The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Infinix Hot 10s aims to deliver gaming performance on a budget, while the Realme 8 5G prioritizes future-proofing with 5G connectivity and a more efficient chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 8 5G is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a 7nm process, provides superior performance and efficiency compared to the Infinix Hot 10s’ Helio G85. While both offer similar battery endurance, the Realme’s 5G capability and smoother overall experience justify the slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 21 | 2021, April 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 12 | Available. Released 2021, April 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 171.5 x 77.5 x 9.2 mm (6.75 x 3.05 x 0.36 in) | 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 7.6 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0, 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (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 |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Purple, Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean | Supersonic Blue, Supersonic Black |
| Models | X689B, X689, X689D | RMX3241 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 118h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1413:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.8 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 302059 (v8), 361505 (v9)
GeekBench: 1784 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Infinix Hot 10s
- Potentially better gaming performance due to the G85's focus.
- Lower price point makes it accessible to a wider audience.
- Large battery capacity for all-day use.
- Less efficient Helio G85 chipset leads to more heat and potential throttling.
- Lacks 5G connectivity, limiting future-proofing.
- Unspecified charging speed may be slower than the Realme.
Realme 8 5G
- More efficient Dimensity 700 chipset for smoother performance and better battery life.
- 5G connectivity for future-proofed data speeds.
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups.
- Slightly higher price compared to the Infinix Hot 10s.
- Gaming performance, while good, may not match the G85's peak output.
- Camera performance relies heavily on software optimization.
Display Comparison
Both devices share a nominal contrast ratio of 1413:1, suggesting similar visual pop. However, detailed display specs like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are missing. Given the market positioning, neither is expected to compete with flagship displays. The Realme 8 5G’s display benefits from the more efficient chipset, potentially allowing for a slightly brighter and more consistently vibrant image. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within the budget constraints.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but specifics are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Realme 8 5G’s more powerful chipset allows for more sophisticated image processing, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The inclusion of a 5G modem often correlates with a more advanced ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the chipset. The likely presence of a 2MP macro lens on both devices should be considered a marketing feature rather than a significant photographic asset.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 8 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) significantly outperforms the Infinix Hot 10s’ Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm). The Dimensity 700 utilizes more efficient Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the G85’s 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. The 7nm process also means less heat generation, reducing thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. While both have an octa-core configuration, the architectural advantages of the Dimensity 700 are substantial.
Battery Life
Both devices boast an endurance rating of 118 hours, indicating comparable battery life under typical usage. The Realme 8 5G includes 18W wired charging, while the Infinix Hot 10s’ charging speed is unspecified. The Dimensity 700’s superior efficiency means the Realme 8 5G may achieve similar battery life with slightly less capacity, and the 18W charging offers a faster top-up compared to a potentially slower charging solution on the Infinix.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 10s if you prioritize raw gaming performance within a very tight budget and don't need 5G connectivity. Its Helio G85 is tuned for gaming, and the lower price point makes it attractive for casual gamers. Buy the Realme 8 5G if you value a more balanced experience, future-proof 5G support, and a more efficient processor that translates to better sustained performance and potentially longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the Realme 8 5G support carrier aggregation for improved 5G speeds?
While the Dimensity 700 supports 5G, the extent of carrier aggregation support varies by region and carrier implementation. Check with your local carrier to confirm the specific 5G bands and aggregation capabilities supported in your area. This will impact real-world 5G download speeds.
❓ Is the gaming performance on the Infinix Hot 10s significantly better than the Realme 8 5G in titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Infinix Hot 10s’ Helio G85 is optimized for gaming, potentially offering slightly higher frame rates in some titles at lower settings. However, the Realme 8 5G’s Dimensity 700 provides more consistent performance over longer gaming sessions due to its superior thermal management and efficient architecture. Expect a smoother overall experience on the Realme, even if peak frame rates are marginally lower.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Infinix Hot 10s and the Realme 8 5G?
The Infinix Hot 10s typically runs XOS, while the Realme 8 5G uses Realme UI, both based on Android. Realme UI is generally considered closer to stock Android with a cleaner interface and faster updates, while XOS often includes more pre-installed apps and customizations. Software updates and long-term support are generally more reliable on Realme devices.
