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The Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition was a real 2018 flagship variant, not merely a Mi 8 with a decorative back. It combined a transparent glass rear panel, pressure-sensitive in-display fingerprint authentication, structured-light 3D face unlocking, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. In 2026, however, its Android 10-era official software, aging battery, 4G-only modem, China-market limitations and uncertain carrier compatibility make it a collector’s item or tinkering project—not a sensible primary phone for most people.
What is the Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition?
The Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition—also called the Mi 8 Transparent Explorer Edition or 小米8透明探索版—was introduced in China in May 2018. Its device codename is ursa.
It was the most ambitious Mi 8 variant, adding hardware that the standard Mi 8 did not have: a pressure-sensitive fingerprint reader beneath the display, structured-light 3D facial recognition and a transparent glass back. It also came in an 8GB RAM/128GB configuration. Xiaomi’s corporate materials described it as the first smartphone with pressure-sensitive in-display fingerprint technology and the first Android device with structured-light 3D facial unlocking; those are Xiaomi’s historical claims, not independent universal rankings. Xiaomi corporate materials
The phone should not be casually renamed the Mi 8 Pro. The Mi 8 Pro was a related, later model marketed more broadly internationally. Transparent backs and in-display fingerprint readers can make the two look similar, but their model identities, firmware, bands and market availability can differ.
#1 Best Overall
- WIFI Version No Calls or Text, NO SIM CARD OR SD SLOT . FCC ID: 2AFZZCRP4CG Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 Mobile Platform4nm manufacturing process1x [email protected]+3x [email protected] +2x [email protected]+2x A720 @2.0GHzAdreno 825
- 3.2K 144Hz crystal-clear display11.2"3:23200 x 2136, 345 ppiUp to 144HzUp to 360Hz240Hz (with pen)800 nits peak brightnessTÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) CertifiedTÜV Rheinland Flicker Free CertifiedTÜV Rheinland Circadian Friendly CertifiedOriginal color PRO | Sunlight mode | 68 billion colors | DCI-P3 | Pro HDR | Reading mode | Adaptive colors | HDR10 | Dolby Vision | Wet touch technology | 10x super resolution
- Wi-Fi 7 capability*Wi-Fi 7/Wi-Fi 6E/Wi-Fi 6 capability may vary based on regional availability and local network support.*Wi-Fi connectivity (including Wi-Fi frequency bands, Wi-Fi standards and other features as ratified in IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications) may vary based on regional availability and local network support.2x2 MIMO，8x8 Sounding for MU-MIMO，Wi-Fi Direct，MiracastAAC / LDAC / LHDC 5.0IPv6
- Rear camera:13MP 1/3.06" 1.12μm pixel size f/2.2 PDAF4K video at 30fps 1080P video at 30fps, 60fps - 720P video at 30fpsPhoto | Video | Portrait | Document | Dual video | Director mode | Teleprompter | Dynamic shot | HDRFront camera:8MP 1/4" 1.12μm pixel size - f/2.281080P video at 30fps 720P video at 30fpsPhoto | Video | Portrait | Dual video | Teleprompter | Dynamic shot | HDR
- 9200mAh (typ)45W turbo chargingUSB Type-CQC3+ / QC3.0 / QC2.0 / PD3.0 / PD2.0 / MI FC2.0 No power adapter included in box. 45W power adapter sold separately. Using Xiaomi 45W power adapter is recommended.
Mi 8 Explorer Edition specifications
| Feature | Mi 8 Explorer Edition |
|---|---|
| Launch | May 2018 |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, up to 2.8GHz |
| Memory and storage | 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, 128GB storage |
| Display | 6.21-inch Samsung AMOLED, 2248 × 1080, 402 ppi |
| Rear cameras | 12MP main camera plus 12MP telephoto camera; four-axis optical stabilization |
| Front camera | 20MP |
| Battery | 3,000mAh |
| Biometrics | Pressure-sensitive in-display fingerprint reader and structured-light 3D face unlock |
| Connectivity | Dual Nano-SIM, NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, USB OTG and USB Type-C |
| Headphone jack | No dedicated 3.5mm jack; adapter supplied |
| Launch software | MIUI based on Android 8-era software |
| Codename | ursa |
These specifications are based primarily on Xiaomi’s Chinese specification page and period reporting. Xiaomi’s Chinese specifications and Notebookcheck’s review are useful references, while some third-party databases differ slightly on individual details.
The transparent back: real glass, staged presentation
The rear panel is genuinely transparent glass. What it shows beneath the glass, however, should not be treated as a literal teardown view of every working internal component.
Xiaomi included a disclaimer explaining that the components displayed under the transparent panel may not represent the phone’s actual components one-to-one. The most accurate description is therefore:
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The phone has real transparent glass, but the circuit-board arrangement is a designed visual presentation rather than an unobstructed map of the complete working internals.
Rank #2
XIAOMI Pad 8 Ai WiFi Version Global (No Calls or Text) 11.2 inches 3.2K 144Hz 9200mAh Four Speakers 13 Mp Model 25097RP43G (Gray, 256GB + 8GB)
- WIFI Version No Calls or Text, NO SIM CARD OR SD SLOT . FCC ID: 2AFZZCRP4CG Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 Mobile Platform4nm manufacturing process1x [email protected]+3x [email protected] +2x [email protected]+2x A720 @2.0GHzAdreno 825
- 3.2K 144Hz crystal-clear display11.2"3:23200 x 2136, 345 ppiUp to 144HzUp to 360Hz240Hz (with pen)800 nits peak brightnessTÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) CertifiedTÜV Rheinland Flicker Free CertifiedTÜV Rheinland Circadian Friendly CertifiedOriginal color PRO | Sunlight mode | 68 billion colors | DCI-P3 | Pro HDR | Reading mode | Adaptive colors | HDR10 | Dolby Vision | Wet touch technology | 10x super resolution
- Wi-Fi 7 capability*Wi-Fi 7/Wi-Fi 6E/Wi-Fi 6 capability may vary based on regional availability and local network support.*Wi-Fi connectivity (including Wi-Fi frequency bands, Wi-Fi standards and other features as ratified in IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications) may vary based on regional availability and local network support.2x2 MIMO，8x8 Sounding for MU-MIMO，Wi-Fi Direct，MiracastAAC / LDAC / LHDC 5.0IPv6
- Rear camera:13MP 1/3.06" 1.12μm pixel size f/2.2 PDAF4K video at 30fps 1080P video at 30fps, 60fps - 720P video at 30fpsPhoto | Video | Portrait | Document | Dual video | Director mode | Teleprompter | Dynamic shot | HDRFront camera:8MP 1/4" 1.12μm pixel size - f/2.281080P video at 30fps 720P video at 30fpsPhoto | Video | Portrait | Dual video | Teleprompter | Dynamic shot | HDR
- 9200mAh (typ)45W turbo chargingUSB Type-CQC3+ / QC3.0 / QC2.0 / PD3.0 / PD2.0 / MI FC2.0 No power adapter included in box. 45W power adapter sold separately. Using Xiaomi 45W power adapter is recommended.
That distinction avoids two common mistakes. Calling the entire design fake is wrong, but claiming that every visible part is the exact functional hardware is also misleading. The unusual rear panel remains the Explorer Edition’s strongest collector appeal.
Explorer Edition vs Mi 8 vs Mi 8 Pro
| Feature | Mi 8 Explorer Edition | Regular Mi 8 | Mi 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market identity | China-focused premium variant | Broader Mi 8 product family | Related later model with broader international sales |
| Rear design | Transparent glass | Opaque glass | Some versions used transparent-looking designs |
| Memory/storage | 8GB/128GB | Multiple configurations | Varied by market and configuration |
| Fingerprint reader | Pressure-sensitive, in-display | Rear-mounted | In-display on relevant versions, but not interchangeable hardware |
| Face hardware | Structured-light 3D system | Infrared-assisted face unlock, with a different hardware package | Related but distinct implementation depending on version |
| Battery | 3,000mAh | Approximately 3,400mAh | Varies by model and market |
Xiaomi identifies the transparent body, pressure-sensitive in-display fingerprint reader, structured-light scanning and related features such as AR emojis as Explorer Edition exclusives. Xiaomi’s Mi 8 product page
Do not identify a used phone solely from its back. Check Settings → About phone, the model number, RAM/storage, firmware region and, where available, the codename. A seller who describes a transparent handset as “Mi 8 Pro/Explorer Edition” without clear model information deserves extra scrutiny.
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Pressure-sensitive in-display fingerprint reader
The Explorer Edition placed its fingerprint reader beneath the AMOLED display and required a deliberate press. This was an early example of pressure-sensitive in-display authentication on a smartphone. It was technologically interesting, but period testing found the regular Mi 8’s conventional rear fingerprint reader more reliable in some situations. Notebookcheck’s testing
Rank #3
- WIFI Version No Calls or Text, NO SIM CARD OR SD SLOT . FCC ID: 2AFZZCRP4CG
- 3.2K 144Hz crystal-clear display11.2"3:23200 x 2136, 345 ppiUp to 144HzUp to 360Hz240Hz (with pen)800 nits peak brightnessTÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) CertifiedTÜV Rheinland Flicker Free CertifiedTÜV Rheinland Circadian Friendly CertifiedOriginal color PRO | Sunlight mode | 68 billion colors | DCI-P3 | Pro HDR | Reading mode | Adaptive colors | HDR10 | Dolby Vision | Wet touch technology | 10x super resolution
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform3nm manufacturing process8-core (2+6) Oryon CPU: 2x4.32GHz + 6x3.53GHzAdreno 830 @1100MHz Tablet Size: (9.89 x 6.83 x 0.23 in)
- Rear camera:50MP 1/2.76" 1.28μm pixel sizef/1.8 PDAF4K video at 30fps, 60fps1080P video at 30fps, 60fps720P video at 30fpsPhoto | Video | Portrait | Document | Teleprompter | Dynamic shot | HDR | Professional video recordingFront camera:32MP 1/3.6" 1.22μm pixel sizef/2.21080P video at 30fps720P video at 30fpsPhoto | Video | Portrait | Teleprompter | HDR | Dynamic shot
- 9200mAh (typ)67W HyperChargeUSB Type-CQC3+ / QC3.0 / QC2.0 / PD3.0 / PD2.0 / MI FC2.0 *No power adapter included in box. 45W power adapter sold separately. Using Xiaomi 45W power adapter is recommended.
Structured-light 3D face unlock
Unlike ordinary camera-based face unlock, the Explorer Edition used a dedicated system involving a ToF distance sensor, infrared lens, flood illuminator and matrix projector. Xiaomi compared the experience with Apple’s “Face ID,” but that wording was marketing terminology; it does not mean the two phones used identical hardware, software or security architecture.
The combination was significant because many Android phones of the period relied on less sophisticated 2D facial recognition. It also explains why damage or replacement of the display, front sensor assembly or motherboard can affect biometric features on a used device.
Display, cameras and performance
The 6.21-inch AMOLED display has a Full HD+ resolution of 2248 × 1080. The Snapdragon 845 and 8GB of RAM were flagship-grade in 2018 and remain adequate for communication, media playback, basic Android use and many older games.
They are not competitive with current phones in sustained performance, energy efficiency, camera processing, modem capability or software support. The rear camera system consists of a 12MP f/1.8 main camera and a 12MP f/2.4 telephoto camera with 2× optical zoom and four-axis optical image stabilization. The front camera is 20MP. These specifications were impressive for the launch period, but modern low-cost phones generally offer newer image processing and longer support.
Rank #4
- 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: 2AFZZPC0AG
- Dual sim (NO MICRO SD) 5G: 5G SA: n1/2/3/5/7/8/20/26/28/38/40/41/66*(70M)/71/77/78/485G NSA: n1/3/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/66*(70M)/71/77/784G LTE TDD: B38/40/41/42/484G LTE FDD: B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/18/19/20/26/28/66*(70M)/713G WCDMA: 1/2/4/5/6/8/192G GSM: 2/3/5/8Supports 4x4 MIMO*5G SA/NSA N66(70M) and 4G B66(70M): UL 1710MHz～1780MHz, DL 2110MHz～2180MHz*5G connectivity may vary based on region availability and local operator support.
- 6.59" 1.5K 120Hz ultra-bright AMOLED displayResolution: 2756*1268Contrast ratio: 8,000,000:1Refresh rate: Up to 120Hz*Refresh rate can be adjusted to up to 120Hz for supported apps.Peak brightness: 3500 nits covering 25% display areaHBM brightness: 2000 nitsTypical brightness: 800 nitsTouch sampling rate: Up to 480HzInstant touch sampling rate: 2560Hz*2560Hz instant touch sampling rate is activated under Game Turbo Mode.12-bit color depth, 68 billion colorsDCI-P3 wide color gamut3840Hz PWM dimmingOriginal color PROPro HDR displayWet Touch display 2.0HDR10+TCertifiedTÜV Rheinland Flicker Free CertifiedTÜV Rheinland Circadian Friendly CertifiedDolby VisionCorning Gorilla Glass 7i
- Dimensity 8500-Ultra4nm manufacturing processOcta-core CPU, up to 3.4GHzMali-G720 MC8 GPU / 6500mAh (typ)100W HyperChargeUSB Type-C charging portUp to 27W reverse chargingSupports PD3.0/PD2.0Smart charging
- Wi-Fi Protocol: Wi-Fi 6/ Wi-Fi 5/ Wi-Fi 4 and 802.11a/b/g*Wi-Fi 6 capability may vary based on regional availability and local network support. Wi-Fi connectivity (including Wi-Fi frequency bands, Wi-Fi ratified in IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications) may vary based on regional availability and local network support. The function may be added via OTA when and where applicable.WLAN frequency: 2.4G Wi-Fi | 5G Wi-FiSupports 2x2 MIMO, 8x8 Sounding for MU-MIMO, Wi-Fi Direct, MiracastBluetooth 6.0Supports SBC / AAC / LDAC / LHDC 5.0 / LC3 / ASHA / AuracastNFC -
Its 3,000mAh battery was smaller than the regular Mi 8’s roughly 3,400mAh unit. More importantly, every original battery is now several years old. Battery condition matters more than the printed capacity when evaluating one today.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Software support in 2026
Official firmware
The latest stable China firmware listing identified for ursa is MIUI 12.5.3.0.QEHCNXM, based on Android 10. That is not current HyperOS support, and there is no basis for advertising the phone as receiving present-day Xiaomi security updates. China firmware listing
China ROM limitations can include Chinese-language services, inconsistent Google-service availability, notification differences, regional NFC or payment restrictions and carrier-specific VoLTE problems. Reseller-installed ROMs add another layer of uncertainty.
Custom ROMs
Community development exists, but “supports LineageOS” is too broad a claim. Historical LineageOS listings identify the phone as ursa, while a 2026 LineageOS issue references a lineage-22.2-20260728-nightly-ursa-signed build and discusses limited hardware functionality. The exact status and affected features should be checked in the issue itself before flashing. Historical LineageOS listing · 2026 LineageOS issue
Best Value
- WIFI Version No Calls or Text, NO SIM CARD OR SD SLOT . FCC ID: 2AFZZCRP4CG
- 3.2K 144Hz crystal-clear display11.2"3:23200 x 2136, 345 ppiUp to 144HzUp to 360Hz240Hz (with pen)800 nits peak brightnessTÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) CertifiedTÜV Rheinland Flicker Free CertifiedTÜV Rheinland Circadian Friendly CertifiedOriginal color PRO | Sunlight mode | 68 billion colors | DCI-P3 | Pro HDR | Reading mode | Adaptive colors | HDR10 | Dolby Vision | Wet touch technology | 10x super resolution
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform3nm manufacturing process8-core (2+6) Oryon CPU: 2x4.32GHz + 6x3.53GHzAdreno 830 @1100MHz Tablet Size: (9.89 x 6.83 x 0.23 in)
- Rear camera:50MP 1/2.76" 1.28μm pixel sizef/1.8 PDAF4K video at 30fps, 60fps1080P video at 30fps, 60fps720P video at 30fpsPhoto | Video | Portrait | Document | Teleprompter | Dynamic shot | HDR | Professional video recordingFront camera:32MP 1/3.6" 1.22μm pixel sizef/2.21080P video at 30fps720P video at 30fpsPhoto | Video | Portrait | Teleprompter | HDR | Dynamic shot
- 9200mAh (typ)67W HyperChargeUSB Type-CQC3+ / QC3.0 / QC2.0 / PD3.0 / PD2.0 / MI FC2.0 *No power adapter included in box. 45W power adapter sold separately. Using Xiaomi 45W power adapter is recommended.
The /e/OS device page also provides a development path for advanced users. These projects may improve software freshness, but they can reduce or remove proprietary functions such as biometrics, camera features, NFC behavior or reliable DRM.
Unlocking and flashing risks
Xiaomi’s bootloader-unlock process is required before flashing many custom images. Unlocking wipes user data and may involve a waiting period. TWRP’s device page
- Back up everything before unlocking.
- Confirm the exact model and
ursacodename. - Use the correct China firmware and image files.
- Never flash Mi 8, Mi 8 Pro or Mi 8 SE files simply because the names look similar.
- After modification, test banking apps, Google certification, DRM, NFC payments, cameras and biometrics.
Network compatibility and imported-phone risks
The Chinese specification page lists GSM B2/B3/B5/B8; WCDMA B1/B2/B4/B5/B8; TD-SCDMA B34/B39; TD-LTE B34/B38/B39/B40/B41; and FDD-LTE B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B7/B8/B12/B17/B20. It has no 5G. Official band list
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What to check before buying one used
- Model identity: Confirm Explorer Edition/ursa rather than a regular Mi 8, Mi 8 Pro or modified handset.
- Configuration: Verify 8GB RAM and 128GB storage.
- Display: Check AMOLED burn-in, dead pixels, touch response and cracks.
- Biometrics: Test fingerprint enrollment, repeated unlocking and 3D face setup.
- Battery: Request health evidence and budget for a replacement.
- Rear glass: Look for cracks, delamination, poor alignment or an aftermarket replacement.
- Cameras: Test autofocus, 2× zoom, stabilization and the front sensor system.
- USB-C and NFC: Test both charging/data transfer and NFC if required.
- Network: Test LTE and VoLTE with the intended SIM and carrier.
- Software: Record the MIUI version, region and bootloader state.
- Accounts: Ensure Xiaomi and Google accounts have been removed before payment.
- Repairs: Ask whether the screen, battery, rear glass or biometric assemblies have been replaced.
Who should buy the Mi 8 Explorer Edition?
It can make sense as a smartphone-history collectible, an unusual secondary device, an offline media phone or a custom-ROM project for an experienced Android enthusiast. The transparent design and early biometric hardware give it genuine historical interest.
It is a poor choice for anyone who needs current security patches, 5G, dependable battery life, guaranteed Google certification, modern camera quality, reliable NFC payments, long-term repair support or predictable carrier service. A damaged screen or biometric assembly can cost more to replace than the handset is worth, and no responsible current price can be assumed without checking the specific seller and condition.
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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.
