Infinix Smart 8 HD Review: Redefining Affordable Smartphones Segment!

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2023-12-30
Ajay Kumar

Infinix India, recognized as a reputable brand in the smartphone industry, has consistently delivered quality devices tailored to the needs of budget-conscious consumers. The Infinix Smart series, a testament to the brand's commitment to the entry-level segment, has consistently offered commendable smartphones at affordable price points.

Building on this legacy, Infinix introduces the Smart 8HD, showcasing the brand's dedication to innovation within the budget-friendly smartphone market. The device stands out as the first in its segment to feature a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a 90Hz refresh rate display, and an impressive 8MP selfie camera. These innovative additions not only underscore Infinix's commitment to enhancing user experience but also position the Smart 8HD as a noteworthy contender in the entry-level smartphone landscape. As we delve deeper into the review, we'll explore how these features contribute to the device's real-world performance and whether it lives up to the expectations set by its predecessors.

 

The Infinix Smart series, catering to buyers in the entry-level segment, has come with several innovative features within this segment. The handset is said to be the segment’s first to offer a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, 90Hz refresh rate display, and a high-res 8MP selfie camera.

Do these features truly shine in the smartphone’s real-world usage? Find out in this Infinix Smart 8HD review. Read on.

Design and Display

The Infinix Smart 8HD is crafted from high-quality plastic with a sophisticated timber texture finish at the back. This not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also keeps the device clean from fingerprints and smudges. The phone ditches the traditional camera module for a unique setup with three individual rings—two for the cameras and one for the LED ring.

Featuring a 6.6-inch display with a punch-hole setup, 90Hz refresh rate, and HD+ resolution, the Smart 8HD offers a visually appealing experience. Despite bezels, especially at the bottom, the display provides decent viewing for movies and shows indoors. However, outdoor visibility and viewing angles are somewhat limited. Occasional touch issues may arise, possibly fixable with a software update.

Camera Quality

In the optics department, the Smart 8HD sports a 13MP primary camera with an AI lens at the back, while selfies and video calling rely on an 8MP front camera. While the camera modes are limited and auto-focus can exhibit jitteriness, the device performs well in well-lit areas. Vibrant colors, decent details, and an acceptable dynamic range make it suitable for everyday photography.

The 8MP front camera delivers respectable facial detailing and color accuracy in daylight, though performance in lowlight conditions is average. The Super Night mode and quad LED lights aim to enhance lowlight images but struggle due to the small sensor.

Space and Performance

Powering the Infinix Smart 8HD is the Unisoc T606 SoC, coupled with 6GB of RAM (including 3GB virtual) and 64GB of onboard storage. As an entry-level smartphone, it doesn't offer lightning-fast performance, but the device manages regular tasks efficiently. The custom XOS skin atop Android 13 Go ensures a relatively clean and easy-to-use UI, thanks to Infinix's efforts in minimizing bloatware.

Battery and Charging Speeds

Equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, the Infinix Smart 8HD provides a decent backup for everyday use. With approximately five and a half hours of screen-on-time for tasks like browsing, checking emails, and streaming videos, it meets the expectations of its target audience. However, the 10W charging solution may feel a bit sluggish, taking more than two hours for a full 0-100 percent charge.

After-Sale Service from Carlcare

Ensuring customer satisfaction, Carlcare, as the authorized service provider for Infinix, offers prompt and personalized service. Having pan-India presence ( over 1100 service centers in 750+ towns) and trained staff, Carlcare reassures users that assistance is readily available in case of any issues or concerns with their Infinix Smart 8HD. With Carlcare App, users will be able to enjoy a host of service like Service center location, spare price check, online warranty check and repair reservation, right at their fingertips.

In conclusion, the Infinix Smart 8HD manages to redefine affordable smartphones by incorporating innovative features within the entry-level segment. While it may not compete with higher-end models, it offers a balanced mix of design, display, camera capabilities, and after-sale service, making it a commendable choice for budget-conscious consumers.