Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 is a reimagined iteration of the widely successful Redmi Note 8 series. Released in May 2021, this smartphone continues to uphold Xiaomi's tradition of providing robust technology at accessible prices. It blends a competent performance, capable camera systems, and a modern design, making it appealing for budget-conscious consumers who do not wish to compromise on functionality.

Design and Build

The Redmi Note 8 2021 boasts a sleek design that seeks to balance aesthetics with durability. Measuring 158.3 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm and weighing 190 g, it offers a comfortable grip, making it easy to handle with one hand. The device comes with a Glass front and back protected by Gorilla Glass 5, coupled with a plastic frame. This combination ensures that the phone is both stylish and robust enough to withstand occasional rough handling.

Display

The 6.3-inch IPS LCD screen offers a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels with a pixel density of ~409 ppi. The screen occupies roughly 81.7% of the front, providing an immersive viewing experience for multimedia consumption. The display is enhanced by a typical brightness of 500 nits and is shielded by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 to resist scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Under the hood, the Redmi Note 8 2021 is powered by the Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 chipset, which is built on a 12 nm process. It possesses an Octa-core CPU configuration split across two 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and six 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, ensuring a balance between performance and power efficiency. The Mali-G52 MC2 GPU caters to graphic-intensive tasks and light gaming. Furthermore, the smartphone runs on Android 11 layered with MIUI 12.5, a software combination that provides a feature-rich and user-friendly interface.

Memory and Storage

Depending on your needs, the Redmi Note 8 2021 offers three variations in terms of storage and RAM: 64GB storage with 3GB RAM, 64GB storage with 4GB RAM, and 128GB storage with 4GB RAM. For users who require more storage capacity, there is a dedicated microSDXC card slot to expand storage without sacrificing dual SIM capability.

Camera System

The camera configuration remains one of the phone’s highlights. The quad-camera setup on the rear consists of a 48 MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture for detailed and bright photos, even in lower-light conditions. An 8 MP ultrawide sensor allows for expansive shots with a 120-degree field of view. Additionally, there is a 2 MP macro camera for close-up photography and a 2 MP depth sensor for enhancing portrait shots. The camera app includes features such as LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes. For video, it supports 1080p recording at various frame rates, accompanied by gyro-EIS for stabilization.

Front Camera

The 13 MP front camera with an f/2.0 aperture is adept at capturing detailed selfies. Featuring HDR and panorama modes, it can record videos in 1080p at 30fps, making it suitable for video calls and social media content creation.

Battery Life

Equipped with a non-removable Li-Po 4000 mAh battery, the Redmi Note 8 2021 promises reliable battery life, capable of lasting a full day with moderate use. The device also supports 18W wired charging, allowing it to quickly get back to work with minimal downtime.

Connectivity and Features

Connectivity is abundant with support for GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks. The phone accommodates dual SIM (Nano-SIM) cards with dual stand-by. Users will appreciate the dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.2, and USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG support. Although NFC is absent, the device compensates by including an infrared port and FM radio.

For navigation, it supports GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS. Various sensors including a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhance user interaction and functionality.

Sound

Audio quality is neither neglected, with a loudspeaker and a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack available. This inclusion ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment without the need for adapters.

Color Variants

The device is available in multiple color options: Neptune Blue, Moonlight White, and Space Black, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences.

Price and Conclusion

The Redmi Note 8 2021 is priced attractively at around 160 EUR, appealing to budget-conscious consumers who desire quality and performance. This smartphone serves as a testament to Xiaomi's ability to offer devices that provide great value without sacrificing essential features. Whether you’re an avid photographer, a gamer, or a casual user, the Redmi Note 8 2021 is designed to meet various needs and preferences efficiently.