Redmi Note 8 Pro, world's first 64MP smartphone, Redmi Note 8 launched in China

Xiaomi's sub-brand Redmi has officially launched the Redmi Note 8 family of smartphones at an event in China. The line-up includes the affordable Redmi Note 8, and the Redmi Note 8 Pro, which features the world's first 64MP camera on a smartphone. Redmi also took the wraps off the Redmi TV and a refreshed version of RedmiBook 14.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, Note 8 Pro with 64MP camera launched, prices start ₹10,000/-

Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi launched the eighth-generation of Redmi Note devices today at an event in Beijing. The smartphones, namely Redmi Note 8 and Redmi Note 8 Pro, succeed the Redmi Note 7-series of devices. While the Redmi Note 8 is a significant step up from the predecessor, the Note 8 is a marginal improvement from the Note 7.

The Redmi Note 8's base variant with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage starts at 999 Yuan (about ₹10,000). It also comes in two other variants—6GB/64GB priced at 1,199 Yuan (about ₹12,000) and 6GB/128GB with a price tag of 1,399 Yuan (about ₹14,000).

The Redmi Note 8 Pro is priced at 1,399 Yuan for the base 6GB/64GB variant and goes up to 1,799 Yuan for the top 8GB/128GB version.

Redmi Note 8 Pro: Specifications

The Redmi Note 8 Pro sports improvements in terms of design, camera and processor specifications. The smartphone now comes in three colour options of Jade Green, Ice White and Grey.

It is lit by a 6.53-inch full HD+ display with a smaller notch when compared to its predecessor. It now runs a MediaTek processor instead of a Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC. The Note 8 Pro is the first smartphone to be powered by the Helio G90T processor with gaming-specific optimisations like HyperEngine and Game Turbo 2.0 mode. The chipset also brings improved network speed and lower touch latency. The smartphone is also the first Redmi Note-device to have liquid cooling.

There is also the feature to connect both to Wi-Fi and 4G to provide seamless gaming.

At the back, the Note 8 Pro comes with the much talked about quad-camera setup with a 64MP Samsung ISOCELL GW1 primary sensor. The rest of the configuration comprises an 8MP 120-degree wide-angle sensor, 2MP depth sensor, and 2MP macro camera. At the front, the smartphone has a 20MP selfie camera sitting underneath the U-shaped notch.

It is backed by a 4,500 mAh compatible with 18W quick-charging.

Redmi Note 8: Specifications

The Redmi Note 8 is a slightly stripped-down version of the Note 8 Pro and a marginal upgrade over the Note 7. It can be physically distinguished from the Note 8 Pro by looking out for its rear camera setup—it's the camera array placed on the left while the Note 8 Pro keeps it in the centre.

It is lit by a smaller 6.3-inch LCD display with full HD+. The phone runs on a Snapdragon 665 chipset, based on the 11 nm process, that is also found within the Mi A3 and the Realme 5.

The Note 8 also comes with a quad-camera setup, but with slightly different specs. The primary camera is a 48MP Samsung ISOCELL GM2 sensor. The rest of the sensors are the same as the Note 8 Pro. The notch at the front houses a 13MP selfie camera.

The camera setup of the Redmi Note 8 includes four shooters - the main one is 48 MP with the latest Samsung ISOCELL GM2 sensor. Others are an 8 MP ultra-wide-angle lens, 2 MP dedicated macro camera, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front panel sports a notch for the 13 MP selfie camera.

It has a slightly smaller 4,000mAh battery and the same 18W charging compatibility.

The Redmi Note 8 Pro sports a 64MP Samsung ISOCELL Bright GW1 sensor as its primary rear camera. The sensor also allows quad-binning pixel technology for high-quality images in low-light conditions. Apart from the 64MP camera, the Redmi Note 8 Pro also features 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP depth and 2MP macro sensors in its quad camera set-up on the back.

The selfie camera is a 20MP snapper housed in the teardrop notch up front. The front camera features several AI capabilities and scene recognition features.

The screen on Redmi Note 8 Pro is a 6.53-inch LCD panel with full HD+ resolution of 1080x2340 pixels and aspect ratio of 19.5:9. Both the front and the back of the device are covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

In Pics: The best smartphones in the world

On the inside, the Redmi Note 8 Pro features the Helio Mediatek G90T chipset, becoming the first smartphone to feature the new chipset. It is also the first Redmi device to feature liquid cooling, which is a nice add-on to gaming-focussed processor. The Redmi Note 8 Pro offers a choice of 6 GB and 8GB RAM and 64GB and 128GB of internal storage. The device packs a 4,500mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging through USB Type-C.

The Redmi Note 8 is the affordable option in the latest line-up of Redmi smartphones. The device features the recent 48MP Samsug ISOCELL GM2 sensor as the primary camera. The rest of the quad camera set-up includes the same 8MP+2MP+2MP as Redmi Note 8 Pro. The Redmi Note 8 has a 6.39-inch full HD+ screen with a 13MP selfie camera on top. It too has Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection both front and back.

The Redmi Note 8 is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 based on the 11nm architecture. As for memory options, the Redmi Note 8 Pro comes with 4/6 GB of RAM and 64/128 GB of internal storage.

The Redmi Note 8 has been priced at CNY 999 (Rs 10,000) for the 4/64GB variant, whereas the 6/64GB variant costs CNY 1,199 (Rs 12,000). The highest 6/128 GB variant has been priced at CNY 1,399 (14,000). The base variant of Redmi Note 8 Pro with 6/64 GB has been priced at CNY 1,399 (Rs 14,000). The 6/128 GB variant has been priced at CNY 1,599 (Rs 16,000), and the top-specced 8/128 GB variant has been priced at CNY 1,799 (over Rs 18,000).