The Infinix Hot 11 Play and Samsung Galaxy A03 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both devices aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily in their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences and helps you determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and slightly better multitasking, the Samsung Galaxy A03 edges out the Infinix Hot 11 Play. While the Hot 11 Play boasts a marginally faster clock speed on some cores, the Unisoc T606’s more modern architecture in the A75 cores provides a smoother overall experience. However, the Hot 11 Play remains a viable option for those on the tightest of budgets.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 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 | 2021, November 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 15 | Available. Released 2022, January 21 |
| 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) | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 440 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 7.6 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| 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 | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 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, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Gold, Blue, Black | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | - | SM-A035F, SM-A035F/DS, SM-A035M, SM-A035G |
| Price | About 120 EUR | € 119.90 / £ 88.00 / ₹ 11,990 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.20 W/kg (head) 1.35 W/kg (body) |
Infinix Hot 11 Play
- Potentially lower price point
- Slightly higher CPU clock speeds on some cores
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Less efficient CPU architecture
- Potentially slower app loading times
- Less brand recognition and support
Samsung Galaxy A03
- More modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A75)
- Better multitasking performance
- Samsung’s brand reputation and support
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May not offer significant camera improvements
- Still limited by the budget chipset
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, typical for this price point. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p+ and adequate for indoor use. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but on basic readability. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar and underwhelming on both devices. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on basic sensors for capturing images. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on the A03 is a common marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution. Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to enhance photos, but don’t expect flagship-level results. The A03 may have a slight edge due to Samsung’s generally more refined image processing algorithms, but real-world differences will be minimal.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Hot 11 Play uses the Mediatek Helio G35, featuring an octa-core configuration split between 2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Samsung Galaxy A03 counters with the Unisoc T606, also octa-core, but with a more modern arrangement: 2x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While the G35 has higher clock speeds on some cores, the A75 cores in the T606 are significantly more efficient and powerful than the A53 cores, leading to better responsiveness in everyday tasks and smoother app switching. This architectural advantage is crucial for a better user experience. Both are 12nm chips, suggesting similar power efficiency, but the T606’s design mitigates performance bottlenecks more effectively.
Battery Life
Both phones feature modest battery capacities, and the 10W wired charging on the Infinix Hot 11 Play is standard for this segment. The Galaxy A03’s battery capacity is not specified, but it’s likely in the 5000mAh range, common for Samsung’s A-series. While the Hot 11 Play’s charging is slower, the slightly less efficient chipset may mean it needs to be charged more frequently. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both should comfortably last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 11 Play if you need the absolute lowest possible price and are primarily focused on very light usage like calls, texts, and occasional social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 if you prefer a slightly more refined user experience, better multitasking capabilities, and the brand recognition and support associated with Samsung, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T606 in the Galaxy A03 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
No, the Unisoc T606 is perfectly capable of running common social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly. While it’s not a powerhouse, the Cortex-A75 cores provide enough processing power for these everyday tasks. You might experience slight delays when loading more complex features, but overall performance will be acceptable.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Infinix Hot 11 Play painfully slow?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow by today’s standards. Expect a full charge to take around 3-4 hours. However, given the likely smaller battery capacity and lower usage patterns of the target audience, this shouldn’t be a major inconvenience. Overnight charging is a practical solution.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Both phones will struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile. You’ll likely need to play on the lowest graphics settings and accept significant frame rate drops. The Unisoc T606 in the Galaxy A03 might offer a slightly more stable experience, but neither phone is designed for serious gaming.
❓ Do either of these phones support VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling?
Support for VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling will vary depending on your carrier and region. It’s crucial to check with your mobile provider to ensure compatibility before purchasing either device, as these features are essential for reliable voice calls in many areas.
