The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Hot 40 and Realme 11x are two strong contenders vying for your attention. While both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, they take different approaches to achieving that goal. The Hot 40 focuses on maximizing value with a proven chipset, while the 11x leverages a newer, more efficient processor for a performance boost.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 11x emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Dimensity 6100+ chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Helio G88 in the Infinix Hot 40, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. While both offer 33W charging, the 11x reaches 50% faster.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, December 05 | 2023, August 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, December | Available. Released 2023, August 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.64 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, XOS 13.5 | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 20-75% in 35 min
Reverse wired | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Palm Blue, Horizon Gold, Starlit Black, Starfall Green | Midnight Black, Purple Dawn |
| Models | X6836 | RMX3785 |
| Price | - | About 170 EUR |
Infinix Hot 40
- Potentially longer battery life due to efficient Helio G88.
- Competitive pricing for the features offered.
- Reverse wired charging for topping up other devices.
- Older Helio G88 chipset limits performance.
- Slower charging speed compared to the Realme 11x.
Realme 11x
- Faster and more efficient Dimensity 6100+ chipset.
- Faster 33W charging to 50% in 29 minutes.
- Improved image processing capabilities.
- May have slightly shorter battery life compared to the Hot 40.
- Potentially higher price point.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood: display driver efficiency. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, the Realme 11x benefits from the more modern chipset's improved display processing capabilities, potentially leading to slightly better color accuracy and responsiveness. Bezels are likely comparable, and neither phone is expected to feature high refresh rates.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Realme 11x likely benefits from the more advanced image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Dimensity 6100+ chipset. This ISP can deliver improved image processing, better dynamic range, and potentially more accurate colors. Both phones will likely feature a primary camera and several auxiliary lenses, but the quality of the primary sensor and the ISP’s processing capabilities are more crucial than the number of lenses. Expect similar performance in good lighting conditions, but the 11x should excel in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The Realme 11x’s Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) is the clear winner here. Its Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.2 GHz, offer a substantial performance improvement over the Infinix Hot 40’s Helio G88 (12nm) and its Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 6100+ also translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained workloads. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the Dimensity 6100+’s superior architecture will result in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The 11x is better suited for demanding games.
Battery Life
Both the Infinix Hot 40 and Realme 11x support 33W wired charging, but the Realme 11x charges faster, reaching 50% in 29 minutes compared to the Hot 40’s 35 minutes to reach 20-75%. While the exact battery capacity isn't specified, the Dimensity 6100+'s 6nm process contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity difference. The Hot 40’s Helio G88, while efficient, isn’t as optimized as the Dimensity chip, meaning the 11x will likely offer longer screen-on time for similar usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 40 if you prioritize maximizing battery life and are primarily focused on everyday tasks like social media, calls, and light web browsing. Its Helio G88 is efficient enough for these workloads. Buy the Realme 11x if you want a more responsive experience, enjoy mobile gaming, or frequently multitask between apps. The Dimensity 6100+ provides a significant performance uplift, making it the better choice for power users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Dimensity 6100+ in the Realme 11x get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 6100+ is built on a 6nm process, which is more efficient than the 12nm Helio G88 in the Infinix Hot 40. This means it generates less heat under load. While some throttling is inevitable during prolonged gaming, the 11x is better equipped to maintain consistent performance for longer periods.
❓ Is the 33W charging on both phones equally effective, or does one charge significantly faster?
While both support 33W charging, the Realme 11x charges faster. It reaches 50% charge in 29 minutes, while the Infinix Hot 40 takes 35 minutes to reach 20-75%. This difference is likely due to optimizations in the charging circuitry and the Dimensity 6100+'s power management capabilities.
❓ How does the Helio G88 in the Infinix Hot 40 handle multitasking compared to the Dimensity 6100+?
The Dimensity 6100+ offers a noticeable advantage in multitasking. Its more modern CPU architecture and higher clock speeds allow it to handle multiple apps simultaneously with greater ease. The Helio G88 can handle basic multitasking, but you may experience occasional lag or slowdowns when running demanding applications.
❓ Will I notice a significant difference in app loading times between the two phones?
Yes, you will likely notice a difference. The Realme 11x’s Dimensity 6100+ chipset will result in faster app loading times compared to the Infinix Hot 40’s Helio G88. This is due to the Dimensity 6100+'s superior processing power and memory management capabilities.
