In the ever-evolving landscape of budget smartphones, Infinix has released the Smart 8 as the successor to the Smart 7 earlier in the year. This iteration brings several changes, some of which are likely to appeal to a broad audience, while others may raise eyebrows. As I delved into the device, I found that the Infinix Smart 8 is a mixed bag of both familiar features and intriguing novelties.
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Design and Build:
The most noticeable change in the Infinix Smart 8 lies in its design overhaul. Shifting away from its predecessor, the phone introduces a flat, boxy feel to the sides, enhancing the grip and lending it a modern aesthetic. However, the color choice might be a subjective matter; while I opted for black, it seemed to exhibit a more pronounced blue hue. The overall sleekness and reduced thickness contribute to a lightweight feel, making it comfortable to hold.
One significant shift in design is the relocation of the fingerprint sensor from the back to the side. This change not only aligns with contemporary design trends but also adds convenience to unlocking the device. The rear of the phone also showcases a reimagined flash, now larger and strategically placed, reminiscent of some popular flagship models. Despite these alterations, the Infinix Smart 8 maintains its unique identity, avoiding the outright mimicry of competitors like the iPhone.
Display:
In the display department, Infinix has made commendable strides. The introduction of a hole-punch cutout on the front display is a notable enhancement, adding a touch of modernity to the phone. What truly sets it apart in its price range is the inclusion of a 90Hz refresh rate display. This not only enhances the fluidity of the user experience but also positions the Infinix Smart 8 as a standout in the sub-100K category, possibly the only one with this feature in 2023.
The display specifications, aside from the notable additions, remain largely the same – consistent screen size, resolution, LCD panel, and brightness. The dynamic addition of the “magic ring,” a feature seen on other recent models like the itel A70, is another element that might divide opinions. However, considering the increasing prevalence of this feature in budget phones, it’s clear that it resonates with a significant portion of the consumer base.
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Camera Upgrade:
The camera setup sees incremental improvements, with the main camera maintaining its 13MP sensor, while the selfie camera gets a boost from 5MP to 8MP. In well-lit conditions, the Infinix Smart 8 produces satisfactory results, meeting the expectations of an entry-level phone. However, upon closer inspection, the softness of the images becomes apparent, a trade-off inherent in budget devices.
Video quality, while acceptable, lacks stabilization. Both front and rear cameras cap at 1080p, providing decent results but falling short of delivering a cinematic experience. For casual photography and video recording, the Smart 8 performs adequately, but users should manage their expectations given its entry-level positioning.
Performance:
The Infinix Smart 8 comes equipped with the Unisoc T606 processor, the same found in the itel S23. Designed for basic tasks, the chipset handles social media browsing, multitasking, and light gaming with ease. While not positioned as a gaming-focused phone, it manages most games at low-end settings. Heavy games, however, might struggle to run smoothly.
My review unit features 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, with a higher-tier option offering 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. For optimal performance, particularly for multitasking and storage-intensive tasks, opting for the higher configuration is advisable.
Battery Life:
One of the standout features of the Infinix Smart 8 is its impressive battery life. With a robust 5,000mAh battery, the phone can easily last a full day and then some. During my usage, streaming a football match for an hour only resulted in a 10% battery loss, translating to over 9 hours of screen-on time. This endurance makes it a reliable companion for users who prioritize prolonged usage without frequent charging.
While the charging speed isn’t groundbreaking, the Infinix Smart 8 supports a 10W charger. Although I didn’t conduct a formal test, it’s safe to assume that charging from 0% would take around 3-plus hours. This positions the phone as one that benefits from overnight charging, fitting well into the routine of users who prioritize a consistent and extended battery life.
Additional Features and Software:
The Infinix Smart 8 comes with a Type-C port, a welcome addition for a budget device. This modern connectivity standard ensures ease of use and compatibility with an array of accessories.
Notably, the device runs on Android 13 Go Edition, optimized for smoother performance on entry-level hardware. Additionally, the ability to disable the “magic ring” feature for users who might find it polarizing demonstrates a thoughtful approach to customization.
Pros:
- Sleek Design Upgrade: The redesigned aesthetics, including the flat sides and repositioned fingerprint sensor, give the Infinix Smart 8 a modern and sleek look, enhancing its overall appeal.
- Noteworthy Display Improvements: The introduction of a hole-punch cutout and a 90Hz refresh rate sets the Smart 8 apart in its price range, delivering a more immersive and visually pleasing display experience.
- Impressive Battery Life: With a 5,000mAh battery, the Smart 8 excels in providing long-lasting battery life, making it a reliable choice for users who prioritize endurance in their daily activities.
- Decent Camera Upgrades: The incremental improvements in the camera department, including an 8MP selfie camera, contribute to satisfactory photo and video quality in well-lit conditions, meeting the expectations of an entry-level device.
- Android 13 Go and Software Optimization: Running on Android 13 Go, the Smart 8 benefits from the latest software features and optimizations, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience on a budget.
- Customization with the Magic Ring: The inclusion of the “magic ring” adds a unique customization element to the device, allowing users to personalize their experience. While subjective, many budget users appreciate this additional touch.
- Budget-Friendly Price: Positioned as a budget smartphone, the Infinix Smart 8 offers a range of features at an affordable price point, making it an attractive option for users seeking value for money.
Cons:
- Divisive Magic Ring Design: The “magic ring” feature, while unique, might not be universally appreciated. Some users may find it gimmicky or unnecessary, potentially affecting the overall appeal for those who prefer a more traditional design.
- Limited Gaming Performance: The Smart 8, equipped with the Unisoc T6066 processor, is not tailored for heavy gaming. Users looking for a gaming-focused device may find its performance lacking, especially for more resource-intensive games.
- Camera Softness: Despite the camera upgrades, the Smart 8’s photo and video quality exhibit softness upon closer inspection. While acceptable for entry-level standards, it might disappoint users expecting sharper imaging.
- Limited RAM and Storage in Base Model: The 3GB RAM and 64GB storage configuration may leave power users wanting more, especially considering the increasing demands of apps and media content. Opting for the higher variant with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage is recommended for better performance.
- Overnight Charging Requirement: While the battery life is commendable, the 10W charger and lack of fast charging capabilities mean users will need to charge the Smart 8 overnight for a full charge, which might not be convenient for some users.
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Reasons to Buy:
- Affordable Entry Point: The Infinix Smart 8 provides a feature-rich experience at a budget-friendly price, making it an ideal choice for users looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Sleek Design and Display: If you appreciate a modern and sleek design, coupled with display enhancements like the hole-punch cutout and 90Hz refresh rate, the Smart 8 offers a visually appealing package in the budget segment.
- Long-Lasting Battery: Users prioritizing battery life will find the Smart 8’s 5,000mAh battery impressive, ensuring a full day of use and beyond, making it suitable for those with busy lifestyles.
- Android 13 Go Optimization: Running on the latest Android 13 Go, the Smart 8 benefits from software optimizations, providing a smoother and more responsive user experience, despite its budget constraints.
- Magic Ring Customization: For users who appreciate unique features, the “magic ring” adds a touch of personalization to the device, allowing them to stand out in a crowded budget smartphone market.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Infinix Smart 8 stands as a commendable upgrade over its predecessor, the Smart 7. The design changes, including the ‘magic ring,’ might be a point of contention among users, but the added features such as the hole-punch cutout, 90Hz refresh rate, and camera improvements contribute to a more compelling package.
The device excels in offering a visually enhanced display, reliable battery life, and capable performance for everyday tasks. If you can overlook the minor drawbacks and appreciate the budget-friendly nature of the Smart 8, it emerges as a strong contender in the entry-level smartphone market in 2023.
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