The Infinix Hot 11 Play and Tecno Spark 8C represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Hot 11 Play leverages MediaTek’s Helio G35, while the Spark 8C opts for Unisoc’s T606. This comparison dissects these choices, revealing which device offers the best balance of performance and features for the average user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 8C emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones are entry-level, the Unisoc T606’s CPU architecture – featuring Cortex-A75 cores – provides a noticeable advantage in responsiveness and multitasking compared to the Hot 11 Play’s all-Cortex-A53 configuration. The difference isn't massive, but it's tangible in daily use.
| 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 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2022, January 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 15 | Available. Released 2022, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 171.8 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.76 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) | 164.6 x 76 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 440 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| 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 (Go edition), HiOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 2GB 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, f/1.8, 27mm (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED lash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| 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 | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Gold, Blue, Black | Turquoise, Magnet Black, Iris Purple, Diamond Gray |
| Models | - | KG5k, KG5j, KG5n, MZ-TECNO KG5k |
| Price | About 120 EUR | - |
Infinix Hot 11 Play
- Potentially wider regional availability.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- May be slightly cheaper depending on retailer.
- Older and less efficient CPU architecture.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Likely more noticeable lag in multitasking.
Tecno Spark 8C
- More responsive CPU with Cortex-A75 cores.
- Potentially better multitasking performance.
- Likely faster charging (spec not confirmed, but expected).
- Unisoc chipsets sometimes have less optimized software support.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Hot 11 Play.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p+ and adequate for indoor use. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like PWM dimming control suggests neither phone is geared towards media consumption or prolonged screen time. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar and unremarkable on both devices. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, given the price point, expect 8MP or 13MP main sensors with limited dynamic range and low-light capabilities. The inclusion of auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro or depth sensors) is probable on both, but these offer minimal practical benefit. Image processing will likely prioritize sharpening and saturation over natural color reproduction. The Unisoc T606’s ISP *might* offer slightly better image processing capabilities, but the difference will be subtle.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Hot 11 Play’s MediaTek Helio G35 utilizes an octa-core configuration comprised entirely of Cortex-A53 cores, split between 2.3 GHz and 1.8 GHz. This is a relatively older architecture. The Tecno Spark 8C’s Unisoc T606, also octa-core, employs a more efficient design: two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at the same speed. The A75 cores offer significantly better single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother navigation. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural advantage favors the Spark 8C. The Hot 11 Play may show more lag when switching between apps or handling moderately demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones feature similar battery capacities (likely around 5000mAh, based on market trends). However, the charging speeds differ significantly. The Infinix Hot 11 Play is limited to 10W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take a considerable amount of time. The Tecno Spark 8C’s charging speed is not specified, but even a modest increase over 10W would be a significant advantage. In real-world usage, the slightly more efficient Unisoc T606 in the Spark 8C might translate to marginally better battery life, but the difference will be minimal.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 11 Play if your primary need is a phone for extremely basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you prioritize a potentially wider availability depending on your region. Buy the Tecno Spark 8C if you value a more responsive user experience, slightly better multitasking capabilities, and a chipset with a more modern CPU architecture, even if it's still within the entry-level segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 8C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While both phones can *run* these games, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates. The Unisoc T606 in the Spark 8C will provide a slightly smoother experience than the Helio G35, but neither chipset is designed for demanding gaming. Frame drops and lag are likely to occur.
❓ Is the difference in CPU architecture between the Helio G35 and Unisoc T606 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Cortex-A75 cores in the Unisoc T606 offer significantly better single-core performance, which directly impacts app launch speeds, web browsing responsiveness, and overall smoothness when navigating the user interface. The Hot 11 Play’s all-Cortex-A53 configuration will feel comparatively sluggish.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Infinix Hot 11 Play with its 10W charger?
Expect a full charge to take approximately 3-4 hours with the 10W charger. This is a relatively slow charging speed compared to modern smartphones, so it's best to charge the phone overnight.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging standards like Quick Charge or Power Delivery?
Neither phone is expected to support fast charging standards like Quick Charge or Power Delivery. Both utilize standard USB charging, and the Hot 11 Play is limited to a very slow 10W charging rate.
