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

Overview of Xiaomi Mi 8 SE

The Xiaomi Mi 8 SE is a notable entry in the Xiaomi Mi series, a smartphone that balances attractive design elements with powerful hardware components, making it a great option for tech enthusiasts and casual users alike. Released in June 2018, the Xiaomi Mi 8 SE stands out as one of the early adopters of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 710 processor, aimed at offering flagship-level performance at a mid-range price.

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Mi 8 SE is crafted with a sleek and modern design characterized by its glass front and back protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, coupled with an aluminum frame. This construction is not only durable but also gives the phone a premium look and feel. The device measures 147.3 x 73.1 x 7.5 mm and weighs 164 grams, making it quite manageable for one-handed use.

Display

At the core of the Mi 8 SE’s appeal is its Super AMOLED display, measuring 5.88 inches with a resolution of 1080 x 2244 pixels, translating to a pixel density of approximately 423 ppi. The display offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, with HDR10 support providing an enhanced dynamic range. The screen-to-body ratio stands at approximately 81.3%, offering a generous viewing experience for media consumption, gaming, and browsing.

Performance

Under the hood, the Xiaomi Mi 8 SE is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 chipset, which features an octa-core CPU (2x2.2 GHz 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) and an Adreno 616 GPU. This configuration ensures smooth performance across various applications, whether gaming or multitasking. Benchmark tests such as AnTuTu and GeekBench rank the Mi 8 SE favorably against its competitors in the mid-range segment with scores of 169044 and 5912 respectively.

Memory and Storage

The phone offers multiple configurations in terms of memory and storage, including 64GB with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM, and a model with 128GB storage paired with 6GB of RAM. Unfortunately, there is no card slot for memory expansion, so users should choose their storage option wisely based on their needs.

Camera

Xiaomi Mi 8 SE houses a dual-camera setup on the back consisting of a 12 MP primary sensor with f/1.9 aperture and 1/2.55” sensor size that supports dual pixel PDAF, alongside a 5 MP depth sensor. This combination allows for impressive photo quality with LED flash, HDR, and panorama features. The rear camera can record videos at 4K@30fps and 1080p@30/120fps. The front-facing camera sports a 20 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, capable of capturing high-quality selfies and recording 1080p@30fps videos.

Battery Life

Powering the Mi 8 SE is a 3120mAh lithium-polymer battery that supports fast charging at 18W (Quick Charge 3.0), ensuring that the device can achieve significant battery levels quickly when needed. The device is equipped to last a full day under moderate usage, supported by an endurance rating of 86 hours in performance tests.

Software and UI

The handset initially launched with Android 8.1 Oreo, layered with Xiaomi’s MIUI 9.5, which offers a customizable user experience. The interface is intuitive and efficient, complete with useful features and regular updates to provide new functionalities and enhancements over time.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Mi 8 SE supports a wide array of connectivity options, including dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO positioning systems, and an infrared port for remote-control features; however, it does not include NFC capabilities. The device also comes with a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking, along with other sensors such as accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass.

Audio and Sound

Sound-wise, the Xiaomi Mi 8 SE provides a satisfactory audio experience through its loudspeaker. It, however, omits a 3.5 mm audio jack, a consideration to bear in mind for users dependent on wired earphones. Audio quality tests demonstrate noise and crosstalk levels that complement its overall multimedia performance.

Color Options and Pricing

The Xiaomi Mi 8 SE is available in several colors including Gray, Blue, Red, and Gold. Offered at a price point of about 260 EUR, the device provides substantial value for money, offering features typical of higher-end smartphones at a fraction of the cost.