The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Redmi A3 and Infinix Smart 8 Pro are two contenders vying for dominance. Both devices target first-time smartphone buyers and those seeking a reliable secondary device. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which offers the best blend of performance and features for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a simple, functional experience, the Infinix Smart 8 Pro edges out the Redmi A3 due to its inclusion of reverse wired charging. While both phones share identical core specs, this added convenience provides a slight advantage for sharing power with other devices.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, February 14 | 2024, January 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, February 23 | Available. Released 2024, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back or silicone polymer back (eco leather), plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm (6.63 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 163.6 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g or 199 g (6.81 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 or Android 14 (Go edition), upgradable to Android 15 | Android 13 (Go edition), XOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Ring-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Forest Green (Olive Green), Star Blue (Lake Blue) | Rainbow Blue, Galaxy White, Shiny Gold, Timber Black |
| Models | 23129RN51X, 23129RN51H | X6525B |
| Price | € 74.14 / $ 70.57 / £ 53.99 / ₹ 6,995 | About 100 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.92 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi A3
- Established brand reputation (Xiaomi)
- Likely optimized software experience
- Potentially wider service network
- Lacks reverse wired charging
- Limited display specifications
Infinix Smart 8 Pro
- Includes reverse wired charging functionality
- Competitive pricing
- Potentially larger community support in certain regions
- Less established brand recognition
- Software updates may be less frequent
Display Comparison
Both the Redmi A3 and Smart 8 Pro lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. Given their price point, we can anticipate both utilizing LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The absence of information regarding peak brightness or color gamut suggests neither device will excel in outdoor visibility or color accuracy. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Expect a standard 60Hz refresh rate on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse. Both phones likely feature a primary camera, but the sensor size and aperture are unknown. The absence of any mention of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) suggests neither device will perform well in low-light conditions. Given the target market, image processing will likely prioritize speed over detail. Any secondary cameras are likely low-resolution sensors (2MP or less) included for marketing purposes rather than practical use. Expect similar image quality from both devices.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) chipset, paired with an octa-core CPU configuration of 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This indicates identical processing power for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage. The 12nm process node suggests moderate thermal efficiency; sustained heavy workloads may lead to some throttling. RAM capacity, a crucial factor for multitasking, is not specified, but likely sits around 3-4GB in this segment. The shared chipset means performance will be virtually indistinguishable between the two.
Battery Life
Both the Redmi A3 and Infinix Smart 8 Pro are equipped with 10W wired charging. This is a relatively slow charging speed, meaning a full 0-100% charge will take upwards of 2.5-3 hours. The battery capacity is not specified, but likely falls in the 5000mAh range, common for this price bracket. The Infinix Smart 8 Pro distinguishes itself with the addition of reverse wired charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices – a feature absent on the Redmi A3. This is a significant advantage for users who frequently travel or rely on accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi A3 if you need a straightforward, no-frills smartphone experience from a well-established brand with a strong software ecosystem. Buy the Infinix Smart 8 Pro if you value the added utility of reverse wired charging, allowing you to use the phone as a power bank for accessories or other devices, and are comfortable with a less-known brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G36 chipset struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
No, the Mediatek Helio G36 is sufficient for running everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing. While it's not a powerhouse, it's designed for efficient performance in basic tasks. Expect smooth operation for these common applications.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Redmi A3 or Smart 8 Pro with the 10W charger?
With the 10W charging, expect a full charge from 0% to 100% to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. This is a standard charging speed for budget smartphones and requires patience. The Infinix Smart 8 Pro's reverse charging feature won't be particularly fast either, given the 10W output.
❓ Can I play games like PUBG Mobile on either of these phones?
You can *attempt* to play PUBG Mobile, but expect a very low-graphics, low-framerate experience. The Helio G36 is not designed for demanding games. You'll likely encounter significant lag and stuttering, even on the lowest settings. These phones are better suited for casual gaming.
❓ What is the benefit of reverse wired charging on the Infinix Smart 8 Pro?
Reverse wired charging allows you to use the Smart 8 Pro as a power bank to charge other devices, such as Bluetooth headphones, smartwatches, or even another phone. This is useful when you're on the go and don't have access to a power outlet.
