Xiaomi Mi 8: MIUI 9 Global ROM
The latest MIUI 9 update, called MIUI 9 v9.5.13.0 OEAMIFA, has arrived for Xiaomi Mi 8 devices, and all users can download and install it since it is the first MIUI 9 Global ROM. As for the MIUI 10, Xiaomi is still beta testing it. Xiaomi Mi 8 users can now or soon find the MIUI 9 Global ROM available as an OTA update.
If it is not available over the air, the Mi 8 user can still sideload the Global ROM using a fastboot ROM. The latest MIUI 9 v9.5.13.0 OEMIFA obviously comes with multiple bug fixes, but Xiaomi hasn’t yet said which issues were addressed.
Xiaomi Mi 8: Specifications, Features
The Xiaomi Mi 8 sports a 6.21-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED HDR display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and churning out a pixel density of 402 ppi. It is powered by the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 octa-core processor that comes with speeds up to 2.8GHz, and paired to 6GB of RAM. The phone ships with an MIUI 9.5 skin over the Android 8.1 Oreo, and has a powerful Adreno 630 graphics card.
The rear dual camera packs two 12MP sensors and the front selfie shooter is a 20MP unit. The cameras come with impressive features and capabilities, such as large pixel size, phase-detection autofocus, wide aperture, face unlock, optical image stabilization and optical zoom. Among other camera features are slow-motion HD video recording, 4K video recording at 30 frames per second, portrait mode, and LED flash.
Among connectivity features are Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, USB Type-C 1.0 reversible connector, HTML5 browser support, NFC, dual nano SIM 4G LTE support, and dual-band GPS.
There is QuickCharge support for the 3,400 mAh battery the device packs, and the handset comes in Black, Blue, White, and Gold colours. The design language of the handset features a fingerprint sensor on the rear, and a frame-free and notched display with 19:9 aspect ratio.
Xiaomi Mi 8: Price in India
The Xiaomi Mi 8 is expected to launch soon at a price tag of Rs 24,500 for its 64GB storage variant here in India. The mobile has an SE variant with a smaller screen and an Explorer Edition which comes with a translucent back. The fingerprint sensor on this model goes under the display, a la Oppo Find X. This variant is expected to be a bit pricey, at about Rs 38,999.
There will also be a Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro, with a larger battery and display, and a much larger internal storage of 256GB. This model could be priced higher than the standard variant but lower than the Explorer Edition. If launched at pricing that mirrors its Chinese price tags, the Mi 8 could well be the cheapest smartphone in India to be powered by Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 845 SoC.
