The mid-range is still that great limit where we find a wide range of options to renew our mobile, this time we are going to compare two similar Xiaomi models, but with very important differences. We are talking about the Xiaomi Mi A3 that incorporates Android One and in front of it the Redmi Note 8T , a smartphone that includes MIUI 11.
Both options are on the minds of many users, especially for their value for money , where we opted for two phones that stand out for having exemplary performance without having to make a large outlay. The first to arrive was the Xiaomi Mi A3 , as a new step to its Android One range, the next was the Redmi Note 8T , adding a more basic option to what is already the Note 8 family.
Design and Displays
Starting with its construction, we find in the Xiaomi Mi A3 aluminum alloy, and in the Redmi Note 8T plastic. The design is very similar in both, with its cameras in an identical position , although with a fingerprint reader on the back of the Redmi Note 8T. On the front we find a U-shaped notch for the Xiaomi Mi A3 and a drop of water for the Redmi Note 8T, at the bottom the frame is not so reduced, even leaving space to include the name Redmi. As for the weight and dimensions, the Xiaomi Mi A3 is somewhat smaller and lighter, albeit just a little.
The screens of these devices show great difference, on the one hand the Mi A3 is 6.1 inches with AMOLED technology and resolution that remains in HD + . In front of this, the Redmi reaches 6.3 inches in IPS technology , given the jump to FullHD + , in short they are two different panels but each one with an aspect in its favor.
The same processor with different configuration
Both models have the Snapdragon 665 under the hood, a processor well known for its good results, octa-core and with a frequency of 2 GHz. As for the configuration options if we find changes, 4 GB only for the Mi A3 , before options of 3 and 4 GB of RAM in the Redmi Note 8T. The storage of the Mi A3 is available in 64 and 128 GB of storage, identical options to the Redmi Note 8T, where we also find 32 GB, but we do not recommend.
Different cameras
Cameras are an important element of our mobiles and the Xiaomi Mi A3 has a tough rival with its three lenses, formerly the quad camera of the Redmi Note 8T. They share a 48 Mpx main lens , they also do the same with the 8 Mpx wide angle and a 2 Mpx sensor for better results with portrait mode. However, the Redmi adds a macro option, to photograph the smallest elements.
On the front, the notch hides in the Xiaomi Mi A3 a large 32 Mpx lens and f / 2.0 aperture, something that contrasts with just 13 Mpx of the Redmi Note 8T . When recording videos, both are the same and allow us to achieve 4K, with auto focus and digital image stabilizer.
Battery and connectivity
Without the battery a device is nothing, so in this section it is very important to look at the differences, if any … In this case the Xiaomi Mi A3 with its 4,030 mAh is slightly higher than the 4,000 mAh of the Redmi Note 8T, both with 18W of power in its quick charge. The connectivity, however, if it has any surprises, the Xiaomi Mi A3 does not have NFC but does have an on-screen fingerprint reader. In the rest of the sections we do not miss anything, both include an audio jack , Bluetooth 5.0 and USB Type C.
The system will make a difference
It is the turn of one of the sections that can most affect our decision, the Xiaomi Mi A3 includes Android One, recently updated to Android 10 . This means that we find a system without add-ons or options that offer us the experience of the Google Pixel where we did not find too many customization options. On the other hand, the Redmi Note 8T has also just been updated to MIUI 11 , staying on Android 9 Pie, in this case the system includes many more options, functions and additions, but the final option will be in your hands.
Prices and purchase recommendation
The definitive moment arrives, where we find a difference of almost 50 euros in two mobiles with many similarities. With a price of 219 euros, the Xiaomi Mi A3 is the highest, something that is difficult for us to understand because it lacks NFC, an added lens in the back and only 30 mAh more. Before this the Redmi Note 8T loses in the results of the front camera but has MIUI 11, a very polished layer with many options added from 174 euros . If we have to keep one of them, we would surely go for the Redmi option with 64 GB of storage.
| – | Xiaomi Mi A3 | Redmi Note 8T |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.1 ″ AMOLED HD + 1560 x 720 px / 19.5: 9 / Corning Gorilla Glas 5 | 6.3 inch IPS FullHD + 19.5: 9 Corning gorilla Glass 5 |
| Size and weight | 153.58 x 71.85 x 8.45 mm / 173.8 grams | 161.2 x 75.4 x 8.6 mm / 199 grams |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 |
| RAM | 4GB | 3/4 GB |
| Storage | 64/128 GB | 32/64/128 GB |
| Camera | Rear: Triple 48 MP with f / 1.79 + 8 MP with f / 2.2 + 2 MP with f / 2.4 and Flash LED + PDAF + IA Front: 32 MP with f / 2.0 |
Quadruple rear: 48 MP f / 1.79 + 8 MP f / 2.2 Wide Angle + 2 MP f / 2.4 Macro + 2 MP f / 2.4 ToF Front: 13 MP |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac, dual-band, LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS A-GPS, GLONASS, FM Radio, USB Type-C, On-screen fingerprint reader | USB Type C, 4G / LTE, Dual SIM, Bluetooth 5, WiFi 802.11 ac Dual band, headphone jack, rear fingerprint reader, NFC |
| UI | Android 9 Pie with Android One | Android 9 Pie with MIUI |
| Battery | 4,030 mAh with 18W fast charge | 4,000 mAh with 18W fast charge |
| Price | From 219 euros | From 174 euros |
