For most people choosing between similarly priced, similarly worn phones, the original 2019 Redmi Note 8 is the better all-rounder. Its larger battery, more flexible rear cameras, dedicated microSD slot on documented global variants and slightly newer Qualcomm platform make it the more practical pick. The Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite is worth considering if you value a lighter, slimmer body or take more selfies. Both are legacy phones in 2026, so their individual condition, exact regional model and software matter at least as much as their launch specifications.
This comparison is about the original Snapdragon 665 Redmi Note 8—not the separate Redmi Note 8 (2021), which uses a Helio G85, or the NFC-equipped Redmi Note 8T. Check the model name and number before buying: Xiaomi’s original Redmi Note 8 page, its Redmi Note 8 (2021) specifications and the Redmi Note 8T product page describe distinct models.
At a glance: which phone wins?
| What matters most | Better choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday performance | Redmi Note 8, slightly | Newer Snapdragon 665 platform; neither is a current gaming phone. |
| Display | Near tie | Both have FHD+ IPS LCD panels; differences in size and resolution are modest. |
| Battery capacity and practical charging | Redmi Note 8 | 4,000mAh battery and 18W support, versus 3,350mAh typical and a commonly supplied 10W charger on the Mi 8 Lite. |
| Rear-camera flexibility | Redmi Note 8 | It adds an ultrawide camera; the extra macro and depth sensors are less decisive. |
| Selfie camera | Mi 8 Lite, on hardware | Its 24MP front camera has a higher-resolution specification, though fixed focus can limit close-up results. |
| Weight and thickness | Mi 8 Lite | It is about 21g lighter and 0.85mm thinner than the documented global Redmi Note 8. |
| Two SIMs plus microSD | Redmi Note 8, on documented global variants | Its 2+1 tray keeps the memory card separate; the Mi 8 Lite uses a hybrid tray. |
| Future official software support | Neither | Mi 8 Lite is on Xiaomi’s end-of-life list; treat both as legacy devices. |
Specifications vary by region and configuration. Xiaomi’s official specification pages cover the documented Redmi Note 8 variant and Mi 8 Lite variant; they should not be taken as proof that every imported listing has the same features.
Design and display: Mi 8 Lite is easier to handle, but screens are close
Size and weight
Xiaomi lists the Mi 8 Lite at 156.4 × 75.8 × 7.5mm and 169g. Its documented global Redmi Note 8 specification is approximately 158.3 × 75.3 × 8.35mm and 190g. The Mi 8 Lite is therefore the more comfortable choice if you prefer a thinner, lighter phone; the Note 8’s larger battery comes with more bulk. See the respective Mi 8 Lite and Redmi Note 8 specifications.
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- nano SIM 1 + Hybrid (nano SIM or microSD) Dual standby , n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/20/26/28/38/40/41/48/66/77/78 4G : B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/17/18/19/20/26/28/32/66 4G: LTE TDD: B38/40/41/42/48 3G: WCDMA: Band 2/4/5/8 2G: GSM: Quad Band.
- 6.77" AMOLED displayResolution: 2392 × 1080Refresh rate: Up to 120HzTouch sampling rate: 240HzBrightness: 3200 nits peak brightness, 800 nits (typ)Colour depth: 12 bitContrast ratio: 8,000,000:1DCI- P3 wide color gamutSunlight displayReading mode3840Hz PWM dimming｜16,000-level brightness adjustmentScreen-to-body ratio: 92%*Data obtained from Xiaomi Internal Labs. Actual results may vary.TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) Certified TÜV Rheinland Circadian Friendly Certified TÜV Rheinland Flicker Free Certified
- Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 Mobile Platform4nm manufacturing process technologyCPU: Octa-core processor, up to 2.4GHzGPU: Adreno
- Virtual proximity sensor | Ambient light sensor | Accelerometer | Electronic compass | IR blaster | Gyroscope / GPS: L1 | GLONASS: G1 | BDS: B1I | Galileo E1 / Wireless NetworksBluetooth 5.3Wi-Fi Protocol: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi | 5GHz Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Direct / In-screen fingerprint sensorAI Face Unlock
Panel quality
Both phones use FHD+ IPS LCD displays, not OLED, so neither offers OLED’s deep blacks. The Redmi Note 8 has a 6.3-inch, 2340 × 1080 panel; the Mi 8 Lite has a 6.26-inch, 2280 × 1080 panel at approximately 403 pixels per inch. The difference in usable size and sharpness is small. Reviews describe the Mi 8 Lite’s screen as acceptable indoors but less comfortable in direct sun; available review evidence does not establish a controlled side-by-side winner for overall display quality. Android Authority’s Mi 8 Lite review and Notebookcheck’s Redmi Note 8 review discuss their respective panels.
Performance: a modest Redmi Note 8 advantage
The original Redmi Note 8 uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 665 with Adreno 610 graphics; the Mi 8 Lite uses the Snapdragon 660 and Adreno 512. The Note 8’s platform is newer and makes it the preferable choice on paper, but do not expect a dramatic speed difference. Both are old mid-range devices: they can handle calls, messaging, browsing, video and ordinary social apps, while demanding games may bring frame drops or heat, particularly under sustained load. Reviews describe the Redmi as capable in normal use but less convincing in demanding games, and the Mi 8 Lite was also a mid-range phone rather than a gaming specialist. See Notebookcheck and Android Authority.
On used units, RAM and storage configuration, heat, software condition and battery health can outweigh a small chipset advantage. Choose based on the actual handset as well as its processor.
Rank #2
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- SIM1 + Hybrid* (SIM or MicroSD), supports dual 4G : 4G: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/20/28/ 4G: LTE TDD: Band 38/40/41 3G: WCDMA: Band 2/4/5/8 2G: GSM: Quad Band.
- 6.67" AMOLED displayResolution: 2400 × 1080Refresh rate: Up to 120HzTouch sampling rate: 240HzBrightness: 1800nits peak brightnessBrightness: HBM 1200 nits (typ)Color depth: 8 bitContrast ratio: 5,000,000:1100% DCI- P3 wide color gamutPPI 394Corning Gorilla Glass 5Sunlight displayReading mode960Hz PWM dimming｜TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification (Hardware solution) | TÜV Rheinland Circadian Friendly Certification | TÜV Rheinland Flicker Free CertificationSGS Low Blue Light Certification
- Helio G99-Ultra6nm manufacturing process technologyCPU: Octa-core processor, up to 2.2GHzGPU: Mali-G57 MC2
- Proximity sensor | Ambient light sensor | Accelerometer | Electronic compass | IR blaster | Gyroscope / Bluetooth 5.3Wi-Fi Protocol: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac / Supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi | 5GHz Wi-Fi Supports Wi-Fi Direct
Battery and charging: the Note 8 has the better starting point
The Redmi Note 8 has a 4,000mAh battery, compared with 3,350mAh typical for the Mi 8 Lite. Launch-era reviews found the Redmi capable of a full day and sometimes longer, while the Mi 8 Lite could also last a day with moderate use. Those tests describe new review units, not the endurance of a used phone years later. In 2026, battery wear is the more important variable: a Mi 8 Lite with a healthy replacement battery can outlast a heavily degraded Note 8.
The Redmi Note 8 supports 18W charging, and an 18W charger was included with reviewed retail units. The Mi 8 Lite supports Quick Charge 3.0, but Xiaomi’s official UK specification lists a 5V/2A charger, and a review noted a 10W bundled charger. A compatible QC charger may change the Mi 8 Lite’s charging speed, but the phone, cable and charger must negotiate correctly. Box contents can vary by market and seller, so inspect what is actually included. Sources: Redmi Note 8 review, Mi 8 Lite specifications and Mi 8 Lite review.
Cameras: wider rear-camera options or higher-resolution selfies
Rear cameras
The Redmi Note 8 pairs a 48MP main camera with an 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro and 2MP depth camera. The Mi 8 Lite has a 12MP main camera and 5MP depth camera. The practical difference is the Redmi’s ultrawide: it gives you a wider framing option the Mi 8 Lite lacks. Macro and depth sensors broaden the feature list but should not be mistaken for flagship-quality cameras.
Rank #3
- USA MARKET ONLY WORK ON TMOBILE MINT TELLO OR ANY UNDER TMOBILE NETWORK PHONE NEEDS A SIM CARD ALREADY ACTIVATED ,OUTSIDE USA WORKS ANY GSM CARRIER SIM GSM FCC ID: 2AFZZRAD4G
- nano SIM 1 + Hybrid (nano SIM or microSD) Dual standby , n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/20/26/28/38/40/41/48/66/77/78 4G : B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/17/18/19/20/26/28/32/66 4G: LTE TDD: B38/40/41/42/48 3G: WCDMA: Band 2/4/5/8 2G: GSM: Quad Band.
- 6.77" AMOLED displayResolution: 2392 × 1080Refresh rate: Up to 120HzTouch sampling rate: 240HzBrightness: 3200 nits peak brightness, 800 nits (typ)Colour depth: 12 bitContrast ratio: 8,000,000:1DCI- P3 wide color gamutSunlight displayReading mode3840Hz PWM dimming｜16,000-level brightness adjustmentScreen-to-body ratio: 92%*Data obtained from Xiaomi Internal Labs. Actual results may vary.TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) Certified TÜV Rheinland Circadian Friendly Certified TÜV Rheinland Flicker Free Certified
- Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 Mobile Platform4nm manufacturing process technologyCPU: Octa-core processor, up to 2.4GHzGPU: Adreno
- Virtual proximity sensor | Ambient light sensor | Accelerometer | Electronic compass | IR blaster | Gyroscope / GPS: L1 | GLONASS: G1 | BDS: B1I | Galileo E1 / Wireless NetworksBluetooth 5.3Wi-Fi Protocol: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi | 5GHz Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Direct / In-screen fingerprint sensorAI Face Unlock
Reviews found the Redmi’s main camera capable in daylight for its class, while noting exposure, low-light focusing, oversharpening and processing limitations. The Mi 8 Lite’s rear camera can produce usable results but was described as less dynamic, and its portrait results can be inconsistent. This is a versatility advantage for the Note 8, not proof that it wins every photo. See Android Authority’s Redmi Note 8 review, its Mi 8 Lite review and Notebookcheck’s testing.
Selfie camera
The Mi 8 Lite’s 24MP Sony IMX576 front camera, with 4-in-1 pixel technology, has a higher-resolution specification than the Redmi Note 8’s 13MP selfie camera. That makes the Mi a reasonable pick for selfie-focused buyers, but not an automatic image-quality winner: its front camera has fixed focus, which can make close-up selfies or subjects at an unsuitable distance less reliable. Android Authority’s review discusses this limitation.
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Expandable storage
The documented global Redmi Note 8 specification lists a dedicated 2+1 tray for two nano-SIMs and a separate microSD card. The Mi 8 Lite’s hybrid tray takes either two SIMs or one SIM plus a microSD card. If you need dual-SIM service and expandable storage at the same time, the Redmi has a useful advantage—provided the exact regional model matches that documented configuration. Both were sold in 64GB and 128GB storage configurations, with Mi 8 Lite RAM configurations including 4GB and 6GB; availability varies by market. Check the tray and model number, not just the listing title. See Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 8 and Mi 8 Lite specifications.
Rank #4
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NFC, LTE bands and US service
Do not assume NFC is present on every original Redmi Note 8. NFC availability is regional, and the Redmi Note 8T advertised NFC is a different model. LTE bands also vary: for example, Xiaomi’s Sri Lankan Redmi Note 8 specification lists LTE FDD bands B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/20 and TDD B38/40 for that variant; this is not a universal band list for every Note 8. Mi 8 Lite bands also depend on the regional version. Check Xiaomi’s regional Note 8 specifications, Mi 8 Lite specifications and the Note 8T page for the distinctions they document.
Neither phone should be assumed to work fully on every US carrier. Before purchase, match the exact model number to the carrier’s supported LTE bands, VoLTE requirements and activation policy. Confirm NFC on the unit itself if you need contactless payments; do not infer it from a generic comparison listing.
Ports and everyday hardware
Both models have USB-C and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Those specifications do not guarantee that the ports on an individual used phone still work: test charging, data connection and audio before paying.
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- Include 2 pcs tempered glass screen protectors
Software support: treat both as legacy phones
Xiaomi lists the Mi 8 Lite as an end-of-life device. Xiaomi says devices on its end-of-life list no longer receive normal software or security updates, though exceptional critical fixes may still occur. The Redmi Note 8 is also an old device; do not buy either on the expectation of ongoing official updates. Check the specific phone’s Android version, MIUI version and security-patch date against Xiaomi’s security-update policy.
Imported phones need extra care. Regional ROMs differ, and an unofficial or seller-modified ROM may not behave like official software. Notebookcheck warns that some Chinese Redmi Note 8 variants may lack preinstalled Google Play Services and may have restrictions with DRM-protected streaming. Verify Google Play certification and the software installed on the exact unit rather than assuming they are present. Notebookcheck’s review discusses these imported-version caveats.
Which one should you buy?
Choose the Redmi Note 8 for everyday versatility
- You value battery capacity, an ultrawide rear camera or the newer of these two Qualcomm platforms.
- You need two SIMs and a microSD card at once, and have confirmed the phone has the documented dedicated tray.
- The unit is the original Snapdragon 665 model and its battery, display and ports are in better condition than the alternative.
Choose the Mi 8 Lite for a lighter phone or selfies
- You prefer a thinner, lighter handset and its slightly different display proportions.
- You prioritize the higher-resolution selfie-camera hardware over rear-camera flexibility.
- It is materially cheaper or in substantially better condition, and you are comfortable with its hybrid SIM/microSD tray and end-of-life software status.
Buy neither if support or compatibility is essential
- You need current security updates, 5G, or dependable long-term compatibility with sensitive banking apps.
- You rely on NFC or US-carrier VoLTE and cannot verify the exact model and service compatibility.
- Either phone costs close to a newer supported budget model; weigh update lifespan, warranty, battery condition and repairability, not just launch-era specifications.
There is no dependable current used-market price established here, so compare actual local listings only after checking condition, storage, region, warranty, return terms and the exact model. Do not use historical launch prices as a present-day value benchmark.
Quick Recap
Used-phone inspection checklist
- Identify the model: Open Settings → About phone and record the model number and region. Confirm whether it is the original Redmi Note 8, the Note 8T, the Note 8 (2021) or the Mi 8 Lite.
- Verify the software: Check the Android and MIUI versions, security-patch date, Google Play certification and whether a custom ROM is installed. Avoid unexplained seller-modified software unless you understand its update and bootloader risks.
- Test battery and charging: Watch for rapid percentage drops, unexpected shutdowns, excessive heat and charging interruptions. A replacement may be needed on either model; stop if the battery is swollen.
- Test the cameras: Try each available lens, flash, autofocus, portrait mode and video. Look for haze, focus hunting, crashes or signs of water or dust ingress.
- Verify connectivity: Test SIM registration, calls, mobile data, VoLTE where applicable, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and hotspot; test NFC if required. Confirm carrier compatibility for the exact model before buying.
- Inspect the hardware: Check USB-C, headphone jack, speaker, microphones, buttons, fingerprint reader, touchscreen edges and whether the rear panel or display is lifting.
- Clear account locks: Have the seller remove Xiaomi and Google accounts and reset the phone in front of you. Do not buy a device that remains activation-locked.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
