Xiaomi Redmi 8A Review: Is This Budget Phone Still Worth Buying in 2026?
In this review, we’ll break down the key features, performance, camera quality, battery life, and overall value of the Xiaomi Redmi 8A to help you decide whether this budget phone is still worth buying today.
Xiaomi Redmi 8A Specifications
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | Announced: September 25, 2019 Released: September 30, 2019 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Body | Dimensions: 156.5 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm Weight: 188 g Build: Gorilla Glass 5 front, plastic back & frame Water-repellent coating |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Display | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) Size: 6.22 inches (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) Resolution: 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi) Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Platform | OS: Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10 (MIUI 12) Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) CPU: Octa-core (4×1.95 GHz & 4×1.45 GHz) GPU: Adreno 505 |
| Memory | microSDXC (dedicated slot) Internal: 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera | 12 MP (f/1.8, 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF) Features: LED flash, HDR, panorama Video: 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie Camera | 8 MP (f/2.0, 1.12µm) Features: HDR Video: 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | Loudspeaker: Yes 3.5mm jack: Yes |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth 4.2, A2DP, LE GPS, GLONASS, BDS FM Radio (built-in antenna) |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Compass |
| Battery | Li-Po 5000 mAh (non-removable) Charging: 18W wired |
| Colors | Midnight Black, Ocean Blue, Sunset Red |
| Models | MZB8458IN, M1908C3KG, M1908C3KH |
| SAR | Head: 0.48 W/kg Body: 1.07 W/kg SAR EU Head: 0.23 W/kg SAR EU Body: 1.48 W/kg |
| Price | About 120 EUR (launch) |
Design and Build Quality
The Xiaomi Redmi 8A offers a simple yet durable design suitable for everyday use. The phone features a Gorilla Glass 5 front, which provides solid protection against scratches and minor drops—something rare at this price range.
The back and frame are made of sturdy plastic, giving the device a lightweight feel at 188g.
Xiaomi also added a water-repellent coating, protecting the phone from accidental splashes. Dual Nano-SIM support makes it ideal for users who want to separate work and personal numbers.
Available in Midnight Black, Ocean Blue, and Sunset Red, the Redmi 8A has a clean and modern look that still holds up well.
Display: A Simple but Reliable HD+ Screen
The Redmi 8A is equipped with a 6.22-inch IPS LCD display, offering decent brightness at 400 nits.
The HD+ resolution of 720 × 1520 pixels (~270 PPI) delivers acceptable clarity for watching videos, browsing social media, and reading content.
While the display isn’t as sharp as modern Full HD+ screens, it’s more than enough for basic daily tasks, especially for a budget device.
Performance: Capable for Everyday Use
The Xiaomi Redmi 8A runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 chipset (12nm), paired with:
- Octa-core CPU (4×1.95 GHz + 4×1.45 GHz)
- Adreno 505 GPU
- Up to 4GB RAM
- Up to 64GB internal storage (expandable via dedicated microSDXC slot)
This hardware combination makes the Redmi 8A well-suited for:
- Social media apps
- Messaging
- YouTube and video streaming
- Basic multitasking
However, heavy gaming and demanding applications may show noticeable lag.
The phone initially launched with Android 9, but it can be updated to Android 10 with MIUI 12, providing a smoother and more polished user experience.
Camera System: Reliable for Casual Photography
The Redmi 8A features a single 12MP rear camera with:
- f/1.8 aperture
- Dual Pixel PDAF
- 1/2.55″ sensor size
- 1.4µm pixel size
- LED flash, HDR, and panorama support
This setup performs surprisingly well during daytime, delivering sharp and vibrant images.
Low-light performance is limited but acceptable for an entry-level device.
The front camera is an 8MP sensor with HDR support, capable of shooting 1080p videos. It handles selfies and video calls effectively.
Overall, the camera system is reliable for basic photography, though not suited for advanced shooters.
Battery Life: One of the Phone’s Biggest Strengths
The 5000mAh battery is easily the standout feature of the Redmi 8A. It provides:
- Up to 2 days of normal use
- Excellent standby time
- Long video playback and browsing hours
The device supports 18W fast charging, although only a 10W charger is included in the box. Nonetheless, charging speed is decent for this battery size.
Audio and Connectivity
The phone includes:
- A loud and clear loudspeaker
- A 3.5mm headphone jack
- Bluetooth 4.2
- Wi-Fi b/g/n
- GPS, GLONASS, BDS
- FM Radio with a built-in antenna
- USB Type-C 2.0
The presence of Type-C and FM radio is especially impressive for its category.
Security and Sensors
The Redmi 8A does not include a fingerprint sensor, which may be a drawback for some users.
Available sensors include:
- Accelerometer
- Proximity sensor
- Compass
Face unlock is available through the selfie camera but works best in well-lit environments.
Final Verdict: Is the Xiaomi Redmi 8A Worth It?
Pros
✅ Great battery life (5000mAh)
✅ Durable build with Gorilla Glass 5
✅ Good performance for basic tasks
✅ Decent cameras for the price
✅ USB Type-C port
✅ Expandable storage with a dedicated microSD slot
✅ Affordable and reliable
Cons
❌ HD+ resolution only
❌ No fingerprint sensor
❌ Not suitable for gaming
❌ Discontinued (may be hard to find new)
Who Should Buy It?
The Redmi 8A is ideal for:
- Users looking for a budget-friendly phone
- Parents buying a simple phone for kids
- People needing a backup device
- Elderly users who want long battery life and ease of use
- Minimalists who only use basic apps
Final Thoughts
The Xiaomi Redmi 8A remains a solid entry-level smartphone, especially if you prioritize battery life, reliability, and affordability. While it doesn’t offer premium features, it performs admirably in everyday scenarios and delivers excellent value for its original price range.
“You can check the latest price and availability on AliExpress, where the Redmi 8A is often listed for around US $68.01.”
