The case of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: what is made of, the pros and cons of materials

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the most popular smartphones of 2019, and still holds true today due to its balanced performance. But when choosing a device, many users wonder: what is its body made of? It depends not only on the tactile sensation, but also on strength, weight, scratch resistance and even heat transfer. In this article, we will analyze the materials used in the Redmi Note 8 Pro, compare them with analogues and give recommendations for use.

Xiaomi has traditionally used a combination of materials to achieve the optimal balance between reliability and cost. In the case of the Note 8 Pro, the manufacturer has made a bet on glass panels and a metal frame, but with some nuances.

Official data: what Xiaomi says about the materials of the case

According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro body consists of the following components:

• 🔹 Front panel: tempered glass Gorilla Glass 5 with oleophobic coating.
• 🔹 Rear panel: glass with 3D-bending (also Gorilla Glass 5 in most versions).
• 🔹 Side frame: Series 6000 anodized aluminum alloy.
• 🔹 Buttons and connectors: plastic (to improve radio transparency of antennas).

Interestingly, Xiaomi does not always use the same materials for all color options. For example, in the “Electric Blue” and “Halo White” versions, the back panel can have an additional glossy coating, which affects slipperiness and sensitivity to fingerprints.

It is important to understand that the claimed glass Gorilla Glass 5 protects only from scratches, not from impacts. Falling from a height of more than 1 meter, the risk of cracks remains high, as confirmed by numerous crash tests, so many users prefer to immediately buy a case and protective glass, even though the strength of the original materials.

Comparison with competitors: who uses similar materials

To assess how successful the selection of materials for the Redmi Note 8 Pro, compare it with other popular smartphones of the same price segment (2019-2020):

As you can see from the table, the Redmi Note 8 Pro stands out by using glass on both sides, which gives it a premium look, but increases weight and brittleness. Competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A50 or the Realme 5 Pro save on materials using plastic, making them lighter and stronger when falling, but plastic is less presentable and scratches faster.

On the other hand, the Huawei P30 Lite, despite its glass body, weighs 40 grams less due to its thinner bezels and compact dimensions, proving that Xiaomi could optimize the weight of the Note 8 Pro, but chose the strength and battery capacity (4500 mAh) at the expense of lightness.

Pros and cons of a glass case: what to expect

The glass panels in the Redmi Note 8 Pro have both advantages and disadvantages.

• ✅ Premium appearance: glass gives the smartphone shine and depth of color, which distinguishes it from plastic state employees.
• ✅ Better heat transfer: Compared to plastic, glass dissipates heat more efficiently, which is important for a Helio gaming processor G90T.
• ✅ Support for wireless charging: While the Note 8 Pro itself doesn’t support it, the glass back leaves it open to modifications.
• ❌ High fragility: even Gorilla Glass 5 does not save from cracks when falling on asphalt or tiles.
• ❌ Slipperiness: glossy body options easily slip out of hands, especially in the heat.
• ❌ Marking: fingerprints remain on the glass, which must be constantly wiped.

A particularly critical disadvantage is the tendency to cracks in point impacts. For example, if the smartphone falls on a corner, the glass can burst even from a height of 50 cm. This is confirmed by tests from the JerryRigEverything channel, where the Note 8 Pro received a rating of 5/10 on strength (for comparison, the iPhone 11 of the same year scored 6/10).

⚠️ Warning: If you drop your smartphone frequently, the glass case of the Redmi Note 8 Pro will require a mandatory case with reinforced corners.Even a small crack can eventually lead to the destruction of the inner layer of glass and damage to the display.

Metal frame: why aluminum, not steel

The side frame of the Redmi Note 8 Pro is made from a Series 6000 aluminum alloy, which is widely used in mid-range smartphones. Why not steel or titanium, like in flagships? Here are the key reasons:

1. Weight: Aluminum is 60% lighter than steel at comparable strength, which is critical for a large smartphone (161.3×76.4×8.8mm).
2. Radio transparency: Aluminum is less disruptive to antenna signaling than steel, which improves 4G/LTE reception.
3. Cost: Processing aluminum is cheaper than stainless steel or titanium.
4. Thermal conductivity: Aluminum better removes heat from the processor, preventing overheating.

However, aluminum has its disadvantages:

• 🔸 Softness: Over time, micro-scraps from keys or coins in your pocket may appear on the frame.
• 🔸 Corrosion: When in contact with moisture (such as in the bathroom), aluminum is oxidized, resulting in a loss of luster.

In comparison, the iPhone 11 Pro uses stainless steel, which is stronger but heavier and more expensive. Xiaomi chose aluminum as a compromise between strength, weight and price, while the Note 8 Pro frame has anodized coating that protects against scratches and corrosion for 2-3 years of active use.

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If you have a rub on an aluminum frame, you can mask it with a special metal pencil (e.g. Edding 8400) and apply it carefully, avoiding hitting the glass or camera.

How to care for the body: practical tips

To keep the case of the Redmi Note 8 Pro retains its original appearance, follow these recommendations:

Use a soft-painted cover|Weekly wipe the body with microfibre|Avoid contact with keys/coins|Do not put the smartphone screen down on hard surfaces|Periodically update the oleophobic coating (special wipes)-->

Pay special attention to cleaning the connectors. Dust and dirt in the USB-Type C or speakers can lead to corrosion of the contacts.

• 🧹 Toothpick (carefully, without pressing).
• 💨 A container with compressed air (keep at a distance of 10 cm).
• 🔍 Lupu to check for dirt residues.

If your smartphone is caught in rain or water (despite the lack of IP68 protection), you should immediately:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Wash the body with a dry cloth.
3. Place in a silica gel bag for 24 hours.
4. Do not turn on until you are sure that there is no moisture inside.

⚠️ Warning: Never dry your smartphone with a hair dryer or on a battery!Sharp heating can warp the adhesive layers between the glass and the display, which will lead to detachment of the touchscreen.

Frequent problems with the body and how to avoid them

Redmi Note 8 Pro users often face the following issues related to the housing material:

1. Cracks on the back when falling. Solution: case with reinforced angles (for example, Spigen Tough Armor).
2. The oleophobic coating is detached after 6-12 months, solution: a new layer is applied with a special spray (for example, Whoosh! Screen Shine).
3. The appearance of a spider web on glass after a severe impact. Solution: replacement of glass in the service center (cost) ~3 000 ₽).
4. Aluminum-framed rubbing. Solution: paste polishing. GOI or replacement of the frame (from 1,500) ₽).

One of the most unpleasant features of the Note 8 Pro: The tendency of the rear window to crack when the temperature changes, for example, if you leave your smartphone in the cold (-10°C), and then put in a warm room, the glass can burst due to internal stress. 3D-a curve that makes the panel more vulnerable.

Another common problem is peeling off the back after self-repairing, if you've ever taken your smartphone apart (for example, to replace your battery), make sure the glue is applied evenly, otherwise over time there will be a gap between the glass and the case, where dust will be clogged.

Modifications and alternative materials: what enthusiasts offer

Some users are not satisfied with standard case materials and resort to modifications.

• 🔧 Replacement of the back panel with carbon fiber: reduces weight by 15-20 g and increases strength, but requires professional installation (~5 000 ₽).
• 🎨 Coverage of the framework PVD-film: gives the metal a gold, black or blue hue, and also increases wear resistance (~2 500 ₽).
• 🛡️ Installation of armored glass on the camera: protects the protruding module from scratches (~800 ₽).
• 🔄 Complete replacement of the case with aluminum: rare, but some workshops offer such services (from 7 000). ₽).

The most budget-friendly modification is vinyl film, which protects against scratches, masks scuffs, and allows you to change the design (like a carbon fiber imitation). ₽, It takes 10-15 minutes to install, but the film will not save you from the impact and can unstick when you heat it up (for example, during charging).

For those who want maximum strength, a bumper case with a built-in metal plate (for example, the UAG Monarch) is suitable, which increases weight by 30-40 g, but reliably protects against falls from a height of 1.5 m.

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If you are planning to modify the case, make sure that this does not void the warranty.Most official Xiaomi service centers refuse repairs if there are third-party changes.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions