The Redmi 8 is part of Xiaomi’s Redmi series, which is known for offering feature-packed smartphones at budget-friendly prices. Launched in 2019, the Redmi 8 was positioned as an entry-level device with features that were impressive for its price segment. Here’s an in-depth review of the Redmi 8:
Overview:
The Redmi 8 aimed to provide a balanced smartphone experience with a focus on battery life, camera capabilities, and overall value. It was targeted at users looking for a reliable daily driver without spending a lot.
Features:
- Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Xiaomi’s MIUI 11.
- Display: 6.22-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels.
- Processor: Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439.
- Memory: Options ranging from 3 GB/4 GB RAM with 32 GB/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
- Camera: Dual-camera setup with a 12 MP primary sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
- Battery: 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 18W fast charging support (though the box included a 10W charger).
- Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C port, and 3.5mm headphone jack.
Pros:
- Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery was a standout feature, ensuring the device could easily last a full day or more with regular usage.
- Value for Money: Given its features and price point, the Redmi 8 offered significant value for money.
- Build and Design: The device featured a plastic back with a glossy finish, giving it a modern look.
- Camera Capabilities: For its price, the dual-camera setup allowed for decent photography.
Cons:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 439, while suitable for basic tasks, wasn’t the most powerful chipset in its segment.
- Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution was a bit on the lower side, especially when competitors offered Full HD+ displays in a similar price range.
- MIUI Bloatware: MIUI, while feature-rich, came with a fair amount of bloatware and ads, which some users found intrusive.
Comparisons to Other Technologies:
In its price bracket, the Redmi 8 faced competition from:
- Realme C2: Offering a 6.1-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio P22, and a dual-camera setup.
- Samsung Galaxy M10: Featuring a 6.2-inch PLS TFT display, Exynos 7870 Octa, and a dual-camera setup.
- Moto E6 Plus: With its 6.1-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio P22, and a dual-camera system.
Launch Date:
The Redmi 8 was announced in October 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.
Common Issues/Problems:
- Software Experience: Some users reported occasional lags and slowdowns, especially when running multiple apps or using more demanding applications.
- Ads in MIUI: One of the common criticisms was the presence of ads within the MIUI software experience.
- Charging Speed: While the device supported 18W fast charging, it came with a 10W charger in the box, which meant users had to purchase a faster charger separately to take full advantage of the fast charging capabilities.
Conclusion:
The Redmi 8 was a solid offering in the budget segment, providing features that were often reserved for higher-priced devices. Its large battery, decent camera capabilities, and overall value proposition made it a popular choice among users looking for value. While it had its shortcomings, especially in terms of performance and software experience, its overall package was hard to argue against. For users on a tight budget who still wanted a feature-packed device, the Redmi 8 was a strong contender. However, those sensitive to software ads and bloatware might have considered other options or custom ROMs.