Xiaomi Poco X8 Pro vs Nothing Phone 4a: Which smartphone to buy under Rs 35,000

Xiaomi's Poco brand has unveiled its latest contender in the mid-range smartphone market—the Poco X8 Pro, now available in India for under Rs 35,000. This new device steps into the ring against the recently launched Nothing Phone 4a, making it an exciting time for consumers looking for quality smartphones within this budget. When it comes to design, the Poco X8 Pro boasts an elegant appearance, featuring an aluminum frame and a glass front protected by Gorilla Glass 7i. Its IP68/IP69K ratings for water and dust resistance add to its durability, measuring 8.4 mm in thickness and weighing 201 grams. In contrast, the Nothing Phone 4a stands out with its unique transparent back and Glyph Bar. However, it utilizes a plastic build, which may not appeal to everyone. The latter also incorporates Gorilla Glass 7i but offers only an IP64 rating for water resistance. In terms of display technology, the Poco X8 Pro features a 6.59-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and impressive peak brightness of 3500 nits. On the other hand, the Nothing Phone 4a impresses with a larger 6.78-inch AMOLED display, maintaining the 120Hz refresh rate while achieving a peak brightness of 4500 nits, making it a brighter option for users. Performance-wise, the Poco X8 Pro is equipped with a Mediatek Dimensity 8500 Ultra processor, complemented by up to 12GB of RAM, positioning it as a powerhouse for intensive tasks like gaming. Conversely, the Nothing Phone 4a runs on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor with the same RAM capacity, making it suitable for everyday use while still handling various applications efficiently. Battery life is another highlight, with the Poco X8 Pro featuring a robust 6500mAh battery that supports rapid 100W charging. The Nothing Phone 4a, with its 5400mAh battery (or 5080mAh globally), supports 50W wired charging. Photography enthusiasts might lean toward the Poco X8 Pro, which includes a dual-camera setup with a 50MP main camera and an 8MP ultrawide lens, paired with a 20MP front-facing camera for selfies. In comparison, the Nothing Phone 4a offers a triple-camera arrangement that also includes a 50MP main camera, a 50MP telephoto lens with 3.5x zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide camera, along with a 32MP selfie camera. When it comes to pricing, the Poco X8 Pro starts at Rs 32,999 for the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant and goes up to Rs 35,999 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB version. The Nothing Phone 4a is priced at Rs 31,999 for its 8GB + 128GB model, with additional configurations available at Rs 34,999 for the 8GB + 256GB and Rs 37,999 for the 12GB + 256GB options. As both smartphones vie for attention in the mid-range category, consumers will have to weigh their preferences in design, performance, and camera capabilities to make the best choice for their needs.