Redmi Note 8 (2021) unveiled with MediaTek Helio G85 chipset

Xiaomi on Tuesday has launched Redmi Note 8 (2021) as an upgraded version of the original Redmi Note 8 which was launched in 2019 and so far sold over 25 million units. The new edition comes with almost identical build and specifications, the only major difference that sets them apart is hardware and software. 

Specifications

The Redmi Note 8 (2021) has a 6.3-inch full-HD+  LCD Dot Drop display with 1,080×2,340 pixels resolution, 409ppi pixel density, 1,500:1 contrast ratio, 500 nits peak brightness and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. 

Under the hood it is powered by MediaTek Helio G85 SoC paired with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM, and up to 128GB of eMMC 5.1 storage that is expandable up to 256GB via microSD card. The Redmi Note 8 of 2019 had a Snapdragon 662 SoC and up to 6GB of RAM. 

For photography, there is a quad-camera set up on the back similar to the original Redmi Note 8. This configuration includes a 48MP Samsung GM1 sensor paired with an 8MP wide-angle lens, 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. At the front, you get a 13MP shooter for selfies and video calls. 

It runs on the latest MIUI 12.5 based on Android 11 out of the box. The handset packs a 4,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support and a 22.5W charger is provided in the box. Connectivity options include Dual 4G VoLTE, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS + GLONASS, 3.5mm audio jack and USB Type-C port. The fingerprint sensor is rear-mounted and other sensors onboard are proximity, ambient light, accelerometer, gyroscope, electronic compass, linear motor, and IR Blaster. 

The Redmi Note 8 2021 will be available in two storage variants- 4GB RAM + 64GB priced at $169 (about Rs 12,300) and 4GB RAM + 128GB priced at $189 (about Rs 13,800). It will be sold in three colour options including Neptune Blue, Moonlight White, and Space Black. Currently, there is no word on the availability of this handset.