The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is still one of the most talked-about mid-range smartphones the company launched in 2019, and the highlight of the model was a powerful processor that made it stand out from the competition. But which Snapdragon is installed in this device? This question still causes confusion — especially among those who are planning to buy a used device or want to compare it with modern models.
Unlike most Redmi smartphones, which use Snapdragon chips. 6xx or 7xx, Note 8 Pro received the top at that time processor from MediaTek – Helio G90T. However, the model’s name has the prefix “Pro”, which is often associated with flagship features, including Snapdragon processors. 8xx. This ambiguity is what fuels the myths about the hidden Snapdragon inside the device, and in this article we’ll explore why the Redmi Note 8 Pro doesn’t have a Qualcomm chip, what alternatives exist in the Xiaomi lineup, and how the Helio works. G90T Compared to current Snapdragon in terms of performance and energy efficiency.
If you’re looking for information about the processor to compare with other models, or if you’re planning an upgrade, this material will help you put everything on the shelves, we’ll also look at what tasks the Helio G90T can pull in 2026, and whether it’s worth buying the Redmi Note 8 Pro today, taking into account its hardware.
Why the Redmi Note 8 Pro does not have Snapdragon: official data
First and foremost, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is not equipped with a Snapdragon processor, but it has a MediaTek Helio G90T chipset, which was announced in July 2019 specifically for mid-range gaming smartphones, a decision Xiaomi has made for several reasons:
- 💰 Price policy: Helio G90T cheaper than the flagship Snapdragon 8xx, This allowed the model to be budgeted (~200$ start-up).
- 🎮 Game focus: Chip optimized for mobile gaming (90 support) FPS, HyperEngine technology to reduce lag).
- 📡 Network support: At the time of the release of Helio G90T offer better support 4G in its class than the competing Snapdragon 7xx.
- 🔧 Production flexibility: MediaTek worked closely with Xiaomi at the time, offering favorable conditions for mass production.
However, the confusion with the Snapdragon did not come from scratch, because the Redmi Note 8 lineup had a Redmi Note 8 (without the prefix “Pro”) that was powered by a Snapdragon 665 processor. Many users mistakenly extrapolated this information to the “Pro” version, not considering that these are fundamentally different devices in “stuffing”.
⚠️ WARNING: If you're offered a Redmi Note 8 Pro with a Snapdragon processor, it's either a fraud or a description error.
To check the processor in your device, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI → Full Specifications. The Processor bar must specify MediaTek Helio G90T (codenamed MT6785T).
Helio G90T vs Snapdragon: Comparison with the nearest competitors
To understand how much the Helio G90T is inferior or superior to Snapdragon chips, compare it with Qualcomm’s closest-in-class processors at launch (2019) and current budget solutions from 2023-2026.
- 🔢 Process (nm) – affects energy efficiency and heating.
- ⚡ Core frequency (GHz) – determines “raw” performance.
- 🎨 Graphics - model GPU And her capabilities in games.
- 📶 Modem - Network support 4G/5G and Internet speed.
| Processor | Process technology (nm) | CPU (core/frequency) | Graphics (GPU) | modem | AnTuTu (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helio G90T | 12 nm | 2×2.05 GHz (Cortex-A76) + 6×2.0 GHz (Cortex-A55) | Mali-G76 MC4 | 4G (Cat-12/13) | ~280 000 |
| Snapdragon 730G | 8 nm | 2×2.2 GHz (Kryo 470 Gold) + 6×1.8 GHz (Kryo 470 Silver) | Adreno 618 | 4G (Cat-15/13) | ~310 000 |
| Snapdragon 665 | 11nm | 4×2.0 GHz (Kryo 260 Gold) + 4×1.8 GHz (Kryo 260 Silver) | Adreno 610 | 4G (Cat-12/13) | ~180 000 |
| Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (2022) | 6 nm | 2×2.0 GHz (Cortex-A78) + 6×1.8 GHz (Cortex-A55) | Adreno 619 | 5G (Cat-13/22) | ~380 000 |
The table shows that the Helio G90T is closer to the Snapdragon 730G in performance, but loses to it in energy efficiency due to outdated 12-nm process technology. In games, the difference is less noticeable thanks to the optimization of HyperEngine, but in everyday tasks (multi-tasking, camera work), Snapdragon performs better.
Modern budget chips like the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 have already overtaken the G90T in all respects, including support for 5G. However, for most tasks (social networks, video, light games) Redmi Note 8 Pro is still a relevant choice.
Performance in Games: Tests and Real Experiences
The main advantage of the Helio G90T is its gaming capabilities, and the chip was positioned as a solution for mobile gaming, and in this regard it meets expectations.
- 🎮 PUBG Mobile: Stable 60 FPS setting HDR + Ultra (without overheating).
- 🏀 NBA 2K Mobile: Medium settings, 30-40 FPS (Possible slowdown in multitasking).
- 🏁 Asphalt 9: Maximum settings, 60 FPS (heat-up to 45°C after 30 minutes of play).
- 🧟 Call of Duty: Mobile: High Graphics Settings, 60 FPS (friezes).
Critical feature: in games with intensive graphics (eg, Genshin Impact) Helio G90T does not pull the maximum settings – you have to reduce the detail to Medium for stable 30 FPS. This is due to the limitations of the GPU Mali-G76 MC4, which is inferior to Adreno 618/619 in modern titles.
By comparison, the Snapdragon 730G is 10 to 15 percent better in gaming under the same conditions, thanks to the more efficient architecture and optimized Adreno drivers.
⚠️ Note: For long gaming sessions (more than 1 hour), the Redmi Note 8 Pro is prone to trottling, which is a decrease in performance due to overheating.
If you plan to play heavy games on max-shooters, it’s best to consider models with a Snapdragon 7xx or newer (like the POCO X3 Pro with a Snapdragon 860).
Energy efficiency and autonomy: the weak spot of the Helio G90T
One of the main drawbacks of the Helio G90T is its high power consumption. Compared to the Snapdragon 730G (8 nm) or Snapdragon 665 (11 nm), the chip from MediaTek is made using a 12 nm process, which leads to:
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge in games (up to 15-20% per hour in games) PUBG).
- 🌡️ Increased heating of the body (up to 50)°C under load).
- ⚡ Less autonomy in everyday tasks (with active use, it takes 1 day).
By comparison, Snapdragon 730G smartphones (like the Realme X2) are 20 to 25 percent more autonomous under the same conditions, due to the improved architecture of Kryo cores and optimised downtime power consumption.
To extend the life of the Redmi Note 8 Pro, it is recommended:
☑️ How to improve the autonomy of the Redmi Note 8 Pro
If autonomy is critical for you, it’s worth considering alternatives with the Snapdragon 6xx or 7xx that are more balanced in this regard.
What Xiaomi Snapdragon models are considered instead of the Redmi Note 8 Pro
If you’re not happy with the Helio G90T and you’re looking for a Xiaomi smartphone with a Snapdragon processor in the same price range, here are a few alternatives (new and used):
| Model | Processor | Year of release | Advantages | Price (2026, b/y) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POCO X3 NFC | Snapdragon 732G | 2020 | 120Hz screen, the best autonomy | ~15 000 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | Snapdragon 732G | 2021 | AMOLED-screen, 108 MP camera | ~18 000 ₽ |
| POCO F3 | Snapdragon 870 | 2021 | Flagship chip, 120Hz | ~25 000 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 11 Pro+ | Snapdragon 695 | 2022 | 5G support, 120W charging | ~22 000 ₽ |
If your budget is limited to $15,000 ₽, The best choice will be POCO X3 NFC Redmi Note 10 Pro: Both devices are equipped with Snapdragon 732G, superior to Helio G90T Energy efficiency and productivity in everyday tasks.
For gamers, the best option would be the POCO F3 with the Snapdragon 870 – this chip still remains relevant for most mobile games at maximum settings.
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When buying a used smartphone, be sure to check the battery status through the AccuBattery app. The battery in the Redmi Note 8 Pro often loses capacity after 2-3 years of use.
How to check the processor in Redmi Note 8 Pro: step-by-step instructions
If you already purchased the Redmi Note 8 Pro and want to make sure it actually has the Helio G90T installed, rather than a fake with another chip, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Click on the MIUI version several times until the Full Specifications menu appears.
- Scroll down to the Processor section, which should indicate MediaTek Helio G90T.
An alternative way is to use applications for diagnosis:
- 📱 CPU-Z: Shows the processor model, number of cores and frequency.
- 🔍 AIDA64: Detailed information about the chipset, GPU memory.
- 📊 AnTuTu Benchmark: Performance Test (for Helio) G90T The result should be between 270,000 and 300,000).
If the specifications indicate a different processor (such as the Snapdragon 665), you may have been sold a Redmi Note 8 (not a Pro) or a fake, in which case it is recommended to return the device to the seller.
⚠️ Attention: Some scammers are refashioning smartphones, swapping the processor information in the system settings. To avoid deception, check the device through the system. AIDA64 — This app reads data directly from iron.
Should I buy the Redmi Note 8 Pro in 2026?
Let’s see if the Redmi Note 8 Pro is relevant today, given its processor and other specs.
Pros of the device:
- ✅ Gaming opportunities: Helio G90T It still pulls most mobile games on average settings.
- ✅ Camera: 64 MP main module (Samsung) GW1) It gives good pictures in daylight.
- ✅ Screen: 6.53" IPS permittingly FHD+ and 500 nits brightness.
- ✅ Price: In the secondary market, the device costs 10,000-13,000 ₽ (2026).
Cons of the device:
- ❌ Obsolete chip: Helio G90T It is a modern Snapdragon. 4/6/7 energy efficiency series.
- ❌ No. 5G: In 2026, this is a serious shortcoming for the future.
- ❌ Battery: 4500mAh capacity rapidly degrades after 2-3 years of use.
- ❌ Updates: Xiaomi has stopped supporting MIUI For this model (last version — MIUI 14 based on Android 12).
The Redmi Note 8 Pro is for those looking for a low-cost smartphone for gaming, social media and photo shoots, but if you want autonomy, modern technology (5G, Wi-Fi 6) or long-term support for updates, it’s better to consider newer models (for example, the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5).
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Redmi Note 8 Pro in 2026 is a budget gaming smartphone with a good camera, but an outdated processor and the lack of a new camera. 5G. Optimal for the secondary market at a price of up to 12 000 ₽.