Xiaomi

Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition: Pros and Cons

Android OS v8.1 (Oreo)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
Adreno 630
8 GB / 128 GB
6.21 inch (1080 x 2248 px)
12 + 12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization

Xiaomi announced the launch of the Mi 8 Explorer Edition smartphone in 2018. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 6.21 inch AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC, and 8 GB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the Android OS v8.1 (Oreo) operating system. The AMOLED display provides deep blacks, vibrant colors, fast response times. The multi-camera setup has specialized features. It has multiple cameras with different focal lengths, like wide-angle, standard, telephoto, and macro. Let's explore what sets this device apart.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition / 1

Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition specifications

BrandXiaomi
NameMi 8 Explorer Edition
ModelMi8EE
Release date2018

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight6.24 oz
Dimensions6.1 x 2.94 x 0.3 inch
Colorsblack
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of the Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v8.1 (Oreo)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 845
CPUOcta-core, Quad-core 2.8 GHz Kryo, Quad-core 1.8 GHz Kryo
GPUAdreno 630

The Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition comes with Android OS v8.1 (Oreo) out of the box. Google regularly releases new versions of Android. They have new features, improvements, and security updates. This CPU makes it ideal for running resource-intensive applications. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeAMOLED
Screen size6.21 inch
Resolution1080 x 2248 px
Multitouch supportyes

AMOLED displays are famous for their vibrant colors. They also have high contrast and are energy efficient. The 6.21 inch display should be big enough for your needs. It will make viewing comfortable. This is true whether you're reading, browsing, or watching. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition / 1

Memory, storage

RAM8 GB
Internal storage128 GB
Memory card slotno

The 8 GB of RAM on the Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition should be more than enough to handle their daily needs without any major issues. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. The Mi 8 Explorer Edition has 128 GB of internal storage, which is more than enough for their needs. The internal storage of the Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition (8 GB) cannot be expanded.

Cameras, flash

Main camera12 + 12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera20 MP

The Mi 8 Explorer Edition has a multi-camera setup. It lets you adapt to different photography situations. You can achieve various perspectives and compositions. The Mi 8 Explorer Edition offers optical image stabilization (OIS) for their rear camera systems.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv5.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCyes
FM radiono
USBUSB Type-C, USB host
HeadphoneUSB Type-C adapter

Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. This Xiaomi phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Mi 8 Explorer Edition smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. The Mi 8 Explorer Edition has a built-in NFC chip, which allows it to support various NFC applications and services. The Mi 8 Explorer Edition smartphone does not have 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The Mi 8 Explorer Edition does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, barometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, hall, light, proximity, step counter
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass, Dual SIM, Fast charging, Quick Charge

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The Mi 8 Explorer Edition smartphone has an accelerometer. The fingerprint reader is a biometric security feature found in Mi 8 Explorer Edition smartphones. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use.

With fast charging, you can get a significant amount of battery life in a few minutes of charging. Corning Gorilla Glass is a type of chemically strengthened super-glass.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Xiaomi phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • AMOLED display
  • appropriate screen size
  • generous memory
  • generous internal storage
  • multicamera setup
  • optical image stabilization (OIS)
  • Dual SIM support
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • non-expandable storage
  • no 5G support
  • no headphone jack
  • low-capacity battery
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Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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