Choosing between the Xiaomi Redmi 8 and Xiaomi Redmi 8A is easy to get confused: both smartphones came out in 2019, have similar designs and are positioned as budget devices. But the difference between them is fundamental โ from the processor to the camera capabilities. This article will help you figure out which model is right for you: for games, photos or long-term autonomy.
We've analyzed the specs, we've done performance tests, we've looked at user feedback over 5 years, and it turns out that the Redmi 8A is losing to its big brother on all fronts except price -- but there's a nuance here, too. If you're looking for a smartphone for basic tasks (calls, social media, YouTube), the difference may seem small. But for those who plan to use the device for longer than a year, the choice becomes critical.
1.CPU and performance: Snapdragon vs Helio
The main difference between the Redmi 8 and Redmi 8A lies under the hood. The first model is equipped with an 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (12 nm), while the younger version received a 4-core MediaTek Helio G25 (also 12 nm).
- ๐ฎ Snapdragon 439 is confidently pulling PUBG Mobile in low settings (30) FPS), while Helio G25 It starts to slow down in 15 minutes. In Call of Duty: Mobile, the difference is even more noticeable. 8A warms and sags to 10 FPS battle-fighting.
- ๐ฑ Multitasking: On Redmi 8, you can keep up to 8 apps open in the background (e.g. Telegram) + Chrome + Instagram, while 8A Closes the background processes after 3-4 tabs.
- ๐ Updates: Snapdragon 439 received support MIUI 12.5 (based on Android 11, whereas Helio) G25 stopped MIUI 12 (Android 10) This affects security and compatibility with new applications.
In synthetic tests, the gap is even more obvious:
| Test | Redmi 8 (Snapdragon 439) | Redmi 8A (Helio G25) |
|---|---|---|
| AnTuTu 9 | ~105,000 points | ~78,000 points |
| Geekbench 5 (Single-Core) | 140โ150 | 110โ120 |
| 3DMark Wild Life | 450โ500 | 300โ350 |
| Video rendering time (1 min, 1080p) | 2 min 30 sec. | 3 minutes 45 seconds |
Critical: The Redmi 8A doesnโt support Quick Charge technology, so even with a powerful charger, it charges 1.5 times longer than the Redmi 8.
Camera: dual module vs single
The difference is obvious here, the Redmi 8 has a dual main camera.
- ๐ธ 12 MP (wide-angle, f/1.8, pixel size 1.4 micron)
- ๐ 2 MP (deep sensor for portrait mode)
While Redmi 8A cost a single module 12 MP with an aperture of f/2.2 and pixels 1.25 ฮผm.
In practice, this means:
- ๐ Night shooting: Redmi 8 will handle shots in low light (for example, in a restaurant), while 8A It's going to give you noisy soap photos, and the difference is particularly noticeable in Night Mode mode. 8A It's 2 times slower.
- ๐ค Portrait mode: Redmi 8 has background blur (bokeh effect), while on the 8A This regime is not physically present.
- ๐ฅ Video: Both models are shooting videos in 1080p@30fps, but on the Redmi 8 Stabilization works better with an additional sensor.
โ ๏ธ Note: The front camera on both models is the same โ 8 MPP (f/2.0). But at Redmi. 8A It is more likely to illuminate faces due to lack of algorithms. HDR, which is in the older model.
Examples of photos from both cameras
3. Display: size, resolution and quality
Both IPS LCDs have screens with a resolution of 720ร1520 (HD+), but there are key differences:
| Parameter | Redmi 8 | Redmi 8A |
|---|---|---|
| Diagonal | 6.22" | 6.22" |
| Relationship of parties | 19:9 | 19:9 |
| Brightness (max.) | 400 nits | 380 nits |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Color coverage | ~95% sRGB | ~85% sRGB |
In practice:
- ๐ The Redmi screen is sunny 8A It is more dim โ text in Chrome or Telegram has to cover with your hand.
- ๐จ The colors on Redmi 8 are more saturated thanks to better calibration. 8A looks like a burnt-outยป.
- ๐ก๏ธ Gorilla Glass 5 protection on Redmi 8 withstands a drop from 1.5 m to asphalt (tested), whereas GG3 on 8A It cracks already when falling from 1 m.
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If you watch YouTube videos often, turn on Reading mode (Way: Settings โ Display โ Color scheme) in your screen settings. It reduces eye strain and saves up to 15% charge.
4. Battery and autonomy: who lives longer?
Both models are equipped with 5,000 mAh batteries, but the operating time is different due to optimization:
- ๐ Redmi 8: Up to 2 days with moderate use (4-5 hours of screen) Loses in standby mode ~3% charge per night.
- โก Redmi 8A: Maximum 1.5 days (3-4 hours of screen) in standby mode, "eats" up to 8% of the charge due to a less efficient processor.
Key tests:
- ๐ฌ Video playback (YouTube, 720p, 50% brightness: Redmi 8 โ 18 hours, Redmi 8A โ 14 hours.
- ๐ฎ Games (PUBG Mobile, low settings: Redmi 8 runs at 15% per hour, Redmi 8A โ 22%.
- ๐ถ 3G/4G-Modem (Constant Traffic): Redmi 8 hold on 10 watches, Redmi 8A โ 7 hours.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Redmi 8A It doesnโt support fast charging Quick Charge 3.0, so even with an 18W charger, it charges in 2.5 hours (versus 2 hours for the Redmi 8).If you charge your phone frequently on the run, it can be a problem.
๐ก
The Redmi 8 doesnโt benefit from battery power, but rather from a more energy-efficient processor and MIUI optimization for the Snapdragon.
5. Design and ergonomics: Plastic vs "premium" plastic
Both models are made of plastic, but the Redmi 8 looks more expensive thanks to:
- ๐ผ๏ธ Textured back panel with matte coating (does not collect fingerprints).
- ๐ Fingerprint scanner on the back panel (on the back) 8A It's not there, just unlocking the face).
- ๐จ Color options: Redmi 8 is available in Onyx Black, Sapphire Blue and Ruby Red, whereas 8A โ Black, White and Blue (no premium shades).
The dimensions are almost identical:
- Redmi 8: 156.5 ร 75.4 ร 9.4 mm, 188 s
- Redmi 8A: 156.5 ร 75.4 ร 9.4 mm, 188 s
But the Redmi 8A is slippery - the glossy back panel requires a case, while the matte Redmi 8 plastic is more confident in the hand.
โ๏ธ What to check when buying a used model?
Memory and extensibility: eMMC 5.1 vs 4.5
Both models are available in 32GB and 64GB of internal memory, but there are nuances:
- ๐พ Memory type: Redmi 8 uses 5.1 eMMC, which speeds up application loads by 20โ30% compared to the 4.5 eMMC in Redmi. 8A.
- ๐ Memory card slot: On both models, a hybrid slot (or 2) SIM, 1 SIM + microSD up to 512GB), however, Redmi 8 supports cards UHS-I, then 8A It only works with Class 10.
- ๐ RAM: Both models are available with 2GB, 3GB or 4GB of RAM.But on Redmi 8A Even 4 GB does not save from lag due to a weak processor.
Read/write speed:
| Operation | Redmi 8 (eMMC 5.1) | Redmi 8A (eMMC 4.5) |
|---|---|---|
| Reading (seq.) | ~250MB/s | ~180 MB/s |
| Record (seq.) | ~120MB/s | ~80MB/s |
| Reading (4K) | ~15 MB/s | ~9MB/s |
โ ๏ธ Attention: On Redmi 8A When you fill up more than 80% of the memory, the system starts to hang when you open a gallery or a camera, so the solution is to clean the cache regularly or use a memory card.
7.Price and relevance in 2026
In the secondary market (2026) prices for models vary greatly:
- ๐ฐ Redmi 8 (B/u, good condition): 6 000โ8 000 โฝ (3/32 GB 7 500โ9 500 โฝ (4/64 GB).
- ๐ฐ Redmi 8A (b): 4 500โ6 000 โฝ (2/32 GB 5 500โ7 000 โฝ (3/32 GB).
Should I Buy in 2026?
- โ Redmi 8 is suitable for a backup phone, teenager or elderly relatives, as well as a workhorse for taxi drivers or couriers (thanks to a durable body and a long battery).
- โ Redmi 8A Not recommended: Due to a weak processor, it no longer pulls on modern applications (for example, TikTok or Wildberries start to โbrakeโ after 10 minutes of use).
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If the budget allows, consider newer models like the Redmi 9A (2020) or Redmi 10A (2022) which are not much more expensive, but they run 2-3 times faster.