Xiaomi Redmi 8 vs Redmi 8A: What’s the difference?

Xiaomi just launched a couple of new smartphones to give you more time to decide which one to get this upcoming holiday season.

Of course, we have the popular Redmi Note 8 series. But in case you want something more toned-down and affordable. Say, you’re looking for a gift idea for your parents, younger sibling, etc. Then you might want to check out the Redmi 8 series — starting with the Xiaomi Redmi 8.

Just like its predecessors, this one comes with specs that we never thought we’d see on a device under Php7k.

But if want something even more affordable, you can also check out the Xiaomi Redmi 8A. Obviously, this one has some compromises over the former to keep the price lower.

However, how is the Redmi 8A really different from the Redmi 8? Where did the Xiaomi cut corners to keep the price down? Are you better off with the cheaper option, or should you just spend a bit more and get the more expensive model instead? Those are the things that we want to answer in our Xiaomi Redmi 8 and Redmi 8A specs comparison.

	Xiaomi Redmi 8	Xiaomi Redmi 8A
Operating System	Android 9 Pie MIUI 9	Android 9 Pie MIUI 9
SIM	Dual SIM	Dual SIM
Display	6.22-inch HD+ IPS 1520 x 720 pixel resolution ~270ppi Corning Gorilla Glass 5	6.22-inch HD+ IPS 1520 x 720 pixel resolution ~270ppi Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Processor	1.95GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 octa-core	1.95GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 octa-core
RAM	3GB/4GB	2GB
GPU	Adreno 505	Adreno 505
Storage	32GB/64GB expandable via microSD up to 512GB	32GB expandable via microSD up to 512GB
Front camera	8-megapixel f/2.0	8-megapixel f/2.0
Rear Camera	12-megapixel (f/1.8) Dual-PD LED flash	12-megapixel (f/1.8) + 2-megapixel Dual-PD LED flash
Audio	Headphone jack	Headphone jack
Security	Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner AI Face unlock	AI Face unlock
Connectivity	4G LTE WiF 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth 4.2 GPS, GLONASS, BDS Wireless FM radio IR Blaster USB Type-C	4G LTE WiF 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth 4.2 GPS, GLONASS, BDS Wireless FM radio USB Type-C
Others	P2i Splashproof	P2i Splashproof
Dimensions	156.48 x 75.41 x 9.4mm	156.48 x 75.41 x 9.4mm
Weight	188g	188g
Colors	Sapphire Blue Ruby Red Onyx Black	Sunset Red Ocean Blue Midnight Black
Battery	5,000mAh 18W fast charging support 10W charger included	5,000mAh 18W fast charging support 10W charger included
Price	3GB/32GB: Php6,490 4GB/64GB: Php6,990	Php5,490

As what you just saw from the table above, the Xiaomi Redmi 8 and Redmi 8A are pretty much the same in key areas.

Both devices are powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 octa-core processor. They also share the same 6.22-inch HD+ screen, with a surprisingly premium Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.

The Redmi 8 series are being juiced by a chunky 5,000mAh battery. They only come with a 10W charger, but they do support a faster 18W fast charging technology.

Both models even share the same camera system. There’s the 8-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies. While on the back we have the 12-megapixel. However, the Redmi 8A missed the 2-megapixel depth-sensor that the Redmi 8 has.

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Other key similarities include the Android 9 Pie and MIUI 9 software, wireless FM radio, P2i splashproof coating, and a USB Type-C port that’s rare in low-end devices like these.

So, what’s really different between the two? Well, it’s in the little things that make a smartphone more expensive. For one, the Redmi 8A is only available in a 2GB/32GB variant, while the more expensive Redmi 8 starts at a 3GB/32GB model, which can go up to 4GB/64GB.

Xiaomi Redmi 8A users will be settling with the AI Face Unlock feature as the rear-mounted fingerprint scanner is exclusive to the Redmi 8. There’s also the IR Blaster, a feature that you have to get the Redmi 8 for if you really need it.

But other than those, and the flashier mirror-like design on the back, both the Xiaomi Redmi 8 and Redmi 8A are pretty much similar devices.

So if you really want to save money, then you can now get the Xiaomi Redmi 8A for the price of Php5,490. Available now in Mi Authorized stores nationwide.

But if you don’t mind spending a bit more, then you might want to add Php1k as the Xiaomi Redmi 8 starts at only Php6,490 for the 3GB/32GB model. Just add an extra Php500 and you can already get the 4GB/64GB variant for Php6,990.

But, you’d still be making a good purchase whichever the two you end up picking. As stated earlier, the two share the same processor, display, camera, and battery — which are the pillars that make a good daily driver.