Xiaomi gives the Redmi 8A another go with the Redmi 8A Dual
Think of the Redmi 8A Dual as a mid-cycle refresh, with Xiaomi having only announced the Redmi 8A in September 2019. Speculated as possibly the Redmi 9A, the Redmi 8A Dual is somewhat of a disappointment. The device retains the Snapdragon 439 of its predecessor, along with up to 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage. The Redmi 8A Dual has a 6.22-inch 720p LCD panel too, along with a 5,000 mAh battery and USB Type-C charging.
However, it does not add a fingerprint scanner, nor any meaningful improvements. Xiaomi has added a secondary camera sensor, for instance, but this is only a 2 MP depth sensor. Another minor change is the main rear-facing camera, which has been upgraded from to 12 MP to 13 MP.
Finally, Xiaomi markets the Redmi 8A Dual as having an "XGrip" back panel, a P2i splash-resistant coating that the company promises provides a grippier texture than the one it included on the Redmi 8A. The back panel is still made from polycarbonate, though.
The Redmi 8A Dual will start at ₹6,499 (~US$92) for the 2 GB of RAM model, with the 3 GB SKU priced at ₹6,999 (~US$99). The device will be available to order on February 18.