REVIEW: REDMI Buds 8 Pro

Review by Jon Donnis

I have to say, the REDMI Buds 8 Pro, released on February 28, 2026, genuinely surprised me. Coming off reviewing the Buds 5 Pro last year, I wasn't sure Xiaomi could improve on something I already liked so much. But these feel like a proper step up in almost every way.

First off, the sound is noticeably richer and more detailed than the 5 Pro. The triple drivers give the music a sensitivity that makes every instrument and effect easier to hear. Dialogue in movies or games is crystal clear, and Dolby Audio adds a realistic surround feel that really pulls you into whatever you're listening to. I played a few of my favourite tracks and even some mobile games, and honestly, it felt like I was missing details I never noticed before.

The noise cancellation is something else entirely. REDMI claims up to 55dB of ANC and 5kHz ultra-wide frequency cancellation, and from my experience, that holds up. On a noisy train and then a packed bus, the outside world almost disappeared, letting me hear the music and game effects perfectly. The earbuds also adapt automatically to environmental noise and how they sit in your ears, which makes it feel like the cancellation is tailored just for me. I also loved the app options to play ambient sounds while the ANC is on, things like rain, wildlife, or soft bells chiming. It's a small touch, but it made the whole experience feel relaxing and personal.

Comfort-wise, these are really well thought out. My ears are slightly different sizes, so I appreciated the extra ear tips to get a proper fit. The touch-sensitive controls are intuitive, I could play, pause, skip tracks, or answer calls with simple taps or swipes. The charging case in Obsidian Black looks and feels very premium, with a satisfying magnetic snap when placing the buds inside and a lit-up battery indicator that's easy to check at a glance.

Pairing these was effortless. I opened the box, and my phone found them instantly. Being able to connect two devices at the same time is brilliant, especially when switching between my phone and tablet. Battery life is also excellent, 8 hours on a single charge, 33 with the case, and even a five-minute fast charge gives 2 hours of listening. That takes away any battery anxiety.

Overall, I am genuinely impressed with the REDMI Buds 8 Pro. They are affordable, feel high quality, and deliver everything they promise. I didn't think you could improve on the Buds 5 Pro, but Xiaomi has done it. These earbuds make music, games, and video watching a proper joy, and the attention to detail in fit, sound, and usability really shows. I would happily give the REDMI Buds 8 Pro a 9.5 out of 10. Near perfection.

Find out more at https://www.mi.com/uk/product/redmi-buds-8-pro/

Thanks to Xiaomi for providing the REDMI Buds 8 Pro for review.

REVIEW: Redmi Note 15 5G (2026 Smartphone)

Photo courtesy of Xiaomi 

Review by Jon Donnis

The Redmi Note 15 5G arrives as a confident mid range smartphone that feels far more considered than its price suggests. Xiaomi has spent years refining the Note series and this model shows a brand comfortable with its strengths. It is not chasing gimmicks or headline grabbing specs for the sake of it. Instead, it focuses on balance, practicality, and day to day usability.

The first thing that strikes you is how slim and light the phone feels. At just 7.35mm thick, it slips easily into a pocket and never feels cumbersome in the hand. Even with the supplied protective case fitted, it remains impressively manageable. The dual curved front and back help here, creating a shape that feels smooth and natural to hold over long periods. It looks smart too. The camera housing is familiar territory for recent Redmi devices and while it does protrude slightly, it never became uncomfortable or distracting during use.

Photo taken with the Redmi Note 15 5G

Battery life is one of the Note 15 5G's strongest selling points. The 5520mAh silicon carbon battery comfortably lasts through heavy daily use, often pushing into a second day without anxiety. Xiaomi claims up to 1.58 days of endurance and that feels realistic rather than optimistic. Video playback figures of around 21 hours stack up well in real world testing. When it does need topping up, 45W turbo charging gets you back on your feet quickly. The inclusion of 18W reverse charging is a genuinely useful extra, especially if you ever find yourself rescuing a friend's dying phone.

Durability is another quiet strength. The display glass is rated to survive face down drops from 1.7 metres, and the aluminium alloy mid frame gives the whole device a reassuring rigidity. Add IP65 dust and water resistance and this is a phone that feels built for everyday life rather than careful handling. Wet Touch Technology 2.0 works exactly as advertised, keeping the screen responsive even with damp fingers or in light rain.

The 6.77 inch AMOLED display is a highlight. Full HD plus resolution keeps everything sharp, while peak brightness of up to 3200 nits makes outdoor use a non issue. PWM dimming at 3840Hz helps reduce eye strain during long viewing sessions, which is easy to appreciate after an evening of scrolling or streaming. Dual speakers with 300 percent volume boost give audio real presence, making this a solid device for video and casual gaming.

Photo taken with the Redmi Note 15 5G

Performance is handled by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, which keeps the phone feeling brisk and responsive. Apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth, and everyday navigation never feels laboured. It is not aimed at power users chasing flagship benchmarks, but for a mid range device it strikes the right balance between speed and efficiency.

Photography is where the Redmi Note 15 5G really separates itself from cheaper models. The 108MP main camera now includes optical image stabilisation, which makes a noticeable difference in low light shots and video. Detail is excellent, though the large file sizes mean you may want to drop the resolution for everyday snaps. This is the first model in the standard lineup to add an ultra wide camera, giving genuine versatility without stepping up to a Pro device. The 20MP front camera performs well for video calls and selfies, while AI features such as reflection removal and object erasing are useful without feeling overbearing.

Photo courtesy of Xiaomi 

There are compromises, and they are worth acknowledging. The lack of a 3.5mm headphone socket will disappoint anyone who still prefers wired audio, particularly when connecting to older non Bluetooth equipment. Storage expansion is also a familiar frustration. You can use a second SIM or a memory card, but not both at the same time. These are not deal breakers, but they are worth bearing in mind depending on how you use your phone.

Taken as a whole, the Redmi Note 15 5G feels like a well judged mid range smartphone rather than a flashy one. At around £199, it delivers strong battery life, a capable camera system, solid performance, and a design that feels more premium than expected. Xiaomi continues to cement its reputation for offering good quality phones across every price bracket, and this model sits comfortably among its best value efforts.

If you are shopping for a reliable, modern replacement without paying flagship money, the Redmi Note 15 5G deserves a serious look. It does exactly what you expect, and in a few areas, it does rather more.

I score the Redmi Note 15 5G a solid 8.5 out of 10.

Pre-orders will be available on mi.com/uk from 5 January 2026 

Thank you to Xiaomi for providing the phone for review.

The full range.
Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G

8+256: £429

12+512: £479

Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G

8+256: £349

8+512:  £379

12+512: £399

Redmi Note 15 Pro

Available in 8+256 and 12+512

Prices start from £249

Redmi Note 15 5G

Available in 6+128 and 8+256

Prices start from £199

Redmi Note 15

Available in 6+128 and 8+256

Prices start from £179