Redmi 8A : In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, budget devices often fade into obscurity as newer models flood the market.
However, the Redmi 8A, launched in late 2019, continues to be a topic of discussion among tech enthusiasts and budget-conscious consumers alike.
As we approach 2024, it’s worth taking a fresh look at this device to understand its enduring appeal and how it stacks up against more recent offerings.
Redmi 8A Design and Build Quality
The Redmi 8A, despite its budget status, boasts a design that has aged surprisingly well.
With dimensions of 156.48 x 75.41 x 9.40 mm and weighing in at 188 grams, it strikes a balance between screen real estate and pocketability.
The device features a plastic build, which, while not premium, offers durability and resistance to everyday wear and tear.
One of the standout design elements is the “Aura Wave Grip” design on the back panel.
This not only provides a unique aesthetic but also enhances grip, reducing the chances of accidental drops.
The device is available in three colors: Midnight Black, Ocean Blue, and Sunset Red, offering users a choice to match their personal style.
Redmi 8A Display
The Redmi 8A sports a 6.22-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 270 ppi.
While not the sharpest display on the market, it provides adequate clarity for everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and casual gaming.
One of the notable features is the Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection, which is impressive for a device in this price range.
This added durability helps protect the screen from scratches and minor impacts, potentially extending the life of the device.
The display offers a 19:9 aspect ratio and a screen-to-body ratio of about 81.8%, providing an immersive viewing experience.
The waterdrop notch housing the front camera is unobtrusive and in line with the design trends of its time.
Redmi 8A Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Redmi 8A is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 chipset. This octa-core processor, while not a powerhouse, is capable of handling day-to-day tasks with relative ease.
The CPU configuration includes four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.95 GHz for performance-intensive tasks and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.45 GHz for power efficiency.
The device comes in two RAM configurations: 2GB and 3GB. In 2024, the 3GB variant would be the recommended choice for a smoother multitasking experience.
The Adreno 505 GPU handles graphics processing, allowing for casual gaming and smooth UI animations.
Storage options include 32GB of internal memory, which is expandable up to 512GB via a dedicated microSD card slot.
This flexibility in storage is a significant advantage, especially for users who like to store large media libraries on their devices.
Redmi 8A Camera Capabilities
The camera setup on the Redmi 8A is straightforward yet functional. The rear features a single 12MP Sony IMX363 sensor with an f/1.8 aperture.
This sensor, despite being a solo performer, is capable of capturing decent photos in well-lit conditions.
The large 1.4μm pixel size allows for better light capture, resulting in improved low-light performance compared to other budget offerings of its time.
The rear camera supports features such as AI scene detection, which can recognize up to 33 scene categories and adjust settings accordingly.
Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) ensures quick focusing, while the inclusion of Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) helps in reducing blur in photos and videos.
On the front, an 8MP selfie camera handles self-portraits and video calls. While not groundbreaking, it’s adequate for social media uploads and video conferencing needs.
Video recording capabilities include 1080p at 30fps for both the rear and front cameras.
While not suitable for professional-grade video production, it suffices for casual video capture and social media content creation.
Redmi 8A Battery Life and Charging
One of the standout features of the Redmi 8A is its massive 5000mAh battery.
This generous capacity ensures that the device can easily last through a full day of heavy usage, and for more conservative users, it can stretch to two days on a single charge.
The device supports 18W fast charging, which is impressive for its price range.
However, it’s worth noting that the included charger is only 10W, so users would need to purchase a separate charger to take full advantage of the fast charging capability.
The USB Type-C port is another welcome addition, bringing a more modern and reversible connection standard to the budget segment. This future-proofs the device to some extent and adds convenience in daily use.
Redmi 8A Software and User Experience
The Redmi 8A originally shipped with Android 9 Pie, overlaid with MIUI 10. As of 2024, the device has received updates to MIUI 12 based on Android 10.
While not the latest version of Android, MIUI 12 brings a host of features and optimizations that enhance the overall user experience.
Some notable MIUI 12 features include:
Improved privacy controls
New animations and visual design
Enhanced dark mode
Floating windows for better multitasking
Focus Mode for digital wellbeing
It’s important to note that as an older device, the Redmi 8A may not receive further major Android updates.
However, Xiaomi has a track record of providing MIUI updates even to older devices, potentially bringing new features and security patches.
Redmi 8A Connectivity and Additional Features
The Redmi 8A covers all the basic connectivity options one would expect from a budget smartphone:
Dual SIM support (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
4G LTE connectivity
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.2
GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS
FM Radio
3.5mm headphone jack
The inclusion of a dedicated microSD card slot alongside dual SIM support is a significant advantage, allowing users to expand storage without sacrificing dual SIM functionality.
The device also features P2i splash-proof coating, providing some protection against accidental spills and light rain.
While not fully water-resistant, this added protection is a thoughtful inclusion for a budget device.
Redmi 8A How Does It Stack Up in 2024?
As we approach 2024, the Redmi 8A finds itself in an interesting position. While it may not compete with the latest budget offerings in terms of raw specifications, it still holds its own in several key areas:
Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery remains a strong selling point, offering exceptional endurance that many newer budget devices struggle to match.
Build Quality: The durable design with Gorilla Glass 5 protection continues to be a standout feature in the budget segment.
Clean Software Experience: With MIUI 12, the device offers a feature-rich experience that can rival some newer budget offerings.
Camera Performance: While not cutting-edge, the 12MP Sony IMX363 sensor still delivers respectable results, especially in good lighting conditions.
Expandable Storage: The dedicated microSD slot provides flexibility that some modern devices lack.
However, there are areas where the Redmi 8A shows its age:
Processing Power: The Snapdragon 439 may struggle with more demanding apps and games released in recent years.
Display Technology: While serviceable, the HD+ resolution and standard refresh rate fall behind newer budget devices offering Full HD and high refresh rate displays.
Camera Versatility: The single rear camera setup lacks the versatility of multi-camera systems found in more recent budget smartphones.
5G Connectivity: As 5G networks become more prevalent, the Redmi 8A’s 4G-only connectivity may be a limitation for some users.
Redmi 8A Conclusion: A Budget Legend with Enduring Appeal
The Redmi 8A, even as it approaches its fifth year since launch, remains a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers or as a reliable secondary device.
Its combination of robust build quality, exceptional battery life, and clean software experience continues to offer value in 2024.
For users with basic smartphone needs – calling, messaging, social media, and light gaming – the Redmi 8A can still deliver a satisfactory experience. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Xiaomi’s understanding of core user needs in the budget segment.
However, for those seeking the latest features, 5G connectivity, or top-tier performance, newer budget offerings would be more suitable.
The smartphone market has evolved significantly since the Redmi 8A’s launch, with even budget devices now offering features like high refresh rate displays and multi-camera setups.
Ultimately, the Redmi 8A’s legacy is one of accessibility and reliability. It brought features like a large battery, USB-C, and durable design to an ultra-budget price point, setting a standard that influenced the entire budget smartphone segment.
As we look back from 2024, the Redmi 8A stands as a reminder that sometimes, getting the basics right is the key to creating a device with lasting appeal.
Whether as a first smartphone for a young user, a reliable backup device, or a budget-friendly option for those with simple needs, the Redmi 8A continues to find its place in the diverse ecosystem of smartphones.
Its journey from 2019 to 2024 is a testament to the idea that a well-designed budget device can have a impact and relevance that extends far beyond its initial release window.