Xiaomi Mi 8 The Ultimate Guide to Specs Prices and Reviews

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Mi 8 sports a sophisticated and attractive design. It features a glass front and back, both protected by the durable Corning Gorilla Glass 5, with a robust aluminum frame (7000 series). The device has dimensions of 154.9 x 74.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 175 grams, offering a sleek and premium feel. The phone supports dual SIM functionality with a Nano-SIM card slot and dual stand-by capability, which is essential for users who travel frequently or manage multiple numbers.

Display

The Mi 8 is equipped with a Super AMOLED display that is HDR10 compliant, ensuring rich colors and deep contrasts. The 6.21-inch screen boasts a resolution of 1080 x 2248 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 402 ppi. This leads to sharp, clear visuals and vibrant colors, making it a great device for multimedia consumption. The AMOLED technology also contributes to better power efficiency, as it can turn off individual pixels to create true blacks.

Performance

Under the hood, the Mi 8 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, built on a 10nm process. This Octa-core CPU, configured with a combination of Kryo 385 Gold and Silver cores, ensures high efficiency and speed, clocking up to 2.8 GHz. The Adreno 630 GPU adds impressive graphics capabilities, making it ideal for mobile gaming and high-definition media playback. The device runs on Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10, and features MIUI 12 for a customizable and user-friendly interface.

Memory and Storage

The Xiaomi Mi 8 comes in various memory configurations, including options for 6GB or 8GB of RAM, and storage capacities of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. However, it lacks a microSD card slot, which means users cannot expand storage beyond the built-in capability. This makes choosing the storage variant that's most suitable for your needs crucial, especially for users who frequently download large apps or media files.

Camera

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Mi 8's dual-camera setup. The primary camera features a 12MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, dual pixel PDAF, and four-axis optical image stabilization (OIS), ensuring clear and stable images even in low-light conditions. The secondary 12MP telephoto lens adds 2x optical zoom, useful for capturing distant subjects in detail. The camera also supports various modes and features such as Dual-LED flash, HDR, and panorama. On the video front, it can record in 4K at 30/60fps, along with slow-motion capabilities at 1080p and 720p. The 20MP front-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture is designed for high-quality selfies and video calls, with 1080p recording support.

Battery Life

The Mi 8 is powered by a 3400 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery. It supports fast charging with an 18W wired charger, compatible with Quick Charge 4. The enduring performance of the battery offers a good balance between usage time and charge time, with an endurance rating of 86 hours, making it suitable for all-day usage for most users.

Network and Connectivity

The device supports multiple network technologies including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring wide compatibility with global network bands. Wi-Fi options cover a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band support, enabling fast wireless connections. Additional connectivity features include Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and USB Type-C. However, the device does not include a 3.5mm jack or FM radio, which might be a consideration for users reliant on these features.

Sensors and Special Features

The Mi 8 is equipped with a variety of sensors, including an infrared Face ID, rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, barometer, and compass. These sensors enhance the phone's functionality, offering features like facial recognition for security and various augmented reality applications.

Pricing and Availability

Released in June 2018, the Xiaomi Mi 8 became available in multiple color options including Black, Blue, White, and Gold. At launch, the device was priced around 430 Euros, aimed at delivering flagship features at a competitive price point, which remains attractive to cost-conscious consumers looking for a high-value smartphone.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Mi 8 is a well-rounded smartphone that combines an attractive design, powerful performance, and a great camera experience at an affordable price point. While it lacks a few features like expandable storage and a headphone jack, it compensates with solid build quality and an array of modern smartphone capabilities. This makes it an excellent choice for users seeking performance and style without breaking the bank.