The Infinix Hot 10s and Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G represent compelling options in the sub-$200 smartphone market. The Hot 10s focuses on delivering a solid all-around experience, while the Poco M3 Pro 5G prioritizes 5G connectivity and a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and overall performance, the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift and 5G support, outweighing the Hot 10s' slightly lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 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 | 2021, April 21 | 2021, May 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 12 | Available. Released 2021, May 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 171.5 x 77.5 x 9.2 mm (6.75 x 3.05 x 0.36 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 | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| 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 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) |
| 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, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB 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 |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0, 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | 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 |
|---|
| Features | Dual-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 |
| | - | 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, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Purple, Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean | Poco Yellow, Power Black, Cool Blue |
| Models | X689B, X689, X689D | M2103K19PG, M2103K19PI, M2103K19PY |
| Price | About 110 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 10s
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Decent battery life (121h endurance)
- Less powerful Helio G85 chipset
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- 12nm process less efficient
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G
- Faster and more efficient Dimensity 700 chipset
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Brighter display (536 nits)
- May be slightly more expensive
- 18W charging isn't the fastest available
- Camera specs are unknown
Display Comparison
Both devices feature similar contrast ratios around 1475:1, suggesting comparable visual pop. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 536 nits, offering a brighter viewing experience, especially outdoors, compared to the Infinix Hot 10s which lacks published brightness data. While both likely use IPS LCD panels, the Poco’s higher brightness is a tangible advantage for usability in bright conditions.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack detailed camera specifications in the provided data. Given the market positioning, it’s reasonable to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors. However, without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. The Poco M3 Pro 5G likely benefits from the Dimensity 700’s improved image signal processor (ISP), potentially leading to better image quality and video stabilization. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests limited utility for serious photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco M3 Pro 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 (2x2.2 GHz) versus the Hot 10s’ Cortex-A75 cores (2x2.0 GHz), resulting in faster application loading and smoother multitasking. The 7nm process also translates to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended gaming sessions. The 5G modem integrated into the Dimensity 700 is a key differentiator, offering access to next-generation network speeds.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 121 hours, indicating similar battery life under typical usage. The Poco M3 Pro 5G supports 18W wired charging, while the Hot 10s’ charging speed is unspecified. While the mAh capacity isn’t provided for either phone, the Dimensity 700’s superior power efficiency could offset any potential battery size difference, resulting in comparable real-world battery performance despite the 5G connectivity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 10s if you need a reliable device for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media, and 5G isn't a priority. It's a good option for users on a very tight budget. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, enjoy faster download speeds with 5G, and appreciate a more efficient processor that will likely offer better long-term performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the Poco M3 Pro 5G get hot during prolonged gaming?
The Dimensity 700 is built on a 7nm process, which is significantly more efficient than the 12nm Helio G85 in the Hot 10s. This improved efficiency translates to lower heat generation, reducing the likelihood of significant throttling during extended gaming sessions. While some heat is inevitable, the Poco M3 Pro 5G is expected to maintain more consistent performance over time.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Poco M3 Pro 5G actually useful, or is it just a marketing gimmick?
The usefulness of 5G depends on your location and carrier coverage. However, even in areas with limited 5G availability, the Poco M3 Pro 5G’s 5G modem provides future-proofing. As 5G networks expand, you’ll be able to take advantage of significantly faster download and upload speeds, as well as lower latency, for activities like streaming, gaming, and video conferencing.
❓ How does the Helio G85 in the Infinix Hot 10s perform with popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G85 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Expect some occasional stuttering or frame drops during intense action sequences. The Dimensity 700 in the Poco M3 Pro 5G will provide a smoother and more consistent gaming experience, allowing for higher graphics settings and more stable performance.