Ready to battle in the budget phone arena, the Infinix Smart 8 packs a punch with its generous battery, smooth display, and AI-powered features – all for a jaw-droppingly low price. But can this underdog deliver, or is it just empty promises? Buckle up, budget warriors, as we dissect the Infinix Smart 8 from pixels to performance.
Infinix Smart 8 Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| Network | |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | |
| Announced | 2023, November 9 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, November 9 |
| Body | |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 184 g |
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Display | |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Platform | |
| OS | Android 13 |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (2×1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6×1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| Memory | |
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera | |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF + 0.08 MP (auxiliary lens) |
| Features | Ring-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie Camera | |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes |
| Sound | |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes |
| COMMS | |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Positioning | GPS |
| NFC | No |
| Radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| FEATURES | |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| BATTERY | |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Charging | 10W wired, Reverse wired |
| MISC | |
| Colors | Timber Black, Shiny Gold, Crystal Green, Galaxy White |
| Models | X6525 |
| Price | About 100 EUR (Approx. 88,400 NGN) |
/product/80/2705862/1.jpg "Infinix Smart 8 Review: A Comprehensive Look at Infinix's Latest Offering 1")
- 90Hz Magic Ring
- 13MP - Dual AI Camera
- 5000mAh Long-Standing Battery
- Side Fingerprint & Face Fast Unlock
First Impressions: Sleek Beyond Its Price Tag
Forget those clunky budget phone stereotypes. The Smart 8 surprises with a surprisingly modern design. The textured plastic back catches the light in subtle gradients, while the slim bezels and punch-hole camera give it a sleek, contemporary feel. Sure, it won’t grace red carpets, but for its price tag, it turns heads.
Display: Smooth Scrolling on a Budget, With Caveats
The 6.6-inch HD+ IPS display isn’t very impressive, but it does the job. Because of the 90Hz refresh rate, scrolling across social media or browsing the web seems remarkably smooth. Colors are OK but not very brilliant, and brightness may be improved in direct sunshine. But for everyday tasks, it holds its own, especially considering the price.
Boosting Performance with Virtual RAM
While the base 2-4GB RAM might seem limited, the Infinix Smart 8 packs a clever punch with its extended RAM technology. This nifty feature virtually doubles the existing RAM, offering up to 8GB of total capacity. This means smoother multitasking, faster app switching, and a more enjoyable experience for everyday tasks like browsing, watching movies, listening to music, and even running light games. So, while demanding applications might still push its limits, the extended RAM definitely elevates performance beyond its initial specs, making it a surprisingly capable budget phone for everyday use.
Battery Life: Where the Smart 8 Truly Shines
This is where the Smart 8 truly shines. The monstrous 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day on even moderate usage. Power users might need a top-up before bedtime, but for most, it’s a breath of fresh air compared to its juice-guzzling rivals. Just don’t expect fast charging miracles – a full recharge takes over two hours.
Camera: Clicks and Captures, but No Masterpieces
The dual-camera setup on the back (13MP main + 0.08MP depth) is purely functional. Photos in good lighting can be decent, but shadows get noisy, and details quickly blur. Low-light performance is best left unsaid. The 8MP selfie camera is better suited for video calls than Instagram glory. Don’t expect award-winning shots, but for capturing everyday moments, it’s serviceable.
Connectivity: Keeping You Connected (Mostly)
The Smart 8 covers the basics with 4G LTE connectivity, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0. However, some network bands might be missing depending on your region, so check compatibility before buying. Additionally, NFC is absent, meaning tap-and-pay conveniences are off the menu.
Software: XOS 12 – Features with a Side of Bloatware
The Smart 8 runs on XOS 12, Infinix’s custom Android 13 skin. It’s packed with features like AI Gallery, Game Mode, and even a built-in radio! However, bloatware can be a bit of a nag. While you can uninstall some, not all will go, so be prepared for the occasional unwanted app notification. On the plus side, updates are surprisingly frequent for such a budget device.
The Verdict: Worth Your Wallet Warriors?
The Infinix Smart 8 is a curious paradox of strengths and weaknesses. It boasts a stylish design, a smooth display, and a battery life that’s the envy of the budget world. But the performance can be sluggish, the camera is just meh, and the software bloatware might test your patience.
So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? It depends on your priorities. If you’re a light user who values style, longevity, and a vibrant display, the Smart 8 is a tempting option. Its extended virtual RAM even boosts everyday multitasking, making it surprisingly capable for browsing, social media, and even light gaming. Just don’t expect to run Fortnite at max settings.
However, if you want significant processing power, a photography masterpiece in your pocket, or a bloatware-free experience, consider alternatives such as the Samsung Galaxy A14 for faster performance or the Google Pixel 8a for cleaner software and outstanding camera prowess.
Finally, the Infinix Smart 8 is a low-cost phone that delivers exactly what it promises: a fashionable, long-lasting companion for daily chores, with a little virtual RAM thrown in for good measure. Just keep your expectations in check, and you could be pleasantly surprised by this tiny battery beast.
Want More? Dive deeper into the comments below and let’s discuss the Infinix Smart 8! Is it a budget champion or a bargain basement dud? You decide!
