Redmi 8 vs. Better Alternatives: Is It Worth Buying for ?7999?
When considering the Redmi 8 for a price of ?7999, it's important to weigh its merits against other available options in the market. This article explores the various alternatives, including Realme C3, Redmi Note 7 Series, and Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1, to determine if the Redmi 8 truly justifies its cost.
Why the Redmi 8 May Not Be the Best Choice
The Redmi 8 initially seemed like a promising option, but upon closer inspection, it appears that better alternatives exist in the market. For instance, the Realme C3 is currently available for the same price of ?7999, and it lacks a fingerprint scanner, which can be a significant drawback for some users. The Realme C3 is also the most powerful phone under ?8000, making it a compelling choice.
Alternatively, if you're willing to spend ?9999, the Redmi Note 7 Series offers a substantial upgrade in hardware. You can also consider the relatively old Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 for a slightly lower price, with the advantage of a slightly better processor. With Snapdragon 636 and a storage capacity of 64GB, it's a robust device well worth the investment.
Redmi 8 Specifications and Features
The Redmi 8 was launched with a sleek design that offers a good back look, protected by gorilla glass 5. It features a 6.22-inch HD display with a waterdrop notch and a Snapdragon 439 processor. The dual rear camera setup includes a 12MP Sony IMX 363 sensor and a 2MP depth camera, while the front camera is a 8MP unit. The battery packs a 5000mAh capacity with support for 18W fast charging, though only a 10W charger is included in the box.
The phone runs on Android 9 Pie with MIUI 10, is equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack, IR blaster, and a dedicated slot. It also comes with splash-proof P2i coating and wireless FM radio, making it a well-rounded device. However, the choice of processor is notable, as it is the same as used in the Redmi 8A. Given that the Redmi 7 comes with a Snapdragon 632 and is slightly better, it's questionable why Xiaomi did not opt for a more advanced processor for the Redmi 8.
Conclusion
While the Redmi 8 offers decent specifications, the inclusion of the Snapdragon 439 processor makes it less appealing compared to alternatives such as the Realme C3, Redmi Note 7 Series, and the older Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1. If you're looking to spend ?8000, there are better options available. The Redmi 8's large 5000mAh battery and support for fast charging are positives, but the processor choice leaves it underwhelming for a price point of ?7999.
Realme C3
The Realme C3, priced identically to the Redmi 8 (?7999), boasts a powerful configuration and lacks a fingerprint scanner. It is the most powerful phone within the price range, offering a good overall value for money.
Redmi Note 7 Series
The Redmi Note 7 Series, available for ?9999, offers a significantly better processor, ensuring a smoother and more powerful user experience. The Redmi Note 7 Pro, in particular, features a 20MP main camera and a 6.3-inch Full HD screen, making it a strong contender.
Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1
The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1, even though it's an older model, still holds up with its Snapdragon 636 processor and 64GB storage. It provides good overall performance and value for those looking for a slightly more traditional Android experience.
Overall, while the Redmi 8 is a good phone, there are certainly better options available within the same price range. If you're looking to spend ?7999, it's important to consider other models that offer a better processor and an overall superior user experience.