Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 review: Can this questionable smartphone update be recommended?
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.
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 g | 64 GB eMMC Flash | 6.30" | 2340x1080 | |
77.1 % | 11/2021 | Motorola Moto E40 Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2 | 198 g | 64 GB eMMC Flash | 6.50" | 1600x720 | |
79 % | 11/2021 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2 | 181 g | 64 GB eMMC Flash | 6.50" | 2400x1080 | |
76.4 % | 07/2021 | Nokia G20 Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320 | 197 g | 64 GB eMMC Flash | 6.50" | 1600x720 | |
75.2 % | 02/2021 | Samsung Galaxy A12 Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320 | 205 g | 64 GB eMMC Flash | 6.50" | 1600x720 |
Case - Xiaomi smartphone with a notch
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.
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.
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 (Angelbird AV Pro V60) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 (Toshiba Exceria Pro) | |
Nokia G20 (Angelbird V60) | |
Motorola Moto E40 (Angelbird V60) |
Cross Platform Disk Test (CPDT)
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.
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 | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 | |
Motorola Moto E40 | |
Nokia G20 | |
Samsung Galaxy A12 | |
iperf3 receive AX12 | |
Average of class Smartphone (last 2 years) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 | |
Motorola Moto E40 | |
Samsung Galaxy A12 | |
Nokia G20 |
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.
Telephone Functions and Voice Quality - Redmi Note 8 2021 with WiFi calling
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
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.
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 LightUltraweitwinkelAccessories and Warranty - Redmi Note 8 2021 with a 22.5-Watt charger
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.
Display - Xiaomi smartphone with an LCD display
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.
|
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)
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.
Display 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.
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 | |
Motorola Moto E40 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 | |
Nokia G20 | |
Samsung Galaxy A12 | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (344 - 437, n=12) | |
Average of class Smartphone (119 - 2138, n=214, last 2 years) | |
Multi-Core (sort by value) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 | |
Motorola Moto E40 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 | |
Nokia G20 | |
Samsung Galaxy A12 | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (1184 - 1363, n=12) | |
Average of class Smartphone (473 - 6681, n=214, last 2 years) | |
Vulkan Score (sort by value) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 | |
Motorola Moto E40 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (1163 - 1256, n=8) | |
Average of class Smartphone (79 - 15910, n=90, last 2 years) | |
OpenCL Score (sort by value) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (1148 - 1233, n=8) | |
Average of class Smartphone (434 - 13654, n=82, last 2 years) |
PCMark for Android - Work 3.0 (sort by value) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 | |
Motorola Moto E40 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 | |
Nokia G20 | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (6596 - 9338, n=10) | |
Average of class Smartphone (4761 - 21385, n=209, last 2 years) |
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7 | |
T-Rex Onscreen (sort by value) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 | |
Samsung Galaxy A12 | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (40 - 55, n=8) | |
Average of class Smartphone (22 - 165, n=180, last 2 years) | |
1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen (sort by value) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 | |
Samsung Galaxy A12 | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (43 - 46, n=8) | |
Average of class Smartphone (19 - 791, n=180, last 2 years) |
GFXBench 3.0 | |
on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL (sort by value) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 | |
Samsung Galaxy A12 | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (22 - 55, n=8) | |
Average of class Smartphone (6.8 - 165, n=181, last 2 years) | |
1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen (sort by value) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 | |
Samsung Galaxy A12 | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (25 - 26, n=8) | |
Average of class Smartphone (9.2 - 363, n=181, last 2 years) |
GFXBench 3.1 | |
on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen (sort by value) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 | |
Samsung Galaxy A12 | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (8.7 - 30, n=8) | |
Average of class Smartphone (3.7 - 158, n=181, last 2 years) | |
1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen (sort by value) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 | |
Samsung Galaxy A12 | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (14 - 16, n=8) | |
Average of class Smartphone (6.2 - 279, n=181, last 2 years) |
AnTuTu v8 - Total Score (sort by value) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 | |
Samsung Galaxy A12 | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (171116 - 177574, n=2) | |
Average of class Smartphone (last 2 years) |
AImark - Score v2.x (sort by value) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (5912 - 7145, n=3) | |
Average of class Smartphone (1043 - 139804, n=54, last 2 years) |
Jetstream 2 - Total Score | |
Average of class Smartphone (13.8 - 351, n=170, last 2 years) | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (29.2 - 52.8, n=6) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 (Chrome96) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (Chrome 78) | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (Chrome 94.0.4606.85) | |
Samsung Galaxy A12 (Chrome 88) |
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score | |
Average of class Smartphone (66.1 - 104.3, n=2, last 2 years) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 (Chrome96) | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (53.9 - 58.9, n=4) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (Chrome 78) | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (Chrome 94.0.4606.85) | |
Samsung Galaxy A12 (Chrome 88) |
Speedometer 2.0 - Result | |
Average of class Smartphone (14.9 - 445, n=154, last 2 years) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (Chrome 78) | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (27 - 40.6, n=5) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 (Chrome96) | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (Chrome 94.0.4606.85) | |
Samsung Galaxy A12 (Chrome 88) |
WebXPRT 3 - Overall | |
Average of class Smartphone (37 - 304, n=119, last 2 years) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (Chrome 78) | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (Chrome 94.0.4606.85) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 (Chrome96) | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (43 - 47, n=5) | |
Samsung Galaxy A12 (Chrome 88) |
Octane V2 - Total Score | |
Average of class Smartphone (4633 - 89112, n=205, last 2 years) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 (Chrome96) | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (10299 - 13977, n=10) | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (Chrome 94.0.4606.85) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (Chrome 78) | |
Samsung Galaxy A12 (Chrome 88) |
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total | |
Samsung Galaxy A12 (Chrome 88) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (Chrome 78) | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (Chrome 94.0.4606.85) | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (2967 - 3939, n=6) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 (Chrome96) | |
Average of class Smartphone (388 - 9999, n=168, last 2 years) |
* ... smaller is better
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 | Motorola Moto E40 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Nokia G20 | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 | Average 64 GB eMMC Flash | Average 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 ? -12% | 1471 ? 375% |
Sequential Write 256KB | 159.7 | 156.3 -2% | 178 11% | 139.3 -13% | 211.6 32% | 160.5 1% | 176.8 ? 11% | 1084 ? 579% |
Random Read 4KB | 73.6 | 56 -24% | 100.7 37% | 63.5 -14% | 65.4 -11% | 84.8 15% | 59.1 ? -20% | 243 ? 230% |
Random Write 4KB | 88.9 | 30.7 -65% | 95.8 8% | 27.4 -69% | 39.1 -56% | 91.2 3% | 31.7 ? -64% | 267 ? 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.
Emissions - A cool Redmi smartphone
Temperature
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.
(±) 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 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 | |
Wild Life Extreme Stress Test | |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 |
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.
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.
Off / Standby | 0 / 0.1 Watt |
Idle | 0.8 / 1.3 / 2.1 Watt |
Load |
5 / 6.9 Watt |
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 ? -20% | 0.897 ? -12% |
Idle Average * | 1.3 | 2.01 -55% | 1.6 -23% | 1.77 -36% | 1.628 ? -25% | 1.447 ? -11% |
Idle Maximum * | 2.1 | 2.02 4% | 2.6 -24% | 1.8 14% | 2 ? 5% | 1.628 ? 22% |
Load Average * | 5 | 4.11 18% | 4.5 10% | 3.42 32% | 4.35 ? 13% | 5.48 ? -10% |
Load Maximum * | 6.9 | 5.76 17% | 6.4 7% | 6.14 11% | 6.95 ? -1% | 8.14 ? -18% |
* ... smaller is better
Power Consumption: Geekbench (150 cd/m²)
Power Consumption: GFXBench (150 cd/m²)
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.
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
Cons
Verdict on 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
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12/16/2021 v7
Marcus Herbrich