Xiaomi today launched the Redmi Note 8, their latest “flagship” budget phone? I’m not quite sure how to define it, but it’s something. The phone comes with a 6.3″ Dot Drop LCD display, which boasts a 90% screen-to-body ratio, and a 48MP Quad camera setup. It also features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor, a 4000 mAh battery, and Corning glass 5 on the front and rear of the device.

The phones have three variants, and they start from RM 599 and will be available from 18th October, with the 4 + 64GB variant being available earlier on the 12th of October. And just for a fun fact, the Note 8and Note 8 Pro are launching first in Malaysia, after the China launch of course. So they recognise the fanbase of Mi users in the country.

The Note 8 Pro however, has taken a different turn than its little brother, the Note 8. The Note 8 Pro has a 6.53″ Dot Drop FHD+ display, 4500 mAh battery with 18W fast charging, and a MediaTek Helio G90T processor. Not really sure why it decided to move away from the Qualcomm chipsets, but they did, but it is the first phone to implement the chip, which has a focus on gaming, when paired with the LiquidCool tech in the phone. Another first, btw.

The biggest first though, is the 64MP Quad camera setup, which is the first phone in Malaysia to have a 64MP sensor. That’s a pretty big deal, as they mentioned quite a few times during the event. The phone has two variants; 6 + 64 GB for RM 1099, and 6 + 128 GB for 1199, making it a pretty cheap price for a pretty powerful device and camera. There’s also deals going on right now till the 11th for early bird purchasers, and you’ll be able to get the 6 + 64 GB variant on Lazada and Shopper for RM 999.