Redmi Note 8 Pro Vs Samsung A70 Three Years Later Which Phone Is The Better Buy

When the Redmi Note 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A70 launched in 2019, they represented two different philosophies in mid-range smartphone design. Xiaomi focused on raw power and aggressive pricing, while Samsung leaned into premium materials and software refinement. Three years later, both phones are long past their prime support cycles — but many users still rely on them daily. For someone shopping secondhand or looking for an emergency backup device, the question remains: which of these aging contenders offers better long-term value today?

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about real-world usability, app compatibility, battery longevity, software resilience, and repairability. After extensive testing, user feedback analysis, and field reports from technicians, we’ve evaluated both devices through the lens of 2024 practicality.

Performance Over Time: Chipset and Real-World Speed

The heart of any smartphone’s longevity lies in its chipset. The Redmi Note 8 Pro was powered by the MediaTek Helio G90T — a gaming-focused processor at launch, built on a 12nm process. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy A70 used Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 675, also on 11nm, with a reputation for balanced efficiency and moderate performance.

In 2019, benchmarks favored the Helio G90T in CPU-heavy tasks and gaming. However, over time, thermal throttling and inconsistent driver optimization have diminished its real-world edge. By 2024, many Note 8 Pro units show lag when multitasking or launching heavier apps like Chrome or WhatsApp with multiple media files open.

The Snapdragon 675, while not faster on paper, benefits from superior long-term driver support and better memory management. Samsung’s more conservative clock speeds result in less heat buildup, meaning sustained performance holds up better over extended use. In side-by-side tests today, the A70 often feels more responsive during everyday navigation despite having slightly lower peak performance.

Tip: If you're using either phone now, disable animations in Developer Options to improve perceived responsiveness.

Battery Life and Charging: Who Lasts Longer Today?

Battery degradation is inevitable after three years, especially with daily charging cycles. The Redmi Note 8 Pro came with a 5,000mAh battery and 18W fast charging. The A70 had a slightly smaller 4,500mAh unit but supported 25W fast charging via USB-PD.

In current condition, most used units show significant wear. However, the A70’s battery management system, combined with Samsung’s adaptive power-saving features (still functional even without updates), helps extend usable life. Users report the A70 maintaining around 60–70% capacity on average, compared to the Note 8 Pro’s frequent drop below 50%, particularly in high-usage scenarios.

Xiaomi’s MIUI tends to run background services more aggressively, accelerating drain. Even with aggressive battery saver modes enabled, the larger battery doesn’t always translate to longer screen-on time in practice.

“After three years, software efficiency matters more than initial battery size. Poor optimization can erase hardware advantages.” — Rajiv Mehta, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Software Support and Security: The Hidden Lifespan Factor

One area where Samsung clearly outshines Xiaomi in this comparison is software longevity. The Galaxy A70 received three major Android upgrades (from Android 9 to Android 12) and monthly security patches until late 2022. While it no longer receives updates, the final build of One UI 4.1 on Android 12 ensures compatibility with most modern apps as of 2024.

In contrast, the Redmi Note 8 Pro launched with Android 9 and received only one major upgrade to Android 10 (MIUI 12). Updates ceased in early 2021, leaving it on an outdated OS with known vulnerabilities. Many banking and government apps now refuse to run on Android 10 or earlier due to security concerns.

This makes the A70 a safer choice for anyone needing access to secure platforms, even casually. Google Play Protect increasingly flags older Android versions as high-risk, affecting app availability and functionality.

Update Timeline Comparison

Feature	Redmi Note 8 Pro	Samsung Galaxy A70
Launch OS	Android 9 (MIUI 10)	Android 9 (One UI 1.1)
Final OS	Android 10 (MIUI 12)	Android 12 (One UI 4.1)
Major Updates	1	3
Last Security Patch	Early 2021	Late 2022
App Compatibility (2024)	Limited	Good

Build Quality and Durability: Surviving Daily Wear

Physical resilience plays a big role in whether a phone remains usable after years of use. The A70 featured a glass back and plastic frame, giving it a sleek, premium look. However, that glass back is prone to cracking from drops — a common complaint among users. Replacement backs are expensive and require professional resealing.

The Redmi Note 8 Pro used a polycarbonate body with a faux-glass finish. Less elegant, but far more impact-resistant. Most units found in the secondhand market today show fewer structural damages despite similar age and usage patterns. Its speaker grille and USB port design also resist dust accumulation better than the A70’s flush-mounted layout.

However, the Note 8 Pro’s side-mounted fingerprint sensor has shown higher failure rates over time due to mechanical wear. The A70’s optical under-display sensor, while slower initially, has proven more durable in long-term use.

Tip: When buying either phone used, test all sensors, speakers, and charging ports thoroughly — aged units often have hidden hardware issues.

User Case: Still Relying on the A70 in 2024

Karina, a freelance delivery coordinator in Jakarta, has used her Galaxy A70 since 2019 as her primary work phone. She relies on Google Maps, WhatsApp, Gojek, and mobile banking apps. In 2023, she considered upgrading but delayed due to cost.

“It slows down sometimes, especially when switching between apps,” she says. “But I never had a crash. My bank app works, GPS is accurate, and the screen is still bright enough outdoors.”

She replaced the battery last year for $18 and uses a protective case. Her experience reflects a broader trend: Samsung’s ecosystem integration and stable software allow older devices to remain functional longer, even without updates.

In contrast, several Note 8 Pro users reported being locked out of digital wallets or ride-hailing apps due to unsupported OS versions — a dealbreaker for essential services.

Value for Money Today: What Can You Expect?

As of 2024, both phones sell for $50–$80 in the refurbished market, depending on condition. At this price point, expectations must be realistic: neither is suitable as a primary device for heavy social media, gaming, or productivity use.

But for light tasks — calls, messaging, basic web browsing, offline music — both can serve as backups or emergency phones. Here, the A70 pulls ahead due to:

• Better app compatibility
• Newer Android version
• More reliable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi stability
• Superior call quality and speaker clarity

The Note 8 Pro retains appeal for tinkerers. Its root-friendly bootloader and active custom ROM community mean developers can flash newer Android versions (like LineageOS) to extend usability. But this requires technical skill and voids any remaining warranty.

Checklist: Buying a Used Note 8 Pro or A70 in 2024

1. Verify the Android version and security patch date
2. Test all sensors (fingerprint, accelerometer, proximity)
3. Check for swollen batteries or charging inconsistencies
4. Inspect screen for burn-in or unresponsive touch areas
5. Ensure Google account removal (FRP status) if resetting
6. Confirm speaker and microphone function
7. Evaluate storage health — avoid units with slow write speeds

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Redmi Note 8 Pro run WhatsApp in 2024?

Yes, but with limitations. WhatsApp officially supports Android 5.0 and above, so technically it runs. However, some users report verification issues, failed message sends, or crashes due to deprecated APIs. Performance degrades significantly with large group chats or media-heavy threads.

Is the Samsung A70 waterproof?

No. Despite its glass design, the A70 lacks official IP certification. Some incidental splash resistance exists due to sealed ports, but submersion or heavy rain can cause permanent damage. Do not expose to water.

Which phone has better camera performance today?

Cameras degrade differently. The A70’s 32MP front shooter still captures decent selfies in good light, while the Note 8 Pro’s 64MP main sensor produces noisy images in low light due to aging pixel bins. Neither matches modern computational photography, but the A70’s color accuracy and HDR processing hold up better in daylight shots.

Final Verdict: Which Is the Better Buy Now?

While the Redmi Note 8 Pro offered more headline-grabbing specs at launch, the Samsung Galaxy A70 emerges as the better long-term investment — even three years later. Its superior software support, stronger app compatibility, and more consistent performance make it more viable for basic modern use.

The Note 8 Pro isn’t obsolete, but its usefulness is narrowing. Unless you’re comfortable sideloading apps, managing permissions manually, or installing custom firmware, it will frustrate more than help in daily use.

If you’re considering either phone today, prioritize condition, battery health, and software version over cosmetic appeal. And remember: no phone from 2019 should be your first choice for critical tasks. But if necessity calls, the A70 delivers more reliability when it counts.

🚀 Still using a 2019 phone? Share your experience below. Help others decide what really lasts — and what’s ready to retire.