Notebookcheck Logo

Xiaomi Redmi 8 Smartphone Review: Xiaomi's budget phone sets new standards

A Redmi 8 evolution. Everyday usage reveals unexpectedly large differences between the Redmi 8 and its sibling, the Redmi 8A. We shall discuss below in which areas the cheap Redmi 8 improves upon the Redmi 8A and why its MSRP of 115 Euros (~$127) is worthwhile.
Xiaomi Redmi 8

With the Redmi 8, Xiaomi particularly wants to appeal to price-conscious buyers. The device starts at around 115 Euros (~$127) for the 32 GB of storage and 3 GB of RAM model, with the 64 GB and 4 GB costing an additional 20 Euros at 135 Euros (~$150).

A smartphone with a price this low comes with some cutbacks compared to midrange Redmi devices like the Note 8. The 600-series Qualcomm SoC of the Note 8, also found in the 8A, has been dispensed for the less-powerful Snapdragon 439, for example. Likewise, the resolution of the Redmi 8's 6.22-inch IPS display is only 1520x720, which is markedly lower than the displays in the Redmi Note 8 and Redmi 8A. The Redmi 8 also only has dual rear-facing cameras, the primary of which is a 12 MP sensor.

You can find out whether the Xiaomi phone is worth considering as your next smartphone and how it compares to its sibling, the Redmi 8A, in this expert review. We have included an overview below of the Redmi 8 and our comparison devices, too.

Xiaomi Redmi 8 (Redmi Series)
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 8 x 2 GHz, Cortex-A53
Graphics adapter
Memory
4 GB 
Display
6.22 inch 19:9, 1520 x 720 pixel 270 PPI, capacitive touchscreen, IPS LCD, Corning Gorilla Glass 5, glossy: yes, 60 Hz
Storage
64 GB eMMC Flash, 64 GB 
, 49 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm jack, Card Reader: up to 512 GB microSD cards, 1 Fingerprint Reader, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: Accelerometer, proximity sensor, compass, USB Type-C, Miracast, status LED, FM radio, IR blaster
Networking
802.11 b/g/n (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.2, 2G: 850, 900, 1,800, 1,900. 3G: B1, B2, B4, B5, B8. 4G: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B20, B38, B40., Dual SIM, LTE, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 9.4 x 156.5 x 75.4 ( = 0.37 x 6.16 x 2.97 in)
Battery
5000 mAh Lithium-Polymer
Charging
fast charging / Quickcharge
Operating System
Android 9.0 Pie
Camera
Primary Camera: 12 MPix Dual: 12 MP (f/1.8, 1/2.55", 1.4 µm) + 2 MP, Camera2 API: Level 3
Secondary Camera: 8 MPix , f/2.0, 1.12 µm
Additional features
Speakers: Mono, Keyboard: Virtual, Charger, USB-C cable, SIM tool, case, MIUI 11, 12 Months Warranty, SAR values: Body - 1.48 W/kg, Head - 0.231 W/kg. LTE Cat 4/5 (150/75 Mbps), fanless
Weight
188 g ( = 6.63 oz / 0.41 pounds), Power Supply: 70 g ( = 2.47 oz / 0.15 pounds)
Price
140 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Device comparison

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Drive
Size
Resolution
Best Price
76.1 %
01/2020
Xiaomi Redmi 8
SD 439, Adreno 505
188 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.22"1520x720
74.5 %
12/2019
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
SD 439, Adreno 505
188 g32 GB eMMC Flash6.22"1520x720
80.7 %
06/2019
Nokia 4.2
SD 439, Adreno 505
161 g32 GB eMMC Flash5.71"1520x720
75.5 %
07/2019
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2
141 g32 GB eMMC Flash5.80"1560x720
75 %
10/2019
LG K50
Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320
170 g32 GB eMMC Flash6.26"1520x720
80.5 %
07/2019
Wiko View 3
Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320
178 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.26"1520x720

Case - A Redmi smartphone with an aura-mirror design

Xiaomi Redmi 8
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Colour variants
Colour variants
of the Redmi 8
of the Redmi 8

The Redmi 8 has a plastic back with an aura-mirror design. Xiaomi currently offers the device in four colours, although, as you may expect from a budget smartphone, none are IP certified. Our review unit is well-built considering its price, though. Its volume rocker and power button are sturdy too and have a pleasant tactile response to them.

The Redmi 8 also has quite thin bezels for a device at this price. Expressed in numbers, the display, which is covered in Corning Gorilla Glass 5, has a screen-to-body ratio of 82%. In short, this is satisfactory for such a cheap smartphone. The 188 g heavy and 9.4 mm thick device fits well in the hand thanks to its narrow bezels, despite having a relatively large 6.22-inch display.

Xiaomi Redmi 8
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Xiaomi Redmi 8

Size Comparison

161.3 mm / 6.35 inch 77 mm / 3.03 inch 8.7 mm / 0.3425 inch 170 g0.3748 lbs159 mm / 6.26 inch 76.5 mm / 3.01 inch 8.2 mm / 0.3228 inch 178 g0.3924 lbs156.5 mm / 6.16 inch 75.4 mm / 2.97 inch 9.4 mm / 0.3701 inch 188 g0.4145 lbs156.5 mm / 6.16 inch 75.4 mm / 2.97 inch 9.4 mm / 0.3701 inch 188 g0.4145 lbs148.95 mm / 5.86 inch 71.3 mm / 2.81 inch 8.39 mm / 0.3303 inch 161 g0.3549 lbs147.4 mm / 5.8 inch 69.7 mm / 2.74 inch 8.4 mm / 0.3307 inch 141 g0.3109 lbs148 mm / 5.83 inch 105 mm / 4.13 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 1.5 g0.00331 lbs

Connectivity - Redmi 8 with a 3.5 mm jack

The Xiaomi smartphone has dual-SIM functionality, a notification LED, an FM radio and an IR blaster, along with a "classic" 3.5 mm jack. The Redmi 8 also supports Miracast for streaming video wirelessly to a Miracast-capable external monitor. Our review unit worked perfectly in this regard with our Sony Android TV.

The device has a USB Type-C port for charging its 5,000 mAh battery, with the former being located on the bottom of the device. The port supports USB OTG, allowing you to connect USB sticks and other peripherals.

Our review unit, courtesy of TradingShenzhen, has 64 GB of eMMC flash storage. A 32 GB version is also available, with both versions supporting up to 512-GB microSD cards. While the device cannot format microSD cards as internal storage, it supports the exFAT file system and has a dedicated microSD card slot.

Right-hand side: volume rocker, power button
Right-hand side: volume rocker, power button
Left-hand side: card slot
Left-hand side: card slot
Top side: microphone, IR blaster
Top side: microphone, IR blaster
Underside: speaker, USB Type-C, microphone apertures, 3.5 mm headphone jack
Underside: speaker, USB Type-C, microphone apertures, 3.5 mm headphone jack

Software - MIUI 11 as standard on the Redmi 8

Widevine DRM level on our review unit
Widevine DRM level on our review unit

The Redmi 8 ships with MIUI 11, Xiaomi's custom version of Android. The device runs on a base of Android 9.0 Pie and had the December 2019 set of security patches at the time of testing. The global version of the device has Google services installed at the factory and, in addition to Chinese and English, supports multiple system languages including German.

However, while the device also comes with Netflix preinstalled, it cannot stream DRM-protected content in HD. This is because of its Widevine DRM Level 3 certification, which restricts it to streaming the likes of Netflix in SD.

Please note that the Chinese version of the Redmi 8 does not come with Google services preinstalled. In practical terms, this means that the likes of the Google Play Store and Gmail are not there by default, with Xiaomi's in-house equivalents being preinstalled instead. Adding these apps and services is easy enough, though. Third-party sellers like Trading Shenzhen have guides for doing so if you are interested.

Default home screen
Default home screen
Default home screen
Default home screen
Quick settings and notification shade
Quick settings and notification shade
Settings
Settings

Communication & GPS - A Redmi smartphone with BT 4.2

Xiaomi has equipped the Redmi 8 with two nano-SIM card slots, along with a dedicated microSD card reader. Both SIM card slots support LTE too. The Redmi 8 can only access a few LTE bands though, as is typical for a smartphone at this price. Specifically, the budget handset can only utilise 10 LTE bands, but this does not include the ever-increasingly used Band 28. The Redmi 8 supports Bluetooth 4.2 too, but it also lacks an NFC chip.

Its Wi-Fi module only masters IEEE 802.11b/g/n, restricting the device to just 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks. Correspondingly, our review unit only achieved around 50 to 60 Mb/s in our Wi-Fi tests. The transfer speeds, which we measured with our Netgear Nighthawk AX12 reference router, are constant though, at least.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
LG K50
PowerVR GE8320, Helio P22 MT6762, 32 GB eMMC Flash
55.9 (51min - 59max) MBit/s +11%
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Adreno 505, SD 439, 32 GB eMMC Flash
55.3 (49min - 60max) MBit/s +10%
Wiko View 3
PowerVR GE8320, Helio P22 MT6762, 64 GB eMMC Flash
55 (47min - 62max) MBit/s +10%
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Adreno 505, SD 439, 64 GB eMMC Flash
50.2 (24min - 56max) MBit/s
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Mali-G71 MP2, Exynos 7884B, 32 GB eMMC Flash
39.7 (23min - 50max) MBit/s -21%
Nokia 4.2
Adreno 505, SD 439, 32 GB eMMC Flash
35.2 (24min - 40max) MBit/s -30%
iperf3 receive AX12
Average of class Smartphone
  (last 2 years)
376 MBit/s +569%
Wiko View 3
PowerVR GE8320, Helio P22 MT6762, 64 GB eMMC Flash
70 (57min - 83max) MBit/s +25%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Mali-G71 MP2, Exynos 7884B, 32 GB eMMC Flash
60 (47min - 67max) MBit/s +7%
LG K50
PowerVR GE8320, Helio P22 MT6762, 32 GB eMMC Flash
60 (53min - 57max) MBit/s +7%
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Adreno 505, SD 439, 64 GB eMMC Flash
56.2 (47min - 58max) MBit/s
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Adreno 505, SD 439, 32 GB eMMC Flash
56 (54min - 58max) MBit/s 0%
Nokia 4.2
Adreno 505, SD 439, 32 GB eMMC Flash
52.6 (35min - 52max) MBit/s -6%
0510152025303540455055Tooltip
Xiaomi Redmi 8; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø53.3 (47-58)
Xiaomi Redmi 8; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø49.4 (24-56)
GPS Test: Indoors
GPS Test: Indoors
GPS Test: Outdoors
GPS Test: Outdoors

In order to measure the location accuracy of our test device in practice, we took it on a bike ride to compare the route it plotted against the results from a Garmin Edge 500 bike computer. There is about 120 metres between the Redmi 8 and the Garmin at the end of a 6 km route, for reference.

Overall, the deviations of the GPS module in our review unit are small. Looking closely reveals that the Redmi 8 is at least accurate enough for use when driving. The device utilises GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou and SBAS, a supplementary system, for locations services. Our review unit achieved a satellite fix with up to four metres accuracy indoors and six metres outdoors.

GPS test: Garmin Edge 500 - Overview
GPS test: Garmin Edge 500 - Overview
GPS test: Garmin Edge 500 - Loop
GPS test: Garmin Edge 500 - Loop
GPS test: Garmin Edge 500 - Cycling around a lake
GPS test: Garmin Edge 500 - Cycling around a lake
GPS test: Xiaomi Redmi 8 - Overview
GPS test: Xiaomi Redmi 8 - Overview
GPS test: Xiaomi Redmi 8 - Loop
GPS test: Xiaomi Redmi 8 - Loop
GPS test: Xiaomi Redmi 8 - Cycling around a lake
GPS test: Xiaomi Redmi 8 - Cycling around a lake

Telephone Functions and Call Quality - Redmi 8 with dual VoLTE

MIUI 11 dialler
MIUI 11 dialler

The call quality of the Redmi 8 is acceptable. The device reproduces voices well, with our call partner reporting that the microphone captured our voice cleanly too. Video-calls over Skype using the front-facing camera also worked without any problems during our tests, but the call quality suffers a bit because of the device's quiet microphone.

The Redmi 8 also supports dual Voice over LTE (VoLTE). The device does not support Wi-Fi calling though, nor could we find it from within the main settings menu.

Cameras - A Redmi smartphone with dual cameras

Taking a selfie with the 8 MP front-facing camera
Taking a selfie with the 8 MP front-facing camera

The main sensor of the Redmi 8's dual rear-facing camera array can shoot in up to 12 MP with an f/1.8 aperture. The sensor also supports dual-pixel phase detection autofocus. Specifically, Xiaomi has opted for a Sony IMX363 sensor, which it has complemented with a 2 MP depth sensor. Rounding off the camera setup is Google Lens support.

The IMX363 captures plenty of details in daylight conditions and offers good image sharpness, at least in the middle of our test shots. Its colour accuracy is decent too, even if photos are often a little too reddish for our liking. However, low-light shots look significantly blurrier and lack the contrast that daylight shots offer. The sensor struggles with exposing low-light scenes properly too. In short, the weaknesses of the IMX363 are particularly evident in low light.

The highlight of the self-proclaimed "Selfie Champion" is its 8 MP front-facing camera. While the sensor does not quite live up to that billing, its f/2.0 aperture is good enough for taking selfies to post on social media, for example.

Automatic mode
Automatic mode
Portrait mode
Portrait mode
Automatic mode
Automatic mode with AI-enabled
Camera settings
Camera settings
Camera app UI
Camera app UI
Camera app filters
Camera app filters

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.

Scene 1Scene 2Scene 3
click to load images

We also subjected the primary camera sensor to further tests under controlled lighting conditions. Using ColorChecker Passport, we determined that the IMX363 reproduces colours solidly, while the sensor also does a good job at capturing colour gradients in our test chart. However, sharpness and contrast levels are only satisfactory in the middle of the picture of our test chart.

ColorChecker
7.2 ∆E
7 ∆E
3.5 ∆E
6.3 ∆E
2.3 ∆E
2.1 ∆E
8.1 ∆E
6.7 ∆E
7.7 ∆E
3.8 ∆E
3.8 ∆E
4.8 ∆E
5.1 ∆E
6.8 ∆E
7.7 ∆E
1.4 ∆E
3.5 ∆E
6.6 ∆E
3.9 ∆E
4.1 ∆E
4.9 ∆E
4.6 ∆E
5.8 ∆E
5.6 ∆E
ColorChecker Xiaomi Redmi 8: 5.14 ∆E min: 1.4 - max: 8.14 ∆E
ColorChecker
26.7 ∆E
49.8 ∆E
36.5 ∆E
35.6 ∆E
40.9 ∆E
60.2 ∆E
50.2 ∆E
31.8 ∆E
37 ∆E
23.7 ∆E
61.3 ∆E
61.3 ∆E
27.3 ∆E
45.9 ∆E
32.9 ∆E
73.3 ∆E
38 ∆E
41.8 ∆E
81 ∆E
67.9 ∆E
49.1 ∆E
34.6 ∆E
22.2 ∆E
12.2 ∆E
ColorChecker Xiaomi Redmi 8: 43.38 ∆E min: 12.22 - max: 80.98 ∆E
A photo of our test chart
A photo of our test chart
A cropped photo of our test chart
A photo of our test chart shot at 1 lux

Accessories & Warranty - Xiaomi includes a case with the Redmi 8

A look at the 10 W modular power supply included in the box
A look at the 10 W modular power supply included in the box

The Redmi 8 comes with a 10 W modular charger, a corresponding USB Type-C cable, a SIM tool, and a silicone case.

The device also has 12 months manufacturer's warranty from the date of purchase. 24 months' warranty will apply in regions like the EU, though. Please see our Guarantees, Return Policies & Warranties FAQ for country-specific information.

Input Devices & Operation - Redmi 8 with face unlock

MIUI 11 offers onscreen buttons for navigating the Redmi 8 by default, but the OS also offers gesture control should you prefer to use that. The capacitive touchscreen in our review unit is very sensitive and responds precisely right into the corners of the display. The glass top-layer has a pleasant finish to it too that is conducive to gliding one's finger across its surface.

The Redmi 8 also has a fingerprint scanner, which Xiaomi has placed on the back of the device. The sensor is not that fast though, as is expected from an entry-level smartphone. However, the sensor unlocks the device reliably and is much faster than those in devices like the Nokia 4.2. The Redmi 8 supports facial authentication too, although only using its front-facing camera. While not as secure as the fingerprint scanner, it recognised our face quickly and accurately.

Using the default keyboard app in portrait mode
Using the default keyboard app in portrait mode
Using the default keyboard app in portrait mode
Using the default keyboard app in portrait mode
Using the default keyboard app in landscape mode
Using the default keyboard app in landscape mode

Display - Only an HD IPS panel on the Redmi 8

Sub-pixel array
Sub-pixel array

The Redmi 8 has a 6.22-inch IPS LC display in a 19:9 aspect ratio, which natively operates at a resolution of 1520x720. The panel has a pixel density of 270 PPI, which is good enough for everyday usage even if it is not that sharp.

The display is comparatively bright, though. Our review unit achieved a maximum brightness of 554 cd/m² on a pure white background at the centre of the display, which is a very good value in view of the competition. Incidentally, APL50, a more realistic test that measures luminosity by evenly distributing light and dark areas across displays, recorded a peak brightness of 528 cd/m². It should be noted that this only applies when the display is set to automatic brightness. Switching to manual brightness causes the display's peak luminosity to drop to 452 cd/m².

470
cd/m²
541
cd/m²
525
cd/m²
485
cd/m²
554
cd/m²
524
cd/m²
491
cd/m²
539
cd/m²
515
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 554 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 516 cd/m² Minimum: 1.34 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 85 %
Center on Battery: 554 cd/m²
Contrast: 2308:1 (Black: 0.24 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 2.6 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 2.7 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
95.7% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.17
Xiaomi Redmi 8
IPS LCD, 1520x720, 6.22
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
IPS, 1520x720, 6.22
Nokia 4.2
IPS, 1520x720, 5.71
Samsung Galaxy A20e
IPS, 1560x720, 5.80
LG K50
IPS, 1520x720, 6.26
Wiko View 3
IPS, 1520x720, 6.26
Screen
-47%
-54%
-82%
-45%
-28%
Brightness middle
554
441
-20%
445
-20%
475
-14%
489
-12%
574
4%
Brightness
516
421
-18%
424
-18%
473
-8%
453
-12%
552
7%
Brightness Distribution
85
89
5%
91
7%
93
9%
85
0%
91
7%
Black Level *
0.24
0.38
-58%
0.26
-8%
0.35
-46%
0.42
-75%
0.19
21%
Contrast
2308
1161
-50%
1712
-26%
1357
-41%
1164
-50%
3021
31%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
2.6
4.46
-72%
5.9
-127%
6.8
-162%
4.75
-83%
5.5
-112%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
4.9
8.01
-63%
9.3
-90%
13.4
-173%
7.75
-58%
9.5
-94%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
2.7
5.4
-100%
6.8
-152%
8.7
-222%
4.6
-70%
5
-85%
Gamma
2.17 101%
2.146 103%
2.2 100%
2.33 94%
2.164 102%
2.1 105%
CCT
6814 95%
7901 82%
8443 77%
9385 69%
7510 87%
7610 85%

* ... 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 not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

The IPS panel also achieved a very good black value of 0.24 cd/m² in our tests. Accordingly, the panel has a high contrast ratio, which we measured at 2,308:1. APL50 reflected these values, too.

We also used a photo spectrometer and CalMAN software to assess the display's colour accuracy. These recorded a colour deviation from DeltaE reference colours of 2.6 and a greyscale deviation of 2.9. These are comparatively low for a device at this price, while its colour temperature of 6,814 K is close to our ideal of 6,500 K.

CalMAN: Colour accuracy - sRGB target colour space. Colour profile: Original
CalMAN: Colour accuracy - sRGB target colour space. Colour profile: Original
CalMAN: Colour space - sRGB target colour space. Colour profile: Original
CalMAN: Colour space - sRGB target colour space. Colour profile: Original
CalMAN: Grayscale - sRGB target colour space. Colour profile: Original
CalMAN: Grayscale - sRGB target colour space. Colour profile: Original
CalMAN: Colour saturation - sRGB target colour space. Colour profile: Original
CalMAN: Colour saturation - sRGB target colour space. Colour profile: Original
CalMAN: Colour accuracy - sRGB target colour space. Colour profile: Standard
CalMAN: Colour accuracy - sRGB target colour space. Colour profile: Standard
CalMAN: Colour space - sRGB target colour space. Colour profile: Standard
CalMAN: Colour space - sRGB target colour space. Colour profile: Standard
CalMAN: Grayscale - sRGB target colour space. Colour profile: Standard
CalMAN: Grayscale - sRGB target colour space. Colour profile: Standard
CalMAN: Colour saturation - sRGB target colour space. Colour profile: Standard
CalMAN: Colour saturation - sRGB target colour space. Colour profile: Standard

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
41.6 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 22.8 ms rise
↘ 18.8 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 97 % 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
68.8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 33.2 ms rise
↘ 35.6 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. » 98 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

The Redmi 8 leaves a satisfactory impression outdoors, too. Its bright and contrast-rich panel ensures that content remains readable even outdoors in wintry conditions, but reflections from direct sunlight during the summer will likely obscure the display somewhat.

Using the Redmi 8 outdoors
Using the Redmi 8 outdoors
Using the Redmi 8 outdoors
Using the Redmi 8 outdoors
Using the Redmi 8 outdoors
Using the Redmi 8 outdoors

The IPS panel also has stable viewing angles, with there being no colour accuracy issues at regular viewing angles. There is some brightness drop-off at acute viewing angles, though.

Viewing angles
Viewing angles

Performance - Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 with 4 GB RAM

Daily apps like Facebook or Twitter are no problem for the Snapdragon 439 in the Redmi 8. The 2018 Qualcomm SoC has eight Cortex-A53 cores that can clock up to 1.95 GHz. The SoC also integrates a Qualcomm Adreno 505 GPU, which supports modern APIs like Vulkan, OpenGL ES 3.1, OpenCL 2.0 and Direct3D 12.

The UI does not, despite the display's low pixel density, always run smoothly. The device's limited performance shows when multitasking and loading games, with long waiting times being the rule here.

In synthetic benchmarks, the Qualcomm chipset and 4 GB of RAM match our Android comparison devices, although the Exynos 7884 in the Samsung Galaxy A20e proves to be slightly more powerful than the Snapdragon 439. Meanwhile, the Adreno 505 is more or less on par with the competition in GPU benchmarks, although this only includes the ARM Mali-G71 MP2 and the PowerVR GE8320.

Geekbench 5.0
5.0 Single-Core (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
176 Points
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
177 Points +1%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (176 - 177, n=3)
176.7 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (703 - 1668, n=12, last 2 years)
963 Points +447%
5.0 Multi-Core (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
812 Points
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
809 Points 0%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (809 - 836, n=3)
819 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1908 - 4353, n=12, last 2 years)
3139 Points +287%
OpenCL Score 5.0 (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
252 Points
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
272 Points +8%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (252 - 272, n=3)
265 Points +5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (498 - 9123, n=7, last 2 years)
3975 Points +1477%
Vulkan Score 5.0 (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
Points
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
Points
Average of class Smartphone
  (261 - 7988, n=6, last 2 years)
3373 Points
PCMark for Android
Work performance score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
6076 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
6026 Points -1%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
6228 Points +3%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
6902 Points +14%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
4635 Points -24%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
6912 Points +14%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (5880 - 6228, n=6)
6095 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (10884 - 19297, n=2, last 2 years)
15091 Points +148%
Work 2.0 performance score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
4664 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
4708 Points +1%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
4623 Points -1%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
5305 Points +14%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
4052 Points -13%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
5135 Points +10%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (4412 - 4791, n=6)
4632 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (9101 - 12871, n=4, last 2 years)
10872 Points +133%
3DMark
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
835 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
822 Points -2%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
802 Points -4%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
737 Points -12%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
480 Points -43%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
428 Points -49%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (802 - 835, n=6)
820 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (712 - 7285, n=52, last 2 years)
3548 Points +325%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
735 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
719 Points -2%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
704 Points -4%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
637 Points -13%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
423 Points -42%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
370 Points -50%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (704 - 735, n=6)
720 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (618 - 9451, n=52, last 2 years)
3905 Points +431%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Physics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
1602 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
1654 Points +3%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
1568 Points -2%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
1646 Points +3%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
911 Points -43%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
943 Points -41%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (1561 - 1654, n=6)
1593 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1093 - 4525, n=52, last 2 years)
3005 Points +88%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
835 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
826 Points -1%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
807 Points -3%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
759 Points -9%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
742 Points -11%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
513 Points -39%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (807 - 835, n=6)
826 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (704 - 23024, n=115, last 2 years)
9038 Points +982%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
735 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
725 Points -1%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
712 Points -3%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
659 Points -10%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
701 Points -5%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
452 Points -39%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (712 - 735, n=6)
727 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (607 - 45492, n=114, last 2 years)
15757 Points +2044%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
1602 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
1618 Points +1%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
1516 Points -5%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
1624 Points +1%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
936 Points -42%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
975 Points -39%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (1516 - 1618, n=6)
1588 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1075 - 8749, n=114, last 2 years)
4335 Points +171%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
448 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
446 Points 0%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
441 Points -2%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
526 Points +17%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
305 Points -32%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (439 - 448, n=6)
445 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (286 - 7890, n=102, last 2 years)
2685 Points +499%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
372 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
369 Points -1%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
366 Points -2%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
443 Points +19%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
257 Points -31%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (364 - 372, n=6)
369 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (240 - 9814, n=102, last 2 years)
2675 Points +619%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Physics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
1598 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
1657 Points +4%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
1575 Points -1%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
1630 Points +2%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
897 Points -44%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (1575 - 1657, n=6)
1613 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (858 - 4679, n=102, last 2 years)
3127 Points +96%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
505 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
501 Points -1%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
492 Points -3%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
525 Points +4%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
493 Points -2%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (492 - 505, n=6)
500 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (317 - 20131, n=174, last 2 years)
6545 Points +1196%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
432 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
418 Points -3%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
413 Points -4%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
440 Points +2%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
434 Points 0%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (413 - 432, n=6)
420 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (267 - 33376, n=173, last 2 years)
9330 Points +2060%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
1582 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
1627 Points +3%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
1500 Points -5%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
1628 Points +3%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
936 Points -41%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (1500 - 1657, n=6)
1597 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (938 - 8480, n=173, last 2 years)
4158 Points +163%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
501 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
495 Points -1%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
490 Points -2%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
598 Points +19%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (490 - 502, n=6)
496 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (365 - 6439, n=96, last 2 years)
2611 Points +421%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
411 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
406 Points -1%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
401 Points -2%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
498 Points +21%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (401 - 412, n=6)
407 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (298 - 8601, n=96, last 2 years)
2775 Points +575%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
2118 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
2135 Points +1%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
2172 Points +3%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
2018 Points -5%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (2118 - 2172, n=6)
2139 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1667 - 3525, n=96, last 2 years)
2671 Points +26%
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7
T-Rex Onscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
35 fps
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
34 fps -3%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
34 fps -3%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
31 fps -11%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
26 fps -26%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
27 fps -23%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (21 - 35, n=6)
32.2 fps -8%
Average of class Smartphone
  (22 - 165, n=177, last 2 years)
83.6 fps +139%
1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
23 fps
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
22 fps -4%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
23 fps 0%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
20 fps -13%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
19 fps -17%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
20 fps -13%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (22 - 23, n=6)
22.8 fps -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (19 - 791, n=177, last 2 years)
243 fps +957%
GFXBench 3.0
on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
19 fps
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
18 fps -5%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
18 fps -5%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
20 fps +5%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
17 fps -11%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
17 fps -11%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (9.3 - 19, n=6)
15.4 fps -19%
Average of class Smartphone
  (6.8 - 165, n=178, last 2 years)
71.3 fps +275%
1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
9.8 fps
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
9.7 fps -1%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
9.8 fps 0%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
11 fps +12%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
9.8 fps 0%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
10 fps +2%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (9.7 - 19, n=6)
11.3 fps +15%
Average of class Smartphone
  (9.2 - 363, n=178, last 2 years)
137.9 fps +1307%
GFXBench 3.1
on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
14 fps
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
13 fps -7%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
13 fps -7%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
14 fps 0%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
10 fps -29%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
11 fps -21%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (6 - 14, n=6)
12.2 fps -13%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.7 - 158, n=178, last 2 years)
60.2 fps +330%
1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
6.6 fps
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
6.4 fps -3%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
6.4 fps -3%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
6.5 fps -2%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
6 fps -9%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
6.2 fps -6%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (6.4 - 6.6, n=6)
6.43 fps -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (6.2 - 279, n=178, last 2 years)
97 fps +1370%
GFXBench
on screen Car Chase Onscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
7.1 fps
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
7.1 fps 0%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
7 fps -1%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
8.6 fps +21%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
3.9 fps -45%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
4.7 fps -34%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (3.4 - 7.3, n=6)
6.48 fps -9%
Average of class Smartphone
  (5 - 117, n=178, last 2 years)
42.9 fps +504%
1920x1080 Car Chase Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
3.6 fps
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
3.5 fps -3%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
3.5 fps -3%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
4.2 fps +17%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
2.8 fps -22%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
2.9 fps -19%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (3.5 - 3.6, n=6)
3.53 fps -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.9 - 166, n=178, last 2 years)
58.6 fps +1528%
on screen Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
6.7 fps
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
6.7 fps 0%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
6.6 fps -1%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
7.8 fps +16%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
6.8 fps +1%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
6.8 fps +1%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (3.5 - 6.7, n=5)
5.98 fps -11%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.6 - 123, n=218, last 2 years)
43.3 fps +546%
1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
3.7 fps
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
3.6 fps -3%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
3.6 fps -3%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
4 fps +8%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
3.7 fps 0%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
4.7 fps +27%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (3.6 - 3.7, n=6)
3.65 fps -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.3 - 229, n=218, last 2 years)
62.9 fps +1600%
on screen Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
4 fps
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
3.9 fps -2%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
3.9 fps -2%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
4.8 fps +20%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
4.1 fps +3%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
4.3 fps +8%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (2 - 4.1, n=6)
3.63 fps -9%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.8 - 105, n=218, last 2 years)
32.2 fps +705%
2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
1.2 fps
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
1.2 fps 0%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
1.2 fps 0%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
1.4 fps +17%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
1.4 fps +17%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
1.6 fps +33%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (1.2 - 1.2, n=6)
1.2 fps 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (0.85 - 94, n=218, last 2 years)
25 fps +1983%
BaseMark OS II
Overall (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
1294 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
1090 Points -16%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
1310 Points +1%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
1608 Points +24%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
323 Points -75%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
1106 Points -15%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (1090 - 1312, n=6)
1236 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (411 - 11438, n=158, last 2 years)
5704 Points +341%
System (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
2587 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
2271 Points -12%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
2687 Points +4%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
3372 Points +30%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
2165 Points -16%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
2619 Points +1%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (2238 - 2687, n=6)
2511 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2376 - 16475, n=158, last 2 years)
9621 Points +272%
Memory (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
1287 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
758 Points -41%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
1316 Points +2%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
2008 Points +56%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
661 Points -49%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
1019 Points -21%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (655 - 1335, n=6)
1102 Points -14%
Average of class Smartphone
  (670 - 12306, n=158, last 2 years)
6230 Points +384%
Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
1009 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
999 Points -1%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
1000 Points -1%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
893 Points -11%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
778 Points -23%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
799 Points -21%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (995 - 1009, n=6)
1003 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (697 - 58651, n=158, last 2 years)
13900 Points +1278%
Web (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
849 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
821 Points -3%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
834 Points -2%
Samsung Galaxy A20e
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
1106 Points +30%
LG K50
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
10 Points -99%
Wiko View 3
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
703 Points -17%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (816 - 1083, n=6)
874 Points +3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (10 - 2145, n=158, last 2 years)
1487 Points +75%
AnTuTu v8
Total Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
94601 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
84645 Points -11%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
95835 Points +1%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (84645 - 99193, n=4)
93569 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (last 2 years)
101336 Points +7%
CPU (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
41690 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
40746 Points -2%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
41127 Points -1%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (40746 - 41690, n=4)
41220 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (last 2 years)
38092 Points -9%
GPU (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
10803 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
9258 Points -14%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
9335 Points -14%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (9258 - 10803, n=4)
10049 Points -7%
Average of class Smartphone
  (last 2 years)
15006 Points +39%
MEM (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
30734 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
27672 Points -10%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
28689 Points -7%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (27672 - 30734, n=4)
29440 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (last 2 years)
25210 Points -18%
UX (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 4096
11374 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 2048
6969 Points -39%
Nokia 4.2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, Adreno 505, 3072
16684 Points +47%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
  (6969 - 16684, n=4)
12860 Points +13%
Average of class Smartphone
  (last 2 years)
23028 Points +102%

Browser benchmarks show a similar picture to those of the synthetic CPU and GPU benchmarks, insofar as the Redmi 8 falls short of the Galaxy A20e. Our review unit loads websites slowly too, while scrolling does not always remain smooth when the system is rendering complex content. Overall, the Redmi 8 offers a "normal" surfing experience for a smartphone at this price.

Jetstream 2 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (13.8 - 351, n=167, last 2 years)
104 Points +524%
Samsung Galaxy A20e (Chrome 72.0.3626.121)
21.49 Points +29%
Xiaomi Redmi 8 (Chrome 79)
16.68 Points
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (15.9 - 16.9, n=5)
16.4 Points -2%
Xiaomi Redmi 8A (Chrome 78)
15.96 Points -4%
Nokia 4.2 (Chrome 74)
15.92 Points -5%
Wiko View 3 (Chrome 75)
12.93 Points -22%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (66.1 - 104.3, n=2, last 2 years)
85.2 Points +233%
Samsung Galaxy A20e (Chrome 72.0.3626.121)
39.08 Points +53%
Nokia 4.2 (Chrome 74)
27.09 Points +6%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (25.3 - 27.1, n=6)
26.3 Points +3%
Xiaomi Redmi 8 (Chrome 79)
25.62 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A (Chrome 78)
25.25 Points -1%
LG K50 (Chrome 77)
22.82 Points -11%
Speedometer 2.0 - Result
Average of class Smartphone (14.9 - 445, n=151, last 2 years)
104.7 runs/min +502%
Samsung Galaxy A20e (Chrome 72.0.3626.121)
21.63 runs/min +24%
Nokia 4.2 (Chrome 74)
18.23 runs/min +5%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (17.4 - 18.5, n=5)
18 runs/min +3%
Xiaomi Redmi 8A (Chrome 78)
17.4 runs/min 0%
Xiaomi Redmi 8 (Chrome 79)
17.4 runs/min
WebXPRT 3 - Overall
Average of class Smartphone (37 - 304, n=118, last 2 years)
130.7 Points +296%
Samsung Galaxy A20e (Chrome 72.0.3626.121)
48 Points +45%
Nokia 4.2 (Chrome 74)
38 Points +15%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (32 - 38, n=6)
35.2 Points +7%
Xiaomi Redmi 8 (Chrome 79)
33 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A (Chrome 78)
32 Points -3%
LG K50 (Chrome 77)
26 Points -21%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (4633 - 89112, n=202, last 2 years)
33355 Points +627%
Samsung Galaxy A20e (Chrome 72.0.3626.121)
7470 Points +63%
Nokia 4.2 (Chrome 74)
4810 Points +5%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (4512 - 4958, n=6)
4731 Points +3%
Xiaomi Redmi 8 (Chrome 79)
4585 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 8A (Chrome 78)
4512 Points -2%
LG K50 (Chrome 77)
4258 Points -7%
Wiko View 3 (Chrome 75)
4114 Points -10%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
LG K50 (Chrome 77)
12799 ms * -28%
Wiko View 3 (Chrome 75)
11757 ms * -18%
Xiaomi Redmi 8A (Chrome 78)
10127 ms * -2%
Xiaomi Redmi 8 (Chrome 79)
9976 ms *
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (9768 - 10143, n=6)
9963 ms * -0%
Nokia 4.2 (Chrome 74)
9768 ms * +2%
Samsung Galaxy A20e (Chrome 72.0.3626.121)
5546 ms * +44%
Average of class Smartphone (388 - 9999, n=165, last 2 years)
1658 ms * +83%

* ... smaller is better

The device's internal eMMC storage is on par with our comparison devices. While its sequential transfer speeds and 4 KB random read speeds are better than most of its competitors, the device struggles with 4 KB write speeds, for some reason. The device has a satisfactorily fast microSD card reader too, which we tested with our Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 reference card.

Xiaomi Redmi 8Xiaomi Redmi 8ANokia 4.2Samsung Galaxy A20eLG K50Wiko View 3Average 64 GB eMMC FlashAverage of class Smartphone
AndroBench 3-5
9%
-38%
5%
-9%
-8%
45%
1145%
Sequential Read 256KB
285.7
282
-1%
220.4
-23%
300.4
5%
263.4
-8%
287.3
1%
273 ?(95.6 - 704, n=201)
-4%
1468 ?(215 - 4512, n=210, last 2 years)
414%
Sequential Write 256KB
202.6
106.4
-47%
18.17
-91%
103.6
-49%
78.9
-61%
132.4
-35%
176.8 ?(40 - 274, n=201)
-13%
1078 ?(57.5 - 3678, n=210, last 2 years)
432%
Random Read 4KB
79
73.1
-7%
17.51
-78%
79.8
1%
52.1
-34%
55.2
-30%
59.1 ?(9.58 - 148.5, n=201)
-25%
242 ?(22.2 - 543, n=210, last 2 years)
206%
Random Write 4KB
7.33
15.8
116%
4.31
-41%
13.18
80%
12.03
64%
8.98
23%
31.7 ?(2.34 - 146.9, n=201)
332%
266 ?(13 - 709, n=210, last 2 years)
3529%
Sequential Read 256KB SDCard
86.9 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
84.9 ?(Tohsiba Exceria Pro M501)
-2%
86.7 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
0%
79.2 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-9%
78.9 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-9%
81.7 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-6%
77.4 ?(21.1 - 107.6, n=144)
-11%
Sequential Write 256KB SDCard
63.6 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
61.7 ?(Tohsiba Exceria Pro M501)
-3%
65.9 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
4%
64.3 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
1%
58.9 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-7%
63.6 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
0%
58.3 ?(11.2 - 83.3, n=144)
-8%

Games - The Qualcomm Adreno 505 has its limits

All sensors worked perfectly during our gaming tests, as did the touchscreen. The Adreno 505 is only powerful enough to play demanding games like Asphalt 9: Legends at low details, though. Even then, our review unit occasionally dropped to a low of 20 FPS at these settings, albeit it averaged 28.8 FPS. PUBG Mobile also only averages 23.9 FPS on Balanced and 24.8 FPS on smooth, which we determined using the GameBench app.

PUBG Mobile
PUBG Mobile
Asphalt 9: Legends
Asphalt 9: Legends
PUBG Mobile
0510152025Tooltip
Xiaomi Redmi 8; Smooth: Ø24.8 (22-26)
Xiaomi Redmi 8; Balanced: Ø23.9 (14-26)
Asphalt 9: Legends
051015202530Tooltip
Xiaomi Redmi 8; High Quality: Ø20.5 (13-31)
Xiaomi Redmi 8; Standard / low: Ø28.8 (20-31)

Emissions - A cool customer

Temperature

The rear plastic housing of the Redmi 8 remains rather cool even under sustained load. In short, waste heat will not pose a problem in daily use.

We also subjected our review unit to a looped set of GFXBench battery tests, which we left running for at least 30 run-throughs. During this time, we measured any SoC temperature changes, along with battery status and frame rates.

While the Redmi 8 handled the older T-Rex test with ease, it throttled marginally in the more complex Manhattan benchmark, which GFXBench bases on OpenGL ES 3.1. Frame-rate fluctuations remain at around 1% though, so you should not notice any performance issues in daily use.

Xiaomi Redmi 8
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Xiaomi Redmi 8
Max. Load
 29.3 °C
85 F
29.1 °C
84 F
29.7 °C
85 F
 
 28.7 °C
84 F
28.8 °C
84 F
30.7 °C
87 F
 
 28.3 °C
83 F
28.3 °C
83 F
28.7 °C
84 F
 
Maximum: 30.7 °C = 87 F
Average: 29.1 °C = 84 F
26.2 °C
79 F
26.8 °C
80 F
29.5 °C
85 F
26.3 °C
79 F
26.9 °C
80 F
28.9 °C
84 F
26.7 °C
80 F
27.4 °C
81 F
27.4 °C
81 F
Maximum: 29.5 °C = 85 F
Average: 27.3 °C = 81 F
Power Supply (max.)  25.3 °C = 78 F | Room Temperature 21.8 °C = 71 F | Voltcraft IR-260
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 29.1 °C / 84 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 30.7 °C / 87 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 29.5 °C / 85 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27.2 °C / 81 F, compared to the device average of 32.7 °C / 91 F.
Heat map of the front of the device under load
Heat map of the front of the device under load
Heat map of the back of the device under load
Heat map of the back of the device under load

Speakers

Pink Noise chart
Pink Noise chart

Lovers of wired headphones can look forward to clean-sounding audio thanks to the Redmi 8's 3.5 mm jack. The device supports Bluetooth audio output too and utilises codecs like AAC among others.

The Redmi 8 has a mono speaker, which achieved a maximum volume of almost 89 dB(A) during our tests. The speaker sounds slightly better to our ears than the one that Xiaomi included in the Redmi 8A, and while it reproduces an array of frequencies linearly, mids dominate somewhat. The pink noise diagram to the right also shows that the speaker reproduces hardly any bass frequencies.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2037.640.32527.523.93119.227.74023.225.75033.537.86325.624.78020.527.91002022.412519.227.216021.138.120016.742.725016.949.531515.954.740015.857.45001563.663014.166.980014.773.8100014.275.8125014.177.7160014.476.2200013.976.925001477.6315014.677400014.177.1500014.479.6630014.476.9800015.3761000014.976.61250015.877160001760.3SPL26.788.6N0.874.4median 14.9median 75.8Delta1.61136.742.733.637.834.335.133.830.63933.534.831.43130.530.232.123.228.122.835.322.636.919.844.220.150.316.951.916.856.915.259.415.864.915.869.314.569.31570.914.17015.369.814.971.614.969.614.770.114.769.614.970.814.873.215.361.615.45227.881.6149.8median 15.3median 64.92.210.8hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseXiaomi Redmi 8Samsung Galaxy A20e
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Xiaomi Redmi 8 audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (88.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 36.7% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (10.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 5.6% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (5.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 1.5% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (1.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (20.1% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 26% of all tested devices in this class were better, 9% similar, 65% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 46% of all tested devices were better, 9% similar, 45% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Samsung Galaxy A20e audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (81.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 27.1% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (9.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 5.8% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (5.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 5.7% higher than median
(+) | highs are linear (2.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (24% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 49% of all tested devices in this class were better, 9% similar, 43% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 68% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 25% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Power Management - A 5,000 mAh strong battery and great runtimes

Power Consumption

Although Xiaomi claims that the Redmi 8 supports 18 W fast charging, the company only includes a 10 W charger in the box. Our review unit takes about 3 hours to recharge fully, for reference. Nonetheless, the Redmi 8 has inconspicuous power consumption and is generally more efficient than the Redmi 8A.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.01 / 0.12 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 0.57 / 1.8 / 1.82 Watt
Load midlight 2.57 / 4.12 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 8
5000 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
5000 mAh
Nokia 4.2
3000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy A20e
3000 mAh
LG K50
3500 mAh
Wiko View 3
4000 mAh
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
 
Average of class Smartphone
 
Power Consumption
-41%
-15%
1%
4%
4%
-36%
-49%
Idle Minimum *
0.57
0.9
-58%
0.74
-30%
0.66
-16%
0.7
-23%
0.67
-18%
0.82 ?(0.57 - 1.28, n=6)
-44%
0.894 ?(0.42 - 2.37, n=157, last 2 years)
-57%
Idle Average *
1.8
1.8
-0%
1.9
-6%
1.63
9%
1
44%
1.73
4%
2.21 ?(1.6 - 4.5, n=6)
-23%
1.452 ?(0.69 - 4.26, n=157, last 2 years)
19%
Idle Maximum *
1.82
2.4
-32%
2.21
-21%
1.67
8%
1.8
1%
1.79
2%
2.49 ?(1.73 - 4.59, n=6)
-37%
1.632 ?(0.79 - 4.45, n=157, last 2 years)
10%
Load Average *
2.57
4.3
-67%
3.04
-18%
2.77
-8%
2.4
7%
2.18
15%
3.78 ?(2.57 - 5.71, n=6)
-47%
5.55 ?(2.4 - 16.5, n=157, last 2 years)
-116%
Load Maximum *
4.12
6
-46%
4.15
-1%
3.66
11%
4.5
-9%
3.43
17%
5.24 ?(4.12 - 6.99, n=6)
-27%
8.23 ?(4.32 - 20.8, n=157, last 2 years)
-100%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

Thanks to energy-saving hardware and a huge 5,000 mAh battery, the Redmi 8 can outlast its competitors. In our Wi-Fi battery test, which we conducted by adjusting the display to approximately 150 cd/m², our review unit lasted an impressive 19:17 hours. The Redmi 8 managed a strong runtime of 5:08 hours even under load. However, the device does not appear to be as well optimised as the Redmi 8A is. While the Redmi 8 has significantly lower power consumption, the Redmi 8A lasted much longer in our H.264 looped video and sustained load tests. Overall, the Redmi 8A edged the Redmi 8 too.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
42h 01min
WiFi Websurfing
19h 17min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
13h 18min
Load (maximum brightness)
5h 08min
Xiaomi Redmi 8
5000 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
5000 mAh
Nokia 4.2
3000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy A20e
3000 mAh
LG K50
3500 mAh
Wiko View 3
4000 mAh
Battery Runtime
11%
-40%
-27%
-29%
-14%
Reader / Idle
2521
1903
-25%
1432
-43%
H.264
798
1193
49%
753
-6%
WiFi v1.3
1157
1145
-1%
696
-40%
715
-38%
822
-29%
995
-14%
Load
308
367
19%
250
-19%

Pros

+ beautiful design
+ well built
+ good fingerprint sensor
+ full dual SIM + microSD card slot
+ very long battery life
+ good cameras for a budget phone
+ bright and contrast-rich IPS panel...

Cons

- ...with a class-typical HD resolution
- only Widevine L3 certification despite the existence of a global edition
- class-typical performance
- slow memory
- no NFC

Verdict - The Xiaomi Redmi 8 sets new standards for budget smartphones

The Xiaomi Redmi 8 smartphone review. Test device courtesy of Trading Shenzhen.
The Xiaomi Redmi 8 smartphone review. Test device courtesy of Trading Shenzhen.

The Redmi 8, which is very similar to the Redmi 8A on paper, is a significant upgrade over its sibling, even if they look almost identical. The former not only has improved cameras and a better loudspeaker, but it has better connectivity and a noticeably improved display too. Overall, while we recommended the cheaper Redmi 8A when we reviewed it, the Redmi 8 offers even better value for the money. In short, Xiaomi's latest budget Redmi smartphone sets new standards for sub-120-Euro (~$133) smartphones, primarily because it has no serious weaknesses.

Nevertheless, Xiaomi has made some compromises, which is unsurprising considering the device's low MSRP. The Redmi 8 is, and remains, an entry-level smartphone. Accordingly, Xiaomi has equipped the device with a weak SoC, a low-resolution display, eMMC flash storage and a slow Wi-Fi module. At just 30 Euros (~$33) more, the Redmi Note 8 is a worthwhile alternative to the Redmi 8, as it offers noticeably better performance at hardly any greater outlay.

The Xiaomi Redmi 8 offers more than most sub-120-Euro (~$133) smartphones do. If price is the limiting factor for your next smartphone, then the Redmi 8 would be a good option.

Xiaomi Redmi 8 - 01/20/2020 v7
Marcus Herbrich

Chassis
82%
Keyboard
67 / 75 → 89%
Pointing Device
88%
Connectivity
42 / 70 → 59%
Weight
89%
Battery
91%
Display
88%
Games Performance
6 / 64 → 9%
Application Performance
45 / 86 → 52%
Temperature
95%
Noise
100%
Audio
76 / 90 → 84%
Camera
52%
Average
71%
76%
Smartphone - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

Read all 3 comments / answer
static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Xiaomi Redmi 8 Smartphone Review: Xiaomi's budget phone sets new standards
Marcus Herbrich, 2020-01-21 (Update: 2020-01-23)