Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise on essential features? The Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro and Redmi 7A are both strong contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 8A Pro edges out the 7A thanks to its significantly faster charging, slightly improved design, and potentially better software support. While both share the same chipset, the 8A Pro's added features make it the superior choice for most users seeking a budget-friendly device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 02. Released 2020, April 02 | 2019, May 24. Released 2019, July 04 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156.5 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm (6.16 x 2.97 x 0.37 in) | 146.3 x 70.4 x 9.6 mm (5.76 x 2.77 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 165 g (5.82 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~74.4% 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 (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), planned upgrade to Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF - China
or
12 MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9", 1.25µm, PDAF - Global, India |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM Radio, built-in antenna | FM Radio, built-in antenna |
| 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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sky White, Sea Blue, Midnight Grey | Matte Black, Morning blue, Matte Blue, Matte Gold, Gem Red, Gem Blue |
| Models | - | MZB7995IN, M1903C3EG, M1903C3EH, M1903C3EI |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.12 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.56 W/kg (head) 1.17 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro
- Faster 18W Charging
- Potentially Improved Camera
- Slightly More Modern Design
- Likely Longer Software Support
Xiaomi Redmi 7A
- More Affordable
- Decent Battery Life
- Reliable Performance for Basic Tasks
- Slow 10W Charging
- Lower Camera Quality
- Older Design
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.26-inch HD+ (720 x 1520) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the 8A Pro might offer slightly improved color accuracy or brightness due to potential panel upgrades, though this is not definitively confirmed. Viewing experience will be largely similar.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 8A Pro typically features a 13MP rear camera, while the Redmi 7A has an 8MP rear camera. The 8A Pro's camera likely offers better image quality, especially in low-light conditions, and may include additional features like HDR. Both phones have a front-facing 5MP camera for selfies.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439. Performance will be comparable for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level speeds, but both phones are capable of handling basic usage effectively. The 8A Pro *might* have slightly better thermal management due to potential design refinements.
Battery Life
The Redmi 8A Pro boasts a 5000mAh battery, similar to the Redmi 7A. However, the 8A Pro supports 18W fast charging, a significant upgrade over the 7A's 10W charging. This means the 8A Pro will charge considerably faster.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro is ideal for users who prioritize fast charging, a modern design, and potentially longer software updates. The Redmi 7A remains a solid option for those on a very tight budget who don't need the extra features and are comfortable with slower charging speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 8A Pro worth the extra money compared to the Redmi 7A?
Yes, the faster charging and potentially better camera make the Redmi 8A Pro a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you value convenience and image quality.
❓ Can both phones handle gaming?
Both phones can handle light gaming, but don't expect to play demanding titles smoothly. They are best suited for casual games and basic mobile gaming.
