Price and specifications of Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview

The Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition stands out as a unique and premium model among Xiaomi’s flagship lineup. Released in 2018, this smartphone incorporates impressive hardware specifications and distinct design elements aimed at technology enthusiasts and users looking for high performance and a transparent aesthetic.

Design and Build Quality

The Mi 8 Explorer Edition is renowned for its striking appearance, featuring a glass front and a glass back with an aluminum frame. This combination gives it a sophisticated and durable feel. The transparent back is particularly unique, providing a glimpse of the phone's internal components, a visual treat for tech lovers. The dimensions are sleek at 154.9 x 74.8 x 7.6 mm, and it weighs in at a comfortable 177 grams.

Display

The device boasts a 6.21-inch Super AMOLED display that supports HDR10, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The resolution of 1080 x 2248 pixels delivers excellent clarity and sharpness, making media consumption a pleasure. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 83.8%, enhanced by the protection of Corning Gorilla Glass 5 which adds durability against scratches and drops.

Performance

At the heart of the Mi 8 Explorer is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset, a high-performance processor known for its speed and efficiency. This is coupled with an Octa-core CPU and the Adreno 630 GPU, ensuring that the phone can handle graphically demanding apps and games with ease. With 8 GB of RAM, multitasking between various applications is smooth and lag-free.

Storage

The smartphone comes with 128 GB of internal storage, which should be sufficient for most users to store their apps, photos, and media. Unfortunately, there is no option for expandable storage, which could be a limitation for users who need more space.

Camera Capabilities

The Mi 8 Explorer Edition’s dual rear camera setup includes a 12 MP primary sensor with f/1.8 aperture, dual pixel PDAF, and 4-axis OIS, which helps capture sharp and clear images even in low light conditions. The secondary 12 MP telephoto lens with f/2.4 aperture enables 2x optical zoom for crisp zoomed-in shots. The camera supports 4K video recording at 60fps and slow-motion recording at up to 960fps.

The front camera is a 20 MP sensor, featuring a wide lens and a TOF 3D sensor for depth and biometrics, which enhances face unlock capabilities and provides detailed selfies. The front camera can also record 1080p video, providing good quality for video calls and content creation.

Battery Life

The device packs a non-removable Li-Po 3000 mAh battery, which is slightly on the lower side compared to modern standards but sufficient to provide a full day of moderate use thanks to the efficient power management of the Snapdragon 845. It supports 18W fast charging via Quick Charge 4 technology, allowing for quick top-ups to reduce downtime.

Software and User Interface

Originally shipped with Android 8.1 (Oreo) and upgradeable to Android 10 with MIUI 12, the Mi 8 Explorer Edition offers a customizable and user-friendly interface. MIUI 12 brings additional features such as dark mode, enhanced privacy controls, and a more efficient gesture navigation system.

Connectivity and Other Features

The smartphone is equipped with numerous connectivity options, including dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, dual GPS, and a USB Type-C port. However, it does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack or FM radio. The phone supports dual SIM functionality, providing flexibility for users who require multiple numbers for personal and professional use.

Security features include Face ID and an under-display fingerprint sensor, providing secure and convenient ways to unlock the device. It also includes standard sensors like accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, barometer, and compass.

Price and Availability

Upon its release, the Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition was priced at approximately 400 EUR. Due to its unique design and robust features, it continues to be a compelling option for those seeking a combination of aesthetics and performance. Although newer models with more advanced features are available, it remains a noteworthy device for collectors and tech enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition still holds its ground as an innovative and robust smartphone with its distinctive transparent back design, strong performance capabilities, and an excellent camera setup. It's well-suited for users who appreciate cutting-edge design and reliable performance while enjoying the legacy of Xiaomi's innovative approaches in the mobile market. Its main setbacks are the lack of expandable storage and a below-average battery capacity by today's standards, but for many, these are balanced by its other strengths.