The Infinix Hot 50i and Tecno Spark 20C represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features and acceptable performance without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Hot 50i leveraging a more modern, albeit older, chipset architecture while the Spark 20C opts for a higher clock speed on a less sophisticated core design. This comparison will dissect these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance in everyday tasks and light gaming, the Infinix Hot 50i emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G81, with its Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable advantage in responsiveness and multitasking compared to the Tecno Spark 20C’s Cortex-A53 based processor.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 23 | 2023, November 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2023, December |
| 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) | 163.7 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 | Mediatek |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | - |
| OS | Android 14, XOS 14.5 | Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), 1/2.8", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
Reverse wired
Bypass charging | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sleek Black, Sage Green, Titanium Grey | Mystery White, Alpenglow Gold, Magic Skin, Gravity Black |
| Models | X6531, X6531B | BG7n, BG7 |
| Price | - | About 140 EUR |
Infinix Hot 50i
- More powerful processor (Helio G81)
- More efficient CPU architecture (Cortex-A75)
- Bypass charging for reduced battery strain
- May be slightly more expensive
- No specific display details available
Tecno Spark 20C
- Potentially lower price point
- Higher CPU clock speed (on less efficient cores)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Less powerful processor (Cortex-A53)
- Likely struggles with demanding games
- Less efficient CPU architecture
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed specs are missing. The focus here is on performance, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, and color accuracy will likely be standard for budget phones. Without specific data, it's safe to assume display quality won't be a deciding factor.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature basic camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison. However, given the price point, image quality will likely be similar – adequate for social media sharing in good lighting conditions, but lacking in detail and dynamic range in challenging environments. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t influence purchasing decisions. The primary sensor’s quality and image processing algorithms will be the key determinants of camera performance, and data on these is currently unavailable.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Hot 50i’s Mediatek Helio G81 features an octa-core configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture is significantly more capable than the Tecno Spark 20C’s octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 processor. While the Spark 20C has a higher clock speed, the A53 cores are older and less efficient than the A75 cores in the G81. This translates to better multi-tasking and smoother app launches on the Infinix. The G81 also benefits from a more capable GPU, offering a better gaming experience, even if limited to lower settings. The Spark 20C will likely struggle with more demanding titles.
Battery Life
Both devices offer 18W wired charging, which is standard for this segment. Real-world charging times will likely be around 2-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but both are likely to be in the 5000mAh range. The Infinix Hot 50i’s more efficient processor may contribute to slightly better battery life, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial. The inclusion of bypass charging on the Hot 50i is a useful feature, allowing the phone to be powered directly from the charger while in use, reducing battery strain during gaming or intensive tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 50i if you need a phone that feels snappier during daily use, handles multitasking more efficiently, and offers a slightly better gaming experience. It’s ideal for users who frequently switch between apps or enjoy casual mobile games. Buy the Tecno Spark 20C if you prioritize a simple, straightforward experience and are less concerned with demanding performance. It’s a good option for basic communication, social media, and light web browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 20C struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Tecno Spark 20C’s Mediatek processor with Cortex-A53 cores is likely to struggle with graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty. You’ll likely need to play at the lowest settings and may still experience frame drops and lag. The Infinix Hot 50i, with its Helio G81, will offer a smoother, albeit still limited, gaming experience.
❓ Does the Infinix Hot 50i’s bypass charging feature actually make a difference while gaming?
Yes, bypass charging allows the phone to be powered directly from the charger while in use, bypassing the battery. This reduces heat buildup in the battery and can help maintain performance during extended gaming sessions. Without bypass charging, the battery acts as a buffer, potentially throttling performance to prevent overheating.
❓ Is the difference in processor performance between the two phones noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the Infinix Hot 50i’s Helio G81 will provide a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience in everyday tasks. App launches will be faster, multitasking will be more efficient, and scrolling through web pages will feel less laggy compared to the Tecno Spark 20C.
