Guess what arrived in our inbox today? An email from Xiaomi Philippines requesting us to block off October 11.

(Update, October 11: The series is official in the Philippines! See Redmi Note 8 Pro, Note 8 PH prices start at P7,990 [$155].)

(Updated the title because Xiaomi has confirmed that the Redmi Note 8 series is indeed launching October 11.)

The message read: “Xiaomi is introducing a powerful challenger to the throne of the quad-camera smartphone kingdom. Please save [the date] for this exciting event.”

Tell us, which device from its lineup warrants a launch? If we have to guess, it’s the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the world’s first smartphone with a 64-megapixel camera. It now has an international version as well, unlike the regular Redmi Note 8.

SEE ALSO: Redmi Note 8 Pro 64MP camera phone launched alongside Redmi Note 8

But who knows? The latter might get a global license in a few days’ time, so don’t count it out just yet. Until it already has an international variant, though, we’re keeping our sights on the Pro model.

The Redmi Note 8 Pro features Samsung’s 64-megapixel ISOCELL Bright GW1 sensor, which makes use of quad-binning pixel technology. It is paired with 8-megapixel ultra-wide, 2-megapixel depth, and 2-megapixel macro sensors — for a total of four cameras on the back.

The front camera, on the other hand, is a 20-megapixel shooter housed in the waterdrop notch at the top of the phone’s 6.5-inch screen.

READ ALSO: Xiaomi Mi MIX Alpha priced like 4 iPhone 11 units and New Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G is cheapest 5G phone so far

Powering the unit is a Helio G90T, MediaTek’s first gaming-focused chip that’s said to perform better than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 710. It is mated to as much as 8GB of RAM and up to 128GB of expandable storage.

Rounding out the Redmi Note 8 Pro’s features are a 4,500mAh battery with support for 18-watt fast charging; liquid-cooling technology; and Android 9.0 Pie-based MIUI 10.

Available in Ice Jade, Electro-optic Ash, and Fritillaria White colors, the handset comes with the following price tags in China:

• 6GB/64GB: ¥1,399 (around P10,154 or $196)
• 6GB/128GB: ¥1,599 (P11,606 or $224)
• 8GB/128GB: ¥1,799 (P13,057 or $252)

The Realme 5 Pro with a 48-megapixel camera is launching October 3 in the Philippines, and there’s a big chance that the competitor of Xiaomi’s Redmi sub-brand will bring the Realme XT with a 64-megapixel camera locally, too. Such an exciting time for us consumers, no?

For your reference

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