Xiaomi just expanded its entry-level smartphones line-up with the Redmi 8 which followed the launch of the lower-end Redmi 8A that is currently the most affordable Xiaomi phone if we exclude the Redmi Go. Both these devices are among the best options for people who have a very limited budget and they want to spend max €100/$110 for a new device. There is also another low-end phone released by Xiaomi that is currently available in the most affordable price range: the selfie-centric Redmi Y3. This is a specs comparison which will let you find out who is the Xiaomi entry-level phone with the highest value for money in its current 2019 line-up.
Xiaomi Redmi 8 vs Xiaomi Redmi 8A vs Xiaomi Redmi Y3
| Xiaomi Redmi 8A | Xiaomi Redmi Y3 | Xiaomi Redmi 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT | 156.5 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm, 188 grams | 158.7 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm, 180 grams | 156.5 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm, 188 grams |
| DISPLAY | 6.2 inches, 720 x 1520p (HD+), 271 ppi, IPS LCD | 6.26 inches, 720 x 1560p (HD+), 269 ppi, IPS LCD | 6.22 inches, 720 x 1520p (HD+), 270 ppi, IPS LCD |
| PROCESSOR | Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, octa-core 1.95 GHz | Qualcomm Snapdragon 632, octa-core 1.8 GHz | Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, octa-core 1.95 GHz |
| MEMORY | 2 GB RAM, 32 GB – 3 GB RAM, 32 GB – micro SD dedicated slot | 3 GB RAM, 32 GB – 4 GB RAM, 64 GB – micro SD dedicated slot | 4 GB RAM, 64 GB – micro SD dedicated slot |
| SOFTWARE | Android 9 Pie, MIUI | Android 9 Pie, MIUI | Android 9 Pie, MIUI |
| CONNECTIVITY | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS |
| CAMERA | 12 MP f/1.8 8 MP f/2.0 front camera |
Dual 12 + 2 MP f/2.2 32 MP f/2.2 front camera |
Dual 12 + 2 MP f/1.8 8 MP f/2.0 front camera |
| BATTERY | 5000 mAh, fast charging 18W | 4000 mAh, fast charging 10W | 5000 mAh, fast charging 18W |
| ADDITIONAL FEATURES | Dual SIM slot | Dual SIM slot | Dual SIM slot |
Design
Despite Redmi 8, 8A and Y3 are just low-end devices, Xiaomi put a lot of effort in their aesthetics. All of them have elegant design schemes as well as a splash resistant body. Redmi 8 and Y3 have definitely the most impressive bodies in terms of look, due to their reflective backs. However, none of these devices is made of premium materials: all of them have a plastic body. Despite Redmi 8 boasts the more recent Aura Mirror design, Redmi Y3 remains a very elegant and minimalistic phone: given that they are both beautiful and well-built, choose by basing on your tastes. I personally prefer the Redmi Y3 due to its cleaner back and the U-shaped waterdrop notch.
Display
On each of these devices, you will get more or less the same display size, as well as the same resolution and the same display technology (IPS LCD). Due to their resolution, they are below-average panels, but still sufficient for most of the users. We do not suggest you focus on the display quality as they all offer more or less the same thing. Note that Redmi 8A does not have a fingerprint scanner, while Redmi 8 and Redmi Y3 do (but it is not in-display).
Specs & Software
Redmi Y3 wins the performance comparison because it is equipped with a better chipset: the Snapdragon 632 running at a max frequency of 1.8 GHz. It provides smoother and more stable performance thanks to more powerful custom cores, while the Snapdragon 439 found on Redmi 8 and 8A is less powerful but more efficient thanks to its 12 nm production process. Between Redmi 8 and 8A, the former is better since it has a higher memory configuration with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage, but you obviously have to spend more for it. Android 9 Pie is out of the box on each of these devices, but Redmi 8 and 8A already come with MIUI 10 while Redmi Y3 is still based on MIUI 9.
Camera
The best rear camera setup belongs to the Redmi 8 which comes with a 12 MP dual camera boasting a bright f/1.8 aperture and a depth sensor. But if you want the best selfies, then Redmi Y3 is your choice as it is definitely one of the best affordable phones ever for taking selfies, thanks to its 32 MP front camera. Redmi Y3 has a dual rear camera too, while Redmi 8A does not, that is why we would not recommend the Redmi 8A if you asked us about the best camera phone here.
Battery
Redmi 8 and 8A are equipped with bigger 5000 mAh batteries as well as very efficient SoCs, so they have a longer battery life than Redmi Y3. They even support a faster charging technology with a max power of 18W.
Price
Redmi 8 starts from just €100/$110 in China, Redmi 8A costs €90/$100 in India and Redmi Y3 had a starting price of about €130 in India but it is now available for just €100/$110 thanks to online street prices. Whatever you choose, the differences will be just marginal. Overall, I would go for the Redmi Y3 due to the better front camera and the higher performance, but some may not have the same opinion since Redmi 8 and 8A offer a much bigger battery, as well as a better main camera sensor.
Xiaomi Redmi 8 vs Xiaomi Redmi 8A vs Xiaomi Redmi Y3: PROs and CONS
Xiaomi Redmi 8
PROs
- Big battery
- Micro SD dedicated slot
- Fingerprint reader
- Original design
- Fast charging
CONS
- Nothing particular
Xiaomi Redmi Y3
PROs
- Better performance
- Better front camera
- Micro SD Dedicated slot
- Fingerprint reader
CONS
- Smaller battery
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
PROs
- Micro SD dedicated slot
- Huge battery
- More affordable
- Fast charging
CONS
- No depth sensor
