8 Pros and Cons of the Infinix Smart 8 Smartphone

The launch of the S23 has intensified the rivalry among smartphone brands. In response, various manufacturers have raced to offer competitively priced mobile phones with strong gaming performance. Infinix, often referred to as 'itel's brother', is one such brand.

One of the main selling points of this model is its performance, supported by the tested and proven UNISOC Tiger T606 SoC. However, there are other amazing features to consider. If you're interested, continue reading for more information.

The Infinix Smart 8 presents a compelling option in the USD 189 price range. To make an informed decision, read through this article until the end!

Pros of the Infinix Smart 8

Choosing the right smartphone can be considered 'easy' when it meets your needs. Here are the merits of the Infinix Smart 8 that might make it the right choice for you:

1. Significant Design Upgrade

At first glance, the Infinix Smart 8's design borrows elements from the iPhone, evident in the layout of the rear camera and the flat, boxy frame.

Despite this resemblance, Infinix innovates with its design. The phone features a matte-finished back cover enhanced with a textured "Vibrant Glow Texture Design." This design not only adds aesthetic appeal but also minimizes fingerprint smudges and enhances grip.

Compared to its predecessor, the Infinix Smart 7, the Smart 8 has several improvements. It has transitioned from a microUSB to a USB-C port, and the fingerprint scanner has been repositioned to the side of the device, integrated with the power button. Previously, the scanner was located on the back.

Another remarkable improvement is on the front of the device. The Infinix Smart 8 features a modern punch-hole display, which is considered an upgrade over the older water drop notch style.

Although the Infinix Smart 8 lacks an official IP rating, it has undergone extensive reliability testing. It has been shown to withstand over 10,000 drops and can operate in temperatures ranging from -15°C to 50°C.

2. Dual SIM Card Slots + MicroSD Card Expansion

The Infinix Smart 8 features a triple slot SIM card tray, allowing users to utilize two SIM cards and a microSD card simultaneously. This design means that dual SIM users do not need to sacrifice a SIM slot to expand their storage.

The device supports microSD cards up to 512 GB, which can significantly alleviate the load on the internal memory by storing files such as photos, videos, and office documents.

Moreover, the Infinix Smart 8’s USB-C port includes support for USB On-The-Go, enabling the connection of a USB-C flash drive for additional external storage options.

3. 90 Hz IPS Display with Magic Ring Notification Feature

The Infinix Smart 8 has a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with HD+ resolution (720 x 1612) which maintains the same screen size as its predecessor.

However, it incorporates a punch hole design, which enables the inclusion of new features like the Magic Ring. This feature displays notifications around the punch hole, reminiscent of the Dynamic Island feature on newer iPhones.

According to reviews from some Nigerian tech enthusiasts, the Magic Ring currently interacts only with the phone’s built-in applications. It activates during various actions such as unlocking the phone, charging, or receiving an incoming call.

There is potential for broader application compatibility in the future, with more third-party apps potentially supporting the Magic Ring feature.

Another significant update in the Infinix Smart 8 is the introduction of a 90 Hz refresh rate. This enhancement allows for smoother animations and improved responsiveness when swiping across the screen, and it supports gaming at up to 90 FPS.

In terms of display quality, the YouTube channel Tdevelops stated that the screen performs well for social media and video viewing.

Although the display can reach a brightness level of up to 500 nits, which is sufficient for indoor use, it may be somewhat inadequate in bright outdoor conditions.

4. Enhanced Performance with UNISOC Tiger T606

The UNISOC Tiger T606 chipset, which powers various devices like the Samsung Galaxy A03, Tecno Spark 10C, ZTE Blade A72, and itel S23, now enhances the Infinix Smart 8 as well.

Compared to its predecessor, the Smart 7, which was equipped with the quad-core MediaTek Helio A22 SoC, the Smart 8 represents a significant performance leap.

According to Nano Review, the Tiger T606 achieves an AnTuTu 10 benchmark score of 239,545, which is 120% higher than the Helio A22’s score of 108,818.

The superior performance of the Tiger T606 stems from its eight-core configuration, including two Cortex A75 performance cores running at 1.6 GHz, and it features a Mali-G57 MP1 GPU at 650 MHz.

Nigerian Tech Reviewer Eugoson Quorch comments that the Infinix Smart 8 handles everyday tasks effectively, from browsing social media and multitasking across apps to playing casual games.

Infinix claims the device can smoothly manage up to 11 active apps simultaneously, a testament to its robust multitasking capabilities. The integration of Android 13 Go edition further enhances this smooth performance.

Eugoson Quorch also tested the device with EA Sports FC Mobile (formerly FIFA Mobile), which ran without issues, suggesting that popular games like Mobile Legends may perform similarly well on this device.

5. Storage and Memory Options

The Infinix Smart 8 is available in two variants: 3GB/64GB and 4GB/128GB. The latter option offers better performance and more storage space. However, for demanding modern games and applications, even 4GB of RAM may fall short as such applications require more resources for rendering graphics. This limitation can lead to performance degradation during intense gaming sessions.

Given this, reviewers generally do not recommend the Infinix Smart 8 for heavy gaming, though it remains adequate for casual and lighter gaming experiences. Priced at approximately 1 million IDR, it's challenging to find a smartphone in this range that excels in heavy gaming scenarios.

The Infinix Smart 8 is priced at around USD 68 IDR for the 3/64GB model and USD 77 for the 4/128GB model. It utilizes LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage, which is a step up from the eMMC storage typically found in this price segment, offering faster data processing and improved overall performance.

6. Decent Camera Performance

The Infinix Smart 8 features a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 13 MP f/1.8 primary camera and a 0.3 MP depth sensor.

However, only the primary camera actively participates in capturing images. This camera is further enhanced by four flashlights arranged in a ring that helps in low-light photography.

On the front, there is an 8 MP selfie camera equipped with a flash, which is quite unusual and beneficial for taking selfies and video calls in poorly lit environments.

Both the main and front cameras are capable of recording videos at 1080p and 30 FPS, though they lack a video stabilization feature.

According to samples reviewed on various YouTube channels, the camera performance is commendable, especially in outdoor settings during daylight, where it captures vivid colors and adequate detail.

Source: Megalite Unboxing

Source: Megalite Unboxing

The dynamic range and exposure handling are also sufficient, ensuring that both dark and bright areas in photos are reasonably detailed.

However, image quality tends to diminish in low-light conditions, such as indoors or at night, with noticeable reductions in detail and color vibrancy. This is a typical limitation observed in smartphones within the entry-level category.

7. Reliable Battery Life

The Infinix Smart 8 is powered by a robust 5000 mAh battery, which testers have reported comfortably lasts through a full day of normal usage.

The YouTube channel Bytes Unlocked stated that the battery consumption was only 25% after streaming videos on YouTube for three hours—a commendable performance.

Infinix asserts that the battery life extends up to 39 hours for voice calls and up to 50 hours for music playback. The smartphone also purportedly supports up to 36 hours of local video playback, showcasing its endurance.

8. Complete Sales Package

Source: Megalite Unboxing

Infinix is known for not cutting corners when it comes to including accessories in the sales package. The box typically includes a SIM ejector tool, a USB-C cable, a 10-watt charger, and a clear soft case.

This approach underlines Infinix’s commitment to customer convenience, allowing consumers to save on additional expenses that might otherwise be spent on essential accessories.

Cons of the Infinix Smart 8

While the Infinix Smart 8 is a budget-friendly phone, it does come with certain limitations. Whether these are dealbreakers or not will depend on your personal preferences.

1. No Ultrawide Camera

The Infinix Smart 8 has two rear cameras, but effectively, it only uses one for regular photos. The second camera is a depth sensor, which was initially popular for creating photos with blurred backgrounds. However, as phone technology has advanced, these depth sensors have become less critical.

It would have been more useful if the phone included an ultrawide camera instead of a depth sensor. Unfortunately, the Infinix Smart 8 lacks an ultrawide option. This omission is not uncommon in budget phones, as it helps keep the cost down.

2. Slow Charging Time

Although the Infinix Smart 8 has upgraded to a USB-C port, which is easier to connect than the older microUSB, it does not support fast charging. The phone can only handle a maximum of 10 Watts for charging.

With a large 5000 mAh battery, this results in a lengthy charging process. Reviewers have noted that it takes over three hours to fully charge the phone’s battery from zero. This could be inconvenient if you need to quickly power up your phone.

3. Limited Sensor Suite, Lacks NFC

The Infinix Smart 8 is equipped with only a few basic sensors: an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, and a fingerprint scanner. It doesn't have a light sensor, compass, and gyroscope, which limits some of its functionalities.

The absence of a gyroscope, often found in higher-priced phones, is understandable. However, missing a light sensor means the phone does not support automatic brightness adjustment, which can affect usability in varying lighting conditions. Similarly, without a compass sensor, the device cannot provide directional data, which can be essential for navigation apps.

Additionally, the Infinix Smart 8 does not include NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, which is increasingly important for tasks such as electronic payment and quick device pairing. This could be a drawback for users who rely on NFC for e-money transactions and other connectivity features.

Conclusion

The Infinix Smart 8 represents a notable improvement over its predecessor, the Infinix Smart 7, in terms of design and internal components.

These enhancements make the Smart 8 more appealing and comfortable for daily use. The inclusion of features like the Magic Ring, inspired by the Dynamic Island, adds a modern touch to the device.

Despite its upgrades, the Infinix Smart 8's entry-level positioning comes with certain limitations, such as its inability to handle demanding games and a reduced sensor array. Nonetheless, these drawbacks may not significantly impact users who need a basic, functional phone for light applications.

This phone might be ideal for different types of users, such as children who enjoy light gaming or older adults who need a straightforward, no-frills device.