Introduction

The Smart 8 (X6525, X6525D) arrived on my desk promising a lot for its price point: a large, high-refresh-rate display, a substantial battery, and a decent camera setup. After several weeks of rigorous testing, including everyday usage, gaming, and video streaming, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review of this Middle East version.

Features

The Smart 8 boasts a 6.6-inch 90Hz Magic Ring Fluid Punch-Hole display, which is immediately striking. The colors are vibrant, and the high refresh rate makes scrolling and gaming incredibly smooth. The 5000mAh battery is a real standout, consistently lasting well over a day on a single charge, even with heavy usage. The dual SIM capability is a welcome addition for those who need to manage two numbers. Other features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner (which is remarkably fast and accurate), face unlock, and a 13MP dual AI camera with a ring flash.

Performance

With 2GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, performance is adequate for everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and social media. However, it does struggle a bit with more demanding applications and multitasking. Gaming performance is acceptable for casual games, but expect some lag in graphically intensive titles. The Android operating system runs smoothly enough, although updates might be less frequent compared to flagship devices. The Type-C charging is a plus, offering faster charging speeds compared to older micro-USB standards.

The camera, while not top-tier, performs adequately in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance is less impressive, with noticeable noise in photos. Video recording is acceptable for casual use, but don’t expect cinematic quality.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Large and smooth display, long-lasting battery, fast fingerprint scanner, dual SIM support, affordable price.
• Cons: Limited RAM can cause lag during multitasking, camera performance is average, especially in low light.

Final Verdict

The Smart 8 (X6525, X6525D) provides excellent value for its price. The impressive battery life and large, fluid display are definite highlights. While the performance isn’t top-tier, it’s more than sufficient for casual users. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with a long-lasting battery and a great screen, this is a solid choice. However, those who demand high-performance gaming or professional-grade photography might want to consider other options.

My personal recommendation? If you prioritize battery life and screen quality over raw processing power, the Smart 8 is a worthwhile purchase. The downsides are manageable considering the overall value.