Xiaomi has launched a new 8GB variant of its Mi 8 smartphone in China. The device comes with 256GB of internal storage, and has been priced at 3,299 yuan (around Rs. 33,500). The Mi 8 was originally launched in 6GB+64GB, 6GB+128GB and 6GB+256GB versions in China, although, the controversial Explorer Edition of the handset does come in an 8GB+128GB model.
The Mi 8 lineup has proven to be extremely popular in China, with the company claiming that it managed to sell 1 million units of the lineup within just 18 days of launch. None of the devices have been launched in India just yet, but they are available for purchase in China on the company’s own official web-store, as well as on third-party retailer JD.com.
Xiaomi Mi 8 Key Specifications
| Dimensions and Weight | 154.9 x 74.8 x 7.6 mm 175 grams |
| Display | 6.21 inch Super AMOLED 2248x1080p, Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Processor | Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Adreno 630 |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage | 64/128/256GB non-expandable |
| Rear Cameras | 12MP f/1.8 + 12MP f/2.4 Dual LED Flash, OIS 4K Video Recording |
| Front Camwera | 20MP f/2.0 |
| Battery | 3,400 mAh Quick Charge 4.0+ |
| Software | MIUI 9.5 (Android 8.1 Oreo); MIUI 10 Coming |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, accelerometer, proximity, compass, gyro, IR |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, headphone jack, dual GPS frequency |
| Price | Starts at ¥2,700 (~₹29,000) |
The Mi 8 features a 6.21-inch Full-HD+ AMOLED display with an odd 18.7:9 aspect ratio. Leaving aside the Explorer Edition model, the standard edition of the device is now available in four RAM/Storage variants, all of which sport the same dual camera (12MP+12MP) setup at the back and a 20MP shooter on the front.
The device is one of the first Android handsets to come with hardware-based Face Unlock. It carries a 3,400mAh battery, and ships with Android 8.1 Oreo out-of-the-box.
It’s worth noting here that the Mi 8 was launched alongside a more affordable handset called the Mi 8 SE that the company advertised as the first smartphone with the Snapdragon 710 chipset. It comes with a price-tag of just 1,799 yuan (around Rs. 18,250), and is believed to be one of the best mid-range smartphones in the world right now.
