Redmi Note 8 2021

The Redmi Note 8 series is arguably the most successful Redmi Note series in the last decade. A couple of days ago, the company announced it sold over 25 million units globally. However, it’s unclear if that triggered the release of a refreshed version of the device, which is essentially the same phone except for a few tweaks. The Redmi Note 8 2021 sports the same old design but features a different processor, while the color options are down to three from five.

Redmi Note 8 2021 specs highlights

• 6.3-inch IPS LCD panel
• 500 nits brightness
• Corning Gorilla Glass 5
• MediaTek Helio 685 Octa-Core processor
• 4GB RAM + 64/1288GB ROM
• 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear camera sensors
• 13MP single selfie snapper
• Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner
• 4000mAh battery
• 18W fast charging support
• Redmi Note 8 price: $150

Redmi Note 8 2021 specs

Of course, it’s only a refreshed version of the 2019 Redmi Note 8, and hence, the design is identical. The front and back panels are designed using Gorilla Glass 5 with plastic coming on the frame. It has been a while since we saw a Xiaomi phone with a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, but it’s back once again while the Quad-camera arrangement sits at the top left. Around the front panel is a tear-drop notch for the selfie camera. There’s a Redmi crest at the Chin while the headphone jack, volume rocker, USB-C port, speakers grills, sim-tray all kept their position. This time, the device will be available in Neptune Black, Moonlight White, and Space Black.

Redmi Note 8 2021 display

The display has equipped with everything it needs to deliver seamless details. Unfortunately, there’s a little upgrade in performance compared to the old version. Both have a 6.3-inch dot display for an immersive and crisp visual experience. It’s a full HD display with 500 nits of brightness and 409ppi density. There’s a Corning Gorilla Glass 5 glass for protection to complement the sturdy build.

Redmi Note 8 2021 performance

Under the helm is the Mediatek Helio G85 Octa-Core processor. It’s built on a 12nm process, giving the Snapdragon 665 (11nm) on the old version an edge. Both SoC has their highest cores at 2.0GHz, but with newer software, the Redmi Note 8 2021 model will come on top. The device runs Android 11 on top of MIUI 12.5 outside-of-the-box, while the 2019 models are currently on Android 10 on top of MIUI 12.

Redmi Note 8 2021 camera

Instead of an upgrade, there has been a downgrade. Perhaps, the SoC is the issue here as it seems not to handle 4K@30fps shooting. With the Redmi Note 8 2021, video shooting is capped at 1080@30fps. Aside from that, everything is essentially the same, from the 8MP ultra-wide lens to the 2MP macro and depth sensors. The front camera keeps the 13MP shooter for video calls and face unlocking.

Redmi Note 8 2021 battery and security

A 4000mAh battery phone in 2021 isn’t ideal. Here’s where Redmi should have done better, at least increase the capacity to 5000mAh. However, with the battery capacity, you can still get a 24-hour battery life on a decent usage, and with the 18W fast charging support, you’d refill the battery in a couple of minutes.

For security, the device used a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, just like the old version. However, with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has optimized the function of the scanner to integrate other functionalities.

Redmi Note 8 2021 Price and Availability

The Redmi Note 8 2021 price starts at $149 for the base 4/64GB variant while the more premium 4/128GB sets you back additional $50. Both models are available now and you can purchase via this link. (AliExpress)

Full Redmi Note 8 2021 specs