Both the Infinix S5 Lite and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware, impacting performance and user experience. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 is the superior choice. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the S5 Lite’s Helio P22, making it better suited for gaming and multitasking. While battery life is comparable, the Redmi Note 8 2021’s faster 18W charging is a significant advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, November. Released 2019, November | 2021, May 25 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 158.3 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm (6.23 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), XOS 5.5 | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
2 MP
AI Lens (low light sensor) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0 | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight black, Quetzal cyan, Violet | Neptune Blue, Moonlight White, Space Black |
| Models | X652B, X652C | M1908C3JGG |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.97 W/kg (head) 0.75 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.94 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 102h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1487:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.6 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 180195 (v8), 165779 (v9)
GeekBench: 5259 (v4.4), 1314 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 8.7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Infinix S5 lite
- Extremely affordable price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Decent battery endurance
- Outdated Helio P22 chipset
- Slow performance for demanding apps
- Likely slower charging speeds
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
- More powerful Helio G85 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- Slightly higher price than the S5 Lite
- Still a budget device with limitations
- Camera performance likely limited by sensor quality
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 620 nits compared to the Infinix S5 Lite’s unspecified brightness. Both share a contrast ratio of 1487:1 (nominal), suggesting similar color reproduction capabilities. However, the Redmi Note 8 2021’s higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight, a crucial advantage for users frequently exposed to bright environments. The panel technology is likely IPS LCD on both, but the Redmi Note 8 2021’s superior brightness is a clear win.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Given the price point, image quality will likely be similar in good lighting conditions. However, the Redmi Note 8 2021’s chipset likely provides better image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially leading to improved dynamic range and noise reduction. The presence of a dedicated ISP within the G85 allows for faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. We can assume both devices include a variety of software-based camera modes, but the underlying hardware advantage favors the Redmi Note 8 2021.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix S5 Lite utilizes the Mediatek Helio P22, featuring an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz, all Cortex-A53 cores. The Redmi Note 8 2021, however, is powered by the Helio G85. This chipset employs a more modern CPU architecture with two high-performance Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz and six efficiency-focused Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. This architectural shift, combined with a more efficient 12nm process on both, gives the G85 a significant edge in both single-core and multi-core performance, resulting in smoother app launches and a more responsive user interface. The G85 also features a more capable GPU, making it better suited for gaming.
Battery Life
Both the Infinix S5 Lite and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 achieve an endurance rating of 102 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the Redmi Note 8 2021 supports 18W wired charging, significantly faster than the S5 Lite’s charging speed (unspecified, but likely 10W or lower). This translates to a much quicker 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime and offering greater convenience for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix S5 Lite if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize absolute affordability. It’s a functional device for first-time smartphone users or as a secondary phone. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 if you want a more responsive experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or value faster charging and a slightly brighter display. It’s a better all-rounder for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 8 2021 capable of playing demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a dedicated gaming phone, the Helio G85 in the Redmi Note 8 2021 can handle PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some frame drops during intense action, but it's a playable experience, unlike the Infinix S5 Lite which would struggle significantly.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Redmi Note 8 2021 with the 18W charger?
Using the included 18W charger, the Redmi Note 8 2021 can be fully charged from 0% to 100% in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. This is considerably faster than the Infinix S5 Lite, which likely takes over 4 hours with a standard charger.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 8 2021 support fast charging with any other chargers?
The Redmi Note 8 2021 supports Quick Charge 3.0, meaning compatible chargers can potentially deliver even faster charging speeds. However, using a non-certified charger may not achieve the full 18W charging rate and could potentially damage the battery.
