Xiaomi Redmi Note 8

Overview

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a compelling mix of features for its price point in Pakistan, retailing at PKR 29,999. This device is an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between affordability and performance, without compromising on essential features. With its robust specifications and competitive price, the Redmi Note 8 stands out in the crowded mid-range smartphone market.

Design & Build

Constructed with a glass front and back, both protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 boasts a premium feel that belies its budget-friendly price. Its dimensions are 158.3 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm, and it weighs a manageable 190 grams, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. The phone supports dual Nano-SIM cards, catering to the needs of users who require multiple connections. Unfortunately, it lacks an IP rating for water and dust resistance, which is a common trade-off in this price segment.

Display

Boasting a 6.3-inch IPS LCD display with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 81.7%, the Redmi Note 8 offers an immersive viewing experience. The display has a resolution that ensures crisp visuals, and the Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection adds an extra layer of durability. While it may not have the highest refresh rate, it is more than adequate for everyday use and media consumption.

Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 chipset, the Redmi Note 8 delivers solid performance for its price. The octa-core CPU, with four Kryo 260 Gold cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and four Kryo 260 Silver cores at 1.8 GHz, combined with the Adreno 610 GPU, ensures smooth multitasking and decent gaming capabilities. The phone comes with 3GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 32GB to 128GB, providing flexibility to choose according to your storage needs.

Camera

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8's camera setup is impressive for its class. It features a 48 MP primary camera for detailed shots, an 8 MP ultrawide lens for capturing more in a single frame, and a 2 MP macro lens for close-up photography. The rear camera setup is rounded off with an auxiliary lens. The 13 MP front-facing camera is more than capable for selfies and video calls. The phone can record 4K video at 30fps and 1080p at various frame rates, with gyro-EIS ensuring smooth video capture.

Battery & Charging

Equipped with a 4000 mAh Li-Po non-removable battery, the Redmi Note 8 offers a full day of use on a single charge for most users. It supports 18W wired charging, which is relatively fast and convenient. While there's no wireless charging, this is understandable given the phone's budget orientation.

Verdict

For those looking for a smartphone under PKR 30,000 that offers a good camera, decent performance, and a durable design, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is a solid choice. It delivers value for money and stands up well against competitors in the same price range. While it may lack some high-end features like NFC and an IP rating, these are minor concessions for the price. If you're on a budget but don't want to compromise on essential features, the Redmi Note 8 is worth considering.