Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is still one of the most talked-about smartphones in the budget segment, released in 2019. The main “chip” of this device is the powerful gaming processor MediaTek Helio G90T, which was the first chipset from MediaTek with support for 90 Hz displays and advanced gaming technology. But is it so good in practice? Should I buy the Note 8 Pro in 2026 in terms of performance?
In this article, we will discuss in detail:
- 🔍 Helio G90T specifications — architecture, core, frequency, process technology
- 📊 Real performance in benchmarks and games (PUBG, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty)
- 🔥 Heating and Trottling Problems: Myths and Reality
- 🆚 Comparison with competitors (Snapdragon 730G, Helio G95, Dimensity 700)
- ⚡ How to extend the life of a processor – tips for cooling and optimization
If you are planning to buy a Redmi Note 8 Pro used or just interested in the history of Xiaomi smartphones – this guide is for you. We have gathered up-to-date data, tests and user reviews to give an objective assessment of the chipset 5 years after its release.
1 Specifications MediaTek Helio G90T
The MediaTek Helio G90T was announced in July 2019 and is the flagship of the G-series lineup, which is aimed at gamers. It is MediaTek’s first chipset with support for 90 Hz screens and advanced gaming accelerator HyperEngine.
- 🧠 Architecture: 2 clusters Cortex-A76 (2.05 GHz) + 6 cores Cortex-A55 (2.0 GHz)
- 📏 Process technology: 12 nmTSMCNot the most energy efficient, but reliable.
- 🎮 Graphics: Mali-G76 MC4 (800 MHz) with support for Vulkan 1.1 and OpenGL ES 3.2
- 📱 Display support: Up to Full HD+ at 90Hz
- 📷 ISP (photo processing): support for cameras up to 64 MP and video recording 4K@30fps
- 🔌 Modem: 4G LTE Cat-12 (up to 600 Mbps per download)
The Helio G90T features HyperEngine technology, which includes:
- 🎯 Intelligent Speed Adjustment: Dynamic resource allocation between CPU/GPU
- 🔄 Network Optimization Engine: Prioritizing traffic for gaming (ping reduction)
- 🔋 Resource Management Engine: Optimizing energy consumption in the background
Important: Helio G90T does not support 5G – it is purely 4G- chipset, which was the norm for 2019 of the year, but may be a minus in 2026.
2. Performance in benchmarks and real-world tasks
On paper, the Helio G90T looks solid, but how does it work? We'll analyze key tests and use cases.
📊 Synthetic tests (AnTuTu, Geekbench, 3DMark)
| Test | Helio G90T (Note 8 Pro) | Snapdragon 730G (Note 8) | Helio G95 (Note 9 Pro) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AnTuTu v9 | ~280 000 | ~250 000 | ~300 000 |
| Geekbench 5 (Single-Core) | ~500 | ~520 | ~510 |
| Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core) | ~1 600 | ~1 700 | ~1 750 |
| 3DMark Wild Life | ~1 200 | ~1 100 | ~1 300 |
The Helio G90T is ahead of the Snapdragon 730G in graphics (thanks to the Mali-G76) but loses in single-threaded performance. The difference is minimal in multitasking. The main competitor is the Helio G95, which became an evolutionary upgrade with slightly higher frequencies and support for 120 Hz displays.
🎮 Game performance (PUBG, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty)
With HyperEngine technology and a powerful GPU, the Note 8 Pro does a great job of handling most mobile games in mid-settings:
- 🎯 PUBG Mobile: HDR + Ultra at 40 FPS (stable, no lags)
- ⚔️ Genshin Impact: Medium settings + 30 FPS (possible to slow down in combat)
- 🔫 Call of Duty: Mobile: Maximum + 60 FPS (but with trottling in 20-30 minutes)
- 🏎️ Asphalt 9: Maximum + 60 FPS (no problem)
⚠️ Warning: In heavy games (e.g. Genshin Impact) with long sessions (>40 minutes), trottling up to 70-80% of performance due to overheating is possible. It is recommended to play with Game Turbo enabled in the settings MIUI.
💡
To reduce heat during games, turn off background apps through Settings → Apps → Autostart and use a heat sink case.
3.Heating and trottling problems: myths vs reality
One of the main drawbacks of the Helio G90T is its tendency to overheat, which is due to two factors:
- 12 nm process technology: less energy efficient than 8 nm or 7 nm in competitors.
- Bad Thermopaste: In the early batches of the Note 8 Pro, Xiaomi saved on the thermal interface, which exacerbated the problem.
Based on the test results:
- 🌡️ Temperature in simple: 35–40°C (normal)
- 🔥 Games temperature: 50–65°C (peak values up to 70°C for long loads)
- ❄️ Trottling starts after 25-30 minutes of intense play (fall) FPS 15-20%
⚠️ Warning: If your Note 8 Pro heats up above 70°C in games, it's a sign of wear and tear on the thermal paste or a dust-clogged cooling system, and a replacement of the thermopast is recommended (service cost: ~1 500 ₽).
How to check the temperature of the processor?
4.Comparison with competitors: Snapdragon 730G vs Helio G95 vs Dimensity 700
To see how good the Helio G90T is in 2026, let’s compare it to the closest of its kind in the same price range.
| Parameter | Helio G90T | Snapdragon 730G | Helio G95 | Dimensity 700 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technique | 12 nm | 8 nm | 12 nm | 7nm |
| Max. CPU frequency. | 2.05 GHz | 2.2 GHz | 2.05 GHz | 2.2 GHz |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 618 | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| Support for 5G support | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
| Energy efficiency | Medium | Tall. | Medium | Very high. |
Conclusions:
- 🏆 Best choice for games: Helio G90T or G95 (thanks to Mali-G76)
- 🔋 Best Energy Efficiency: Snapdragon 730G or Dimensity 700
- 📶 Future Durability: Dimensity 700 (support 5G and state-of-the-art process technology)
If you want a smartphone for gaming, the Note 8 Pro is still a good option, but for everyday tasks and long-term autonomy, it’s better to go with devices on the Snapdragon 730G or Dimensity.
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Helio G90T loses to modern chipsets in energy efficiency, but still remains one of the best budget gaming processors for 4G- smartphones.
5. How to extend the life of the Xiaomi Note 8 Pro processor?
Even after 5 years, the Helio G90T can be maintained in good condition if you follow a few rules.
Disable Auto-Run Unnecessary Applications|Use energy saving modes|Clean the cache once a month|Avoid overheating (do not play in the sun)|Update. MIUI last-minute-->
Software optimization:
- 🧹 Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Apps → Clear cache for all applications.
- ⚡ Performance Mode: Enable Game Turbo in Settings → Special Features → Game Mode.
- 🔄 Software Update: Recent versions of MIUI (e.g., MIUI14) are optimized for Helio G90T.
Hardware advice:
- 🛠️ Thermopaste replacement: Every 2–3 years (cost: ~1 500 ₽).
- 🧊 Use of cooling stands: For example, Black Shark FunCooler Pro (~3000 ₽).
- 🔋 Battery replacement: A worn-out battery (>500 cycles) increases the load on the processor.
⚠️ Warning: If the heat hasn't decreased after the heat paste is replaced, check the status of the copper plate under the processor. In some cases, it's going off the board, which requires soldering at the service center.
6.Should you buy the Xiaomi Note 8 Pro in 2026?
The price of the Redmi Note 8 Pro in 2026 ranges from 8,000 to 12,000 ₽ depending on the condition.
✅ Pros of buying:
- 🎮 Excellent gaming performance for the budget segment.
- 📸 Good main camera (64 MP, Samsung GW1).
- 🔋 Removable battery (4,500 mAh, easy to replace)
- 🛠️ Easiness of repair — lots of parts and craftsmen.
❌ Cons of buying:
- 📶 No 5G — in 2026, it's already a minus.
- 🔄 Outdated Software: The latest version of Android is 11 (no official support for Android 12+).
- 🔥 Heating problems (solved by replacing the heat paste).
- 🕒 Moral Obsolescence: New games (e.g. Genshin Impact 4.0+) can lag.
Who's good for?
- 🎮 Gamers on a limited budget (up to 10,000 ₽).
- 📱 Those looking for a smartphone to replace the battery/screen (cheap repair).
- 🔧 Customization enthusiasts (there are unofficial LineageOS firmware).
Who wouldn't?
- 📶 Those who need 5G.
- 📸 For those who want a modern camera (no OIS, weak frontal).
- 🔋 For those who expect long-term autonomy (the battery is worn out in 5 years).
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The Xiaomi Note 8 Pro in 2026 is a good option for gamers on a budget, but not for those who want modern chips like 5G or long-term updates.