Oppo A5x 4G vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021: Which Budget Phone Reigns Supreme?

Both the Oppo A5x 4G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 occupy the competitive sub-$200 smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their core strengths – particularly in battery endurance and processing power. This comparison dissects these differences to help you choose the right device for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing longevity and fast charging, the Oppo A5x 4G emerges as the winner. Its exceptional 64-hour battery endurance and 45W charging significantly outperform the Redmi Note 8 2021’s 102-hour rating and 18W charging, making it ideal for heavy users and those frequently on the go.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo A5x 4G Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - version 1HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - version 11, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2025, May 152021, May 25
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, May 15Available. Released 2021, May 27
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions165.7 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.31 in)158.3 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm (6.23 x 2.96 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight193 g (6.81 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 7i, AGC DT-Star D+, Mohs level 4Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 1000 nits (HBM)IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM-6115 Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen1 (11 nm)Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm)
GPUAdreno 610Mali-G52 MC2
OSAndroid 15, ColorOS 15Android 11, MIUI 12.5
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED 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
Single32 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanoramaHDR, panorama
Single5 MP, f/2.2, (wide)13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYesYes
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging45W wired, 33W PPS, 13.5W PD, 50% in 36 min18W wired
Type6000 mAhLi-Po 4000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight Blue, Laser WhiteNeptune Blue, Moonlight White, Space Black
ModelsCPH2725M1908C3JGG
Price£ 89.00 / € 89.99 / ₹ 8,998About 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)
EU LABEL
Battery64:03h endurance, 1600 cycles-
EnergyClass A-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

Oppo A5x 4G

  • Exceptional battery life (64:03h endurance)
  • Ultra-fast 45W charging with multiple protocols
  • Efficient Snapdragon 6s Gen1 chipset

  • Display specifications are unknown
  • Camera details are limited

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021

  • Bright and high-contrast display (620 nits, 1487:1)
  • Potentially better gaming performance with Helio G85 GPU
  • More readily available information on display quality

  • Significantly shorter battery life (102h endurance)
  • Slower 18W charging
  • Less efficient 12nm chipset

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 boasts a display with a measured peak brightness of 620 nits and a 1487:1 contrast ratio, offering a visually vibrant experience. While the Oppo A5x 4G’s display specifications are not provided, the Redmi Note 8 2021’s higher brightness is advantageous in outdoor scenarios. The identical contrast ratios suggest similar black levels and color depth, but the Redmi Note 8 2021’s panel is demonstrably brighter.

Camera Comparison

Both devices feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a direct comparison is difficult. The presence of a camera is noted, but neither phone is likely to excel in low-light photography or offer advanced features. We can assume both will rely heavily on software processing to enhance image quality.

Performance

The Oppo A5x 4G utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen1 (11nm) chipset with an octa-core CPU configuration (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 is powered by the Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) with a slightly different octa-core setup (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). The Helio G85, built on a 12nm process, *should* offer slightly better GPU performance for gaming, but the Snapdragon 6s Gen1’s more efficient 11nm node could translate to better sustained performance under load. The A73 cores in the Oppo offer a slight edge in single-core tasks compared to the A75 cores in the Xiaomi.

Battery Life

This is where the Oppo A5x 4G truly shines. Its reported 64:03h endurance rating dwarfs the Redmi Note 8 2021’s 102h rating. While the Redmi Note 8 2021’s endurance is respectable, the A5x 4G’s significantly longer runtime, coupled with its 45W wired charging (including 33W PPS and 13.5W PD), provides a substantial advantage. The A5x 4G can reach 50% charge in just 36 minutes, while the Redmi Note 8 2021 is limited to 18W charging, resulting in a considerably slower charging experience. The A5x 4G also boasts 1600 charge cycles, suggesting a longer lifespan for the battery itself.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo A5x 4G if you need exceptional battery life, rapid charging, and a processor capable of handling everyday tasks with ease. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 if you prioritize a brighter display with a high contrast ratio and are willing to trade some battery endurance for potentially slightly better gaming performance due to the Helio G85’s GPU.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How much faster is the Oppo A5x 4G's charging compared to the Redmi Note 8 2021?
The Oppo A5x 4G supports 45W charging, allowing it to reach 50% charge in just 36 minutes. The Redmi Note 8 2021 is limited to 18W charging, which will take considerably longer – likely over 90 minutes to reach 50% from a depleted battery.
❓ Will the Helio G85 in the Redmi Note 8 2021 provide a noticeable gaming advantage over the Snapdragon 6s Gen1 in the Oppo A5x 4G?
The Helio G85’s GPU is generally more powerful than the GPU in the Snapdragon 6s Gen1, potentially offering slightly higher frame rates in demanding games. However, the Snapdragon 6s Gen1’s more efficient 11nm process could lead to better sustained performance and less thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Does the Oppo A5x 4G support reverse wireless charging?
Based on available specifications, the Oppo A5x 4G does not appear to support reverse wireless charging. It focuses on fast *wired* charging for itself.
❓ What type of display technology does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 use?
The Redmi Note 8 2021 utilizes an IPS LCD display. While it offers good color accuracy and viewing angles, it doesn't have the contrast and energy efficiency of OLED panels.