The Ulefone Note 8 and Xiaomi Redmi 10A represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 10A is the superior choice. Its newer Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, built on a 12nm process, provides a significant performance uplift over the Ulefone Note 8’s older MT6580, making it noticeably more responsive for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 28. Released 2020, August 28 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 141.7 x 66.5 x 12 mm (5.58 x 2.62 x 0.47 in) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 153 g (5.40 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 442 x 960 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~192 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 74.1 cm2 (~78.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP, f/2.8
2 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2700 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Amber Sunrise, Midnight Green | Charcoal Black, Sea Blue, Slate Grey |
| Models | - | 220233L2C, 220233L2G, 220233L2I |
| Price | About 70 EUR | € 60.00 / $ 66.55 |
| SAR | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Ulefone Note 8
- Potentially lower price point (depending on retailer)
- Functional for basic communication
- May offer expandable storage via microSD
- Significantly slower performance due to older chipset
- Less efficient processor leading to potentially shorter battery life
- Outdated architecture struggles with modern apps
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- Faster and more efficient Mediatek Helio G25 processor
- Octa-core CPU for smoother multitasking
- 10W wired charging for predictable recharge times
- Still a budget device with limitations in camera and display quality
- May have bloatware pre-installed
- 10W charging is relatively slow
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details regarding panel type, resolution, and brightness are unavailable for the Ulefone Note 8, suggesting a basic LCD. The Redmi 10A also utilizes an LCD, but its focus is on size (6.53 inches) rather than quality. Both will likely struggle in direct sunlight. The absence of any mention of features like high refresh rates or Gorilla Glass on either device confirms their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar – underwhelming. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups with a primary sensor and potentially a depth or macro lens. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions but suffer in low light. The Redmi 10A’s image processing may be slightly more refined due to its newer chipset, but don’t expect flagship-level results from either.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Ulefone Note 8’s Mediatek MT6580, a quad-core processor built on a 28nm process, is demonstrably older and less efficient than the Redmi 10A’s Mediatek Helio G25. The G25’s octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) and 12nm fabrication process translate to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. While neither is a gaming powerhouse, the G25 offers a more playable experience with less demanding titles. The older architecture of the MT6580 will struggle with modern app demands.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While specific mAh capacities are not provided, the Redmi 10A’s 10W wired charging is a notable feature, allowing for a predictable, albeit slow, recharge rate. The Ulefone Note 8’s charging capabilities are unknown, but likely similar or slower. The more efficient Helio G25 in the Redmi 10A may contribute to slightly better battery endurance despite potentially similar battery capacities.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 8 if you absolutely need a phone on the absolute lowest budget and are willing to accept significantly slower performance. It's a functional device for basic communication. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10A if you prioritize a smoother user experience, even for simple tasks, and want a phone that feels more modern and capable, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 10A struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
While the Helio G25 isn't a powerhouse, it's sufficient to run apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly. You might experience some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously, but for typical social media usage, it should be adequate.
❓ Is the Ulefone Note 8 suitable for playing games like PUBG Mobile?
The Ulefone Note 8’s MT6580 chipset is not recommended for gaming, especially demanding titles like PUBG Mobile. You’ll likely experience significant lag and low frame rates, making the experience unenjoyable. The Redmi 10A offers a slightly better, but still limited, gaming experience.
❓ Does the Redmi 10A support software updates?
Xiaomi generally provides software updates for their devices, but the Redmi 10A, being an entry-level phone, may receive fewer updates and for a shorter duration compared to their higher-end models. Expect security patches and minor feature updates, but major Android version upgrades are less likely.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either phone with a microSD card?
While not explicitly stated, both phones in this price range typically include a dedicated microSD card slot for expandable storage. This is a crucial feature for budget users who need to store photos, videos, and other files.
