Infinix Smart 8 : In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, Infinix has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the budget segment.
The Infinix Smart 8, the latest addition to the company’s popular Smart series, continues this tradition by offering an impressive array of features at an affordable price point.
This comprehensive review delves into the various aspects of the Infinix Smart 8, exploring its design, performance, camera capabilities, and overall value proposition.
The Infinix Smart 8 showcases a modern design that belies its budget-friendly price tag.
With dimensions of 163.6 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm and weighing approximately 190 grams, the device strikes a balance between screen size and ergonomics.
Key Design Features:
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Display: A 6.6-inch IPS LCD screen dominates the front, offering a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels (HD+).
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Refresh Rate: The display boasts a 90Hz refresh rate, a feature typically found in more expensive devices, ensuring smooth scrolling and improved visual experience.
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Waterdrop Notch: A small waterdrop notch houses the front-facing camera, maximizing screen real estate.
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Rear Panel: The back panel features a textured design that not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also provides a better grip.
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Fingerprint Sensor: A rear-mounted fingerprint sensor offers quick and secure unlocking.
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Color Options: Available in a range of attractive colors including Galaxy White, Shiny Gold, and Rainbow Blue.
The build quality is impressive for its price range, with a plastic frame and back panel that feels sturdy and well-constructed.
While it may not have the premium feel of glass or metal, the choice of materials contributes to the phone’s durability and keeps the cost down.
Infinix Smart 8 Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Infinix Smart 8 packs hardware that aims to deliver smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Key Specifications:
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Processor: Powered by a Unisoc T606 octa-core processor (2×1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6×1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)
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GPU: Mali-G57 MP1 for handling graphics
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RAM: Available in 3GB and 4GB variants, with virtual RAM expansion feature
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Storage: 64GB internal storage, expandable up to 256GB via microSD card
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Operating System: XOS 13 based on Android 13 (Go edition)
The combination of the Unisoc T606 processor and up to 4GB of RAM ensures that the Smart 8 can handle most day-to-day tasks with ease.
The inclusion of virtual RAM expansion allows users to allocate additional storage as RAM, potentially improving multitasking capabilities.
The choice of Android 13 (Go edition) is particularly noteworthy. This lightweight version of Android is optimized for devices with limited hardware resources, ensuring a smoother experience even on budget devices.
It also comes with a suite of Go-optimized apps that consume less storage and data.
Infinix Smart 8 Camera Capabilities
In the budget smartphone segment, camera performance often sees significant compromises. However, the Infinix Smart 8 aims to buck this trend by offering a capable camera setup.
Camera Specifications:
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Rear Camera:
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Main Sensor: 13 MP, f/1.8 aperture
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Secondary Sensor: AI lens
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LED flash
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Front Camera: 8 MP, f/2.0 aperture
Camera Features:
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AI Enhancement: The camera software utilizes artificial intelligence to optimize settings based on the scene and lighting conditions.
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Portrait Mode: Available on both front and rear cameras, allowing for bokeh effects in photos.
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Night Mode: Enhances low-light photography, though results may vary given the hardware limitations.
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Video Recording: Supports 1080p video recording at 30fps.
While the camera setup may not compete with mid-range or flagship devices, it offers decent performance for its price point.
The inclusion of AI enhancements and various shooting modes provides users with tools to capture better photos in different scenarios.
Infinix Smart 8 Battery Life and Charging
Long battery life is a crucial feature for many smartphone users, especially in the budget segment where phones often serve as primary devices for communication and entertainment.
Battery Specifications:
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Capacity: 5000mAh battery
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Charging: 10W charging support
The large 5000mAh battery is a standout feature of the Infinix Smart 8. It provides ample power to get through a full day of use, with many users likely to see it stretch into a second day with moderate usage.
The combination of the efficient processor, HD+ display, and optimized software contributes to impressive battery life.
However, the 10W charging speed is relatively slow by modern standards. While this is common in the budget segment, it means that fully charging the large battery can take several hours.
Infinix Smart 8 Connectivity and Additional Features
Despite its budget positioning, the Infinix Smart 8 offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options and additional features.
Connectivity Options:
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Network: 4G LTE support
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Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
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Bluetooth: 5.0
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GPS: Supported, with A-GPS
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USB: Type-C port
Additional Features:
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3.5mm Headphone Jack: Retains the popular audio port for wired headphones.
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FM Radio: Includes an FM radio receiver, a feature appreciated in many markets.
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DTS Audio Processing: Enhances audio output for a better multimedia experience.
The inclusion of a USB-C port is noteworthy, as many budget devices still use the older micro-USB standard.
This future-proofs the device to some extent and provides faster data transfer speeds.
Infinix Smart 8 Software and User Experience
The Infinix Smart 8 runs on XOS 13, Infinix’s custom skin based on Android 13 (Go edition).
This combination aims to provide a feature-rich experience while maintaining performance on modest hardware.
Key Software Features:
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Optimized Performance: Android Go edition is designed to run smoothly on devices with limited RAM and storage.
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Go-Optimized Apps: Comes with lightweight versions of popular Google apps.
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XOS Customizations: Includes Infinix’s custom features and optimizations.
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Theme Support: Allows users to customize the look and feel of the interface.
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Game Mode: Optimizes performance and blocks notifications during gaming sessions.
The use of Android Go edition is a smart choice for the Smart 8, as it ensures a more fluid experience compared to full-fledged Android on similar hardware.
However, users should be aware that some apps may have limited functionality compared to their full versions.
Infinix Smart 8 Market Positioning and Value Proposition
The Infinix Smart 8 is positioned as an entry-level smartphone that offers features typically found in more expensive devices.
Its primary target market includes first-time smartphone buyers, students, and budget-conscious consumers looking for a capable device without breaking the bank.
Key Selling Points:
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Large, high-refresh-rate display
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Decent performance for everyday tasks
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Long-lasting battery life
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Modern design
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Latest Android version (Go edition)
Infinix Smart 8 Competitive Landscape:
The Smart 8 competes with entry-level offerings from brands like Realme, Redmi, and Nokia.
While it may not lead in every aspect, its combination of features at its price point makes it a compelling option in the budget segment.
Infinix Smart 8 Pros and Cons
Pros:
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Affordable price point
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90Hz refresh rate display
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Large 5000mAh battery
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Modern design
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Android 13 (Go edition) for optimized performance
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Expandable storage
Cons:
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HD+ resolution may feel low for some users
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Camera performance may struggle in challenging conditions
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Slow charging speed
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Limited gaming performance for demanding titles
Infinix Smart 8 Conclusion
The Infinix Smart 8 represents a significant step forward in the budget smartphone segment.
By offering features like a 90Hz display, a large battery, and the latest Android Go edition, Infinix has created a device that punches above its weight class in many aspects.
While it’s not without its compromises – as is expected in this price range – the Smart 8 provides an excellent balance of performance, features, and affordability.
It’s particularly well-suited for users who prioritize battery life, screen size, and having the latest software features without spending a fortune.
For first-time smartphone buyers or those looking for a capable backup device, the Infinix Smart 8 offers tremendous value.
It demonstrates that even in the budget segment, users can expect features that enhance their daily smartphone experience significantly.
As smartphone technology continues to evolve, devices like the Infinix Smart 8 play a crucial role in making modern features accessible to a broader audience.
While it may not compete with mid-range or flagship devices, it sets a new standard for what consumers can expect from an entry-level smartphone.
In the end, the Infinix Smart 8 is a testament to the rapid pace of innovation in the smartphone industry.
It shows that with clever engineering and thoughtful compromises, it’s possible to create a device that meets the needs of budget-conscious consumers without feeling like a significant step down from more expensive options.