The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Infinix Hot 50i and Realme C67 4G represent compelling options, but cater to slightly different priorities. The Hot 50i leverages MediaTek’s Helio G81, while the C67 opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 685. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing efficiency and faster charging, the Realme C67 4G emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 685, built on a 6nm process, offers better power management and a smoother experience, complemented by significantly faster 33W charging. While the Hot 50i offers reverse wired charging, it can't match the C67's overall refinement.
| 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, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 23 | 2023, December 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2023, December 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 77.1 x 8.1 mm (6.52 x 3.04 x 0.32 in) | 164.6 x 75.4 x 7.6 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~87.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 800 nits (typ), 950 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 14, XOS 14.5 | Android 14, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.1, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
Reverse wired
Bypass charging | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sleek Black, Sage Green, Titanium Grey | Sunny Oasis, Black Rock |
| Models | X6531, X6531B | RMX3890 |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
Infinix Hot 50i
- Reverse wired charging for accessory top-ups
- Potentially lower price point
- More CPU cores (though not necessarily faster)
- Less efficient 12nm chipset
- Slower 18W charging
- Potential for more thermal throttling
Realme C67 4G
- More efficient 6nm Snapdragon 685 chipset
- Faster 33W charging
- Superior ISP for potentially better image processing
- Lacks reverse wired charging
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May not offer the absolute lowest price in the segment
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are missing. The Realme C67’s potential advantage lies in Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) potentially offering slightly better color calibration. Bezels are expected to be similar, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones will feature a primary camera alongside depth and macro sensors. The Realme C67’s Snapdragon 685 ISP likely provides superior image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The aperture of the main sensor will be a key factor; a wider aperture (lower f-number) will allow more light, improving low-light performance. The 2MP macro cameras on both devices are likely to offer limited utility, serving primarily as marketing features.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C67’s Snapdragon 685 (6nm) is architecturally more modern than the Infinix Hot 50i’s Helio G81 (12nm). The Snapdragon 685 utilizes four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.8 GHz, offering a performance edge over the Hot 50i’s two Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. While the G81 has more cores overall, the A73 cores in the Snapdragon 685 are more efficient and deliver better single-core performance, crucial for everyday tasks. The 6nm process of the Snapdragon 685 also translates to lower heat generation and improved sustained performance during gaming. The Hot 50i may show more throttling under prolonged load.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature batteries around the 5000mAh mark, standard for this segment. However, the Realme C67’s 33W charging is a significant advantage over the Infinix Hot 50i’s 18W charging. This translates to a substantially faster 0-100% charge time – potentially under an hour for the C67 versus over 2 hours for the Hot 50i. While the Hot 50i offers reverse wired charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices, the slower charging speed and the C67’s superior efficiency make the latter a more practical choice for most users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 50i if you need a phone with reverse wired charging functionality to top up accessories, and are comfortable with potentially more aggressive power management to maximize battery life. Buy the Realme C67 4G if you prefer a more efficient processor, faster charging speeds, and a generally smoother user experience, even if it means sacrificing the reverse charging feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 685 in the Realme C67 4G overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 685, built on a 6nm process, is designed for efficiency. While it won't match flagship-level cooling, it's significantly less prone to overheating than the Helio G81 in the Infinix Hot 50i, especially during prolonged gaming. Expect manageable temperatures and less performance throttling.
❓ Is the reverse wired charging on the Infinix Hot 50i useful for more than just emergencies?
While convenient, the 18W output of the Infinix Hot 50i’s reverse wired charging is relatively slow. It’s best suited for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches, rather than fully charging another smartphone. The slow charging speed limits its practical everyday use.
❓ Can the Realme C67 4G handle popular games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile?
The Snapdragon 685 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with stable frame rates. While it won't deliver the highest graphical fidelity, it provides a playable and enjoyable gaming experience. Expect to prioritize smoothness over ultra-high details.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Realme C67 4G compared to the 18W charging on the Infinix Hot 50i?
The 33W charging on the Realme C67 4G can reduce charging times by approximately 40-50% compared to the 18W charging on the Infinix Hot 50i. This means a full charge could take under an hour for the C67, while the Hot 50i could take over two hours.
