Xiaomi

Xiaomi Mi 8 SE: Pros and Cons

Android OS v8.1 (Oreo)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 710
Adreno 616
4 GB / 64 GB
5.88 inch (1080 x 2244 px)
12 + 5 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization

Xiaomi announced the launch of the Mi 8 SE smartphone in 2018. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.88 inch AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 SoC, and 4 GB of RAM. The Mi 8 SE series was launched with Android OS v8.1 (Oreo) pre-installed, but it is upgradable. The phone comes with a high-quality AMOLED display. The Mi 8 SE has a multi-camera setup. The lens offers versatility. It lets you capture a wide range of subjects and scenes from different perspectives. Does this phone justify its price tag? I hope to provide clarity by the conclusion of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Xiaomi Mi 8 SE 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 SE / 1

Xiaomi Mi 8 SE specifications

BrandXiaomi
NameMi 8 SE
ModelMI8SE
Release date2018

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight5.78 oz
Dimensions5.8 x 2.88 x 0.3 inch
Colorsblack, blue, silver
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of Xiaomi Mi 8 SE is about 5.78 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v8.1 (Oreo)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 710
CPUOcta-core, Dual-core 2.2 GHz Kryo, Hexa-core 1.7 GHz Kryo
GPUAdreno 616

The Xiaomi Mi 8 SE comes with Android OS v8.1 (Oreo) out of the box. The Android operating system uses the Linux kernel as its foundation. It includes a user interface, middleware, and many pre-installed applications. An advanced scheduler manages this octa-core CPU. It assigns tasks to the CPU for real-time speed and power efficiency. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs.

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeAMOLED
Screen size5.88 inch
Resolution1080 x 2244 px
Multitouch supportyes

AMOLED displays enable an Always-On Display feature. A part of the screen remains active to display the time, date, and notifications. The 5.88 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

Memory, storage

RAM4 GB
Internal storage64 GB
Memory card slotno

The Xiaomi Mi 8 SE comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. 64 GB of storage is usually seen as good for a smartphone. It should be enough for most users. The internal storage of the Xiaomi Mi 8 SE (4 GB) cannot be expanded.

Cameras, flash

Main camera12 + 5 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera20 MP

The Mi 8 SE has a multi-camera setup. It lets you adapt to different photography situations. You can achieve various perspectives and compositions. The main camera of Mi 8 SE has optical image stabilization (OIS). It counters camera shake.

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
NFCno
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. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Mi 8 SE smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The Mi 8 SE smartphone does not have 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 3120 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Po 3120 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The battery of Mi 8 SE isn't removable without voiding the warranty.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, hall, light, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass, Dual SIM, Fast charging, Quick Charge, MIUI 10

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The Mi 8 SE smartphone has an accelerometer. The Mi 8 SE phone has a fingerprint scanner. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use. The fast charging technology comes in handy when you need quick juice on your device. 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
  • adequate memory
  • multicamera setup
  • optical image stabilization (OIS)
  • Dual SIM support
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • non-expandable storage
  • no 5G support
  • no NFC feature
  • 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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