The Infinix Hot 11 Play and Xiaomi Redmi 10A represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, subtle differences in their underlying hardware, particularly the chipset, dictate which phone offers a smoother experience for demanding users. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness in everyday tasks, the Infinix Hot 11 Play edges out the Redmi 10A. Its Helio G35 chipset, with slightly higher clocked Cortex-A53 cores, provides a noticeable performance advantage, making app switching and basic multitasking feel snappier. However, both phones offer similar battery life and charging speeds.
| 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, 8, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 15 | Available. Released 2022, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 171.8 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.76 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 440 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 7.6 | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP |
| 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, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Gold, Blue, Black | Charcoal Black, Sea Blue, Slate Grey |
| Models | - | 220233L2C, 220233L2G, 220233L2I |
| Price | About 120 EUR | € 60.00 / $ 66.55 |
| SAR | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Infinix Hot 11 Play
- Slightly faster processor for smoother multitasking
- Potentially better gaming performance with Helio G35
- Competitive price point
- 10W charging is slow
- Camera performance likely limited
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- Clean and simple user interface (typical of Xiaomi)
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Competitive price point
- Slower processor compared to the Hot 11 Play
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity but on functionality. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable, the emphasis is on usability. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy is likely standard for budget phones, prioritizing power efficiency over color calibration.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Both are likely to feature a primary camera alongside basic depth or macro sensors. Given the price point, image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions but will struggle in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means relying heavily on software processing for stabilization. The focus should be on capturing memories, not professional-grade photography. The 2MP macro sensors found on many phones in this segment are unlikely to provide significant detail or utility.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Hot 11 Play features the Mediatek Helio G35, utilizing an octa-core configuration with four cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz. The Xiaomi Redmi 10A employs the Helio G25, also octa-core, but with a slightly lower clock speed of 2.0 GHz and 1.5 GHz. This 300 MHz difference in peak clock speed, while seemingly small, impacts application launch times and multitasking. The G35’s architecture allows for marginally faster processing of instructions, resulting in a more responsive user experience. Both rely on the same Cortex-A53 architecture, meaning the performance gap isn't massive, but it's measurable.
Battery Life
Both the Infinix Hot 11 Play and Xiaomi Redmi 10A are equipped with 10W wired charging. This translates to a relatively slow charging speed, requiring several hours to fully charge the battery from 0 to 100%. While the exact battery capacity isn't specified, both likely hover around the 5000mAh mark, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. The low charging wattage means battery health will likely be preserved over a longer lifespan, as slower charging generates less heat.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 11 Play if you frequently use social media, browse the web with multiple tabs open, or occasionally play less-demanding mobile games. The slightly more powerful processor will translate to a more fluid experience. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10A if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and WhatsApp – and you prioritize a clean, simple user interface. It’s a reliable option for first-time smartphone users or those seeking a secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G35 in the Infinix Hot 11 Play handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G35 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Low or Medium) and frame rates to maintain a stable experience. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it's capable of casual gaming.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed a significant drawback on either phone?
Yes, 10W charging is slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take around 3-4 hours. However, for overnight charging or topping up during the day, it's sufficient. The slower charging also contributes to potentially longer battery lifespan.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp and makes calls?
The Xiaomi Redmi 10A is perfectly adequate for these tasks. Its Helio G25 processor is sufficient for basic communication, and Xiaomi's MIUI software is generally stable and reliable for core functions.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging or Power Delivery?
No, neither the Infinix Hot 11 Play nor the Xiaomi Redmi 10A supports fast charging or Power Delivery. They are both limited to 10W wired charging.
