Xiaomi Redmi 8: Setting new standards for entry-level smartphones

You would be forgiven for thinking that you have seen the Redmi 8 around these parts before. It was only last month that we reviewed the Redmi 8A, a kindred spirit to the Redmi 8. While we made no hesitation in recommending the Redmi 8A to anyone operating on a budget, the Redmi 8 offers even more at a comparable price.

Visually, little separates the two devices. They both weigh 188 g and measure 156.5 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm, making them slightly larger than their peers. In fact, the only visual differences between the two devices lie on their plastic backs, with the Redmi 8 having a second camera sensor and a fingerprint scanner.

Xiaomi pairs both with a Snapdragon 439 SoC too but sells a 2 GB of RAM version of the Redmi 8A, something that it does not afford the Redmi 8. Both come with the options of up to 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, though. Our Redmi 8 review unit had 4 GB of RAM for reference, while our Redmi 8A unit had just 2 GB.

The Redmi 8 has a markedly better display than its peers, too. Not only is it brighter, but it is also more vibrant and has greater colour accuracy to boot. The Redmi 8 has excellent battery life, thanks in part, to its 5,000 mAh battery. Few entry-level devices have batteries this large, although the Redmi 8 does not get as much from its 5,000 mAh cell as the Redmi 8A does.

The Redmi 8 is not without its faults, though. Its 720p display is a shame, as is its lack of NFC capablities. Its DRM Widevine L3 certification seems short-sighted too, especially as Xiaomi pre-installs Netflix on Global versions of the handset.

Overall, few devices offer as much as the Redmi 8 does at such an affordable price. If you are willing to spend a bit more, then the Redmi Note 8 may be a better choice, but the Redmi 8 is excellent value for money at under US$150.

Please see our Xiaomi Redmi 8 review for our full thoughts on the device.

Buy Redmi 8 now on Amazon