The Oppo A8 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 represent a sweet spot in the smartphone market – affordable devices aiming to deliver essential features without breaking the bank. Both phones have seen price drops, making the choice between them more challenging. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 is the better choice. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Oppo A8’s Helio P35, making it more suitable for gaming and demanding applications. While battery life is comparable, the Redmi Note 8 2021’s 18W charging offers a faster top-up.
| 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December. Released 2019, December | 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 | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 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 | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~83.0% 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | 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 | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 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, BDS | 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/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | 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 | Li-Po 4230 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Black | Neptune Blue, Moonlight White, Space Black |
| Models | PDBM00 | M1908C3JGG |
| Price | About 150 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) |
Oppo A8
- Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful chipset.
- Simple and user-friendly interface (typical of Oppo).
- Affordable price point.
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Redmi Note 8 2021.
- Likely slower charging speeds.
- Less capable camera system.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the Helio G85.
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups.
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility.
- Battery life may be slightly shorter under heavy use.
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be resource-intensive.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Oppo A8.
Display Comparison
Both the Oppo A8 and Redmi Note 8 2021 share a contrast ratio of 1487:1, suggesting similar visual depth. However, the Redmi Note 8 2021 boasts a measured peak brightness of 620 nits, which will translate to better visibility outdoors compared to the Oppo A8, whose brightness is not specified. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the Redmi Note 8 2021’s higher brightness gives it an edge in real-world usability.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but the context data lacks specifics. Given the market positioning, it’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors. However, without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. The Redmi Note 8 2021, being the slightly more premium device, likely benefits from better image processing algorithms, potentially leading to more detailed and vibrant photos. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t heavily influence your decision.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) features a more modern CPU architecture with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, compared to the Oppo A8’s Helio P35 (12nm) with 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Cortex-A75 cores in the G85 offer significantly improved single-core performance, resulting in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The G85 also has a more capable GPU, making it better suited for light to moderate gaming. The A8 will struggle with graphically intensive titles.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 102 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Redmi Note 8 2021 supports 18W wired charging, while the Oppo A8’s charging speed is unspecified. This means the Redmi Note 8 2021 can be charged from 0-100% significantly faster, offering greater convenience for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A8 if your primary needs are basic communication, light social media use, and extended battery life with minimal performance demands. It’s a solid option for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 if you prioritize smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and faster charging. It’s the better choice for users who want a more responsive and versatile experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Helio G85 in the Redmi Note 8 2021 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Helio G85 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with playable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it's a significant improvement over the Helio P35 in the Oppo A8, which would likely struggle even at the lowest settings.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Redmi Note 8 2021 a substantial improvement over a standard 10W charger?
Absolutely. 18W charging will significantly reduce charging times compared to a standard 10W charger. Expect a full charge in around 2-2.5 hours with the included 18W charger, versus potentially 4+ hours with a slower charger. This is a major convenience factor for many users.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 is the better choice. While both phones can handle these apps, the G85 chipset will provide a smoother and more responsive experience, especially when multitasking between them. The brighter display will also enhance the YouTube viewing experience.
❓ Are there any significant software differences between Oppo's ColorOS and Xiaomi's MIUI?
Yes. MIUI is known for its extensive customization options and features, but it can also be more resource-intensive and include pre-installed bloatware. ColorOS is generally considered cleaner and more streamlined, but offers fewer customization options. Preference is subjective, but the G85's extra power helps offset MIUI's overhead.
