Unveiling The Infinix Smart 8 HD: An Affordable Marvel Or A Budget Blunder?

Body: Design that Pops

The Smart 8 HD sports dimensions of 163.6×75.6×8.5 mm and a lightweight 184 g frame. With a glass front and a variety of colors - Crystal Green, Galaxy White, Shiny Gold, and Timber Black - it's a stylish companion for your everyday adventures. Here are the relevant specs:

When it comes to the body, the Infinix Smart 8 HD has a lot to offer, and comfort is at the forefront of its design philosophy. With its dimensions and weight, it strikes a balance between a substantial screen size and a comfortable grip. The slim profile and lightweight construction make it ideal for extended usage without causing hand fatigue. Toss it in your pocket, and you'll barely notice its presence.

The choice of materials in the Smart 8 HD's construction is a strategic move by Infinix. The glass front adds a touch of elegance, but it's the plastic back and frame that bring practicality to the table. Plastic, known for its resilience, ensures the device can handle the bumps and knocks of daily life without shattering. Using plastic keeps production costs down, contributing to the budget-friendly nature of the phone. And compared to some metal counterparts, the plastic build keeps the overall weight in check.

However, plastic may not exude the premium feel of metal or glass. It's a trade-off for the budget-conscious design.

The Infinix Smart 8 HD offers a spectrum of colors, each catering to different tastes and styles.

Vibrant and refreshing, Crystal Green is perfect for those who want their phone to stand out in a crowd.

Galaxy White is a classic choice that exudes simplicity and elegance, appealing to the minimalists.

For those who love a touch of luxury, Shiny Gold adds a hint of opulence to your device.

Sleek and understated, Timber Black is ideal for individuals who prefer a more muted and professional appearance.

Ultimately, the Smart 8 HD's body is crafted to provide a comfortable and visually appealing experience for users. Whether you're a fashion-forward trendsetter or someone who values practicality, the phone's design caters to a diverse range of personalities. It's a pocket-friendly companion that doesn't compromise on style or substance.

If we compare the Smart 8 HD with the predecessor Smart 7 HD, it's gotten a bit slimmer and appreciably lighter; the Smart 7 HD was 163.9×75.5×8.7 mm and 196 g. It also sported a glass front and plastic back and frame.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

One notable omission from the Infinix Smart 8 HD's feature list is an official IP rating for water and dust resistance. While this might raise an eyebrow for potential buyers, let's delve into whether it should be a deal-breaker and how users can safeguard their device from the environmental elements.

An IP rating provides a standardized measure of a device's resistance to dust and water. It is a nice-to-have, but not a must-have. Its lack doesn't necessarily mean your Infinix Smart 8 HD is defenseless against the elements. For users keen on protecting their investment, adopting some practical habits can go a long way:

• Avoid Water Exposure: While it might sound like common sense, avoiding direct exposure to water is crucial. Keep your phone away from pools, sinks, and heavy rain.
• Use a Protective Case: A quality protective case can act as a shield against accidental spills and light rain. Look for cases that cover all edges and have raised lips around the screen to prevent water seepage.
• Invest in a Screen Protector: A tempered glass screen protector adds an extra layer of defense against water and scratches.
• Handle with Care in Dusty Environments: Dust can be a silent phone killer. Avoid placing your device in dusty pockets or environments. Regularly clean ports and openings to prevent dust accumulation.

In conclusion, while the absence of an IP rating is a consideration, it shouldn't overshadow the Smart 8 HD's overall value. By incorporating practical protective measures, users can enjoy the device without constant worry. After all, a little TLC (tender loving care) goes a long way in maintaining the longevity and performance of any smartphone, regardless of its official water resistance status.

For comparison, the predecessor Infinix Smart 7 HD did not have an IP rating, either.

Display: Visual Treat on a Budget

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

The 6.6-inch IPS LCD display, running at a smooth 90 Hz, delivers vibrant visuals. With a resolution of 720×1612 pixels, it's not pushing the boundaries but offers a respectable 267 PPI density. Perfect for media consumption and casual gaming on the go.

Image credit: Flipkart

Here are the relevant specs:

The Infinix Smart 8 HD boldly steps into the spotlight with its 6.6-inch IPS LCD display, offering a visual treat that punches above its weight in the budget category. The In-Plane Switching (IPS) LCD technology that is at the heart of the Smart 8 HD's display brings a host of benefits to the user experience. IPS LCD panels are renowned for their wide viewing angles, ensuring that colors and details remain vivid even when viewed from the side. This is ideal for sharing content or catching up on your favorite show with a friend.

IPS LCD displays are good at accurate color reproduction. Expect true-to-life colors and balanced contrasts, enhancing your multimedia and gaming experiences. And these displays maintain consistent brightness levels across the screen, minimizing distortions in color and clarity.

The Smart 8 HD sets itself apart with a 90 Hz refresh rate. This higher refresh rate means smoother transitions and animations, resulting in a more responsive and enjoyable user experience. Navigating through menus, scrolling through social media feeds, and gaming all benefit from the heightened fluidity.

The 720×1612 pixels resolution on the Smart 8 HD strikes a balance between clarity and efficiency. For everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and general app usage, the 720p resolution holds its own. Text is sharp, and images are reasonably detailed. This resolution provides an adequate canvas for video playback, offering an enjoyable experience for streaming content. Colors pop, and you get a taste of the cinematic without sacrificing too much detail. And while the 720p resolution might not deliver the razor-sharp visuals that enthusiasts crave in high-end gaming, it provides a smooth and responsive gaming experience for casual and mid-tier games.

For users deeply invested in graphic-intensive gaming, video editing, or VR experiences, a higher resolution display may offer a more immersive and detailed visual experience. However, for the Smart 8 HD's target audience - budget-conscious users looking for an all-around performer - the 720p resolution strikes a commendable balance between visual quality and efficient performance.

The Smart 8 HD, with its 500 nits peak brightness, holds an advantage for outdoor use. In bright sunlight, a higher brightness can make a noticeable difference, ensuring that your screen remains readable without much struggle. However, it's worth noting that direct sunlight can challenge even the brightest screens. While this phone offers solid visibility, finding shade or adjusting the angle of your device can enhance the outdoor viewing experience.

In essence, the Infinix Smart 8 HD's display caters to the needs of its demographic, delivering vibrant visuals, smooth interactions, and a budget-friendly compromise that doesn't sacrifice the essentials. It's a visual feast for the everyday user who appreciates the sweet spot between affordability and performance.

For comparison, the predecessor Smart 7 HD featured a similar display but with a refresh rate of 60 Hz.

Networks

The Infinix Smart 8 HD, like the predecessor Smart 7 HD, supports the GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies.

GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality.

SIM

The Infinix Smart 8 HD, like the predecessor Smart 7 HD, supports dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by). This capability adds a layer of convenience for those juggling work and personal life on a single device.

Chipset

Driving the Smart 8 HD is the Unisoc T606 chipset, a budget-friendly yet capable choice. The octa-core CPU, consisting of two types of cores, paired with the Mali-G57 MP1 GPU, promises a satisfactory performance for day-to-day tasks and light gaming. Here are the relevant specs:

The Infinix Smart 8 HD doesn't just flaunt a sleek exterior; it packs a punch under the hood, thanks to its Unisoc T606 chipset, featuring a dynamic CPU duo and a trusty GPU. The Unisoc T606 is designed to deliver a balance between power efficiency and performance, catering to the demands of its budget-conscious user base. The CPU is the brain of the operation, and the Smart 8 HD boasts an octa-core configuration, comprising two distinct types of cores.

The two high-performance Cortex-A75 (1.6 GHz) cores act as the powerhouses, handling demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and app launches. While they consume more power, they ensure swift execution of resource-intensive processes.

With the remaining six Cortex-A55 (1.6 GHz) cores, efficiency is the name of the game. They handle lighter tasks, ensuring optimal power consumption for mundane, everyday activities. Despite having the same clock speed as the A75 cores, they excel in power efficiency, conserving battery life during less demanding operations.

While both sets of cores share the same clock speed, the difference lies in their design and purpose. The A75 cores focus on raw power, excelling in performance-demanding tasks. In contrast, the A55 cores prioritize energy efficiency, ensuring that the phone doesn't drain its battery unnecessarily during lighter operations. This dynamic combination results in a harmonious blend of power and efficiency, providing an optimal user experience across various usage scenarios.

The Mali-G57 MP1 GPU is the graphics processing unit responsible for rendering visuals and ensuring a smooth gaming and multimedia experience.

The Smart 8 HD's processing capabilities make it well-suited for everyday tasks; smooth multitasking, web browsing, social media, and general app usage are handled with ease. The device performs admirably with casual and mid-tier games, providing an enjoyable gaming experience.

However, for users engaging in resource-intensive tasks like graphic-intensive gaming, demanding video editing, or running multiple heavy applications simultaneously, a configuration with higher-end CPU and GPU components might be more suitable. These tasks demand the raw processing power and graphical capabilities found in flagship or midrange devices.

In essence, the Smart 8 HD strikes a commendable balance, offering ample processing prowess for its target audience, while those with heavy-duty computational needs might find solace in more high-end configurations. It's a testament to Infinix's thoughtful design, ensuring that the phone meets the demands of everyday users without breaking the bank.

For comparison, the predecessor Smart 7 HD featured an octa-core CPU with 1.6 GHz cores.

Memory Management

Here are the relevant specs:

Equipped with 3 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage (UFS 2.2), expandable via microSDXC, the Smart 8 HD ensures smooth multitasking and ample space for your apps and media.

For comparison, the predecessor Smart 7 HD offered 2 GB RAM and 64 GB UFS 2.1 internal storage. It also sported a microSDXC card slot.

Cameras: Photography on a Budget

The dual-camera setup, featuring a 13 MP primary lens and a 0.08 MP auxiliary lens, brings a touch of versatility. With Ring-LED flash, panorama, and HDR, it aims to capture your moments vividly. The 8 MP front camera ensures your selfies are Instagram-ready.

Rear Camera

Image credit: Flipkart

The Infinix Smart 8 HD enters the photography arena equipped with a dual-camera setup that aims to capture your moments with flair and versatility. Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	Infinix Smart 8 HD
Number of Cameras	2 (Dual)
Resolution (Megapixels)	13 MP (wide), 0.08 MP (auxiliary lens)
Focal Length	27 mm, N/A
Aperture	f/1.8, N/A
Autofocus	AF, N/A
Video Recording	1080p at 30 fps
Other Features	Ring-LED flash, panorama, HDR

The primary camera setup comprises two lenses, each playing a distinct role to ensure a well-rounded photography experience. The wide lens (27 mm, f/1.8) serves as the workhorse, capturing your everyday moments with a 13 MP sensor. The wide-angle design ensures that you can frame more content in a single shot, making it ideal for landscapes, group photos, and general photography.

While the auxiliary 0.08 MP lens might seem modest in terms of megapixels, it adds a touch of versatility to the camera setup. This is an AI module that assists the main lens, contributing to better shots and enhancing the overall imaging capabilities.

The Infinix Smart 8 HD comes loaded with features that elevate your photography game. Auto Focus (AF) ensures that your shots are sharp and focused. Whether capturing a moving subject or locking onto a specific detail, the Smart 8 HD's AF feature aims to make every shot a winner.

The Ring-LED flash steps in when lighting conditions are less than ideal. Whether you're snapping photos in low light or adding a creative touch to your portraits, the flash ensures that your subjects are well-lit and vibrant.

The Panorama mode widens your perspective, allowing you to capture sweeping landscapes or fit in a large group of friends effortlessly. It's the perfect tool for creating visually stunning and immersive photos.

And HDR (High Dynamic Range) enhances your photos by balancing exposure in challenging lighting conditions. Whether you're shooting against the sun or capturing intricate details in shadows, HDR ensures that your images boast vibrant colors and optimal contrast.

The dual-camera setup, combined with these features, empowers users to tell their visual story with creativity and precision. From well-lit portraits to expansive landscapes, the Smart 8 HD endeavors to be your pocket-sized photography companion.

While the camera setup brings versatility, it's essential to manage expectations. The Smart 8 HD's camera is tailored for everyday photography and casual moments. For users seeking advanced photography capabilities, especially in low-light conditions or demanding scenarios, a higher-tier camera configuration may be more fitting.

The main camera setup of the Smart 8 HD is an upgrade over the older Smart 7 HD, which featured a dual camera setup consisting of an 8 MP (f/2.0) lens and a 0.08 MP auxiliary lens. It could record 1080p videos at 30 fps, and its feature set included dual-LED flash, panorama, and HDR.

Battery Beast

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

The powerhouse is fueled by a non-removable 5000 mAh Li-Po battery, supporting 10 W wired charging and reverse wired functionality. Expect a device that can keep up with your daily demands.

For comparison, the older Smart 7 HD had a similar battery and charging setup, but it did not support reverse wireless charging.

Sound

With a loudspeaker and a 3.5 mm jack, your auditory needs are met. Here are the relevant specs:

For comparison, the older Smart 7 HD had a similar audio setup.

Connectivity

The Infinix Smart 8 HD covers the connectivity essentials. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.

The Infinix Smart 8 HD boasts Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.

Lost? Not with the positioning capabilities of the Infinix Smart 8 HD! It supports GPS. This means your phone always knows where you are.

The absence of NFC might be a drawback for users keen on contactless payments.

The inclusion of FM radio adds a touch of nostalgia for those who love the classic radio experience and like to keep it old school.

Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your device to act as host and connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives, keyboards, cameras, and more, without needing a computer as an intermediary.

Sensors

The Infinix Smart 8 HD comes equipped with the following sensors:

• Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the Infinix Smart 8 HD.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
• Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Infinix Smart 8 HD release date?

  The Infinix Smart 8 HD has been announced on the 8th December, 2023. It is expected to release on the 13th December, 2023.

• What is Infinix Smart 8 HD price?

  The Infinix Smart 8 HD is priced INR 6299 (about USD 76).