The latest Infinix Note 8 and Note 8i were launched in Nigeria on October 30, 2020, as the direct successor of the Note 7 series. We didn’t expect Infinix to release another segment this year after Note 7 was launched earlier April 2020. It is quite shocking to see that Infinix mobile is offering these amazing mid-range phones at such quality specs for this price tag.
However, the flagship Infinix Note 8 has more features than Note 8i though the two smartphones resemble each other in their designs. There are lots of improved features on the Infinix Note 8 and Note 8i, starting from the design, camera specs, processors, and to the latest stereo speakers.
The latest Infinix phablets can be a strong competitor to the Realmi Ci and Poco M2. Why the two devices have leveled against each other, we’ve reviewed and clarified the Infinix Note 8 and Note 8i and bring out their full specs, features, and prices in the Nigerian market.
Infinix Note 8 and Note 8i: Design and Display
The Infinix Note 8 and Note 8i are similar that it’ll be hard for you to differentiate between them except when you take a closer look at them because the Note 8 variant is quite bigger. The two smartphones are made with plastic panels while the glass is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Infinix Mobile also maintains that modern gen cutout texture on the rear of the Note 8 series for transparency.
We have a large cluster of colors as the two devices completely sports different color options. The Infinix Note 8 comes in Silver Diamond, Iceland Fantasy, and Deepsea Luster, while the Note 8i debut in Tranquil Blue, Obsidian Black, and Ice Diamond color options.
At the rear side of the smartphones is a rectangular camera bump, although it’s kind of outdated, but it added to the design of the Note 8 and Note 8i. Just like the Note 7 Series, Infinix still retained the side-mounted fingerprint sensor which is placed along with the power button and volume rocker. Infinix also integrated dual stereo speakers coupled with DTS and 4 modes to give you the best sound experience.
At the bottom is the 3.5mm headphone jack, coupled with a USB-C port, and the stereo speaker grill. Unfortunately, Infinix still altered the X-stylus pen just like they did in Note 7. However, the two phones weigh differently with the Note 8 weighing slightly higher at 206g, while the Note 8i weighs 205g.
The Infinix Note 8 sports a bigger screen size of 6.95-inches HD+ IPS display while the Note 8i debuts a 6.78-inches HD+ IPS LCD. The two smartphones feature a dot-hole notch for the dual selfie cameras. The screen comes with 720 × 1640 pixels resolution with an aspect ratio of 20.5:9, and 480nits brightness.
The Infinix Note 8 and Note 8i are specifically made for people who don’t like having bezels on their phones as the Note 8 display covers even the thinnest bezel. Considering its big size, the Infinix Note 8 and Note 8i can also be used as tablets. They’re the best options for gaming and movie lovers as you can watch and play your favorite games at 720p.
Infinix Note 8 and Note 8i: Camera Review
On the camera side, the flagship of the series, Note 8 comes with a quad-camera set-up with a 64-MP primary shooter with autofocus lens, 2-MP macro lens, 2-MP depth sensor, and an AI lens coupled with quad-LED flash. On the front, there’s a dual 16-MP + 2-MP lens for the selfie camera.
Contrary to that, the Note 8i also feature a quad-camera set-up with a 48-MP primary lens, 2-MP macro lens, 2-MP depth sensor, and an AI camera along with a dual-LED flash. Unlike the Note 8, it features a single 8-MP front camera for crisp, and bright selfie.
Infinix during the virtual launching reveals that the Note 8 and 8i cameras are equipped with auto-focus (AF), and fixed-focus (FF) technology. However, the Note 8 cameras can take more quality photos than the Note 8i.
Infinix Note 8 and Note 8i: Performances, Storage, and Software
Under the hood, the Infinix Note 8 and Note 8i are powered by MediaTek Helio G80 chipset. A massive upgrade from the Note 7 (Helio G70) processors. The Infinix Note 8 series processors are paired with 6GB RAM, and 128GB inbuilt storage. However, the Note 8 storage can be expanded up to 2TB whereas Note 8i can use cards of up to 512GB via the dedicated SDcard slots.
Though we experienced fast performances on the Note 7, the Note 8 series is going to be faster because of their higher processors. The graphics are tagged at Mali-G52 2EEMC2. The new processors are amazing that you won’t experience any laggings while playing games or switching between apps. They’re the best Note smartphones for gamers who love playing high-end games like PUBG, Asphalt 9, Call of Duty, etc with their mobile phones.
The Infinix Note 8 series runs on the latest Android v10 based Infinix XOS 7.1 on top. The Infinix latest skin comes with amazing features such as Game Mode for faster gaming performance, Social Turbo, WhatsApp status saver, and stickers, Video beauty Modes, and a smart panel that lets you access your previously used apps.
Infinix Note 8 and Note 8i: Battery Performance
On the battery side, there’s a significant battery increase from Note 7. The Infinix Note 8 and Note 8i are powered by Li-Po 5200mAh non-removable battery along with 18W Type-C fast charging. So far, the smartphones can last more than 48 hours on moderate usage. With the 18w fast charging, you can fully charge the device within 2 hours of constant charge.
Infinix Note 8 and Note 8i: Price and Availability
The Infinix Note 8 and Note 8i were launched on October 30, 2020, during the virtual launching endorsed by Davido. The Note 8 is now available for pre-order and you stand a chance of getting free wireless ear piece and a backpack. The Infinix Note 8 is currently sold for ₦90,000 ($236). However, the price of the Note 8i is yet to be released by Infinix but it’s expected to be between ₦75,000-₦85,000.
