Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The Infinix Hot 10s NFC and Hot 10 Play are popular contenders. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 10s NFC is the clear winner, offering significantly better performance thanks to its Helio G85 chipset. While the Hot 10 Play is more affordable, the Hot 10s NFC's superior processing power and NFC capabilities make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 21 | 2021, January 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 12 | Available. Released 2021, January 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 171.5 x 77.5 x 9.2 mm (6.75 x 3.05 x 0.36 in) | 171.8 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.76 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 207 g (7.30 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 440 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 7.6 | Android 10 (Go edition), XOS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0, 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | NFC | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 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, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Purple, Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean | Aegean Blue, Morandi Green, Obsidian Black, Purple |
| Models | - | X688C, X688B, MZ-Infinix X688C |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 32GB 2GB RAM | - | ₹ 8,709 |
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | Rp 1,570,000 |
Infinix Hot 10s NFC
- Significantly better performance
- NFC support
- Better camera quality
- More versatile camera system
- Larger RAM options
- Slightly higher price
- Slow charging speed
Infinix Hot 10 Play
- More affordable
- Long battery life
- Large display
- Poor performance
- No NFC
- Lower camera quality
- Slow charging speed
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.82-inch HD+ displays. While the resolution is similar, the Hot 10s NFC might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more powerful chipset allowing for better display drivers. Viewing angles are likely comparable.
Camera Comparison
The Hot 10s NFC typically features a quad-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth + 2MP macro + AI lens) offering more versatility. The Hot 10 Play usually has a triple camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth + AI lens). Image quality on the Hot 10s NFC is generally better, with more detail and dynamic range, especially in good lighting conditions. Both phones offer decent selfie cameras.
Performance
This is where the Hot 10s NFC shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G25. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and significantly better gaming performance on the Hot 10s NFC. The Hot 10 Play will struggle with demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
Both phones boast large 6000mAh batteries, promising excellent battery life. Expect a full day of moderate use from either device. Charging speeds are similar, around 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow by today's standards.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Hot 10s NFC is ideal for users who prioritize performance, gaming, and NFC functionality. The Hot 10 Play is a good option for those on a very tight budget who primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Infinix Hot 10s NFC worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance and NFC are important to you. The significant chipset upgrade makes a noticeable difference in everyday use and gaming.
❓ Can the Infinix Hot 10 Play handle basic apps?
Yes, it can handle basic apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and browsing the web, but it will be slower than the Hot 10s NFC.
❓ What is the difference between the Helio G85 and Helio G25 chipsets?
The Helio G85 is a much more powerful chipset with a faster CPU and GPU, resulting in significantly better performance.