) + 2 MP (macro) + 2 MP (depth sensor).
• 🖥️ Display: 6,3" IPS LCD with a resolution of 2340×1080 (FHD+) and a drop-like cutout.
• 🔧 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (8 cores, 11 nm).

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NFC has been a key advantage for the Redmi Note 8T over the base model, especially for European users.

Technical characteristics of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: full analysis

Let's take a closer look at the stuffing that made it so popular, and here's a chart of key parameters:

The camera deserves special attention: despite the budget price category, the Redmi Note 8T offered high-quality daytime shots thanks to the Sony IMX586 sensor. The wide-angle module allowed you to capture landscapes with a viewing angle of 120°, and macro photography (albeit with limitations) was a pleasant bonus.

The Snapdragon 665 was capable of performing everyday tasks, including light gaming (PUBG Mobile in mid-settings, Call of Duty: Mobile), but for demanding applications (such as Genshin Impact), the smartphone was no longer suitable.

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To check the originality of the NFC- module in the Redmi Note 8T, go to Settings → Connected Devices → NFC. If the option is missing, the device may be a fake or modification.

The Relevance of the Redmi Note 8T in 2026: Should I Buy?

Almost 5 years after the release of the Redmi Note 8T remains in demand in the market of used technology.

• 💰 Price: On the secondary market, the model can be found for 6 000-10 000 rubles (depending on condition and configuration).
• 🔋 Removable battery: Despite unofficial support, the BL-40 battery is easy to replace on its own (the cost of a new one is about 1,500 rubles).
• 📱 NFC: Still relevant for contactless payments, especially if you don't plan to buy a flagship.
• 🛠️ Repairability: Spare parts are cheap and widely available (display - from 2,500 rubles, camera - from 1,000 rubles).

However, there are also significant disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Outdated software: The latest official firmware is MIUI 12.5 based on Android 11. There is no support for Android 12+, which limits compatibility with new apps.
• ⚡ Performance: The Snapdragon 665 does not do well with modern gaming and multitasking.
• 📸 Camera: In low light, the images are noisy (compared to new budget-friendly models like the Redmi Note 12).

⚠️ Warning: When buying a used Redmi Note 8T, be sure to check the battery status using the code ##4636## (Battery Information section). If the capacity is below 70% of the original, the device will require a replacement battery.

Who will the Redmi Note 8T be in 2026?

• 👵 For older users, simple interface, NFC for payment, reliability.
• 🎮 Amateur gamers for lightweight games like Brawl Stars or Clash Royale.
• 💼 As a spare phone, it is compact, with NFC and good autonomy.

Redmi Note 8T Comparison with Competitors: Who Was Better?

In 2019, the Redmi Note 8T competed with several popular models. Let's compare it to its main rivals:

Redmi Note 8T was advantageously different from competitors by combining NFC + 48-MP camera + low price. Samsung Galaxy A50s was more expensive, but offered AMOLED- screen and a more premium design. Realme 5 Pro had a more powerful processor (Snapdragon 712), but lost NFC. Huawei PH0008XPHKHKKKKHKKHKKKKXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

If you wanted a budget smartphone with an NFC and a good camera in 2019, the Redmi Note 8T would be the best choice.

Redmi Note 8T Problems and How to Solve Them

Like any budget smartphone, the Redmi Note 8T had a number of common problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Turn off the background activity of applications in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization. Replace the battery (the original BL-40 lasts ~2-3 years in active use).
• 📸 Poor photo quality in the dark: Use Night Shooting (hold your smartphone still for 2-3 seconds). Install Google Camera (GCam) with settings for the Snapdragon 665.
• 🔄 Hang and lag: Reset the cache to Settings → Memory → Cache Clear. Reverse to MIUI 11 if MIUI 12.5 is unstable.
• 📶 Bad Network Signal: Check if 4G Mode is enabled in Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks. Update the module firmware via ##4636## → Phone Information → Update configuration.

⚠️ Warning: If after upgrading to MIUI 12.5, the smartphone starts to overheat, roll back to MIUI 11 via Fastboot.Instructions: official documentation Xiaomi.

One of the biggest problems is the failure of the NFC- module after falls, and if the chip stops working, it can only be replaced at the service center (the cost of repair is ~2 000 rubles).

Where to buy Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T in 2026?

The new Redmi Note 8T is no longer on sale, but the used device can be found at the following sites:

• 🛒 Avito: Prices from 5,000 to 10,000 rubles. Recommendation: take only with a check and the original box.
• 🌍 Yula: Often come across devices in perfect condition (from 6,500 rubles).
• 📦 AliExpress: Rarely, but there are "as new" copies from Europe (from 8000 rubles with delivery).
• 🔧 Service centers: Sometimes they sell repaired machines with a warranty (from 7000 rubles).

When buying, pay attention to:

• 🔋 Battery status (check ##4636###).
• 📱 Occupational capacity NFC (ask the seller to demonstrate payment).
• 🛡️ No autopsy marks (check the screws on the back cover).
• 📄 A receipt (guarantee that the phone is not stolen)

If you need a smartphone for everyday NFC tasks, but the Redmi Note 8T seems outdated, consider alternatives:

• 🆕 Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 (NFC) — from 12 000 rubles (used).
• 💎 POCO M4 Pro 5G — from 15,000 rubles (new).
• 📱 Samsung Galaxy A13 — from 14 000 rubles (w/w).

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When buying a used Redmi Note 8T be sure to check the IMEI for originality - fakes of this model are common.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T