The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Hot 11 2022 and Realme 9i 5G represent compelling options for budget-conscious consumers. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality, they diverge significantly in their core processing power and charging capabilities, making the choice dependent on user priorities. This comparison dissects these differences to reveal which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Realme 9i 5G is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, delivers substantially better performance than the Infinix Hot 11 2022’s Unisoc T610. While the Infinix offers a slightly lower entry price, the 9i 5G’s faster charging and superior processing power justify the small premium.
| 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, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 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 |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 15 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 21 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 166.8 x 76.6 x 9.1 mm (6.57 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199.6 g (7.05 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 550 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 7.6 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Unspecified MP, 46mm (telephoto)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Green, Polar Black, Sunset Gold | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | X675 | RMX3612 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Infinix Hot 11 2022
- Potentially lower price point
- Acceptable for basic smartphone tasks
- May offer longer standby time due to less powerful chipset
- Significantly slower performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps
Realme 9i 5G
- Faster and more efficient Dimensity 810 chipset
- 18W fast charging
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Slightly higher price
- May have slightly shorter battery life under heavy load
- Camera performance likely limited by sensor quality
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the provided data focuses on internal components, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The Realme 9i 5G, benefiting from a more modern chipset, *may* have slightly better image processing capabilities, resulting in marginally improved color accuracy. However, without specific display specs, it's difficult to definitively state a winner. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the cost-saving measures in this segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, it’s reasonable to assume both phones feature entry-level camera systems. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices suggests limited utility; these sensors typically lack the resolution and optics to deliver truly detailed macro shots. Image processing will likely be more refined on the Realme 9i 5G due to the more powerful ISP within the Dimensity 810, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. Sensor size is the key missing piece of information.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Realme 9i 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Infinix Hot 11 2022’s Unisoc T610 (12nm). The 6nm process inherently offers better power efficiency and thermal performance, allowing the Dimensity 810 to sustain higher clock speeds for longer. The CPU architecture also favors the Realme: Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.4 GHz) in the 9i 5G are more powerful than the Cortex-A75 cores (2x1.8 GHz) in the Hot 11 2022. This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The Unisoc T610 will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Realme 9i 5G’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Infinix Hot 11 2022’s 10W charging. This faster charging speed significantly reduces the time required to replenish the battery, a crucial benefit for users who rely heavily on their smartphones. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Dimensity 810 in the 9i 5G will likely result in comparable or even better real-world battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Hot 11 2022.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 11 2022 if you need a basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and are extremely budget-constrained. Buy the Realme 9i 5G if you prioritize smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, faster app loading times, and the benefits of 5G connectivity, even if it means spending a bit more upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T610 in the Infinix Hot 11 2022 struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Unisoc T610 is a budget chipset and will likely struggle to run PUBG Mobile smoothly, even on low settings. Expect noticeable frame drops and lag, especially during intense action sequences. The Realme 9i 5G’s Dimensity 810 offers a significantly better gaming experience.
❓ How long does it realistically take to charge the Infinix Hot 11 2022 from 0% to 100%?
With only 10W charging, expect a full charge to take well over 3 hours, potentially closer to 4 hours, depending on usage during charging. The Realme 9i 5G’s 18W charging will significantly reduce this time, likely to around 1.5 - 2 hours.
❓ Does the Realme 9i 5G support carrier aggregation for improved 5G speeds?
While not explicitly stated, the Dimensity 810 chipset *generally* supports carrier aggregation, which can significantly improve 5G download and upload speeds in areas with good network coverage. This is a benefit over the Infinix Hot 11 2022, which may have limited 5G capabilities.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Realme 9i 5G will feel snappier and more responsive when switching between apps, loading web pages, and scrolling through social media feeds. The Unisoc T610 in the Infinix Hot 11 2022 may exhibit slight lag or delays during these tasks.