Buying a used smartphone or even a new device from a questionable store always comes with the risk of running into fakes or hidden defects. The 2019 Redmi Note 8 Pro still enjoys huge popularity due to its price-performance ratio, making it a frequent target for scammers.
There are many ways to verify, from simple visual inspection to deep software diagnostics through the engineering menu. In this article, we will go through all the steps of verification so you can verify the authenticity of the gadget and the health of its components. The key is a comprehensive approach: no single test will give a 100% guarantee, but a set of tests will reveal any inconsistencies.
Visual verification and verification with the original
The first thing that any diagnostic begins with is a careful external inspection of the body and equipment. Xiaomi's original devices are characterized by high build quality, no backlashes and gaps between the screen and the frame. Pay special attention to logos: they must be clear, not erased by light mechanical impact and have the right proportions.
The second important aspect is the software and preloaded apps: The global firmware version should not have any weird Chinese services if the phone is positioned as Global Version, and vice versa. Check whether the Mi logo is available when downloading and the settings menu.
Don't forget to check. IMEI-The code you have in the settings, with the code on the box and under the film (if any) and then dial *#06# on your phone. All three values must match. If the numbers are different or the system is making an error, you're probably looking at a rebuilt or reassembled device.
- 🔍 Check the thickness of the frames around the display – for fakes, they are often wider or have different widths on all sides.
- 🔍 Appreciate the quality of the back cover materials – the original has a nice texture, the fakes are often slippery or smell of cheap plastic.
- 🔍 Make sure all connectors, microphones and speakers are available and correctly positioned according to official renders.
⚠️ Warning: If a vendor claims that this is a “Chinese version with global firmware” but there is no option to switch the region or change the language to Russian without flashing it again in the “About Phone” menu, this is a reason to be wary.
Authentication through IMEI and Xiaomi services
The most reliable way to know the origin of the device is to use official verification services. Every legally released Redmi smartphone has a unique identifier that is registered in the manufacturer's database. First, you need to find out this number by typing the phone code *#06# or by looking in the Settings menu → Phone → General information.
Next, go to Xiaomi's official authentication site. Enter IMEI and CAPTCHA. The system will give you model information, activation date and warranty status. If the site writes "False IMEI" or shows another model (for example, a budget model is displayed instead of Redmi Note 8 Pro), then you are trying to sell a clone with modified software data.
It's also worth checking the date of the first activation. If you buy a phone as new and the warranty expired six months ago, the device was clearly in use or is refurbished.
There are also third-party databases that can tell you more about the history of the device, but trust the official sources first. Software IMEI is easy to fake, so if visual signs indicate a fake, and the site shows the "Original" - trust the eyes, not the database.
Screen and sensor diagnostics
The screen is one of the most expensive and vulnerable components of the Redmi Note 8 Pro. IPS-You can use the built-in tools to check the quality of the matrix with high resolution. To go to the engineering diagnostic menu, dial the code ##6484## in the call app.
In the CIT (Customer Interface Test) menu that opens, select "Touchpanel" or "Display" and you will be asked to swipe through squares that should change color, which allows you to identify the "dead zones" of the sensor, which often appear after poor-quality substitutions or falls.
Also, notice the uniformity of the backlights. Turn on the white image at maximum brightness in a dark room. IPS-A slight irregularity in the edges (the "clouding" effect) is allowed, but it should not be noticeable in normal use.
- 📱 Multi-touch test: in the engineering menu, check if the screen recognizes simultaneous touch 10 fingers (or at least at least at least at least at least at 5-6).
- 📱 Color check: Make sure the white color is really white and doesn’t go into yellow or blue.
- 📱 Sticking test: quickly swipe your finger across the screen - the trail should not "tretch" or linger.
What to do if a broken pixel is found?
Performance and iron testing
At the heart of the Redmi Note 8 Pro is a MediaTek Helio G90T processor. It's a powerful chipset that's still capable of carrying heavy tasks in 2026-2026, but it's easy to fake in Chinese copies. Use the CPU-Z or AIDA64 app for precise performance checks.
Launch the AnTuTu benchmark.The original Redmi Note 8 Pro dials in the neighborhood 270 000 – 300 000 (depending on the version of the test and firmware) if the result is 50-80 And you see thousands of them -- this is a blatant fake on a weak processor. And you can also see the graphics accelerator, which is the original version. Mali-G76 MC4.
Checking RAM and storage is also important: the model claims 6 or 8 GB of RAM like LPDDR4x. The CPU-Z application must display the correct values in the "Device" tab. Chinese copies often "draw" in the 8 GB settings, but in fact there is 2 GB, which leads to constant crashes of applications.
☑️ Performance check
Make sure you check the communication modules. Call someone, check the hands-free, primary and conversational microphones. GPS in this model works perfectly, but in cheap copies, navigation can be absent or extremely inaccurate.
Analysis of the battery status
The battery is consumable, and in used devices its condition can be critical. Redmi Note 8 Pro is equipped with a battery capacity of 4500 mAh. Check wear through the engineering menu or third-party utilities. In the CIT menu (code # #6484##) select "Battery" or "Battery".
It shows the current charge, voltage and, most importantly, status, and if the system says "Good," that's great. If you see a warning or a bad status, you should change the battery. And you should also look at the Charge Counter, which shows the actual residual capacity.
If the phone discharges in 3-4 hours of moderate use or warms up at the speaker while charging, these are signs of degradation of battery chemistry or problems with the power controller.
| Parameter | Norm for Redmi Note 8 Pro | Sign of a problem |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500 mAh (nominal), ~4400+ (fact) | Less than 3,800 mAh |
| Tension. | 3.7B - 4.4V (when charged) | Power surges |
| Temperature. | 25°C - 40°C (at rest/load) | Above 45°C without load |
| Status | Good | Bad / Unknown |
⚠️ Warning: Battery bloating is not just a sign of wear, it is fire-prone.If the back of the phone starts to move away or the screen comes out of the frame, immediately stop using the device and replace the battery.
Camera and multimedia checks
The 64MP main camera (Samsung GW1) is the top card of this model. Run the standard camera app and switch to 64MP. Take a picture of a static object in good light. Increase the photo by 100%: you should see small details, not the "porridge" of artifacts.
Check all the modules: main, wide-angle, macro and portrait. Counterfeiting often only has one or two cameras, and the rest just opens a black window or gives an error. Also test the video: the original writes 4K, copies are often limited to 720p or 1080p with severe distortion.
Don't forget to sound. Turn on the music at maximum volume. The sound should be clean, without wheezing or rattling, even at low frequencies. Check the vibrator motor: the original one is clear and loud, and the fakes often have a weak "rattling" vibre.
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When you test the cameras, be sure to check for autofocus. Point the camera at close range, focus should be sharp and quick. A blurry image, even after you try focusing, indicates a problem with the camera module.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if my phone will be re-flashed?
What does the word “Unlocked” mean when downloading?
Can I check my phone without turning it on?
Why does AnTuTu score lower than on the internet?
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The surest way to avoid buying a fake is to shop at official stores or from trusted, high-rated sellers, rather than in the spontaneous markets.