SpecEagle
Launch report · Xiaomi

Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition: A see-through-back Mi 8 with in-display fingerprint and 3D face unlock.

SpecEagle Editorial·Jul 2018·$580·Score 70/100

Mi 8 Explorer was Xiaomi's enthusiast flagship — a (faux) transparent back, in-display fingerprint sensor and iPhone-X-style 3D face unlock on Android. A genuine spec-list standout for 2018.

Key specs at launch

Display
6.21" AMOLED
Chipset
Snapdragon 845
Memory
8 GB · 128 GB
Main cam
12 MP + 12 MP
Battery
3,000 mAh
Weight
177 g
What stands out
  • Transparent back showing component layout.
  • In-display fingerprint sensor.
  • 3D structured-light face unlock.
  • SD845 + 8 GB RAM.
What to watch
  • "Transparent" was a faux decorative layout.
  • Small 3,000 mAh battery.
  • No jack.
  • Only China at launch.
The phone it has to beat
Galaxy Note 10+
$1099 · score 90/100