The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Infinix Hot 50 and Samsung Galaxy A14 both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, but they take different approaches. The Hot 50 leverages a newer, more efficient chipset, while the A14 offers Samsung’s brand recognition and, in some variants, an alternative processor. This comparison dives deep into the specs to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Infinix Hot 50 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a significant performance advantage over the Galaxy A14’s Helio G80, especially for gaming and multitasking. However, Samsung’s software support and brand reputation remain strong considerations.
| 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, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 42, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 05 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 77.1 x 7.8 mm (6.52 x 3.04 x 0.31 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 480 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14, XOS 14.5 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, AF
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0" | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| 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 | 18W wired
Reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Vibrant Blue, Sleek Black, Sage Green, Dreamy Purple | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | X6720 | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | $ 192.96 / £ 184.93 / ₹ 10,999 | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Infinix Hot 50
- Significantly more powerful chipset (Dimensity 6300)
- More efficient 6nm fabrication process
- Faster 18W charging with reverse wired charging
- Less established brand reputation
- Software update support may be limited compared to Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Strong brand recognition and reliability (Samsung)
- Potentially better software support (depending on region)
- Larger battery capacity (typically)
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G80)
- Slower 15W charging
- 12nm process is less efficient
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, the A14’s processor may struggle to deliver smooth animations at higher refresh rates if supported, whereas the Dimensity 6300 in the Hot 50 has more headroom. The A14’s larger screen size (typically 6.6 inches vs the Hot 50’s 6.6 inches) may offer a slightly more immersive viewing experience, but this is offset by the potentially weaker GPU.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to assess without detailed sample images. However, we can analyze the underlying hardware. Both phones likely feature a primary camera around 13-50MP, but sensor size and image processing algorithms are crucial. The A14’s potential for Samsung’s image processing is a plus, but the Hot 50’s more powerful chipset could enable faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The inclusion of numerous 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices is largely marketing fluff; these sensors offer minimal real-world benefit. Focus should be on the main sensor’s capabilities.
Performance
This is where the Infinix Hot 50 pulls ahead significantly. The Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) is a far more modern and efficient chipset than the Galaxy A14’s Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm). The Dimensity 6300’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.4 GHz, offer a substantial performance boost over the A14’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. The 6nm fabrication process also translates to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during extended gaming sessions. The A14 *does* have a variant with the Exynos 850 (8nm), which closes the gap, but still doesn’t match the Dimensity 6300’s efficiency. The Hot 50 will provide a smoother experience with multitasking and graphically intensive applications.
Battery Life
The Galaxy A14 typically features a larger battery capacity (around 5000mAh) compared to the Hot 50 (around 5000mAh). However, the Dimensity 6300’s superior power efficiency partially offsets this difference. The A14 charges at 15W, while the Hot 50 supports 18W wired charging, offering a slightly faster top-up time. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the Hot 50’s efficiency should result in comparable, if not better, endurance despite the slightly smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 50 if you need a phone that can handle demanding apps and games without significant slowdown, and if you value a more modern chipset for potential software updates. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you prioritize brand reliability, a potentially more refined software experience (depending on region and variant), and are less concerned with raw processing power. The A14 is a solid choice for basic smartphone tasks and media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 variant of the Galaxy A14 close the performance gap with the Infinix Hot 50?
While the Exynos 850 is a step up from the Helio G80, the Dimensity 6300 still maintains a performance advantage due to its newer architecture and more efficient 6nm process. The Exynos 850 is still an 8nm chip, meaning it will generate more heat and consume more power under sustained load.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth considering?
No. 2MP macro cameras typically produce low-resolution, grainy images with limited detail. They are primarily a marketing feature and offer minimal practical benefit. Focus on the quality of the main camera sensor.
❓ Will the Infinix Hot 50 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 6300’s 6nm process and efficient design help mitigate overheating. While some throttling is inevitable during extended gaming, the Hot 50 is likely to maintain higher frame rates for longer periods compared to the Galaxy A14 with the Helio G80.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the two phones?
Samsung’s One UI is generally considered more polished and feature-rich, but it can also be more resource-intensive. Infinix’s XOS is lighter but may include more pre-installed bloatware. Samsung typically offers longer software support, including security updates.
