Xiaomi Mi 8 ‘Explorer Edition’ with an in-display fingerprint scanner and Mi 8 SE with a Snapdragon 710 have also been made official.
Xiaomi Mi 8 ‘Explorer Edition’ and Mi 8 SE have also been launched, along with the Mi 8 flagship smartphone at the company’s annual product unveiling event in Shenzhen. The Mi 8 Explorer Edition is a premium Android phone with an in-display fingerprint scanner, 3D face unlock feature and a transparent back. The specifications and features of the Mi 8 Explorer Edition will remain the same as the Mi 8. Meanwhile, the Mi 8 SE is a cheaper and affordable version of the Mi 8
Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition: Price, Specifications
The star feature of the Mi 8 Explorer Edition is the in-display fingerprint scanner. The sensor is about the same size as a regular fingerprint scanner, just that it is located under the screen. A user can simply press their finger to unlock the device. Vivo X21 is another smartphone that comes with an in-display fingerprint scanner and has recently gone on sale in India.
The Mi 8 Explorer Edition is also the first Android smartphone to use 3D face recognition technology, similar to the iPhone X’s FaceID. It uses a dot projector to accurately and a flood illuminator to accurately recognise the face. Plus, the Mi 8 Explorer Edition has a translucent back that shows off the internal hardware of the smartphone.
Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition comes with a Snapdragon 845 processor, 8GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The device is priced at 3699 Yuan, which is approximately Rs 39,000. Unlike the Mi 8, Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer edition will only come in one variant. There is no 6GB RAM or 256GB storage version in the Mi 8 Explorer variant. This phone will run MIUI 10 based on Android Oreo. It also has Bluetooth 5.0, a 3400 mAh battery.
The Mi 8 Explorer edition has a 12MP+12MP rear camera with a telephoto and wide-angle lens setup like the regular variant of the phone. The front camera is 20MP, though the notch in the explorer edition is packed with other hardware like dot projector, flood illuminator, to support the 3D Face Unlock. The phone has NFC as well. The display size remains 6.2-inches with Full HD+ resolution, which is 2248 x 1080 pixels.
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Xiaomi Mi 8 SE should be seen as a cheaper version of the Mi 8 flagship smartphone.
Xiaomi Mi 8 SE: Specifications, features
Xiaomi Mi 8 SE is a cheaper version of the Mi 8 flagship smartphone. It is the first smartphone in the world to be powered by a Snapdragon 710 processor, paired with either 4GB RAM or 6GB RAM and 64GB internal memory. The Mi 8 SE has a smaller 5.8-inch FHD+ AMOLED display and a notch above the bezel-less screen.
The smartphone packs a 12MP+5MP dual camera setup. On the front, there is a 20MP selfie snapper powered by AI. Xiaomi Mi 8 SE will also run the MIUI 10 with Android Oreo on top. The phone starts at 1799 (or approx Rs 18,971) for the base model and goes up to 1999 (or approx Rs 21,080) for the top-end model.
Anuj Bhatia is a seasoned personal technology writer at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle.
Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include:
Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech.
Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture.
Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups.
Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape.
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