Redmi Note 8: From Mass Favourite to Market Exit 

Redmi Note 8: From Mass Favourite to Market Exit 

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 and Redmi Note 8 Pro were manufactured and launched in China in August 2019. Soon after it was launched in India in October 2019. After its launch, it was instantly liked by its customers for its affordable price range and the latest features at that time. Then what happened that we rarely find these specific smartphones today? Read this blog to find out more about Redmi Note 8 and Pro, features, prices, the reason behind its discontinuation, its revival,etc. 

 About Redmi Note 8/ Redmi Note 8 Pro Price(2019)

Upon its launch , its target customers were middle class families who looked for exceptional smart phones at affordable ranges for daily use. And Xiaomi did exactly that, because of which it became an instant favourite to the mass customers. The price range of the Redmi Note 8 in different variants at that time was around (Rs 7,850 to 13,000). And the price range of Redmi Note 8 Pro was around Rs 15000- 18000 approximately for different variants at that time. It was an ideal first choice for the buyers because of its prices and the latest advanced features in 2019. 

Price (2019) 

RAM + StorageAccurate 2019 Original Launch Price (₹)
3GB + 32GBRs 7,850 to  Rs 8,149
4GB + 64GBRs 9,999
6GB + 128GBRs 12,999

Redmi Note 8 Pro Price(2019)

RAM + StorageOriginal Launch Price (₹)
6GB + 64GBRs 14,999
6GB + 128GBRs 15,999
8GB+ 128GBRs 17,999

Features of  Redmi Note 8(2019)

  • Processor: It runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 octa-core processor.
  • Display: The display is 6.3-inch Full HD+ “Dot Drop” LCD screen with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. A Corning Gorilla Glass 5 was used on the front and back to protect the screen. 
  • Back Camera: A 48MP main sensor, along with an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens was used for quality and wide pictures. A 2MP macro lens and a 2MP depth sensor is used. 
  • Front camera: A 13MP lens was  used for selfies. 
  • Battery: There was a 4,000mAh battery  for long battery life and 18W charger was used for  fast charging
  • Design: The smartphone had Xiaomi’s “Aura Fluid Design” on it and was also splash-proof due to a P2i nano-coating. 

Features of Redmi Note 8 Pro(2019) 

  • Processor: It ran on the  powerful MediaTek Helio G90T gaming processor, and LiquidCool Technology during gaming. 
  • Display: There was a large  6.53-inch Full HD+ “Dot Drop” LCD screen with a 2340 x 1080 pixel resolution used for the slim look. 
  • Back Camera: The back camera was supported by a 64MP primary lens.  It also included a 8MP ultra-wide lens, 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor for the wide and quality pictures . 
  • Front camera: There was a high resolution of  20MP on the front camera for better selfies. 
  • Battery: There was a 4,500mAh battery for long battery life with 18W charger for fast charging. 

Competitor Analysis of Redmi Note 8  (2019)

This analysis compares Redmi Note 8 with its competitor at around in the same variant 4 GB Ram and 64 GB storage.  It’s clear through the table that outperformed its  competitors providing the latest features at an affordable price.  

AspectRedmi Note 8Realme 5Samsung Galaxy M20
Price (at launch)~₹9,999 for 4GB/64GB~₹9,999 for 4GB/64GB~₹9,999 after price cut in early 2020
PerformanceSnapdragon 665, solid all-rounderSnapdragon 665, comparable performanceExynos 7904, adequate for daily use, weaker in gaming
Camera48MP main sensor, versatile quad-cameraQuad-camera with weaker 12MP main sensorDual-camera, less flexible than Note 8’s quad
DisplayFHD+ (1080p) IPS LCD, superior displayHD+ IPS LCD, lower resolutionFHD+ PLS TFT LCD, good resolution
Battery4000mAh with 18W fast charging5000mAh, slower 10W charging5000mAh with fast charging
Build & DesignPremium glass sandwich, Gorilla Glass 5Plastic back with crystal design, less premiumPlastic build, modern waterdrop notch
CriticismMIUI ads, a major drawbackSlower charging, lower display resolutionWeaker processor for gaming, older Android 8.1 at launch

Competitor Analysis of Redmi Note 8-Pro (2019)

The Table shows the competitor analysis of Redmi Note 8 Pro with its competitors such as Realme XT, Samsung Galaxy M30s and Vivo Z1 Pro. The Price range was approximately between Rs 14,000 to 16,000 positing itself as a mid tier smartphone offering advanced features. . In this table, it’s clear that despite being in the tough market it managed to make a place of its own. 

Redmi Note 8
AspectRedmi Note 8 ProRealme XTSamsung Galaxy M30sVivo Z1 Pro
Price at launch~₹14,999 for 6GB/64GB~₹15,999 for 4GB/64GB~₹13,999 for 4GB/64GB~₹14,990 for 4GB/64GB
PerformanceBest for gaming with MediaTek Helio G90T + LiquidCool TechnologyStrong, reliable Snapdragon 712Adequate daily use with Exynos 9611, weaker in gamingStrong Snapdragon 712
CameraExcellent, versatile 64MP quad-cameraExcellent 64MP quad-camera, AMOLED displayGood 48MP main camera, less versatileGood, notable 32MP selfie camera
Display6.53-inch FHD+ IPS LCD with Gorilla Glass 5Superior Super AMOLED with in-display fingerprintSuper AMOLED, better colors & contrast6.53-inch FHD+ IPS LCD with punch-hole selfie
Battery4,500mAh with 18W fast charging4,000mAh with faster 20W VOOC chargingBest battery: 6,000mAh5,000mAh but slightly slower charging
CriticismMIUI ads and some heating in intense gamingLimited market availabilitySlower in demanding tasks vs gaming rivalsLarger form factor, software less polished

Reasons For Discontinuation 

In early 2020, Xiaomi launched another Redmi Note series, this time it was Redmi Note 9 . In the late 2020-2021, the Redmi Note 8’s sales started declining because of its limited upgradation, less popularity among the masses . 

Shifting Focus: Xiaomi with its instant popularity smartphone series that was Redmi Note 8 and Redmi Note 8 Pro wanted to release new smartphone models with more advanced features.  And Redmi Note 8 was succeeded by Redmi Note 9. 

Software Limitation: Xiaomi did not upgrade its smartphone series’ software lifespan leading to the device reaching its (EOL), “end of life”. 

Hardware Limitation: The hardware couldn’t handle new software upgradation or any new network features. 

A Game of  Hype : any company was able to reach up to its hype when the users are their loyal customers. Xiaomi wanted to create its hype by focusing on limited smartphone selling, which in turn might lead customers to buy it. 

Sales declined: the Redmi Note 9 was launched in early 2020 that had the features  and processors more advanced than Redmi Note 8 and Redmi Note 8 Pro. This led to the customers choosing the latest smartphones over the old one. Hence the sale started declining and eventually it led the phones out of the market. 

Limited access of Global Chip Shortage: The processor used in the Redmi Note 8 – Snapdragon 665 processors was not accessible. Its competitors were launching models ahead of 2019 models. 

Where is the Redmi Note 8 series today ? 

After the sales decline in the late 2020-21, the smartphones were kicked out of the market. But around  May 2021, Xiaomi launched Redmi Note 8 2021 to capitalize on the popularity of the Redmi Note 8 series. It upgraded its software with the 11 based MIUI 12.5 software giving it more software lifespan. 

But people found other alternatives at the same range with better upgrades. Even Xiaomi couldn’t  replace its old series due to the popularity of the Redmi Note 10 among the masses.

The upgraded found its customers in Europe and Russia but it still didn’t build the expected hype leading to the non- availability of this series. 

Today, Redmi is officially out of the market from the official retailers. Though there are some inventories and can be found on the refurbished websites such as Cashify, Amazon Renewed, and used good stores or OLX. 

As of 2025, the refurbished price according to Cashify, FlipZ.com etc for Redmi Note 8 is around Rs 4,000- Rs 9000 and for the Redmi Note 8 Pro is around Rs 4500- Rs 8000. 

ModelRefurbished Price Range (Rs)
Redmi Note 84,000 to 9,000
Redmi Note 8 Pro4,500 to 8,000

Conclusion

Redmi Note 8 series brought innovative and latest features for 2019 at a budget to mid -tier price range and became an instant favourite. But it was not able to retain its position for long. Due to tough competition in the market, limited upgradation and its constant new models, it couldn’t sustain in the market for long. And soon after, it was out of the market, its upgraded 2021 was called a major degradation from its 2019 version, and soon after, it was discontinued. This story shows that constant innovation is the way to position yourself in the market. No matter how affordable a price one has to offer, if it is not constantly upgrading, the customers will find different alternatives. 

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