... or doesn't it? We analyze and compare the camera quality of the two Redmi smartphones. Find out in our camera comparison of the Xiaomi smartphones, whether the more expensive Redmi Note 8 Pro is always able to shoot the better photos, or whether perhaps the Note 8 can surprise us. To give you a teaser: it can!
In our detailed tests, the Redmi Note 8 as well as the Redmi Note 8 Pro show themselves as powerful mid-range smartphones in an overall well-rounded package and are a good choice in their price segments. But how pronounced are the differences in the photo quality between the two Redmi models? Is the extra cost for the Pro model worth it?
Using various scenes and objects, we examine the photo quality of the Note 8 and Note 8 Pro in more detail. In order to better compare the differences, all the image files are included in their original size behind the corresponding images.
The quad-cam of the Redmi Note 8 consists of a 48-MP wide-angle module with the Samsung Isocell Bright GM2 image sensor and a wide aperture of f/1.75. The main camera is accompanied by two 2-MP telephoto lenses with a f/2.4 aperture for macro and zoom images as well as an 8-MP super-wide-angle lens with an aperture of f/2.2.
In contrast, the main camera module of the Note 8 Pro uses a 64-MP Isocell Bright GW1 image sensor from Samsung with a wide aperture of f/1.89. The Samsung lens is also accompanied by an 8-MP super-wide-angle lens with an f/2.2 aperture as well as two 2-MP cameras for macro and Bokey image recording.
In both of the Isocell Bright main camera sensors, the 2 x 2 neighboring pixels are combined to a large pixel, so that you create recordings with resolutions of 12 MP or 16 MP respectively with the Redmi smartphones. Both the Note 8 and the Note 8 Pro support a 2x lossless zoom.
At the time of our test, the current software versions are installed on the Redmi smartphones: 11.0.1 (Note 8 Pro) and 10.3.8 (Note 8).
During daylight, the Note 8 Pro often reproduces the colors too cold, but offers more details than its smaller sibling. The dynamic and contrast in the recordings are also more pronounced, but pictures often appear over-sharpened. In the picture with the books, the Note 8 offers the better illumination and also less image noise. This is probably a positive effect of the more light-sensitive wide aperture of the Redmi Note 8.
It is slightly surprising that in weak light conditions, the Redmi Note 8 also offers the better illumination. Compared to the Pro model, objects are reproduced sharper. On the other hand, the color reproduction appears slightly unnatural and the contrast is not particularly pronounced. In those areas, the Note 8 Pro is very convincing. However, the Pro model shows an unexpected amount of blurriness already when the light becomes dimmer.
Next, we take a more detailed look at the wide-angle lenses and the zoom functions of the Redmi smartphones. As expected, compared to the main camera, the quality drops visibly in both models.
When using the ultra-wide-angle camera of the Note 8, details and sharpness are lost, particularly in the edge areas. The 8-MP wide-angle lens of the Note 8 also struggles with over-exposure. In comparison, the contrast, color reproduction, and image dynamics stand out positively in the photos from the Pro model. However, in night recordings, the Note 8 Pro again creates more blurry reproductions than its smaller sibling.
In both Redmi smartphones, the quality of the zoom recordings is not particularly high, and the differences between the Note 8 and Note 8 Pro are small here. Overall, the Pro model offers minimal advantages in terms of sharpness, and the colors also appear slightly more natural.
The camera sensors in front, which are hidden behind a drop notch in both models, offer an aperture of f/2.0 and a resolution of 13 MP and 20 MP respectively. Compared to the Note 8, the sharpness and detail-richness of selfies are more pronounced with the higher-resolution front camera of the Note 8 Pro, but the differences are not very large. On the other hand, the Pro model scores with beautiful color reproduction and a more vivid contrast. Both Redmi smartphones have some visible problems with the exposure.
What are the conclusions offered by our comparison between the cameras of the two Redmi smartphones? Those who value the front camera and mainly take selfies with their smartphone should choose the Pro model of the Redmi Note 8 series, and the same also goes for those who love to take wide-angle photos. On the other hand, the image quality of the two main cameras, including the zoom functionality, turns out surprisingly similar.
Although with the Isocell Bright GW1, the Pro model nominally offers the better technical prerequisites, only in very good light conditions are its recordings really more attractive than those of the Note 8. In slightly poorer light conditions, the Redmi Note 8 offers better illumination and also less image noise, even though its image sensor is considerably smaller. Particularly in night photos, the more affordable Redmi Note 8 model illuminates our objects sharper than its more expensive sibling.
While overall, the Redmi Note 8 Pro is the slightly better "camera smartphone," it does not really come out of our comparison as the real winner.
The extra cost of the Pro model is only worthwhile to a limited extent. The Redmi Note 8 Pro is unable to make use of the advantages of its image sensor.
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I have always been very passionately interested in mobile technologies, especially smartphones. Being a tech enthusiast means the half-life of my devices isn’t exactly long, and being the latest hardware is not enough to suffice as the manufacturer and operating system play a minor role – the most important aspect for me is that the device is state-of-the-art. After posting for Mobi Test I joined Notebookcheck in 2016, where I have been pursuing my enthusiasm for technology by reviewing the latest smartphone, tablet, and accessory trends.
Having worked as a programmer for 20 years (medical devices, AI, data management systems), I've been following the computer scene for many years and especially enjoy finding out about new technology advances. Originally from Germany but living in the US, I've been working as a translator more recently, with Notebookcheck allowing me to combine my interest in new devices and translation. Other interests include Buddhism, spending time in Tibetan monasteries, and translating ancient Tibetan texts.
Is Redmi Note 8 Pro a high end phone?
Conclusion. The Redmi Note 8 Pro is a testament to how far mid-range smartphones have come in the past few years. It wasn't very long ago that if you bought such a device, you'd have to pretty much compromise on every aspect of the user experience, owing to the price and the cuts that were made to achieve it.
What is the camera quality of Redmi Note 8?
Specifications.
How many megapixels is the camera of Redmi Note 8 Pro?
Redmi Note 8 Pro Full Specifications.