In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, Infinix has once again proven its mettle with the launch of the Smart 8 Plus.
This budget-friendly device, which hit the market on January 30, 2024, has quickly become a talking point among tech enthusiasts and budget-conscious consumers alike.
With its impressive features and affordable price tag, the Smart 8 Plus is poised to shake up the entry-level smartphone segment.
Design and Display: A Visual Treat
The Infinix Smart 8 Plus boasts a sleek and modern design that belies its budget status.
Measuring 163.7 x 75.7 x 9 mm and weighing in at a solid 204 grams, the device feels substantial in hand without being cumbersome.
Available in three striking colors – Galaxy White, Shiny Gold, and Timber Black – there’s an option to suit every taste.
But it’s the display that truly catches the eye. The Smart 8 Plus features a generous 6.6-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels.
While some may argue that a 720p resolution in 2024 is dated, Infinix compensates with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring fluid scrolling and an enhanced visual experience.
The display also boasts a peak brightness of 500 nits, making it easily readable even under bright sunlight.
Performance: Punching Above Its Weight
Under the hood, the Smart 8 Plus is powered by the MediaTek Helio G36 chipset.
This octa-core processor, built on a 12nm process, features four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and four more at 1.6 GHz. Coupled with the PowerVR GE8320 GPU, this setup ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and even light gaming.
The device comes with 4GB of RAM, which should be sufficient for most users’ multitasking needs. Storage options include 64GB and 128GB variants, with the added bonus of a dedicated microSD card slot for further expansion.
Camera Capabilities: Capturing Moments with Clarity
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Smart 8 Plus’s camera setup. The rear features a dual-camera system headlined by a 50MP main sensor with an f/1.9 aperture and autofocus capabilities.
This is complemented by a 0.08MP auxiliary lens, which, while not groundbreaking, adds depth to photos. Features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode enhance the phone’s photographic capabilities.
On the front, an 8MP selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture takes care of self-portraits and video calls. Both the rear and front cameras are capable of recording 1080p video at 30 frames per second, ensuring your memories are captured in high definition.
Battery Life: Power That Lasts
One of the standout features of the Smart 8 Plus is its massive 6000mAh battery. This substantial power pack should easily last through a full day of heavy usage, and potentially even stretch to two days for more conservative users.
When it’s time to recharge, the 18W fast charging support ensures you’re not tethered to an outlet for long. As an added bonus, the device also supports reverse wired charging, allowing you to use it as a power bank for other devices in a pinch.
Software and Connectivity: Modern and Connected
The Smart 8 Plus runs on Android 13 (Go edition) out of the box, with Infinix’s XOS 13 layered on top. This combination offers a modern, feature-rich user experience with the latest Android capabilities, optimized for lower-end hardware.
On the connectivity front, the device supports 4G LTE, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS.
The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and FM radio will be appreciated by many users, while the USB Type-C port brings the device up to modern standards.
Price and Value Proposition
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Infinix Smart 8 Plus is its price. With an expected price tag of around NGN 171,495 (approximately $220 USD), it offers exceptional value for money.
This aggressive pricing strategy puts it in direct competition with devices from established brands, often undercutting them while offering comparable or superior specifications.
Market Impact and Consumer Reception
The launch of the Smart 8 Plus has created quite a stir in the budget smartphone segment.
Its combination of a large, high-refresh-rate display, capable processor, versatile camera system, and massive battery at an affordable price point has garnered positive attention from both tech enthusiasts and budget-conscious consumers.
Early reviews and user feedback have been largely positive, with many praising the device’s build quality, smooth performance, and impressive battery life.
The inclusion of features typically found in more expensive models, such as the 90Hz display and reverse charging capability, has been particularly well-received.
Challenges and Competition
While the Smart 8 Plus offers a compelling package, it’s not without its challenges. The budget smartphone market is highly competitive, with established players constantly updating their lineups.
Brands like Realme, Redmi, and Samsung’s A-series offer stiff competition in this price range.
One potential drawback of the Smart 8 Plus is its HD+ resolution, which, while adequate, may not satisfy users accustomed to Full HD displays.
Additionally, the lack of 5G support might be a consideration for some forward-looking consumers, although 4G remains more than sufficient for most users’ needs in the near future.
Future Outlook
The release of the Smart 8 Plus is indicative of Infinix’s strategy to capture a larger share of the entry-level smartphone market. By offering high-value devices that challenge the status quo, Infinix is positioning itself as a disruptor in the industry.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how Infinix builds on the success of the Smart 8 Plus. Will we see a 5G variant in the near future? How will the company balance feature additions with maintaining its aggressive pricing? These questions will likely shape Infinix’s product strategy in the coming months and years.
Infinix Smart 8 Plus : A New Benchmark for Budget Smartphones
The Infinix Smart 8 Plus represents a significant step forward in what consumers can expect from a budget smartphone.
It successfully combines attractive design, solid performance, and useful features at a price point that’s hard to ignore. While it may not be perfect, its overall package is compelling enough to make it a top contender in its segment.
For consumers looking for a capable smartphone without breaking the bank, the Smart 8 Plus offers an excellent balance of features and affordability.
It’s a testament to how far budget smartphones have come and sets a new benchmark for what users can expect in this price range.
As the smartphone market continues to evolve, devices like the Infinix Smart 8 Plus play a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible at lower price points.
It’s a win for consumers, fostering healthy competition and driving innovation across all segments of the market.
The Smart 8 Plus isn’t just a new phone; it’s a statement that great technology doesn’t always have to come with a premium price tag.