Apple iPhone Air (256GB) vs Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer

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Side by side comparison between Apple iPhone Air vs Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer phones, differences, pros, cons and full specifications. What's the better?

9/12/2025 7:50 PM, updated: 9/14/2025 8:16 AM

Compare Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer X Apple iPhone Air (256GB) 30Points

Specifications Compare Models Pictures

6.5"
OLED

1260x2736

48
MP

18mp

12GB
RAM

Hexa-core

3149
mAh

(Non removable)

05Points Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Compare Apple iPhone Air X

Specifications Compare Models Pictures

6.21"
AMOLED

1080x2248

12
MP

20mp

8GB
RAM

Octa-core

3000
mAh

(Non removable)

What's the better phone? Apple iPhone Air (256GB)

The phonemore's choice is much more technical than personal. Therefore, you shouldn't only consider this. Our goal is to help you, but what's important to us may not be important to you. You decide which one is the best! Comment!

30 Advantages Apple iPhone Air (256GB)	vs	5 Advantages Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer
+4.26GHz 64bit Hexa-core (3nm)33% More powerful processor, you can open your applications faster	vs	2.8GHz 64bit Octa-core
+12GB LPDDR5X50% More RAM memory. Typically more responsive and better for multitasking.	vs	8GB LPDDR4X
+256GB (230GB available)109% More internal storage for applications and files	vs	128GB (110GB available)
+NVMe (SSD)Advantage Fastest write and read storage.	vs	UFS 2.1
+165 grams (5.78 ounces)7% Lighter	vs	177 grams (6.2 ounces)
+5.6 millimeters (0.22 inches)36% Thinner	vs	7.6 millimeters (0.3 inches)
+Titanium frame, glass front and backAdvantage More resistant material	vs	Aluminum frame, glass front/back
+Dolby Vision/HDR10Advantage The Dolby Vision/HDR10 display provides vibrant colors and more details	vs	HDR10
+120Hz100% The display reproduces more frames per second because the frequency (Hertz) is higher, improves fluidity and tires your eyes less.	vs	60Hz
+1 billion62 times More colors on the screen is better quality images and videos	vs	16 million
+1260x2736 pixels42% Higher resolution screen	vs	1080x2248 pixels
+463 PPI15% Crisper display of text, images and videos because it has more pixels per inch (ppi)	vs	402 PPI
+6.5"5% Larger screen	vs	6.21"
+(back) 48MP100% Higher resolution main camera	vs	(dual camera) 12MP + 12MP
+OIS: Optical stabilization on both camerasAdvantage Image stabilization prevents blurry photos and helps in recording motion video	vs	OIS (4-axis): Optical stabilization
+BSI sensorAdvantage The BSI sensor allows the entry of more light generating photos with more detail and brightness	vs	Not supported
+1/1.56" inches63% The larger sensor camera lets you take photos with better depth.	vs	1/2.55" inches
+f/1.6 (aperture)13% Diaphragm opening (Aperture) of the camera which has the smallest F number takes photos with better light exposure.	vs	f/1.8 (aperture)
+(front) 4K UHD (3840x2160)3 times More image quality for recording videos with the secondary camera	vs	(front) Full HD (1920x1080)
+5G mmWaveAdvantage The 5G mmWave network is newer and faster	vs	4G LTE-A
+(5G mmWave) 5000 Mbps4 times Faster for surfing the internet and download files	vs	(4G LTE-A) 1024 Mbps
+Face unlock 3DAdvantage Sensors help you use the device	vs	Face unlock 2D
+UWB (Ultra Wideband)Advantage Sensors help you use the device	vs	Not supported
+3149 mAh5% Battery - higher amperage (mAh) allows more device usage time, but it also depends on the hardware and use	vs	3000 mAh
+30W67% More power (watts) to charge the battery faster. Sometimes, the charger that comes with the device doesn't have the same power supported by the device. Check before you buy it.	vs	18W
+Qi2 wireless chargingAdvantage Wireless charging is another way to charge the battery.	vs	Not supported
+e-SIM (Eletronic)Advantage You can have more mobile carriers/operators on the same device.	vs	2 slots (Dual-SIM)
+802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be [wifi7/6E/6]Advantage WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be [wifi7/6E/6] is newer and faster	vs	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac [wifi5]
+6.0 + A2DP/LEAdvantage Bluetooth 6.0 + A2DP/LE is newer and faster	vs	5.0 + A2DP/LE
+IP68 certifiedAdvantage Protection against water allows you talk to your friends in the rain, for example	vs	Not supported
Only digital zoom	vs	+Digital and optical zoomAdvantage The zoom allows for better focus and approach to take pictures
(dual front camera) 18MP + 0.3MP	vs	+(front) 20MP9% Higher resolution secondary camera to take pictures and selfies
2300000 apps (App Store)	vs	+3500000 apps (Google Play Store)52% More apps available to download and use
Not supported	vs	+Fingerprint sensor (under display)Advantage Sensors help you use the device
Not supported	vs	+DLNAAdvantage With DLNA technology you can access and play media files on TV, tablet or DLNA compatible device.

24 Common items in both devices

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED / Super AMOLED

Dual-LED flash

PDAF: phase detection autofocus on both cameras / PDAF: phase detection autofocus

HDR photo/video on both cameras / HDR photo on both cameras

4K UHD (3840x2160)

Capacitive

Multitouch

+17 specs and more in the table below

Check the comparison table below for more items that are not evaluated in comparison score above.

Highlight differences

📱 Model features
	iPhone Air (256GB)	Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer
Change model
Model	iPhone Air (256GB)	Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer
Other model names	iPhone 17 Air (A3260, A3517, A3518)	小米8 透明探索版, Xiaomi Mi8 Explorer 8GB RAM + 128GB
Country or region available	(Global, International)	(Global, International), China, Hong Kong
Brand	Apple	Xiaomi
Release date	9/19/2025, Announced: 9/9/2025	6/1/2018
Depth	5.6 millimeters (0.22 inches)	7.6 millimeters (0.3 inches)
Size (width x height)	74.7 x 156.2 millimeters (2.94 x 6.15 in)	74.8 x 154.9 millimeters (2.94 x 6.1 in)
Weight	165 grams (5.78 ounces)	177 grams (6.2 ounces)
Build, materials	Titanium frame, glass front and back Back: Ceramic Shield	Aluminum frame, glass front/back
Protection against water and others	IP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant	Not supported
📲 Display
	iPhone Air (256GB)	Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer
Display type	LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED	Super AMOLED
Screen size	6.5" inches	6.21" inches
Screen-to-body ratio	~88.8% (screen-to-body ratio)	~83.8% (screen-to-body ratio)
Display resolution	1260x2736 pixels (19.5:9)	1080x2248 pixels
Touchscreen	Capacitive Multitouch	Capacitive Multitouch
Pixel density (dot pitch)	463 PPI	402 PPI
Colors	1 billion	16 million
Scratch-resistant glass	Ceramic Shield 2	Gorilla Glass 5
Refresh rate	120Hz	60Hz
Display features	1000nits[typ], 3000nits[peak] Dolby Vision/HDR10 Always-On Display Oleophobic coating screen True-tone Wide color gamut	600nits[typ] HDR10
🤖 Operating System
	iPhone Air (256GB)	Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer
System version	iOS 26	Android 8.1 Oreo
Firmware update	feature not registered	Android 9.0 Pie
User Interface	feature not registered	feature not registered
⚙️ Processor
	iPhone Air (256GB)	Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer
Chipset	64bit: Apple A19 Pro (3nm)	64bit: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 MSM8998 (10nm)
CPU	Hexa-core, 2 processors: 2x 4.26GHz P-Core (Dual-core) 4x 2.2GHz E-Core (Quad-core)	Octa-core, 2 processors: 4x 2.8GHz Kryo 385 Gold (Quad-core) 4x 1.8GHz Kryo 385 Silver (Quad-core)
GPU graphical controller	A19 Pro GPU (5-core)	Qualcomm Adreno 630 710Mhz
Performance (benchmark)	AnTuTu: 2000993 (v10) Geekbench: 9682 (v6.5)	feature not registered
💽 Memory and storage
	iPhone Air (256GB)	Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer
RAM memory	12GB LPDDR5X	8GB LPDDR4X
Internal storage	256GB (230GB available) NVMe (SSD)	128GB (110GB available) UFS 2.1
External storage	Not supported	Not supported
📶 Mobile networks
	iPhone Air (256GB)	Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer
Dual-SIM	Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card	Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card
SIM card	e-SIM (Eletronic)	2 slots (Dual-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF)
Maximum Download / Upload	5000/1024 Mbps	1024/150 Mbps
Network technology	2G, 3G, 4G, 5G	2G, 3G, 4G
Frequency, bands	Expand band details Collapse details
GSM MHz band	Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900	Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 2G network	CDMA 800/1900, GSM 850/900/1800/1900	CDMA 800, GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 3G network	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO TD-SCDMA 1900/2000 UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100
Primary 4G network	LTE Cat20 VoLTE A3517 (International): LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 53, 66) TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48) A3260 (USA): LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 53, 66, 71) TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48) A3518 (Canada, Mexico, EMEA): LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 53, 66, 71) TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48)	LTE Cat16 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20) TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41) VoLTE
Primary 5G network	A3517 (International): SA/NSA/Sub6 (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 75, 77, 78, 79) A3260 (USA): SA/NSA/Sub6 (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 71, 75, 77, 78, 79) A3518 (Canada, Mexico, EMEA): SA/NSA/Sub6 (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 71, 75, 77, 78, 79)	Not supported
Primary data network	GPRS, EDGE, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev 0, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev A, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA, Sub6, mmWave	GPRS, EDGE, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev 0, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev A, TD-SCDMA, UMTS, TD-HSDPA, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A
Secondary 2G network	Not supported	GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Secondary 3G network	Not supported	Not supported
Secondary 4G network	Not supported	Not supported
Secondary data network	Not supported	GPRS, EDGE
📷 Camera
	iPhone Air (256GB)	Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer
Back camera (main camera)	48 megapixels	(dual camera) 12 megapixels 12MP telephoto f/2.456mm1/3.4"1.0µmAF2x-optical-zoom
Main camera resolution	8000x6000 pixels	4000x3000 pixels
Video recording (primary)	4K UHD (3840x2160) 60 fps	4K UHD (3840x2160) 60 fps
Flash	Dual-LED flash	Dual-LED flash
Focal aperture	f/1.6 (aperture)	f/1.8 (aperture)
Focal length	26mm (lens)	feature not registered
Sensor size	1/1.56" inches	1/2.55" inches
Pixel size	1µm pixel	1.4µm pixel
Autofocus	PDAF: phase detection autofocus on both cameras	PDAF: phase detection autofocus
Touch focus	Supported	Supported
Image stabilization	OIS: Optical stabilization on both cameras	OIS (4-axis): Optical stabilization
Zoom	Only digital zoom	Digital and optical zoom
Face/smile detection	Face detection, Smile detection	Face detection, Smile detection
BSI sensor	Supported	Not supported
HDR	HDR photo/video on both cameras	HDR photo on both cameras
Camera extras	4K@24/25/30/60fps 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps Dolby Vision (60fps)	feature not registered
📸 Front camera
	iPhone Air (256GB)	Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer
Front camera (secondary)	(dual front camera) 18 megapixels 0.3MP SL 3D	20 megapixels
Front camera resolution	5184x3456 pixels	5184x3840 pixels
Video recording (secondary)	4K UHD (3840x2160)	Full HD (1920x1080)
Front flash	Not supported	Not supported
Focal aperture	f/1.9 (aperture)	f/2.0 (aperture)
Focal length	feature not registered	feature not registered
Sensor size	feature not registered	1/3" inches
Pixel size	feature not registered	1.8µm pixel
🔉 Sound and multimedia
	iPhone Air (256GB)	Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer
Loudspeaker	Mono sound (not stereo) Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio 3D	Supported
Active noise cancellation	2 microphones	2 microphones or more
Radio	Not supported	Not supported
TV	Not supported	Not supported
Video formats	MP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, XviD, MKV	MP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, XviD, MKV
Audio formats	MP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLAC	MP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLAC
🔌 Connectivity
	iPhone Air (256GB)	Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer
USB	USB 2.0 Type-C reversible connector	USB 2.0 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-Go
Audio output	Type-C reversible connector	Type-C jack with 3.5mm jack adapter
TV output	USB Type-C (reversible)	USB Type-C (reversible)
Bluetooth	6.0 + A2DP/LE	5.0 + A2DP/LE
WiFi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be [wifi7/6E/6] (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz) + MIMO WiFi hotspot	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac [wifi5] (2.4GHz, 5GHz) + MIMO WiFi Direct, hotspot
DLNA	Not supported	Supported
GPS	A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou, QZSS, NavIC	A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou, QZSS
NFC	Supported	Supported
Infrared port	Not supported	Not supported
🧭 Sensors
	iPhone Air (256GB)	Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer
Sensors	Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock 3D Gyroscope Proximity sensor UWB (Ultra Wideband)	Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock 2D Fingerprint sensor (under display) Gyroscope Hall effect Proximity sensor
Vibrating alert	Supported	Supported
🔋 Battery
	iPhone Air (256GB)	Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer
Battery type	Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Non removable)	LiPo: li-ion polymer (Non removable)
Battery capacity	3149 mAh	3000 mAh
Charger, watts	30W Wired fast charging 4.5W Reverse charging by cable USB Power Delivery 2.0	18W Wired fast charging Quick Charge 4+
Inductive / wireless charging	25W Qi2 wireless charging	Not supported
Talk time autonomy	feature not registered	feature not registered
Standby	feature not registered	feature not registered
➕ Other features
	iPhone Air (256GB)	Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer
Call control	Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands	Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands
Messaging	SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail	SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail
Hands-free calling	Supported	Supported
Video calling	Supported	Supported
Ringtones	Polyphonic and customized	Polyphonic and customized
Web browser	HTML, XHTML, HTML5	HTML, XHTML, HTML5
Antenna	Internal antenna	Internal antenna
Qwerty physical keyboard	Not supported	Not supported
Miscellaneous	• Colors: Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, Sky Blue Apple Intelligence • Apple Pay • Face ID • MagSafe	• Colors: Black (transparent back) • MIUI 10 • Always-On Display • WiFi display
☢️ Radiation rate
	iPhone Air (256GB)	Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer
SAR 1.6W/kg (USA, Mexico, etc.)	feature not registered	feature not registered
SAR 2W/kg (Europe, UK, etc.)	feature not registered	feature not registered