Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build

The Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro boasts a sleek and modern design. Its dimensions are perfectly balanced at 154.9 x 74.8 x 7.6 mm, providing a comfortable grip for users. The weight of the device, 177 grams, ensures a solid feel without being overly burdensome. The build quality of the Mi 8 Pro is exemplary, featuring a glass front and back with Gorilla Glass 5 protection paired with a robust 7000 series aluminum frame. This combination of materials does not only enhance durability but also adds a premium aesthetic to the device. It supports Dual SIM functionality with Nano-SIM slots, offering the flexibility of dual standby capability, a feature highly valued by users who manage multiple numbers or travel frequently.

Display

One of the standout features of the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is its display. Utilizing a 6.21-inch Super AMOLED screen, the device provides vibrant colors and deep contrasts which make for an exceptional viewing experience. The HDR10 support further enriches image quality by offering more vivid colors and improved brightness. With a resolution of 1080 x 2248 pixels, the display delivers high visual fidelity and clarity, making it perfect for media consumption. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which offers added durability against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Under the hood, the Mi 8 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, built on a 10 nm process. This octa-core processor (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) is designed to handle demanding tasks with ease, providing a seamless and responsive user experience. Along with the Adreno 630 GPU, the device handles graphics-intensive applications and gaming effortlessly. The phone comes in two RAM variants, 6GB and 8GB, which cater to a variety of multitasking needs. The internal storage is a generous 128GB, though it lacks a microSD card slot, meaning users will need to manage their storage efficiently.

Camera

The Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro shines in its photography capabilities. The dual main camera setup includes a 12 MP wide-angle lens with an f/1.8 aperture, and a secondary 12 MP telephoto lens with an f/2.4 aperture. The primary camera boasts dual-pixel PDAF and 4-axis OIS, ensuring sharp and stable shots even in challenging lighting conditions. The camera system supports 2x optical zoom and comes equipped with features like dual-LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode for comprehensive photographic versatility. For selfie enthusiasts, the 20 MP front-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture caters to high-quality self-portraits and supports HDR for improved dynamic range in photos.

Battery Life

The Mi 8 Pro is powered by a 3000mAh Li-Po battery. While this capacity might seem modest relative to the power demands of modern smartphones, the device is optimized for energy efficiency. Quick Charge 4 (QC4) technology enables fast charging at 18W, minimizing downtime and maximizing usability. With conscientious usage, the battery can sufficiently last a full day, although power users might find the need to recharge earlier.

Software

Xiaomi's Mi 8 Pro originally launched with Android 8.1 Oreo, and has a planned upgrade path to Android 10, enhanced with MIUI 12. MIUI is Xiaomi's custom skin on Android that introduces a range of features and a unique aesthetic. It includes enhancements such as improved multitasking capabilities, additional tools for managing privacy permissions, and a streamlined user interface. Regular updates ensure that the device remains secure and functional with the latest features over time.

Connectivity and Sensors

The Mi 8 Pro comes packed with modern connectivity options. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac for robust wireless internet connectivity, with dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and DLNA support augmenting its versatility. Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and a USB Type-C connector round out its extensive communication toolkit. The device also integrates advanced positioning systems, supporting GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, and QZSS. Sensor technology in the Mi 8 Pro includes an infrared face ID for secure unlocking, an optical under-display fingerprint sensor, along with accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, and compass sensors, adding layers of functionality and convenience.

Price and Availability

First announced and released in September 2018, the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro made a significant entry into the market with a price point of around 510 EUR. Available in dynamic color options such as Transparent Black, Meteorite Black, and Twilight Gold, the device appeals to users seeking distinctive aesthetics alongside high-end features.

Final Thoughts

The Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is a testament to Xiaomi's commitment to delivering exceptional value through innovative technology. Its striking design, high-performance hardware, versatile camera system, and solid build quality make it a compelling choice for consumers. While the absence of expandable storage may be a limitation for some, the device compensates with its robust internal storage and an array of cutting-edge features. Overall, the Mi 8 Pro represents a significant achievement in smartphone engineering, blending sophistication and functionality in a single, compelling package.