Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro value for money

I bought Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, global version , 6Gb RAM and 128Gb storage, from Shopee for RM1039 including postage via JT Express.
 https://shopee.com.my/product/48929767/2879573933


It is a medium level phone because it is not equipped with the fastest in 2019 which belongs to Qualcomm Snapdragon 855. It is only equipped with Mediatek 12nm G90T processor, which is almost as fast than last years flagship processor, the Snapdragon 845. Antutu score of 282,000 vs 300,000.

Running on Android 9 is smooth and it can play online games such as PUBG at the highest settings at high refresh rates with little stutter.

Its camera is good. It is the only one with 64Mp camera readily available in Malaysia Realme XT, is not easy to buy and is much less inferior. It does not even have NFC,which is vital for some applications such as UMS attendance system, Smart Hadir

Compared to Mi 9T, Note 8 Pro is faster and has the 64Mp camera. But because Google Camera app can be installed in Mi 9T, its pictures can be better than Note 8 Pro in noise and dynamic range but not in resolution (detail). Detail is very important because you cannot recover lost details whereas noise and dynamic range can be manipulated, at a loss of detail though. In bright light, Note 8 Pro will beat cameras equipped with Sony's 48Mp sensors, even with raw mode processing.

The weakness of the Note 8 Pro is the LCD display but I do not notice much difference compared to the Amoled display of the Mi 9T. Its display is even better than Xperia Z5 Premium 4K LCD.

Another possible weakness is the back placed finger print sensor, compared to in screen sensor but I notice that there is very little difference. Of course, it is the little difference that makes phones superior. Surprisingly, the Note 8 Pro finger print sensor is better than the Sony Z5 Premium which is located at the power button, like some Huawei mobile phones. I can wake the Note 8 Pro quickly even with one hand. The small space and the phone casing of the Z5 makes it difficult to wake up the Z5 using finger print.

Another weakness is the 20Mp selfie camera. Its picture is very bright but I do not think it can beat the Sony XA1 Ultra 16Mp with OIS, especially inside a room,

Another mobile phone with 64 Mp is the Realme XT but withut NC, not good for me. It is also slower with Snapdragon 730. A better option is the Realme X2 but still difficult to find but available at Shopee for RM1500. Redme Note 8 Pro is still a better value for money.
 https://shopee.com.my/-New-product-reduction-100-purchase-win-eight-good-gifts-realme-X2-64-million-f-i.112216891.2901149338

At Aliexpress, Redmi Note 8 Pro costs around US200 and Realme X2 costs US300.

Realme X2 uses Super Amoled display but the Amoled display at the Mi 9T is not that much better than the Redme Note 8 Pro, and the Redme Note 8 Pro is 0.1in larger. Actually I do not see much difference, unlike my Nokia Lumia 1020 Amoled display which has an unnaturally rich colours.

Another advantage is the in-display finger print. It is still awkward to press one-handed. Not much better than the rear placed Redmi phone. Again not much effect for me. Unless the in-screen finger print sensor can be placed more central so that the thumb can be placed normally. For the Redmi, it can placed slightly to the top right (looking from the front) so that our fingers can be placed more naturally. However, design-wise a central location for the cameras and finger print sensor is more pleasing.

Realme uses Snapdragon 730G which is slightly faster than G90T and consumes less power. The price penalty is too much for the little advantage. The ability to find more Google camera apps may make it worthwhile but we should wait until its price has dropped more.

Despite having only 4000mAh battery, Realme should last longer than Redmi Note 8 Pro but allowing me to use the phone for more than 2 days is good enough.

Realme is also lighter which is not a big deal for me but my wife prefer a lighter phone. She feels tired easily. That is why Real is more suitable for women who are more gentle. Its disadvantage of using plastic body and lack of sealing does not matter but for me, it is vital.

Realme has the VOOC 30W special quickcharge but I cannot use a lot of my other devices such as my power bank to charge it. Despite using only 18W charger, its charger is more universal. At 3A charging rate, it should feel safer inside a car than larger chargers which can get hot very quickly.