The Xiaomi Redmi 8 and Infinix Note 7 represent a critical segment of the smartphone market: affordable devices aiming to deliver essential features without breaking the bank. Both launched around the same time, targeting price-sensitive consumers, but diverge significantly in their core hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on real-world impact for the average user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Infinix Note 7 emerges as the stronger choice. Its MediaTek Helio G70 chipset, featuring more powerful Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Redmi 8’s Snapdragon 439, particularly in multitasking and gaming. While both offer 18W charging, the Note 7’s superior processing power justifies its slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Global | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 - Global | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October 09. Released 2019, October 12 | 2020, April 06. Released 2020, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 156.5 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm (6.16 x 2.97 x 0.37 in) | 173.4 x 79 x 8.8 mm (6.83 x 3.11 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~258 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.95 inches, 114.7 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 10, XOS 6.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
2 MP, f/1.8, (dedicated video camera) - 128/6 model only
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio (no wired headphones required) | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Onyx Black, Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue, Phantom Red | Forest Green, Aether Black, Bolivia Blue |
| Models | M1908C3IC, MZB8255IN, M1908C3IG, M1908C3IH | X690B, X690 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | - |
| SAR | 0.34 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.23 W/kg (head) 1.48 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 8
- Established brand reputation (Xiaomi)
- Reliable software support (MIUI)
- Generally lower price point
- Less powerful processor (Snapdragon 439)
- Potentially slower multitasking
- Less capable gaming performance
Infinix Note 7
- More powerful processor (Helio G70)
- Smoother multitasking and gaming
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Less well-known brand (Infinix)
- Software updates may be less frequent
- Potentially slightly higher price
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The absence of detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) necessitates a focus on processing power to drive a smoother visual experience. The Helio G70 in the Note 7 is better equipped to handle graphically intensive tasks, potentially resulting in a more fluid interface and gaming experience, even if the panels themselves are similar.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning suggests both phones likely feature a primary camera around 12-13MP. The Helio G70’s image signal processor (ISP) is likely more advanced than the Snapdragon 439’s, potentially leading to better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The presence of a dedicated ISP in the G70 allows for faster image capture and more sophisticated algorithms. The Redmi 8 may rely more heavily on software processing, which can introduce artifacts.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi 8’s Snapdragon 439 utilizes a big.LITTLE architecture with four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.95 GHz and another four at 1.45 GHz. The Infinix Note 7’s Helio G70, however, employs a more modern configuration: two high-performance Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz and six efficiency-focused Cortex-A55 cores at 1.7 GHz. This A75/A55 combination provides a significant advantage in single-core performance and responsiveness, translating to faster app launches and smoother multitasking. The Helio G70 also benefits from a more modern GPU, offering a better gaming experience.
Battery Life
Both devices support 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds. The actual battery capacity isn't specified, but typical batteries in this class range from 4000-5000 mAh. The Helio G70, while more powerful, is also a 12nm chip, similar to the Snapdragon 439, meaning the power efficiency difference isn’t massive. However, the Note 7’s more efficient CPU architecture could lead to slightly better battery life during sustained use, despite potentially drawing more power during peak performance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 8 if you prioritize a well-established brand reputation and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Infinix Note 7 if you value smoother performance for gaming, video streaming, and multitasking, and are willing to consider a less-established brand for a better user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G70 in the Infinix Note 7 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Helio G70 is more powerful, it's still a 12nm chip. Overheating is possible during extended gaming, but the Note 7 likely has thermal management features to mitigate this. Expect some performance throttling after a significant period of intense use, but it should be less pronounced than on the Redmi 8.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Snapdragon 439 and Helio G70 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Helio G70’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a snappier experience when switching between apps, loading web pages, and scrolling through social media feeds. The Redmi 8 will handle these tasks, but the Note 7 will feel more responsive.
❓ Does the Infinix Note 7 support higher refresh rate displays, and if so, will the Helio G70 handle it smoothly?
Neither device is confirmed to have a high refresh rate display. However, if a custom ROM were to enable it, the Helio G70 is better equipped to handle a 90Hz or 120Hz panel due to its more powerful GPU and CPU.
