Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The Infinix Hot series is known for delivering value, and the Hot 11 Play and Hot 9 Play are prime examples. But which one offers the better experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 11 Play generally edges out the Hot 9 Play thanks to its slightly more powerful Helio G35 chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost. Both offer decent battery life and affordable pricing, making them strong contenders in the budget segment. However, RAM configurations vary on the Hot 9 Play.
| 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, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2020, April 09. Released 2020, April 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 15 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 171.8 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.76 x 3.07 x 0.35 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 | - | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 440 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 - 32/2GBOcta-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) - 32/2GBMediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8300PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 7.6 | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) - 32/2GBAndroid 9.0 (Pie) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB 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 | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Triple-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, (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 | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 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, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 750 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 25 h |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Gold, Blue, Black | Midnight Black, Quetzal Cyan, Violet, Ocean Wave |
| Models | - | X680, X680B, X680C |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) |
Infinix Hot 11 Play
- More powerful Helio G35 chipset
- Slightly improved performance
- Good battery life
- Affordable price
- Basic camera capabilities
- 10W charging is slow
- HD+ display resolution
Infinix Hot 9 Play
- Very affordable
- Large battery life
- Reverse wired charging
- Multiple RAM/Storage configurations
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower performance
- Basic camera capabilities
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones typically feature a large 6.52-inch HD+ display, offering a decent viewing experience for media consumption. Expect similar color accuracy and brightness levels. The Hot 11 Play might have a slightly improved panel, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
Both phones usually feature a 13MP main camera and a depth sensor. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance is limited. The Hot 11 Play might offer slightly improved image processing due to its newer chipset.
Performance
The Hot 11 Play's Helio G35 chipset provides a tangible performance advantage over the Hot 9 Play's Helio A22/A25. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and slightly better gaming performance on the Hot 11 Play. The Hot 9 Play's performance can feel sluggish with heavier apps.
Battery Life
Both phones boast large 5000mAh batteries, providing excellent battery life. Expect a full day of usage on a single charge with moderate use. Charging speeds are similar at 10W wired.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Hot 11 Play is ideal for users prioritizing smoother performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. The Hot 9 Play remains a solid choice for those on a tighter budget and primarily need a reliable phone for calls, messaging, and basic apps. Consider RAM options on the Hot 9 Play based on your multitasking needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Infinix Hot 11 Play worth the upgrade from the Hot 9 Play?
If performance is a priority, then yes. The Helio G35 offers a noticeable improvement. However, if you're on a very tight budget and only need basic functionality, the Hot 9 Play remains a viable option.
❓ What is reverse wired charging?
Reverse wired charging allows you to use your phone to charge other devices, like earbuds or smartwatches, using a USB cable. The Hot 9 Play supports this feature, while the Hot 11 Play does not.
