The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Infinix Hot 10 offers a reliable, established platform, while the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G throws 5G connectivity into the mix alongside a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Infinix Hot 10’s Helio G70, and the inclusion of 5G future-proofs the device. While battery life is comparable, the Poco offers a more compelling overall package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 17. Released 2020, October 17 | 2021, May 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 171.1 x 77.6 x 8.9 mm (6.74 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) | 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.37 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, XOS 6.0 | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Obsidian Black, Amber Red, Moonlight Jade, Ocean Wave | Poco Yellow, Power Black, Cool Blue |
| Models | X682B, X682C, MZ-Infinix X682B, MZ-Infinix X682C | M2103K19PG, M2103K19PI, M2103K19PY |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 121h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1475:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.9 LUFS (Good)
|
Infinix Hot 10
- Reliable and established platform
- Comparable battery life to Poco M3 Pro 5G
- Potentially lower price point
- Older Helio G70 chipset
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Likely lower peak display brightness
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G
- Faster Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- May be slightly more expensive
- 18W charging isn't the fastest available
- Camera details are limited
Display Comparison
Both devices feature similar contrast ratios around 1475:1, suggesting comparable image quality in terms of black levels. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 536 nits, significantly brighter than what is available on the Hot 10 (no data available, but likely lower given the chipset and price point). This translates to better visibility outdoors. While both lack high refresh rates, the Poco’s brighter display provides a more enjoyable viewing experience in various lighting conditions.
Camera Comparison
Both phones list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Given the price bracket, image quality will likely be similar in good lighting conditions. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G’s chipset likely offers superior image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially leading to better low-light performance and more refined image processing. The absence of details regarding sensor size and aperture makes a definitive comparison impossible, but the Dimensity 700’s ISP is a key advantage.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco M3 Pro 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) utilizes Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, offering a substantial architectural advantage over the Infinix Hot 10’s Helio G70 (12nm) with its Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. The 7nm process also contributes to better power efficiency. This means the Poco will handle multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications with greater ease and potentially less thermal throttling. The Dimensity 700 also integrates a 5G modem, a feature absent in the Hot 10.
Battery Life
Both the Infinix Hot 10 and the Poco M3 Pro 5G achieve an endurance rating of 121 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage scenarios. The Poco M3 Pro 5G supports 18W wired charging, while the Hot 10’s charging speed is unspecified. While the mAh capacity isn’t listed for either device, the Dimensity 700’s 7nm efficiency could offset any potential battery capacity differences, maintaining similar real-world usage times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 10 if you prioritize a proven track record and don't require 5G connectivity. It's a solid option for basic smartphone tasks and media consumption. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G if you want faster performance, 5G capabilities, and a more modern chipset, making it ideal for users who want a phone that can handle more demanding apps and future network upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Poco M3 Pro 5G's 5G connectivity actually make a difference in real-world use?
Currently, 5G coverage is still limited. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G future-proofs your investment. As 5G networks expand, you'll be able to experience significantly faster download and upload speeds, especially in areas with strong 5G signal. The Infinix Hot 10 will remain limited to 4G speeds.
❓ I play mobile games like PUBG Mobile. Which phone is better for gaming?
The Poco M3 Pro 5G is the clear winner for gaming. The Dimensity 700’s more powerful Cortex-A76 cores and improved GPU performance will deliver higher frame rates and smoother gameplay compared to the Helio G70 in the Infinix Hot 10. While neither phone is a dedicated gaming device, the Poco offers a noticeably better experience.
❓ How significant is the difference between the 12nm and 7nm manufacturing processes?
The 7nm process used in the Dimensity 700 is significantly more efficient than the 12nm process in the Helio G70. This means the Dimensity 700 consumes less power for the same level of performance, resulting in better battery life and reduced thermal throttling during demanding tasks.
