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Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 review: Can this questionable smartphone update be recommended?

Following Huawei's paths. Two years after the introduction of the Redmi Note 8, Xiaomi brings a new version of its bestselling smartphone. However, the Note 8 2021 turns out to be a very modest model update with some technical adjustments that are at times questionable not only on its data sheet.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8

The popular Redmi Note 8 ran through our testing benchmarks already in November of 2019 and impressed us with a very good display. Xiaomi mentions having sold more than 25 Million devices of the smartphone series worldwide. So it is not surprising that a new version of the Note 8 was officially introduced in May of this year, even though the Redmi Note 9 or Redmi Note 10 have already been available for a while.

However, with the Redmi Note 8 2021 the previous mid-range representative only gets a very modest update that might be a bit disappointing to current users of the 2019 model. The 2021 refresh that is advertised as a "performance all-star" is available for about 150 Euros (~$169). It now uses a MediaTek Helio G85, which is manufactured in the 12-nm process and thus more efficient than the Snapdragon 665 of the predecessor. Yet the overall performance of the Helio G85 only turns out marginally better than that of the Qualcomm SoC.

The Chinese manufacturer hardly changed anything in the rest of the equipment. The Redmi smartphone continues to offer 4 GB of working memory, a 6.3-inch 1080p+ LCD display, and a 48-MP main camera. With this kind of model update, Xiaomi follows the paths taken by Huawei in previous years, since the Huawei P Smart Z, Honor 9X, and Huawei P smart Pro are different models with almost identical specifications that were introduced over a period of time. 

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 (Redmi Note 12 Series)
Processor
Mediatek Helio G85 8 x 1.8 - 2 GHz, Cortex-A75 / A55
Graphics adapter
Memory
4 GB 
Display
6.30 inch 19.5:9, 2340 x 1080 pixel 409 PPI, capacitive touchscreen, IPS LCD, Corning Gorilla Glass 5, glossy: yes, 60 Hz
Storage
64 GB eMMC Flash, 64 GB 
, 47 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, USB-C Power Delivery (PD), 1 Infrared, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm audio port, Card Reader: microSD up to 256 GB, 1 Fingerprint Reader, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, OTG, Miracast, IR blaster
Networking
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 5.2, 4G: LTE FDD B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/20/28, LTE TDD B38/40; 3G: WCDMA B1/2/4/5/8; 2G: GSM 850 900 1800 1900 MHz, Dual SIM, LTE, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 8.4 x 158.3 x 75.3 ( = 0.33 x 6.23 x 2.96 in)
Battery
4000 mAh Lithium-Polymer, Standby 2G (according to manufacturer): 102 h
Charging
fast charging / Quickcharge
Operating System
Android 11
Camera
Primary Camera: 48 MPix (f/1.8, 26mm, 1/2.0", 0.8µm) + 8MP (f/2.2, 1/4.0", 1.12µm) + 2MP (f/2.4) + 2MP (f/2.4)
Secondary Camera: 13 MPix (f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm)
Additional features
Speakers: mono, Keyboard: virtual, USB Type-C cable, SIM tool, protective case, charger, MiUI, 12 Months Warranty, Widevine L1, camera API: Level 3, fanless
Weight
190 g ( = 6.7 oz / 0.42 pounds), Power Supply: 51 g ( = 1.8 oz / 0.11 pounds)
Price
180 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Possible Competitors for Comparison

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Drive
Size
Resolution
Best Price
78.4 %
12/2021
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2
190 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.30"2340x1080
77.1 %
11/2021
Motorola Moto E40
Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2
198 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.50"1600x720
79 %
11/2021
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2
181 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.50"2400x1080
76.4 %
07/2021
Nokia G20
Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320
197 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.50"1600x720
75.2 %
02/2021
Samsung Galaxy A12
Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320
205 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.50"1600x720

Case - Xiaomi smartphone with a notch

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 in Neptune Blue
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 in Neptune Blue
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 in Moonlight White
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 in Moonlight White

Nothing much has changed in the design compared to the predecessor – or nothing at all, to be exact. The Chinese manufacturer even keeps the same colors in its 2021 model, so that we could theoretically just copy the section on the case from the review of the previous Note 8.

The case is made of glass connected with a plastic frame and impresses with a good quality of the workmanship. Even though representatives of the upper mid-range such as the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G offer an even higher-quality feel, the haptic deficits are absolutely bearable in the price range of the Note 8 2021, particularly when you look at the Galaxy A12, which actually feels cheap in the direct comparison.

The entry-level smartphone, which is fairly light at 190 g (~6.7 oz), is protected by a Corning Gorilla display glass of the fifth generation. The age of the Redmi Note 8 2021 design becomes noticeable in its display-to-surface ratio, where the Xiaomi smartphone only reaches 82%. Since the Note 8 model continues to lack an official IP certification, the device is not waterproof. However, there is a P2i nano coating, so that at least a rain shower should not create any problems.  

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test

Size Comparison

165.1 mm / 6.5 inch 75.6 mm / 2.98 inch 9.1 mm / 0.3583 inch 198 g0.4365 lbs164.9 mm / 6.49 inch 76 mm / 2.99 inch 9.2 mm / 0.3622 inch 197 g0.4343 lbs164 mm / 6.46 inch 75.8 mm / 2.98 inch 8.9 mm / 0.3504 inch 205 g0.4519 lbs161.95 mm / 6.38 inch 75.53 mm / 2.97 inch 8.92 mm / 0.3512 inch 181 g0.399 lbs158.3 mm / 6.23 inch 75.3 mm / 2.96 inch 8.4 mm / 0.3307 inch 190 g0.4189 lbs148 mm / 5.83 inch 105 mm / 4.13 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 1.5 g0.00331 lbs

Equipment - Redmi Note 8 2021 with a 3.5-mm audio port

Nothing has changed in the list of equipment, which is very attractive for an entry-level smartphone. The Note 8 2021 offers USB OTG allowing you to easily connect external accessories and also wirelessly transmit the display contents. The 4000-mAh battery is charged with 18 watts also using the USB-C port at the bottom of the case. The connection supports the USB-2.0 standard. There is also a notification LED, an IR blaster, and a 3.5-mm audio port. 

The eMMC storage in our test unit offers a 64-GB capacity, with barely 47 GB of this still available to the user in the state of delivery. You can also expand the storage of the Xiaomi smartphone via microSD card, without losing the dual-Sim functionality.

The Camera2 API of the Note 8 2021 is available at Level 3 support, and thanks to DRM Widevine L1, you can watch streaming contents in HD quality.

Top of the case (microphone, IR blaster)
Top of the case (microphone, IR blaster)
Right side (keys)
Right side (keys)
Left side (card slot)
Left side (card slot)
Bottom of the case (speaker, USB port, microphone, 3.5-mm audio port)
Bottom of the case (speaker, USB port, microphone, 3.5-mm audio port)

microSD Card Reader

The integrated microSD card reader masters the current SDHC and SDXC standards, also supporting the exFAT file system. When we used our AV PRO V60 reference storage card (128 GB) in our test, we encountered some problems, forcing us to use the Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 in the Note 8 2021. This might mean that some other microSD cards also won't be recognized. 

The microSD performance in the Cross Platform Disk Test is decent. However, in terms of the copying speed, the Redmi phone operates at a rather below-average level at 16 MB/s. 

SD Card Reader - average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88 (Angelbird AV Pro V60)
40.85 MB/s +160%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85 (Toshiba Exceria Pro)
15.71 MB/s
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35 (Angelbird V60)
12.5 MB/s -20%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700 (Angelbird V60)
11.8 MB/s -25%

Cross Platform Disk Test (CPDT)

051015202530354045505560657075808590Tooltip
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G85, 64 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Write 0.5 GB; Toshiba Exceria Pro: Ø41.7 (32.2-56.9)
Motorola Moto E40 Mali-G52 MP2, Tangula T700, 64 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Write 0.5 GB; Angelbird V60: Ø24.6 (14.6-35.2)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G85, 64 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Read 0.5 GB; Toshiba Exceria Pro: Ø84 (59.8-90.4)
Motorola Moto E40 Mali-G52 MP2, Tangula T700, 64 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Read 0.5 GB; Angelbird V60: Ø77.2 (42-85.8)

Software - Xiaomi smartphone with Android 11

Version 11 of Google's Android is used as the operating system with the security patches at the level of September 2021. Xiaomi doesn't specify for how long the affordable Redmi smartphone will receive updates. The manufacturer installs its in-house MiUI user interface in version 12.5.5 (at the time of the test) on top of the vanilla Android surface. 

With its separate notification center, app switcher, and the control center, the MiUI 12.5 user interface orients itself more on Apple's iOS in terms of the design language, rather than the Android operating system, which forms its base. However, it also offers numerous configuration options and a well-optimized system surface.

We did not notice any advertising banners or overlays in the MiUI-12 user interface, for example when a new app is installed. But generally such so-called MSA (MIUI System Ads) can also be deactivated fairly simply anyways. There are plenty of preinstalled third-party apps, though, but all of them can also be uninstalled.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test

Communication and GNSS - Redmi Note 8 2021 with WiFi 5

In the communication area, the Redmi smartphone uses dual-SIM including the 4G standard. The Note 8 2021 does not offer 5G or an NFC chip for near-field communication. However, with the SoC update, the model refresh now offers Bluetooth 5.2 instead of 4.2 LE.

In terms of access to the 4G net, there is also a change. The Note 8 2021 now supports all the LTE frequencies that are relevant for the German speaking countries, including band 28. In total, the Redmi smartphone now supports 11 LTE bands, which is okay if you consider its affordable price. However, the model series is still not equipped for global travel, for example to the USA. 

For the WLAN at home, the Note 8 2021 supports the ac standard with WiFi 5, which leads to very decent transfer rates in our measurements. In combination with our Netgear Nighthawk AX12 reference router, the Redmi smartphone offers constant speeds when sending and receiving data.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G85, 64 GB eMMC Flash
347 (338min - 353max) MBit/s
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Adreno 610, SD 665, 128 GB eMMC Flash
303 (242min - 355max) MBit/s -13%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G88, 64 GB eMMC Flash
293 (284min - 301max) MBit/s -16%
Motorola Moto E40
Mali-G52 MP2, Tangula T700, 64 GB eMMC Flash
86.9 (78min - 93max) MBit/s -75%
Nokia G20
PowerVR GE8320, Helio G35, 64 GB eMMC Flash
47 (24min - 73max) MBit/s -86%
Samsung Galaxy A12
PowerVR GE8320, Helio P35 MT6765, 64 GB eMMC Flash
44.8 (30min - 59max) MBit/s -87%
iperf3 receive AX12
Average of class Smartphone
  (last 2 years)
376 MBit/s +18%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Adreno 610, SD 665, 128 GB eMMC Flash
339 (320min - 349max) MBit/s +6%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G88, 64 GB eMMC Flash
333 (299min - 358max) MBit/s +4%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G85, 64 GB eMMC Flash
320 (290min - 330max) MBit/s
Motorola Moto E40
Mali-G52 MP2, Tangula T700, 64 GB eMMC Flash
87.2 (46min - 105max) MBit/s -73%
Samsung Galaxy A12
PowerVR GE8320, Helio P35 MT6765, 64 GB eMMC Flash
50.3 (8min - 62max) MBit/s -84%
Nokia G20
PowerVR GE8320, Helio G35, 64 GB eMMC Flash
46.9 (27min - 66max) MBit/s -85%
020406080100120140160180200220240260280300320340Tooltip
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø320 (290-330)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø347 (338-353)
Locating outdoors
Locating outdoors
Locating indoors
Locating indoors

In order to evaluate the locating accuracy in practice, we take the Xiaomi smartphone on a little bike tour, also recording the route with a Garmin Venu 2 for comparison. The GPS module uses the GPS (L1), GLONASS, QZSS, and Galileo (E1) main satellite systems as well as the satellite-based expansion system SBAS to determine the location. At the end of the almost 4.5 km (~2.8 mi) route, the difference between the smartphone's GPS module and the smartwatch is only 10 meters (~33 ft), which isn't much at all.

While the locating capabilities of the Note 8 2021 aren't always perfect, the deviations in the detail of the GPS recording are very small, so that there are hardly any inaccuracies of the route recording that are worth mentioning. 

Garmin Venu 2 locating
Garmin Venu 2 locating
Garmin Venu 2 locating
Garmin Venu 2 locating
Garmin Venu 2 locating
Garmin Venu 2 locating
Redmi Note 8 2021 locating
Redmi Note 8 2021 locating
Redmi Note 8 2021 locating
Redmi Note 8 2021 locating
Redmi Note 8 2021 locating
Redmi Note 8 2021 locating

Telephone Functions and Voice Quality - Redmi Note 8 2021 with WiFi calling

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test

The voice quality of the Redmi smartphone is convincing, and WiFi calling and VoLTE are also included. We don't have any complaints, whether we use the earpiece or speaker phone mode. The built-in microphone ensures that our voice is reproduced sufficiently loud. Our conversation partner also sounds fairly natural, and our own voice is transferred easily understandable. 

In the test, video calls via Skype using the built-in front camera also work without any problems, but the voice quality suffers from the maximum volume of the built-in speaker being slightly too low. 

Cameras - Xiaomi smartphone with a pseudo quad cam

Portrait mode of the Redmi Note 8 2021
Portrait mode of the Redmi Note 8 2021
Photo mode of the Redmi Note 8 2021
Photo mode of the Redmi Note 8 2021

The quality of the often over-exposed, slightly blurry recordings of the 13-MP camera in front is sufficient for social media content. However, your expectations on the selfie camera should not be too high. 

Similar to the 2019 model, the "quad" camera system of the Note 8 2021 has a 48-MP main camera including a Samsung GM1 image sensor with an open aperture of f/1.79. Considering the price of the entry-level smartphone, the achieved photo quality is really attractive. The image sharpness and contrast are convincing in daylight, and the color reproduction is also quite acceptable. In our ColorChecker Passport test under controlled light conditions, the Redmi smartphone only shows a few outliers with the Delta-E values being too high (>15).

The 12-MP pictures of the main camera created by the 4-in-1 pixel binning also score with a solid illumination in darkness. However, in low light conditions, the image sharpness and dynamics of the pictures are often not suitable anymore.     

The "quad" camera system is completed by two 2-MP tele lenses with a f/2.4 aperture for macro and depth recordings, and an 8-MP wide angle module (120 degrees) with an f/2.2 aperture. The Omnivision OV8856 of the ultra-wide angle lens only offers few details, and the recordings show significant graininess. The edges of the pictures from the Redmi Note 8 2021 also show massive deficits in sharpness.      

The main and ultra-wide angle camera are able to record videos with up to a 1080p resolution at 30 fps - a higher frame rate is not supported. You cannot switch between the lenses while a video is recorded.

Wide angle recording
Wide angle recording
Main camera
2x zoom
10x zoom (max)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test

Image Comparison

Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.

HauptkameraHauptkameraLow LightUltraweitwinkel
click to load images
ColorChecker
16.7 ∆E
10 ∆E
13.6 ∆E
17.5 ∆E
13.6 ∆E
10.8 ∆E
8.9 ∆E
12.8 ∆E
9.1 ∆E
11.5 ∆E
9.6 ∆E
10.5 ∆E
10.6 ∆E
11.4 ∆E
7.8 ∆E
5.4 ∆E
9.4 ∆E
12.8 ∆E
3.3 ∆E
5.8 ∆E
9.1 ∆E
11.9 ∆E
11 ∆E
2.5 ∆E
ColorChecker Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021: 10.23 ∆E min: 2.54 - max: 17.52 ∆E
ColorChecker
27.1 ∆E
49.6 ∆E
39.2 ∆E
37.1 ∆E
42.8 ∆E
62.8 ∆E
49.4 ∆E
34.6 ∆E
34.6 ∆E
26.8 ∆E
62.4 ∆E
61.3 ∆E
30.4 ∆E
49.1 ∆E
30.7 ∆E
71.5 ∆E
37.8 ∆E
45 ∆E
75.8 ∆E
67.7 ∆E
50.2 ∆E
35.7 ∆E
23.6 ∆E
13.1 ∆E
ColorChecker Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021: 44.1 ∆E min: 13.11 - max: 75.77 ∆E

Accessories and Warranty - Redmi Note 8 2021 with a 22.5-Watt charger

Modular 22.5-Watt charger of the Redmi Note 8 2021
Modular 22.5-Watt charger of the Redmi Note 8 2021

The box of the 2021 model includes a modular 22.5-Watt charger, a USB cable, a transparent protective cover, and a SIM tool.

The warranty is 12 months.

Input Devices and Operation - Xiaomi smartphone with a fingerprint sensor

Even though the operation does not benefit from a high refresh rate or low touch latency, the capacitive touchscreen responds to input reliably, and the sliding characteristics of the Corning Gorilla Glass are excellent. The physical keys of the Redmi smartphone are arranged ergonomically and offer good pressure points.

A fingerprint sensor is integrated in the back of the Redmi Note 8 2021 for biometric security, and it impresses with a good recognition rate. However, it takes a moment before the display is unlocked. The Xiaomi smartphone can also be unlocked via face recognition, but this uses a 2D process, which is not very secure.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test

Display - Xiaomi smartphone with an LCD display

Subpixel array
Subpixel array

The display of the Redmi Note 8 2021 doesn't completely get along without pulse-width modulation (PWM) and produces a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels in the 19.5:9 format, leading to a decent pixel density of 403 ppi. However, the IPS panel of the Redmi smartphone only offers a refresh rate of 60 Hz.

The dot-drop display of the 2021 refresh probably isn't the same panel as in the predecessor. In the previous Note 8, the LCD display impressed us with a more even brightness distribution and a higher brightness, while we can see some shade-forming in the IPS panel, particularly in the notch area here.

In the 2021 model, we measure a maximum brightness of 496 cd/m² with a pure white image background, which represents a solid value in this price class. In addition, we evaluate the brightness of the screen with evenly distributed dark and light areas in this test (APL50). We also measure a significantly lower brightness of 518 cd/m² here, compared to the Redmi Note 8 predecessor.

475
cd/m²
483
cd/m²
520
cd/m²
476
cd/m²
496
cd/m²
519
cd/m²
476
cd/m²
486
cd/m²
489
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 520 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 491.1 cd/m² Minimum: 0.98 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 91 %
Center on Battery: 496 cd/m²
Contrast: 2611:1 (Black: 0.19 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 5.5 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 6.6 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
99.4% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.36
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
IPS LCD, 2340x1080, 6.30
Motorola Moto E40
IPS, 1600x720, 6.50
Xiaomi Redmi 10
IPS, 2400x1080, 6.50
Nokia G20
IPS, 1600x720, 6.50
Samsung Galaxy A12
PLS-LCD, 1600x720, 6.50
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
IPS, 2340x1080, 6.30
Screen
-17%
18%
-27%
-25%
6%
Brightness middle
496
452
-9%
542
9%
485
-2%
458
-8%
656
32%
Brightness
491
431
-12%
518
5%
447
-9%
427
-13%
643
31%
Brightness Distribution
91
90
-1%
93
2%
88
-3%
85
-7%
95
4%
Black Level *
0.19
0.46
-142%
0.22
-16%
0.44
-132%
0.53
-179%
0.54
-184%
Contrast
2611
983
-62%
2464
-6%
1102
-58%
864
-67%
1215
-53%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
5.5
4.15
25%
3
45%
5.75
-5%
4.04
27%
1.1
80%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
8.88
6.47
27%
6.7
25%
10.53
-19%
6.84
23%
2.4
73%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
6.6
4
39%
1.4
79%
5.7
14%
4.8
27%
2.2
67%
Gamma
2.36 93%
2.157 102%
2.27 97%
2.095 105%
2.293 96%
2.2 100%
CCT
8432 77%
7557 86%
6450 101%
8070 81%
7535 86%
6263 104%

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM detected 352.1 Hz ≤ 5 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 352.1 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 5 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 352.1 Hz is relatively high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering. However, there are reports that some users are still sensitive to PWM at 500 Hz and above, so be aware.

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18034 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

Likewise, the model upgrade also does not show any improvement in the color calibration - quite to the contrary. We evaluate the reproduction quality of the display with a photo spectrometer and the CalMAN analysis software. The average Delta-E deviations from the sRGB color space are clearly outside the target range, which tolerates deviations around 3. The color temperature also turns out visibly too cool, resulting in a slight blue tint. The larger DCI-P3 as well as the AdobeRGB color spaces are not covered completely.  

In terms of the contrast, on the other hand, the Note 8 2021 impresses us with its low black value, leading to a good contrast ratio of more than 1:2000.

CalMan color accuracy (target color space: sRGB)
CalMan color accuracy (target color space: sRGB)
CalMan color space (target color space: AdobeRGB)
CalMan color space (target color space: AdobeRGB)
CalMan color space (target color space: P3)
CalMan color space (target color space: P3)
CalMan color space (target color space: sRGB)
CalMan color space (target color space: sRGB)
CalMan grayscale (target color space: sRGB)
CalMan grayscale (target color space: sRGB)
CalMan saturation (target color space: sRGB)
CalMan saturation (target color space: sRGB)

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
28 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 13 ms rise
↘ 15 ms fall
The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 67 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
52 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 27 ms rise
↘ 25 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 87 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.8 ms).

Outdoors, the Redmi smartphone leaves a decent impression. Thanks to the good contrast, the Note 8 2021 display should also be easily readable in direct sunlight. However, with the display brightness of less than 500 cd/m², you should avoid reflections on the screen.

The viewing angle stability is good, and the image hardly changes even from steep viewing angles, but the brightness is visibly reduced.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test

Performance - Redmi Note 8 2021 with a MediaTek SoC

The MediaTek Helio G85 in the Note 8 2021 is manufactured in the 12-nanometer FinFET process and has eight CPU cores in two clusters. Looking at the datasheet of the Helio G85, we can see that the chipset is practically identical to the Helio G80. Two fast ARM Cortex-A75 performance cores with up to 2 GHz ensure a maximum computing performance of the SoC, while six ARM Cortex-A55 cores with up to 1.8 GHz are used for less power-hungry tasks. Thanks to Heterogeneous-Multi-Processing, all eight cores can run simultaneously. Compared to the Helio G80, the ARM Mali-G52 MP2 GPU has a slightly higher clock speed at 1000 MHz. 

In combination with 4 GB of RAM, the Helio G85 in the Redmi smartphone ensures a solid system performance. However, the Note 8 2021 repeatedly shows some short stutters. Due to the slow eMMC storage, you also have to arrange yourself with long load times. 

In our benchmark package, the Xiaomi smartphone operates in the middle of the field of our comparison devices. Even with some goodwill, we are unable to see any jump ahead, compared to the predecessor. However, the Mali-G52 built into the 2021 model has some slight advantage to an Adreno 610

Geekbench 5.5
Single-Core (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
355 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
356 Points 0%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
365 Points +3%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
170 Points -52%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
169 Points -52%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (344 - 437, n=12)
360 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (119 - 2138, n=214, last 2 years)
900 Points +154%
Multi-Core (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1336 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1393 Points +4%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1265 Points -5%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
607 Points -55%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1022 Points -24%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1184 - 1363, n=12)
1306 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (473 - 6681, n=214, last 2 years)
2947 Points +121%
Vulkan Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1256 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1021 Points -19%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1267 Points +1%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1163 - 1256, n=8)
1213 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (79 - 15910, n=90, last 2 years)
4248 Points +238%
OpenCL Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1165 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1223 Points +5%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1148 - 1233, n=8)
1182 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (434 - 13654, n=82, last 2 years)
4036 Points +246%
PCMark for Android - Work 3.0 (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
7090 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
8743 Points +23%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
8842 Points +25%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
5297 Points -25%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (6596 - 9338, n=10)
7876 Points +11%
Average of class Smartphone
  (4761 - 21385, n=209, last 2 years)
11643 Points +64%
3DMark
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1876 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2203 Points +17%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1817 Points -3%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
574 Points -69%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
733 Points -61%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
1728 Points -8%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1818 - 1898, n=7)
1850 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (712 - 7285, n=52, last 2 years)
3548 Points +89%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1732 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2070 Points +20%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1709 Points -1%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
517 Points -70%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
645 Points -63%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
1607 Points -7%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1627 - 1759, n=7)
1703 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (618 - 9451, n=52, last 2 years)
3905 Points +125%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Physics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
2674 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2844 Points +6%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2336 Points -13%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
937 Points -65%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1098 Points -59%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
2378 Points -11%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (2495 - 2674, n=7)
2600 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1093 - 4525, n=52, last 2 years)
3005 Points +12%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1897 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2202 Points +16%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1833 Points -3%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
599 Points -68%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
879 Points -54%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
1778 Points -6%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1729 - 1897, n=7)
1830 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (704 - 23024, n=115, last 2 years)
9038 Points +376%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1765 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2052 Points +16%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1713 Points -3%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
541 Points -69%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
811 Points -54%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
1668 Points -5%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1633 - 1765, n=7)
1696 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (607 - 45492, n=114, last 2 years)
15757 Points +793%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
2778 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2961 Points +7%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2426 Points -13%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
954 Points -66%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1123 Points -60%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
2348 Points -15%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (2644 - 2778, n=7)
2697 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1075 - 8749, n=114, last 2 years)
4335 Points +56%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1463 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1486 Points +2%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1394 Points -5%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
341 Points -77%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
367 Points -75%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
1114 Points -24%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1387 - 1463, n=11)
1418 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (286 - 7890, n=104, last 2 years)
2680 Points +83%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1264 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1309 Points +4%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1250 Points -1%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
289 Points -77%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
298 Points -76%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
967 Points -23%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1237 - 1268, n=11)
1256 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (240 - 9814, n=104, last 2 years)
2667 Points +111%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Physics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
2654 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2821 Points +6%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2339 Points -12%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
933 Points -65%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1098 Points -59%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
2408 Points -9%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (2084 - 2654, n=11)
2533 Points -5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (858 - 4679, n=104, last 2 years)
3126 Points +18%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1453 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1554 Points +7%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1416 Points -3%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
373 Points -74%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
478 Points -67%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
1134 Points -22%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1393 - 1453, n=11)
1431 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (317 - 20131, n=177, last 2 years)
6571 Points +352%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1253 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1368 Points +9%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1265 Points +1%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
318 Points -75%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
423 Points -66%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
980 Points -22%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1234 - 1281, n=11)
1261 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (267 - 33376, n=176, last 2 years)
9383 Points +649%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
2811 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2961 Points +5%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2427 Points -14%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
949 Points -66%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1077 Points -62%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
2298 Points -18%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (2533 - 2811, n=11)
2680 Points -5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (938 - 8480, n=176, last 2 years)
4169 Points +48%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1432 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1556 Points +9%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1396 Points -3%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
426 Points -70%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
613 Points -57%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
1036 Points -28%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1391 - 1475, n=10)
1429 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (365 - 6439, n=98, last 2 years)
2606 Points +82%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1255 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1399 Points +11%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1264 Points +1%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
349 Points -72%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
541 Points -57%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
898 Points -28%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1234 - 1326, n=10)
1277 Points +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (298 - 8601, n=98, last 2 years)
2765 Points +120%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
2456 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2568 Points +5%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2203 Points -10%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1829 Points -26%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
2065 Points -16%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
2250 Points -8%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1567 - 2513, n=10)
2340 Points -5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1667 - 3525, n=98, last 2 years)
2671 Points +9%
Wild Life Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
721 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
729 Points +1%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
712 Points -1%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (706 - 761, n=12)
732 Points +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (395 - 9839, n=132, last 2 years)
2528 Points +251%
Wild Life Unlimited Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
717 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
722 Points +1%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
721 Points +1%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (698 - 757, n=12)
731 Points +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (394 - 20068, n=197, last 2 years)
6135 Points +756%
Wild Life Extreme (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
186 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
184 Points -1%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
182 Points -2%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (181 - 193, n=11)
186.2 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (22 - 5226, n=202, last 2 years)
1647 Points +785%
Wild Life Extreme Unlimited (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
181 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
183 Points +1%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
181 Points 0%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (178 - 191, n=11)
184.2 Points +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (110 - 5248, n=197, last 2 years)
1656 Points +815%
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7
T-Rex Onscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
41 fps
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
42 fps +2%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
31 fps -24%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
33 fps -20%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (40 - 55, n=8)
47.4 fps +16%
Average of class Smartphone
  (22 - 165, n=180, last 2 years)
83.1 fps +103%
1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
46 fps
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
46 fps 0%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
23 fps -50%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
36 fps -22%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (43 - 46, n=8)
45 fps -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (19 - 791, n=180, last 2 years)
243 fps +428%
GFXBench 3.0
on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
23 fps
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
18 fps -22%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
20 fps -13%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
17 fps -26%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (22 - 55, n=8)
34.1 fps +48%
Average of class Smartphone
  (6.8 - 165, n=181, last 2 years)
70.8 fps +208%
1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
25 fps
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
25 fps 0%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
12 fps -52%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
19 fps -24%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (25 - 26, n=8)
25.1 fps 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (9.2 - 363, n=181, last 2 years)
137.8 fps +451%
GFXBench 3.1
on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
14 fps
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
13 fps -7%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
13 fps -7%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
12 fps -14%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (8.7 - 30, n=8)
20.7 fps +48%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.7 - 158, n=181, last 2 years)
59.7 fps +326%
1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
16 fps
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
16 fps 0%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
7.9 fps -51%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
13 fps -19%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (14 - 16, n=8)
15.3 fps -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (6.2 - 279, n=181, last 2 years)
97.1 fps +507%
GFXBench
on screen Car Chase Onscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
8.8 fps
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
9.1 fps +3%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
5 fps -43%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
6.1 fps -31%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (8.2 - 17, n=8)
12.2 fps +39%
Average of class Smartphone
  (5 - 117, n=181, last 2 years)
42.7 fps +385%
1920x1080 Car Chase Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
9 fps
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
9.6 fps +7%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
3.3 fps -63%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
6.9 fps -23%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (9 - 10, n=8)
9.4 fps +4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.9 - 166, n=181, last 2 years)
58.6 fps +551%
on screen Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
8.5 fps
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
19 fps +124%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
9 fps +6%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
7.6 fps -11%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
7.5 fps -12%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
7.2 fps -15%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (7.5 - 22, n=13)
12.2 fps +44%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.6 - 123, n=221, last 2 years)
43.1 fps +407%
1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
9.7 fps
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
11 fps +13%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
9.7 fps 0%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
4.2 fps -57%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
4.2 fps -57%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
8.1 fps -16%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (8 - 9.7, n=13)
9.13 fps -6%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.3 - 229, n=221, last 2 years)
63.1 fps +551%
on screen Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
5.5 fps
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
12 fps +118%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
5.9 fps +7%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
4.8 fps -13%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
4.7 fps -15%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
4.4 fps -20%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (5 - 13, n=13)
7.87 fps +43%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.8 - 105, n=221, last 2 years)
32.1 fps +484%
2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
3.5 fps
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
3.7 fps +6%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
3.5 fps 0%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1.5 fps -57%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1.5 fps -57%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
2.8 fps -20%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (3.1 - 3.5, n=13)
3.38 fps -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (0.85 - 94, n=221, last 2 years)
25.1 fps +617%
AnTuTu v8 - Total Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
177574 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
185120 Points +4%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
108503 Points -39%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
169695 Points -4%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
169695 Points -4%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (171116 - 177574, n=2)
174345 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (last 2 years)
101336 Points -43%
AImark - Score v2.x (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
7145 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
7120 Points 0%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (5912 - 7145, n=3)
6369 Points -11%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1043 - 139804, n=54, last 2 years)
20600 Points +188%
BaseMark OS II
Overall (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
2374 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2247 Points -5%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1318 Points -44%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
2254 Points -5%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (2138 - 2422, n=5)
2290 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (411 - 11438, n=162, last 2 years)
5686 Points +140%
System (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
4773 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
4065 Points -15%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
2983 Points -38%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
5006 Points +5%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (4353 - 5010, n=5)
4622 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2376 - 16475, n=162, last 2 years)
9595 Points +101%
Memory (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
3085 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
3204 Points +4%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1268 Points -59%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
2808 Points -9%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (2536 - 3437, n=5)
2917 Points -5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (670 - 12306, n=162, last 2 years)
6206 Points +101%
Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1849 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1878 Points +2%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1023 Points -45%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
1881 Points +2%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1811 - 1960, n=5)
1861 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (697 - 58651, n=162, last 2 years)
13856 Points +649%
Web (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1183 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1042 Points -12%
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
887 Points -25%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, Adreno 610, 6144
937 Points -21%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1028 - 1198, n=5)
1132 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (10 - 2145, n=162, last 2 years)
1487 Points +26%
Jetstream 2 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (13.8 - 351, n=170, last 2 years)
103.9 Points +238%
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (29.2 - 52.8, n=6)
34.2 Points +11%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 (Chrome96)
30.77 Points
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (Chrome 78)
30.65 Points 0%
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (Chrome 94.0.4606.85)
28.58 Points -7%
Samsung Galaxy A12 (Chrome 88)
17.19 Points -44%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (66.1 - 104.3, n=2, last 2 years)
85.2 Points +45%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 (Chrome96)
58.9 Points
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (53.9 - 58.9, n=4)
56.6 Points -4%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (Chrome 78)
50.3 Points -15%
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (Chrome 94.0.4606.85)
50.2 Points -15%
Samsung Galaxy A12 (Chrome 88)
25.44 Points -57%
Speedometer 2.0 - Result
Average of class Smartphone (14.9 - 445, n=154, last 2 years)
104.4 runs/min +274%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (Chrome 78)
30.8 runs/min +10%
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (27 - 40.6, n=5)
30.2 runs/min +8%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 (Chrome96)
27.9 runs/min
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (Chrome 94.0.4606.85)
24.4 runs/min -13%
Samsung Galaxy A12 (Chrome 88)
13.7 runs/min -51%
WebXPRT 3 - Overall
Average of class Smartphone (37 - 304, n=119, last 2 years)
131 Points +179%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (Chrome 78)
52 Points +11%
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (Chrome 94.0.4606.85)
48 Points +2%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 (Chrome96)
47 Points
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (43 - 47, n=5)
45.2 Points -4%
Samsung Galaxy A12 (Chrome 88)
32 Points -32%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (4633 - 89112, n=205, last 2 years)
33314 Points +165%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 (Chrome96)
12554 Points
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (10299 - 13977, n=10)
12223 Points -3%
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (Chrome 94.0.4606.85)
10625 Points -15%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (Chrome 78)
9405 Points -25%
Samsung Galaxy A12 (Chrome 88)
4643 Points -63%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Samsung Galaxy A12 (Chrome 88)
11082 ms * -219%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (Chrome 78)
4562 ms * -31%
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (Chrome 94.0.4606.85)
3706 ms * -7%
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (2967 - 3939, n=6)
3536 ms * -2%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 (Chrome96)
3475 ms *
Average of class Smartphone (388 - 9999, n=168, last 2 years)
1658 ms * +52%

* ... smaller is better

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021Motorola Moto E40Xiaomi Redmi 10Nokia G20Samsung Galaxy A12Xiaomi Redmi Note 8Average 64 GB eMMC FlashAverage of class Smartphone
AndroBench 3-5
-26%
15%
-28%
-12%
4%
-21%
346%
Sequential Read 256KB
309.4
265
-14%
321.3
4%
256.1
-17%
269.7
-13%
297.6
-4%
273 ?(95.6 - 704, n=201)
-12%
1471 ?(215 - 4512, n=213, last 2 years)
375%
Sequential Write 256KB
159.7
156.3
-2%
178
11%
139.3
-13%
211.6
32%
160.5
1%
176.8 ?(40 - 274, n=201)
11%
1084 ?(57.5 - 3678, n=213, last 2 years)
579%
Random Read 4KB
73.6
56
-24%
100.7
37%
63.5
-14%
65.4
-11%
84.8
15%
59.1 ?(9.58 - 148.5, n=201)
-20%
243 ?(22.2 - 543, n=213, last 2 years)
230%
Random Write 4KB
88.9
30.7
-65%
95.8
8%
27.4
-69%
39.1
-56%
91.2
3%
31.7 ?(2.34 - 146.9, n=201)
-64%
267 ?(13 - 709, n=213, last 2 years)
200%

Games - Xiaomi smartphone with gaming ambitions?

The graphics unit built into the Note 8 2021 is based on the Bifrost architecture and supports graphics APIs such as OpenGL ES 3.2 and Vulkan 1.0. Even though the Helio G85 series isn't designed for gamers, the Mali G52 MP2 offers sufficient graphics performance for delivering around 30 fps even in demanding games such as PUBG Mobile. Slightly reduced graphic settings allow for even 40 fps. The maximum for playing the Ego shooter is the HD resolution.

Using the GameBench app, we also look at a game from the Play Store that has less demands on the graphics. Armajet can be played at high graphics settings with repeated frame drops close to the native refresh rate of the 60-Hz panel. However, we also see some massive drops in the frame rate in the beginning of the arena shooter. 

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test
051015202530354045505560Tooltip
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021; Armajet: Ø53.1 (11-61)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021; PUBG Mobile; Smooth: Ø39.7 (35-41)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021; PUBG Mobile; Balanced: Ø38.9 (19-41)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021; PUBG Mobile; HD: Ø29 (15-31)

Emissions - A cool Redmi smartphone

Temperature

GFXBench benchmark
GFXBench benchmark

The Note 8 2021 keeps a good handle on the heat development of the MediaTek SoC. While the case gets warm under longer load periods, it doesn't get hot. We measure a maximum value of around 40.9 °C (105.6 °F). 

The Xiaomi entry-level smartphone completes the battery test of GFXBench even with the demanding Manhattan Test (OpenGL ES 3.1) at constant speeds and without any problems. The stress tests of the 3DMark benchmark are also run without any throttling of the system.

Max. Load
 40.3 °C
105 F
36 °C
97 F
33.7 °C
93 F
 
 40.9 °C
106 F
35.9 °C
97 F
33.7 °C
93 F
 
 39.3 °C
103 F
35.6 °C
96 F
33.9 °C
93 F
 
Maximum: 40.9 °C = 106 F
Average: 36.6 °C = 98 F
33.3 °C
92 F
36.6 °C
98 F
39.6 °C
103 F
34 °C
93 F
36.7 °C
98 F
39.9 °C
104 F
34.2 °C
94 F
36.6 °C
98 F
38.4 °C
101 F
Maximum: 39.9 °C = 104 F
Average: 36.6 °C = 98 F
Power Supply (max.)  42.3 °C = 108 F | Room Temperature 21.3 °C = 70 F | Fluke t3000FC (calibrated), Voltcraft IR-260
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 36.6 °C / 98 F, compared to the average of 32.7 °C / 91 F for the devices in the class Smartphone.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 40.9 °C / 106 F, compared to the average of 35 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 56 °C for the class Smartphone.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 39.9 °C / 104 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 22.7 °C / 73 F, compared to the device average of 32.7 °C / 91 F.

3DMark Wild Life Stress Test

3DMark
Wild Life Stress Test Stability
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G85, 64 GB eMMC Flash
99.3 (4.32min) %
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G88, 64 GB eMMC Flash
98.2 (4.26min) % -1%
Wild Life Extreme Stress Test
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G88, 64 GB eMMC Flash
98.9 (1.09min) % +1%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G85, 64 GB eMMC Flash
98.3 (1.081min) %
00.20.40.70.91.11.31.51.722.22.42.62.833.33.53.73.94.1Tooltip
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G85, 64 GB eMMC Flash; Wild Life Extreme Stress Test; 1.0.5.1: Ø1.093 (1.081-1.1)
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G88, 64 GB eMMC Flash; Wild Life Extreme Stress Test; 1.0.5.1: Ø1.096 (1.09-1.102)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G85, 64 GB eMMC Flash; Wild Life Stress Test Stability; 0.0.0.0: Ø4.33 (4.32-4.35)
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G88, 64 GB eMMC Flash; Wild Life Stress Test Stability; 0.0.0.0: Ø4.32 (4.26-4.34)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 test

Speaker - Redmi Note 8 2021 with a mono speaker

According to Xiaomi, the Note 8 2021 is supposed to use an ultra-linear speaker, just like its predecessor. At almost 87 dbA, the speaker can get fairly loud, and the sound quality at medium volume is attractive for this price class, even if there is hardly any bass.

You can connect wired headphones with the Redmi smartphone via the 3.5-mm audio port. Alternatively, Bluetooth 5.2 is available for a wireless connection. In terms of audio codecs, SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, as well as LDAC and LDHC are available.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2038.945.22544.744.33134364036.839.65042.644.76337.335.48026.227.510028.327.812522.431.316018.939.52001642.325014.547.231513.2564001361.650016.565.863019.568.780019.670.5100017.470.7125015.375.1160015.374.9200015.775.5250016.575.6315017.976.1400020.869.650002272.7630020.980.5800021.777.71000022.874.2125002268.91600022.556.3SPL31.586.9N1.468.6median 18.9median 69.6Delta39.93739.325.629.829.124.623.423.936.833.128.425.724.823.622.426.819.227.116.940.915.641.713.847.613.456.313.362.913.867.41273.112.773.112.274.11374.813.77613.278.113.480.61381.713.377.813.67613.374.113.872.513.769.61463.813.556.925.588.90.773.6median 13.5median 73.10.79.8hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseXiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021Xiaomi Redmi 10
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (86.9 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 28.9% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (9.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.9% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (4.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 5.6% higher than median
(+) | highs are linear (6.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (21.8% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 37% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 55% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 57% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 36% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Xiaomi Redmi 10 audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (88.9 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 33% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (9.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.3% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (4.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.1% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (3.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (19.8% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 24% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 68% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 45% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 48% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Battery Life

Power Consumption

The 4000-mAh Li-Po battery can be completely recharged using the 22.5-Watt charger in slightly less than 2 hours. However, wireless recharging is not supported.

Compared to the predecessor, the 2021 model should run more efficiently due to the 12-nanometer SoC. However, this is only reflected in our measurements to a limited extent. On the other hand, considering our comparative measurements of the Mediatek Helio G85, the power consumption of the Note 8 2021 is at a good level. Particularly during idle operation, the consumption of the Redmi smartphone turns out fairly low. 

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0 / 0.1 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 0.8 / 1.3 / 2.1 Watt
Load midlight 5 / 6.9 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
4000 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi 10
5000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy A12
5000 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
4000 mAh
Average Mediatek Helio G85
 
Average of class Smartphone
 
Power Consumption
4%
-14%
9%
-6%
-6%
Idle Minimum *
0.8
0.53
34%
1.1
-38%
0.62
22%
0.957 ?(0.7 - 1.7, n=6)
-20%
0.897 ?(0.42 - 2.37, n=161, last 2 years)
-12%
Idle Average *
1.3
2.01
-55%
1.6
-23%
1.77
-36%
1.628 ?(0.9 - 2.9, n=6)
-25%
1.447 ?(0.69 - 4.26, n=161, last 2 years)
-11%
Idle Maximum *
2.1
2.02
4%
2.6
-24%
1.8
14%
2 ?(1.3 - 3, n=6)
5%
1.628 ?(0.79 - 4.45, n=161, last 2 years)
22%
Load Average *
5
4.11
18%
4.5
10%
3.42
32%
4.35 ?(3.5 - 5.3, n=6)
13%
5.48 ?(2.3 - 16.5, n=161, last 2 years)
-10%
Load Maximum *
6.9
5.76
17%
6.4
7%
6.14
11%
6.95 ?(6.11 - 8.5, n=6)
-1%
8.14 ?(3.53 - 20.8, n=161, last 2 years)
-18%

* ... smaller is better

Power Consumption: Geekbench (150 cd/m²)

01234567Tooltip
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 Mediatek Helio G85: Ø3.15 (1.876-6.97)
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Mediatek Helio G88: Ø3.38 (1.056-7.25)

Power Consumption: GFXBench (150 cd/m²)

012345Tooltip
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 Mediatek Helio G85; 1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Offscreen: Ø4.17 (3.01-5.18)
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Mediatek Helio G88; 1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Offscreen: Ø3.4 (2.96-3.92)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 Mediatek Helio G85; Idle 150cd/m2: Ø1.501 (0.8-2.22)
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Mediatek Helio G88; Idle 150cd/m2: Ø1.3 (1.064-2.04)

Battery Life

While the battery life of the Note 8 2021 is basically solid, it is slightly below average for an entry-level smartphone with 60 Hz. At almost 12.5 hours in the realistic WLAN test and at more than 15.5 hours in the repeating video loop, the affordable Xiaomi smartphone achieves decent values, but a Galaxy A12 or Redmi 10 with a 90-Hz panel lasts longer. 

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
28h 18min
WiFi Websurfing
12h 28min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
15h 46min
Load (maximum brightness)
3h 46min
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
4000 mAh
Motorola Moto E40
5000 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi 10
5000 mAh
Nokia G20
5050 mAh
Samsung Galaxy A12
5000 mAh
Battery Runtime
33%
28%
59%
59%
Reader / Idle
1698
2356
39%
3743
120%
H.264
946
1002
6%
887
-6%
WiFi v1.3
748
995
33%
858
15%
1186
59%
1288
72%
Load
226
341
51%
336
49%

Pros

+ good IPS panel
+ decent mono speaker
+ triple card slot
+ good main camera
+ fast WLAN
+ solid performance

Cons

- only 60 Hz
- no NFC
- slow storage
- low performance development
- battery life could be better

Verdict on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021

Testing the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Testing the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021

A final verdict on the Redmi Note 8 2021 is difficult. On one hand, Xiaomi did not succeed in creating a real upgrade with the 2021 model compared to the predecessor. On the other hand, the affordable entry-level smartphone is still an interesting and fairly good alternative to the current Samsung (Galaxy A12, Galaxy A02s) or Motorola competitors (Moto E40, Moto G10) in this price segment.   

Thanks to the glass back, the Redmi Note 8 2021 presents fairly high-quality appearance in the entry-level class, the main camera can create attractive pictures for a 150-Euro smartphone, and the list of equipment features is also considerable. With the triple card slot, fast WLAN, and the IR blaster, as well as the notification LED and 3.5-mm audio port, the Note 8 2021 offers some good features. And considering the price level of the Xiaomi smartphone, the system performance is also attractive. 

Considering the powerful, in-house competitors, the Redmi Note 8 refresh is fairly unnecessary in its current form. 

Unfortunately, the Chinese manufacturer does not succeed in providing its affordable Redmi model with a very noticeable upgrade, since nothing has changed in terms of the design – not even the color choices. The Helio G85 also responds more or less at the same performance level as the Snapdragon 665 in the Note 8 predecessor, and users have to continue to make do without an NFC chip. But what is hardest to understand is the brightness deficit in the built-in IPS panel, which continues to run at only 60 Hz.

Price and Availability

In the US, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 is currently only available from vendors such as Banggood at a price of slightly less than $160, and in the UK from Amazon for £207.  

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 - 12/16/2021 v7
Marcus Herbrich

Chassis
84%
Keyboard
66 / 75 → 88%
Pointing Device
91%
Connectivity
47 / 70 → 67%
Weight
89%
Battery
90%
Display
85%
Games Performance
16 / 64 → 24%
Application Performance
58 / 86 → 67%
Temperature
91%
Noise
100%
Audio
72 / 90 → 80%
Camera
60%
Average
73%
78%
Smartphone - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 review: Can this questionable smartphone update be recommended?
Marcus Herbrich, 2021-12-19 (Update: 2021-12-20)