Xiaomi mi 8 vs xiaomi mi 8 se what are their differences?

On May 31, a Xiaomi event was held. In it, the well-known Chinese brand left us with quite a few novelties. Among them were two phones, the Xiaomi Mi 8 and the Xiaomi Mi 8 SE. The new high-end of the Chinese brand and a new model for the medium-premium range, inspired by the high-end. Two telephones that must be taken into account because they will make people talk when they are launched internationally.

What are the differences between them? Is it really worth buying the Mi 8 or is it better to buy your little brother Xiaomi Mi 8 SE? In this comparison, will we help you choose the best one according to your needs?

Index of contents

Xiaomi Mi 8 vs Xiaomi Mi 8 SE

Given how similar their names are, there are likely to be users who are not quite sure what the differences are between the two. Therefore, below we leave you with a comparison between this Xiaomi Mi 8 and the Xiaomi Mi 8 SE.

specs

In this table you can find first with the specifications of the two models of the Chinese brand. In this way, we can see from the outset the differences between the two. And after the table we talk more in depth about their differences in various categories.

	Xiaomi Mi 8	xiaomi mi 8 se
screen	6.21-inch AMOLED, 19: 9 ratio and FullHD + resolution	5.88-inch OLED, 19: 9 ratio and FullHD + resolution
Processor	Snapdragon 845	Snapdragon 710
RAM	6 GB	4/6 GB
Cameras	Rear: 12 + 12 MP with 4K Video recording at 60fps Front: 16 MP	Back: 12 + 5 MP Front: 20 MP
Storage	64GB / 128GB / 256GB	64 GB
Battery	3, 300 mAh with fast charge	3, 120 mAh with fast charge
OS	Android 8.1 Oreo with MIUI 10	Android 8.1 Oreo with MIUI 10
Other features	Face recognition, infrared, fingerprint sensor, splash resistance, NFC	Face recognition, fingerprint sensor and eye is NFC-FREE.
Price	499 euros	315 euros

screen

The first and clearest of the differences can be seen on the screen of both devices. Since despite the fact that the two bet on the notch, the size and shape differ significantly. The Xiaomi Mi 8 bets on a screen of 6.21 inches in size, which is also an AMOLED screen. On the other hand, the Mi 8 SE has a smaller screen, in this case 5.88 inches.

We can see that the high-end screen is more elongated, giving the phone a rectangular shape. While the mid-range device has a smaller screen, the device appears to be somewhat more square in shape. The screen resolution is the same, but the difference lies in the technology used in the panel. Thanks to which a difference in image quality is observed.

Both models have opted for the notch, which is what dominates the screen of both. In the notch we find the sensor of the front camera of the device and facial recognition. A feature that is present in both Xiaomi phones.

Processor, RAM and storage

As expected, the Xiaomi Mi 8 bets on the most powerful processor on the market. The high range has Snapdragon 845 as a processor inside. A processor that provides the phone with great power, as well as good energy efficiency. In this case, we have a 6 GB RAM (only option to choose), although we have several options in terms of internal storage: 64 GB / 128 GB / 256GB. So users can choose the one that suits them best.

In the case of the Xiaomi Mi 8 SE we have one of the latest Qualcomm processors inside. This is Snapdragon 710, which comes for the mid / high range (it is in no man's land), and it is better than those of the 600 family. So it is more powerful and has a better power consumption, although without reaching the 800 family of processors.

This model gives us two options in terms of RAM, being 4 and 6 GB. But in the case of internal storage we have a single option to choose from, which is 64 GB of capacity. A fairly common option within the mid-range, and it should give us enough storage space to store all kinds of files on the phone.

Cameras

Both phones bet on a double camera on the back and a single sensor on the front. Although we find notable differences in the operation and quality of the cameras between both phones.

The Xiaomi Mi 8 has a dual 12 + 12 MP rear camera. The two cameras come with artificial intelligence, which will help them get much more out of it, as well as introducing some additional imaging modes. We also have Dual LED Flash, four-axis OIS, HDR and the possibility of recording 4K video at 60 fps. In short, a very powerful double rear camera. The device's front camera is 16 MP, ideal for selfies.

Image taken with the Xiaomi Mi 8 in our review.

On the other hand we find the Xiaomi Mi 8 SE. This integrates a double rear camera, in this case 12 + 5 MP. It is a somewhat more modest camera, but it is more than compliant and will allow us to take great images. In the case of the front, it surprises with its 20 MP, surpassing that of the high-end phone. Again, it is a camera designed for selfies, especially important in the Asian market.

Battery

The truth is that in terms of battery, there are no big differences between the two phones. The Xiaomi Mi 8 has a 3, 300 mAh capacity battery and the Mi 8 SE has a 3, 120 mAh battery. In addition, both devices have the option of fast charging, a function of enormous utility that surely is vital in some situations.

The main difference is provided in this case by the processors. Since thanks to the Snapdragon 845 that we are in the high range, we are going to have a fairly low power consumption, thanks to which we can get more out of the device's battery. This is something that will have a great influence on the daily use of the phone.

It does not mean that Snapdragon 710 is a bad processor, because it is a new family that represents a notable improvement over the Snapdragon 600 family. Although it is not at the 800 level, so it does not give that great energy efficiency either. It has made Qualcomm's high-end processors known.

Other features

The two phones have quite a few aspects in common when it comes to other features. Both have a fingerprint sensor located on the back, and have a facial recognition system. So users have both options to access the phone. The Xiaomi Mi 8's facial recognition system is one of the best on Android today.

Also, only the Xiaomi Mi 8 has NFC, which allows to carry out mobile payments. This is an important feature in the Asian market, and it is gaining more importance internationally. So it would be nice if both models had this option enabled for the user.

It should be noted that the Xiaomi Mi 8 has splash resistance, a feature that is good to know is present on the phone. In the event that something like this happens with the device. Unfortunately, it is not present in the Xiaomi Mi 8 SE.

Xiaomi Mi 8 vs Xiaomi Mi 8 SE Which is better?

They are two phones that belong to different ranges. The first of the two is a top of the range full-fledged, which seeks to stand up to the rest of high-end phones in the market. Good specifications and a price that will be notably lower than other phones in the high range, are the keys to this Xiaomi Mi 8. So it has everything to be a success in its launch in the international market. A launch that we are still waiting for.

The Xiaomi Mi 8 SE is a phone with which Xiaomi bets on the medium-premium range. We can compare it with the Lite versions that Huawei presents of its high range. They share design and present somewhat more modest specifications. But they are good options if you do not want to pay as much money or for a high range, or if your budget is somewhat more limited.

On paper, if we focus on the specs, the Xiaomi Mi 8 is a better phone than the Mi 8 SE. This is something that cannot be denied. But, within their respective ranges, both are two models that must be taken into account. Now, we can only wait for them to be launched in Europe. It probably happens in the month of August.

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We hope that this comparison between the Xiaomi Mi 8 and the Xiaomi Mi 8 SE has been helpful to you, to know the main differences between the two models of the Chinese brand. Which one would you choose? We want to know your impressions!