Should you buy this budget friendly smartphone with 13 MP camera at just Rs 6,299?

In the ever-evolving landscape of budget-friendly smartphones, the Infinix Smart series has entered the arena with its latest offering, the Smart 8 HD, priced at Rs 6,299 (as of the time of writing on Flipkart). In our quick review, we explore the device's design, display, camera capabilities, performance, software, and battery life to provide you with a comprehensive overview.

Design and Display

Constructed with high-quality plastic, the Infinix Smart 8 HD boasts an aesthetically appealing design that resists smudges and fingerprints. The device features a traditional camera module with two cameras and an LED ring. Despite being slightly heavy, the phone offers a comfortable grip. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner enhances security, though integrating it into the display could have been an alternative. Notably, the inclusion of a USB Type-C port, a bottom-edge speaker grille, and a 3.5mm headphone jack sets it apart in today's market. The 6.6-inch display with HD+ resolution adds to the visual experience.

Cameras: Decent Performer with Room for Improvement

Equipped with a 13MP primary camera and AI lens at the rear, the Smart 8 HD captures decent pictures in well-lit conditions. However, low-light performance is a bit lacking. The 8MP selfie shooter performs well in daylight, offering vibrant colors and acceptable details. Yet, low-light selfies exhibit some graininess. Despite features like Super Night mode and quad LED lights, the small sensor struggles to capture sufficient details in challenging lighting conditions.

Performance and Software: Entry-Level Efficiency

Powered by the Unisoc T606 SoC, coupled with 6GB RAM (including 3GB virtual) and 64GB of storage, the Smart 8 HD shows slight delays in responsiveness and multitasking, especially with graphic-intensive applications. However, it proves reliable for everyday activities like messaging, communication, and streaming. Running on the custom XOS skin with Android 13 Go, the device offers a clean interface with minimal pre-installed bloatware, contributing to a user-friendly experience.

Battery and Charging Speeds: Dependable Backup with Room for Improvement

The 5,000mAh battery provides decent backup for regular usage, delivering around 5 hours of battery life. However, the absence of fast charging is notable, as the 10W charging solution takes over 2 hours for a full 0-100% charge.

Verdict

Priced competitively, the Infinix Smart 8 HD brings unique texture, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and a capable camera for well-lit conditions. The Unisoc T606 SoC ensures reliability for essential tasks. While the device caters to basic requirements at a low price point, it faces stiff competition in the budget segment from other smartphone manufacturers continually innovating in this space.