Mi 8 SE vs Nokia 7 Plus: Which to Choose?

The Mi 8 SE and Nokia 7 Plus are two mid-range Android phones from 2018 that still get compared by budget buyers today. The Mi 8 SE wins on raw performance and a sharper AMOLED screen, while the Nokia 7 Plus offers a cleaner software experience and better battery life. Your choice really comes down to whether you prioritize speed or longevity.

Background: Where These Phones Came From

The Xiaomi Mi 8 SE launched in June 2018 as a smaller, more affordable sibling to the flagship Mi 8. It was one of the first phones to use the Snapdragon 710, a chip that brought flagship-level AI features and efficiency to the mid-range. The Nokia 7 Plus, released in April 2018, was part of HMD Global’s push to revive the Nokia brand with Android One – a promise of two years of OS updates and three years of security patches.

Both phones targeted the same price bracket but came from very different philosophies. Xiaomi packed in hardware specs to appeal to power users, while Nokia focused on a clean, stock-like experience and timely updates. That contrast still defines how they compare today.

Design and Display

The Mi 8 SE has a 5.88-inch AMOLED display with a notch and Full HD+ resolution (2248×1080). AMOLED gives deep blacks and vibrant colors, and the phone feels compact and light at 164 grams. The glass back is glossy and prone to fingerprints, but it looks premium.

The Nokia 7 Plus uses a 6-inch IPS LCD with a taller 18:9 aspect ratio (2160×1080). It’s a larger phone, weighing 183 grams, with an aluminum body and a subtle polymer coating that mimics a ceramic feel. The LCD is bright and color-accurate but doesn’t match AMOLED contrast. If you watch a lot of video in the dark, the Mi 8 SE’s display is noticeably better.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Mi 8 SE’s Snapdragon 710 outperforms the Nokia 7 Plus’s Snapdragon 660 in CPU and GPU benchmarks. In everyday use, both feel smooth, but the Mi 8 SE handles heavier games like PUBG Mobile at higher settings without stutter. The Nokia 7 Plus is no slouch, but you’ll notice frame drops in demanding titles.

Both phones come with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of storage, but the Nokia 7 Plus has a microSD slot for expansion, while the Mi 8 SE does not. If you store lots of music or photos offline, that expansion slot is a big deal.

Camera Comparison

The Mi 8 SE has a dual 12MP + 5MP rear camera, and the Nokia 7 Plus has a dual 12MP + 13MP setup (with the second lens being a telephoto). In good light, both take sharp, colorful photos. The Mi 8 SE’s AI scene detection tends to oversaturate colors, which some people like. The Nokia 7 Plus uses the older Zeiss optics, which produce more natural tones and better dynamic range.

In low light, the Mi 8 SE struggles with noise, while the Nokia 7 Plus is slightly better but still not great. For video, both record 4K at 30fps, but the Nokia 7 Plus has better stabilization. If you take lots of portrait shots, the Nokia’s telephoto lens gives a more natural bokeh than the Mi 8 SE’s depth sensor.

Software and Updates

This is where the Nokia 7 Plus clearly wins. It launched with Android 8.0 and received updates to Android 10. The Mi 8 SE launched with MIUI 9 (based on Android 8.1) and was updated to Android 10 as well, but MIUI is heavily customized with ads, bloatware, and a completely different look. Some users love MIUI’s features; others find it cluttered.

Android One on the Nokia offers a stock experience with no bloatware, and updates arrived faster. However, both phones are now past their official update periods, so you won’t get Android 11 or later. If you’re buying used, check whether the Mi 8 SE’s bootloader is unlocked – some sellers ship them with unlocked bootloaders, which lets you install custom ROMs for newer Android versions.

Battery Life and Charging

The Nokia 7 Plus has a 3800mAh battery, while the Mi 8 SE has a smaller 3120mAh cell. In real-world use, the Nokia easily lasts a full day and often into the next, even with heavy usage. The Mi 8 SE will get you through a day but may need a top-up by evening if you’re gaming or streaming. Both support fast charging (18W), but the Nokia charges slightly faster in practice because it has a larger battery and a more efficient screen.

Price and Value in 2024

Neither phone is sold new anymore, so you’re looking at the used market. Prices vary wildly depending on condition and region, but generally, the Mi 8 SE is cheaper than the Nokia 7 Plus. That’s partly because the Nokia brand holds value better and partly because the Mi 8 SE has a smaller battery and no microSD, which makes it less desirable.

If you find a Mi 8 SE for a good price and don’t mind MIUI, you get more performance per dollar. But if you want a phone that still feels modern (thanks to stock Android) and you value battery life, the Nokia 7 Plus is worth the extra cash.

Common Problems and What to Check Before Buying

• Mi 8 SE: The AMOLED screen can develop burn-in over time – check for ghost images on a white background. Also, the glass back cracks easily, so inspect for chips.
• Nokia 7 Plus: Some units have a loose USB-C port that stops charging if the cable is moved – test it with a few cables. The camera lens can also collect dust under the glass, which affects photo quality.
• Both: Check the battery health. If the phone dies quickly, you’ll need a replacement battery, which is doable but adds cost.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you’re a gamer or want the best screen for media, get the Mi 8 SE. If you need all-day battery, expandable storage, and a cleaner software experience, get the Nokia 7 Plus. Also, consider the ecosystem: if you already use Xiaomi’s ecosystem (Mi Band, etc.), the Mi 8 SE integrates better. If you prefer a more standard Android experience, the Nokia is the safer bet.

Neither phone is a good choice if you need 5G or the latest Android version. In that case, save up for a newer budget phone like the Moto G series or a Samsung A-series.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which phone has a better camera for photography?

The Nokia 7 Plus generally takes more natural-looking photos, especially in daylight, thanks to its Zeiss optics and telephoto lens. The Mi 8 SE’s AI processing can oversharpen and oversaturate, which some people like, but it’s less consistent. In low light, both are mediocre, but the Nokia has slightly less noise.

Can I install custom ROMs on either phone?

Yes, both have active custom ROM communities. The Mi 8 SE has official LineageOS support, and the Nokia 7 Plus has unofficial builds of Android 12 and 13. Unlocking the bootloader is easier on the Mi 8 SE; Nokia’s unlock process is more restrictive but still possible.

Which phone is better for gaming in 2024?

The Mi 8 SE is better for gaming because of the Snapdragon 710’s stronger GPU. It can handle most games at medium settings, while the Nokia 7 Plus may struggle with the latest titles. However, both phones are outdated for heavy gaming, so expect thermal throttling on long sessions.

Is the Nokia 7 Plus worth buying in 2024?

Only if you find one in excellent condition for a low price (under $80). The battery will likely need replacing, and the lack of security updates means you shouldn’t use it for banking or sensitive apps. It’s a decent secondary phone or media player, but not a daily driver.

Does the Mi 8 SE support 4G LTE on US carriers?

No, the Mi 8 SE lacks most US LTE bands (especially Band 12 and 71). It will work on T-Mobile with limited coverage, but not on AT&T or Verizon. The Nokia 7 Plus has better US band support, but it’s still not complete. If you’re in North America, check your carrier’s compatibility before buying.

Which phone has better battery life?

The Nokia 7 Plus has a larger battery (3800mAh vs 3120mAh) and a more efficient LCD, so it easily lasts a full day with moderate use. The Mi 8 SE will need a charge by evening if you’re using it heavily. Both support fast charging, but the Nokia charges faster in practice.

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