Xiaomi releases Redmi 8/8A in China, starting at $99

Xiaomi launched the Redmi 8 and Redmi 8A in China on Monday with loads of features at a very aggressive price tag, with the entry model priced at only 699 yuan ($99).

The Redmi 8 and 8A both have 6.22-inch IPS LCD displays that offer 19:9 aspect ratio and HD+ resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels.

(Redmi 8)

The displays on both phones are protected by Gorilla Glass 5. These handsets measure 156.5 x 75.4 x 9.4mm and weigh 188 grams.

On the the rear panel the Redmi 8A features a single camera with a 12-megapixel Sony IMX363 sensor which is also found on some of the older flagship phones like Xiaomi Poco F1, Google Pixel 3 and Vivo iQOO.

The Redmi 8 has a dual camera system on its rear. It has a main sensor of 12-megapixel Sony IMX363 coupled with a 2-megapixl depth sensor. For snapping selfies, the Redmi 8 series is fitted with an AI driven 8-megapixel camera.

The Redmi 8 has a fingerprint scanner below its dual camera system which is not available on the Redmi 8A.

The Redmi 8 and 8A also have the following common features includind IR blaster, wireless FM radio, dual-SIM support, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS and 3.5mm audio jack.

(Redmi 8A)

On the inside, the Redmi 8 and 8A both have the modest Snapdragon 439 chipset that powered the Redmi 7A.

Both phones have a massive battery of 5,000mAh capacity. These entry-level devices support 18W fast charging through USB-C. But the retail package of these devices includes only a 10W charger, users will have to buy a 18W charger on their own.

The Redmi 8 and 8A are preinstalled with the MIUI 10 which is based Android 9 OS, but according to Xiaomi founder Lei Jun the Android 10-based MIUI 11 will be pushed the phones at the end of this month.

The pricing of the phones is attractive. Here is a breakdown for both phones.

Redmi 8A:

• 3 GB RAM + 32 GB storage – 699 yuan ($99)
• 4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage – 799 yuan ($110)

Redmi 8:

• 3 GB RAM + 32 GB storage – 799 yuan ($110)
• 4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage – 899 yuan ($130)

Sale of the Redmi 8 and 8A will begin Tuesday in China at 10 am. There is a 100 yuan discount for the 4 GB RAM + 64 GB Redmi 8A on first sale.