Xiaomi surprised everyone when they announced the Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro.
The Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro (rebranded Redmi 8A Pro Dual) launched months after the Redmi 8 series came out. Which begs the question as to what’s the purpose of releasing this new device.
More importantly, we want to see how it’s different from the Redmi 8A that was initially released.
As the name suggests, the Pro model should bring some upgrades to the really affordable vanilla variant. But is that what really happened?
With that, here in our Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro versus Redmi 8A specifictions and features comparison, we’ll see how different the two are, and if coming up with a Pro model for an entry-level device actually makes sense. Let’s begin!
| Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro/Dual | Xiaomi Redmi 8A | |
| Operating System | Android 9.0 Pie MIUI 11 | Android 9.0 Pie MIUI 9 |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby |
| Display | 6.22-inch HD+ IPS 1520 x 720 pixel resolution ~270ppi Corning Gorilla Glass 5 19:9 aspect ratio | 6.22-inch HD+ IPS 1520 x 720 pixel resolution ~270ppi Corning Gorilla Glass 5 19:9 aspect ratio |
| Processor | 2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 octa-core | 2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 octa-core |
| RAM | 2GB/3GB | 2GB |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Adreno 505 |
| Storage | 32GB/64GB expandable up to 512GB via microSD | 32GB expandable up to 512GB via microSD |
| Front camera | 8-megapixel | 8-megapixel |
| Rear Camera | 13-megapixel (f/2.2) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) PDAF LED Flash | 12-megapixel (f.1/8) PDAF LED Flash |
| Audio | Single loudspeaker Headphone jack | Single loudspeaker Headphone jack |
| Security | Face unlock | Face unlock |
| Connectivity | HSPA+, 4G LTE Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou USB Type-C | HSPA+, 4G LTE Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou USB Type-C |
| Dimensions | 156.5 x 75.4 x 9.4mm | 156.5 x 75.4 x 9.4mm |
| Weight | 188g | 188g |
| Colors | Sky White Sea Blue Midnight Grey | Midnight Black Ocean Blue Sunset Red |
| Battery | 5,000mAh 18W charging | 5,000mAh 18W charging |
| Price | 2GB/16GB: IDR1,549,000 (~Php4,800) 3GB/32GB:IDR1,649,000 (~Php5,000) | Php5,490 |
Well, as you just saw, the Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro and Redmi 8A are pretty much identical devices.
In fact, you won’t notice their difference unless you look closely at the specs comparison table above.
Probably the only main difference is the cameras. The non-Pro model comes with a single 12-megapixel primary camera. While the Pro variant comes with a 13-megapixel main shooter and an extra 2-megapixel depth sensor.
Unless you’re really into taking portraits and bokeh shots, I don’t think the extra camera would really matter. In fact, you might be taking better photos with the Redmi 8A thanks to its brighter f/1.8 aperture.
Another key difference is the color options. The Pro model comes with lighter tones and has a subtle criss-cross pattern. You can get it in Sky White, Sea Blue, and Midnight Grey.
On the other hand, the Redmi 8A has a more stealthy and clean design that you can get in Sunset Red, Midnight Black, and Ocean Blue.
But since it’s the “Pro” model, the 32GB variant of the Redmi 8A Pro comes with 3GB of RAM. On the other hand, the Redmi 8A comes with 2GB.
Other than that, they’re pretty much the same device. They share the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 processor with an Adreno 505 GPU.
We also have a large 5,000mAh battery on the inside, which has an 18W fast-charging support.
Related
If it were us, the Pro model should have gained a fingerprint scanner. This could have further improved its “Pro” status.
However, it seems like the Redmi 8A Pro was made to cater to the specific needs of select markets, which is why we don’t expect it to arrive in a lot of regions soon.
Bottomline is, unless you really need that extra depth sensor, settling with the Redmi 8A should be better than getting the Redmi 8A Pro.