The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Infinix Hot 50i and Samsung Galaxy A05s represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers, but they take different approaches. The Infinix prioritizes raw processing power with its Helio G81, while the Samsung focuses on a refined user experience and efficient power management with the Snapdragon 680.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A05s is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680 offers a more balanced experience, delivering solid performance alongside impressive 11:32h battery life. While the Infinix Hot 50i boasts a more powerful CPU on paper, the Samsung’s efficiency and display quality provide a more consistently enjoyable experience.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 23 | 2023, September 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2023, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | 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) | 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm (6.61 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits (peak) | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 14, XOS 14.5 | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.X", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
Reverse wired
Bypass charging | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sleek Black, Sage Green, Titanium Grey | Black, Silver, Light Green, Violet |
| Models | X6531, X6531B | SM-A057F, SM-A057F/DS, SM-A057M, SM-A057M/DS, SM-A057G/DSN, SM-A057G |
| Price | - | $ 134.00 / C$ 146.99 / £ 83.94 / € 100.99 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.58 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) |
Infinix Hot 50i
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance for demanding tasks.
- Reverse wired charging for emergency power sharing.
- Bypass charging allows use while charging.
- Likely lower battery life due to less efficient chipset.
- Display specifications are unknown, suggesting a lower quality panel.
Samsung Galaxy A05s
- Excellent battery life (11:32h active use).
- Brighter and higher contrast display (468 nits, 1418:1).
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset for sustained performance.
- Slightly less powerful CPU compared to the Infinix Hot 50i.
- Camera details are limited.
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A05s boasts a significantly more refined display experience. Its measured 468 nits of peak brightness surpasses what we’d expect in this price bracket, making it usable outdoors. The 1418:1 contrast ratio further enhances visibility and image quality. While the Infinix Hot 50i’s display specifications are not provided, Samsung’s panel offers a clear advantage for media consumption and general usability. The lack of display details for the Infinix suggests a more basic LCD panel.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The context data only mentions 'Photo / Video' for the Samsung Galaxy A05s, suggesting a standard configuration. The absence of sensor details for either phone makes a direct comparison difficult. However, given the price point, it’s reasonable to assume both rely on primary sensors with modest resolutions. The Infinix Hot 50i’s camera performance will likely be focused on quick snapshots, while the Samsung’s image processing may prioritize color accuracy and dynamic range.
Performance
On paper, the Infinix Hot 50i’s MediaTek Helio G81 appears stronger with its octa-core configuration featuring two 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. However, the Samsung Galaxy A05s’ Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, built on a more efficient 6nm process, offers a more nuanced performance profile. The Snapdragon 680’s Kryo 265 Gold cores, clocked at 2.4 GHz, are designed for sustained performance, while the 6nm node minimizes heat generation. This translates to less throttling during extended gaming sessions and a more consistent user experience. The Helio G81, while capable, is likely to exhibit more thermal throttling under load.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A05s clearly wins in battery endurance. The reported 11:32h active use score is impressive for a budget device. While the Infinix Hot 50i offers 18W wired charging and reverse wired charging, the Samsung’s 25W wired charging allows for faster top-ups. The Snapdragon 680’s 6nm efficiency plays a crucial role in extending battery life, offsetting any potential capacity differences (which are not specified for the Infinix). The Infinix’s bypass charging feature is a niche benefit, allowing for charging while the phone is in use, but doesn’t address overall battery longevity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 50i if you prioritize peak CPU performance for demanding tasks like emulation or running multiple apps simultaneously, and are willing to compromise on battery life and display quality. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05s if you value all-day battery life, a brighter and more contrast-rich display, and a smoother, more refined software experience, even if it means slightly less raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 680 in the Samsung Galaxy A05s get hot during prolonged gaming?
The Snapdragon 680’s 6nm process is designed for thermal efficiency. While it will warm up during extended gaming, it’s less prone to significant throttling compared to the MediaTek Helio G81 in the Infinix Hot 50i, resulting in more consistent frame rates over longer periods.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Infinix Hot 50i fast enough for daily use?
18W charging is relatively slow compared to the 25W charging on the Samsung Galaxy A05s. While it will charge the device overnight, it will take considerably longer to reach a full charge, potentially impacting convenience for users who need quick top-ups.
❓ What kind of gaming performance can I expect from the Infinix Hot 50i?
The Helio G81 is capable of running popular mobile games, but you may need to lower graphics settings to maintain stable frame rates. Expect some thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, which could lead to performance dips.
❓ How does the Samsung Galaxy A05s handle multitasking?
The Snapdragon 680, paired with sufficient RAM (spec not provided, but likely 3-4GB), handles everyday multitasking smoothly. However, it may struggle with a large number of simultaneously running apps, especially demanding ones.
