Infinix Smart 8 : The smartphone market continues to evolve with manufacturers pushing boundaries to deliver exceptional value at affordable prices. The Infinix Smart 8, released in November 2023, represents a compelling option in the budget segment, offering a blend of modern features at an attractive price point of approximately $90-99. This device succeeds the Smart 7 series and brings several notable improvements to the table.

Design and Build Quality

The Infinix Smart 8 features a 6.6-inch display housed in a sleek design with dimensions of 75.6 x 163.6 x 8.5mm and weighing 184 grams. The device showcases what Infinix calls a “glow texture back” that adds visual appeal while maintaining practicality. The plastic construction keeps the weight manageable while providing adequate durability for everyday use.

The rear panel features a distinctive “Magic Ring” design element that surrounds the camera module, creating a unique aesthetic that helps the device stand out in the crowded budget segment. The phone comes with a comprehensive accessory package including a USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable, plastic case cover, charger, wired earphones, and SIM card removal tool.

Display Performance

The Smart 8 boasts a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with HD+ resolution (720×1612 pixels) and a 90Hz refresh rate. While the resolution may seem modest by today’s standards, it provides decent clarity for everyday tasks at this price point. The display offers 500 nits peak brightness, making it reasonably visible indoors, though outdoor visibility in direct sunlight can be challenging.

The 90Hz refresh rate is a standout feature in this price category, providing smoother scrolling and more responsive touch interactions compared to standard 60Hz displays. This enhancement significantly improves the overall user experience, making animations and transitions feel more fluid.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Infinix Smart 8 is powered by the Unisoc Tiger T606 chipset, built on a 12nm process. This octa-core processor features 2x 1.6 GHz ARM Cortex-A75 cores and 6x 1.6 GHz ARM Cortex-A55 cores, paired with an ARM Mali-G57 MP1 GPU. The device comes with multiple RAM configurations, offering 2GB, 3GB, or 4GB options to suit different user needs and budgets.

Storage options include 64GB and 128GB variants, with microSD card support for expansion. This flexibility allows users to choose the configuration that best matches their usage patterns and budget constraints. The performance is adequate for basic smartphone tasks including web browsing, social media, messaging, and light gaming. However, intensive applications and heavy multitasking may reveal the limitations of the budget-oriented hardware.

Camera Capabilities

The camera system features a dual rear setup with a 50MP main sensor and an auxiliary 0.08MP lens, complemented by a Ring-LED flash. For selfies and video calls, there’s an 8MP front-facing camera. The camera app includes various modes and features such as beauty mode, time-lapse, and night mode photography.

The main camera performs well in good lighting conditions, producing images with natural colors and moderate detail. However, performance drops significantly in low-light situations, with increased noise and focusing difficulties. Video recording capabilities extend up to 1080p resolution at 30fps, suitable for basic video capture needs.

Battery and Charging

The Smart 8 packs a substantial 5000mAh Li-Ion battery, providing excellent endurance for all-day usage. However, the charging solution is modest with 10W charging support through a USB Type-C port. Interestingly, the device supports reverse charging functionality, allowing it to serve as a power bank for other devices.

While the large battery capacity ensures longevity, the slow charging speed means users need to plan charging sessions accordingly, especially for quick top-ups.

Software and Features

The device runs Android 13 Go edition with XOS 13 customization on top. Android Go edition is optimized for entry-level hardware, ensuring smoother performance and better resource management. XOS 13 adds customization options including themes, app icons, and font styling.

Security features include a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner and face unlock functionality, providing convenient access methods for users. However, the absence of NFC is a notable limitation, preventing contactless payment capabilities.

Connectivity and Audio

Connectivity options include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0, and built-in GPS for navigation services. The device maintains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which many users appreciate in the budget segment.

Audio comes from a single bottom-firing speaker enhanced with DTS Digital Sound technology, providing reasonably loud and clear audio output. While adequate for calls and casual media consumption, dedicated headphones are recommended for enhanced music listening experiences.

Samsung Galaxy A34 5G – Beautiful design smartphone launch with high processor

Market Position and Value Proposition

The Infinix Smart 8 positions itself as an entry-level smartphone that doesn’t compromise entirely on modern features. At approximately $90-99, it offers remarkable value considering the 90Hz display, 50MP camera, and 5000mAh battery. The device successfully bridges the gap between basic feature phones and more expensive smartphones.

However, potential buyers should understand the inherent limitations of budget devices, including modest processing power, average low-light camera performance, and slow charging speeds. Reviews suggest the device works well for basic usage, elderly users, or as a secondary phone, but may struggle with intensive tasks.

Infinix Smart 8 : Final Verdict

The Infinix Smart 8 represents solid value in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Its combination of modern design, 90Hz display, capable main camera, and massive battery makes it an attractive option for price-conscious consumers. While it won’t satisfy users seeking flagship-level performance, it delivers the essentials with some premium touches that enhance the overall experience.

For users prioritizing affordability while still wanting a modern Android experience, the Smart 8 proves that significant compromises aren’t always necessary in the budget category. It successfully demonstrates how manufacturers can deliver meaningful value without breaking the bank, making smartphone technology accessible to a broader audience.