Xiaomi consistently delivers excellent value in the budget smartphone market. The Redmi 8A Pro and Redmi Note 8 2021 are two popular contenders, but which one offers the best bang for your buck? This comprehensive comparison will break down their key features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 8 2021 generally edges out the 8A Pro thanks to its superior chipset, slightly better camera capabilities, and potentially more refined software experience. However, the 8A Pro remains a compelling option for those prioritizing affordability and a clean Android experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 02. Released 2020, April 02 | 2021, May 25 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156.5 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm (6.16 x 2.97 x 0.37 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 | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), planned upgrade to Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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, 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 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 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 | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM Radio, built-in antenna | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sky White, Sea Blue, Midnight Grey | Neptune Blue, Moonlight White, Space Black |
| Models | - | M1908C3JGG |
| Price | About 90 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) |
Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro
- Extremely affordable
- Clean Android experience
- Reliable battery life
- Reverse wired charging
- Lower performance chipset
- Basic camera
- Less RAM/Storage options
- Plastic build
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
- Better performance (Helio G85)
- Slightly better camera
- Brighter display
- More features
- Slightly more expensive
- Potentially more bloatware (depending on region)
- Still a plastic build
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 8 2021 boasts a measured peak brightness of 620 nits, significantly higher than what's typically found on the 8A Pro. Both offer a high contrast ratio (1487:1), ensuring deep blacks and vibrant colors. While both likely use IPS LCD panels, the Note 8 2021's brightness advantage makes it more usable outdoors.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer Photo/Video capabilities, the Redmi Note 8 2021 likely has a more sophisticated camera system. Expect better image processing, potentially more camera features (like night mode), and improved video recording quality. The 8A Pro's camera is functional but won't impress.
Performance
The Redmi Note 8 2021's Helio G85 chipset is a noticeable upgrade over the 8A Pro's Snapdragon 439. The G85 features Cortex-A75 cores, providing a significant boost in CPU performance, making multitasking and gaming smoother. The 8A Pro is adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones boast impressive battery life, with the Redmi Note 8 2021 achieving an endurance rating of 102 hours. The 8A Pro, while not explicitly stated, is expected to offer similarly long battery life due to its efficient chipset and likely large battery capacity (around 5000mAh, typical for the series). Both support 18W wired charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro? Users seeking a very budget-friendly phone with a clean Android experience and reliable basic functionality. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021? Those wanting a bit more performance, a slightly better camera, and a more feature-rich experience without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 8A Pro good for gaming?
The Redmi 8A Pro is suitable for very light gaming, but it will struggle with more demanding titles. The Redmi Note 8 2021 is a better choice for gaming due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Xiaomi typically provides decent software updates for both devices, but the Redmi Note 8 2021 might receive updates for a slightly longer period due to its newer chipset.
