Mi 8 Explorer likely not vaporware after all, could be coming on July 24

On May 27, Xiaomi unveiled three devices in its new Mi 8 premium lineup. The mid-range Mi 8 SE and base Mi 8 have gone on sale since then but word of the last device in the trio, the Mi 8 Explorer Edition, has been scarce. Until now, that is, as new information claims the device will be launched on July 24.

The Mi 8 Explorer Edition is the most feature-packed and expensive of the three devices. While it’s powered by the same Snapdragon 845 as the regular Mi 8, it does feature more RAM than the latter, and also a dual biometric security system with 3D facial recognition and an in-display fingerprint sensor—the Mi 8 sports only the former. 

While the Mi 8 Explorer looks impressive on paper, there’s always been a certain feel to it, indicating that it may have only been a concept showpiece. The listing here may not be official but it proves that such a device is, indeed, on the way to the store shelves. The price also makes things quite interesting. CNY 3,699 converts to US$550, which makes it one of the cheapest flagships on the market, alongside the Asus Zenfone 5Z, Honor 10, and OnePlus 6.