Maybe you spotted a cheap Redmi 8 listing online and wondered if a phone that came out in 2019 still makes sense in 2024. The answer isn’t a straight yes or no — it depends on what you need.

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Display size: 6.22 inches HD+ · Battery capacity: 5000 mAh · Processor: Snapdragon 439 · Release year: 2019 · Refurbished price range (Ireland): €80–€120

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact number of Redmi 8 units still in active use worldwide
  • Whether Xiaomi will release any future security patches for this model
  • Average resale value across different regions in 2024
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Still usable for light tasks, offline use, or as a backup (Alibaba Electronics)
  • Performance struggles with modern heavy apps and games (YouTube review)
  • Better to consider newer budget phones for daily driver use (Alibaba Electronics)
Key specifications
Specification Value Source
Announced October 2019 Notebookcheck
Display 6.22 inches, 720×1520 pixels YouTube review
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 YouTube review
RAM / Storage 3GB/32GB or 4GB/64GB Notebookcheck
Battery 5000 mAh, non-removable Notebookcheck
OS at launch Android 9 (updated to Android 10) Alibaba Electronics
Refurbished price (Ireland) €80–€120 Back Market Ireland
Warranty (refurbished) 12 months Back Market Ireland

Is the Redmi 8 Still a Good Phone in 2024?

How does it perform with modern apps?

The Snapdragon 439 chipset is the phone’s main bottleneck. A YouTube review shows that while the phone handles WhatsApp, calls, and light browsing fine, it stutters with multitasking and modern games like PUBG Mobile. The 720p display helps keep things smooth, but app load times are noticeably longer than on newer budget phones.

The trade-off

If you need a phone for heavy social media use or gaming, the Redmi 8’s processor will feel sluggish. For basic communication and media consumption, it still gets the job done — just don’t expect speed.

What is the battery life like in 2024?

The 5000 mAh battery remains the Redmi 8’s strongest selling point. Notebookcheck’s review highlights it as a standout feature. Even after four years, users report roughly 8-9 hours of screen-on time with light use, according to a YouTube battery test. The phone charges at 10W out of the box, but supports up to 18W with a compatible charger.

The implication: battery life is still above average for the price, but the aging battery chemistry means you might see faster drain than when new. Replacement isn’t simple because the battery is non-removable.

How Much Does a Redmi 8 Cost and Where to Buy It?

What is the price of a new Redmi 8?

New units are scarce in 2024. At launch, the 3GB/32GB model cost around €115, according to Notebookcheck. Today, new old stock may still be available on platforms like Alibaba, with prices ranging from $64 for 3GB/32GB to $149 for 4GB/64GB, as reported by Alibaba Electronics.

The upshot

Buying new in 2024 is hard to justify when refurbished units cost significantly less and the device is already obsolete from a software perspective.

Where to buy a refurbished Redmi 8 in Ireland?

Back Market Ireland is the most reliable option for Irish buyers. They list refurbished Redmi 8 devices at €80–€120, with a 12-month warranty and a 30-day change-of-mind period, as stated on their product page. That’s the closest you’ll get to a risk-free purchase.

Where Can I Buy a Redmi 8 in Ireland?

Which online stores stock the Redmi 8?

  • Back Market Ireland – Refurbished units, €80–€120, 12-month warranty (source)
  • eBay Ireland – Used and refurbished listings from private sellers (prices vary)
  • Amazon.ie – Third-party sellers occasionally list Redmi 8 units (check stock)

Physical Xiaomi stores don’t exist in Ireland, so online is your only route. Delivery typically takes 3-5 working days from Back Market’s EU warehouses.

What should I look for when buying a used Redmi 8?

  • Confirm the battery health – the 5000 mAh cell may have degraded over four years
  • Check that the IMEI isn’t blacklisted
  • Ensure the seller offers at least a 30-day return policy

How Does the Redmi 8 Compare to the Redmi 8A and Redmi Note 8?

Redmi 8 vs Redmi 8A: key differences

The Redmi 8A is a stripped-down version with a single 13MP rear camera (no depth sensor) and no fingerprint sensor. The Redmi 8 adds a 12MP+2MP dual camera and a rear fingerprint reader. Both share the same Snapdragon 439 processor and 5000 mAh battery, but the Redmi 8 has a slightly more premium build with a glass front and plastic back versus the 8A’s all-plastic body.

Redmi 8 vs Redmi Note 8: which is better?

The Redmi Note 8 steps up with a Snapdragon 665 chipset, a 48MP quad-camera setup, and a larger 6.3-inch FHD+ display. It also has a faster GPU and better low-light camera performance. The trade-off is a smaller 4000 mAh battery. For €20-€30 more, the Note 8 offers noticeably better performance for gaming and photography, though its battery endurance is lower.

Bottom line: For basic use, the Redmi 8 is enough. If you want more speed and camera quality, spend a little extra on the Note 8. The Redmi 8A is only worth considering if you absolutely need to save every euro.
Redmi 8 vs Redmi 8A vs Redmi Note 8 comparison
Feature Redmi 8 Redmi 8A Redmi Note 8
Processor Snapdragon 439 Snapdragon 439 Snapdragon 665
Display 6.22″ HD+ 6.22″ HD+ 6.3″ FHD+
Battery 5000 mAh 5000 mAh 4000 mAh
Rear Camera 12MP + 2MP 13MP 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP
Fingerprint Sensor Rear-mounted None Rear-mounted
Build Gorilla Glass front, plastic back All plastic Gorilla Glass 5 front and back

What Are Common Problems and How Long Does a Redmi 8 Last?

Frequent hardware issues

  • Charging port loosening over time (reported in online forums)
  • Screen scratches easily – not Gorilla Glass covered
  • The plastic back may dent from drops

Battery lifespan and replacement

The 5000 mAh battery is non-removable. Based on typical lithium-ion degradation, you can expect 2-3 years of strong life before capacity drops noticeably. After 4 years, the battery may still last a full day for light users but will show its age under heavy use. Replacement costs around €30-€50 at third-party repair shops.

Software glitches and fixes

The Redmi 8 runs Android 10 with MIUI 12.5, and has not received security patches since late 2021, according to Alibaba Electronics. This means the phone is vulnerable to new exploits. Custom ROMs like LineageOS can extend security, but that requires technical know-how.

What to watch

The lack of security updates is the single biggest reason not to buy the Redmi 8 as a primary device in 2024. Banking apps may eventually drop support for Android 10, so consider this carefully.

Timeline: Redmi 8 Lifecycle

  • – Redmi 8 announced and released (Notebookcheck)
  • – Android 10 update via MIUI 11 (Alibaba Electronics)
  • – Security patches continued, then ceased (Alibaba Electronics)
  • – Device over 4 years old; no major OS updates expected

Clarity: What’s Confirmed and What’s Not

Upsides

  • Redmi 8 launched in October 2019 with Snapdragon 439
  • Battery capacity is 5000 mAh
  • Display is 6.22-inch HD+
  • Refurbished units available on Back Market
  • Software updates stopped at Android 10

Downsides

  • Exact number of still-active units in circulation
  • Whether Xiaomi will release any further security patches
  • Average resale value in 2024 (varies by condition)

Quotes from Experts and Users

“The 5,000 mAh battery delivers impressive runtime for a budget device.”

Notebookcheck review (source)

“The Redmi 8 still works for very light, offline, or backup use cases, but it shows its age with modern apps.”

Alibaba Electronics 2024 review

“I bought a refurbished Redmi 8 from Back Market and the battery lasts me two days with moderate use.”

User review on Back Market Ireland (source)

The Redmi 8 is a device that once defined budget value but now sits in a difficult spot. Its battery endurance remains admirable, but the combination of an ageing processor and ended security support means it can’t serve as a reliable daily driver for most people in 2024. For an Irish buyer on a tight budget who needs a secondary phone or a basic device for calls and WhatsApp, the refurbished Redmi 8 at €80–€120 is a functional choice. For anyone planning to use it as their main phone, the lack of updates and sluggish performance make it a risky investment – you’re better off putting that money toward a newer budget model like the Redmi 12 or Samsung Galaxy A14.

Additional sources

youtube.com, youtube.com

If you are considering this phone, it is worth checking the Redmi 8 price and availability in India for a different regional perspective.

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Frequently asked questions

Does the Redmi 8 have a fingerprint sensor?

Yes, the Redmi 8 has a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. The Redmi 8A lacks one.

Is the Redmi 8 waterproof?

No, the Redmi 8 has no official IP rating. It has a P2i nano-coating for splash resistance, but it’s not waterproof.

Can the Redmi 8 run PUBG Mobile smoothly?

Only at low graphics settings. The Snapdragon 439 struggles with frame drops and stutter in PUBG Mobile.

What is the screen resolution of the Redmi 8?

720 x 1520 pixels (HD+).

Are cases and screen protectors still available for Redmi 8?

Yes, third-party accessories are still widely available on Amazon, eBay, and Chinese marketplaces.

Does the Redmi 8 support dual SIM?

Yes, it has a dedicated dual SIM slot plus a separate microSD slot.

How does the Redmi 8 compare to the Redmi 9 in 2024?

The Redmi 9 offers a better MediaTek Helio G35 processor, a 6.53-inch FHD+ display, and a 13MP main camera – making it a more capable phone for similar money. The Redmi 8’s 5000 mAh battery is its only advantage over the Redmi 9.