Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The Infinix Hot 9 Play and Hot 10i are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 10i is the clear winner. Its Helio G70 chipset provides significantly better performance, faster charging, and a more modern processor. While the Hot 9 Play is cheaper, the Hot 10i's improvements make it a worthwhile upgrade for most users.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 09. Released 2020, April 09 | 2021, May 20 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 171.8 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.76 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) | 164.3 x 76 x 9.6 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 - 32/2GBOcta-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) - 32/2GBMediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB | Mediatek MT6769V Helio G70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) - 32/2GBAndroid 9.0 (Pie) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB | Android 11, XOS 7.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Triple-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 5 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Unspecified |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 750 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 25 h | - |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Quetzal Cyan, Violet, Ocean Wave | Black, Purple, Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | X680, X680B, X680C | X659B, PR652B, X658E, PR652C, X658B, X659 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) | - |
Infinix Hot 9 Play
- Very Affordable
- Large Battery
- Reverse Wired Charging
- Slow Performance
- Slow Charging
- Outdated Chipset
Infinix Hot 10i
- Better Performance (Helio G70)
- Faster Charging (18W)
- More Modern Processor
- Improved Camera Processing
- Slightly More Expensive
- Still a Budget Phone
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for everyday use. However, the Hot 10i's slightly improved color reproduction and potentially better panel technology (though unconfirmed) give it a marginal edge. Resolution is likely the same on both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones typically feature a triple-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth + AI lens). While megapixels aren't everything, the Hot 10i's more powerful processor allows for better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. Expect slightly more detailed and vibrant photos from the Hot 10i.
Performance
This is where the Hot 10i shines. The Helio G70 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Hot 9 Play's Helio A22/A25. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience on the Hot 10i. The Hot 9 Play can feel sluggish, especially with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
Both phones boast large 5000mAh batteries, offering excellent battery life. However, the Hot 10i's 18W fast charging is a significant advantage, allowing you to top up the battery much quicker than the Hot 9 Play's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Infinix Hot 9 Play? Those on a *very* tight budget who prioritize affordability above all else. Who should buy the Infinix Hot 10i? Anyone seeking a smoother experience, better gaming performance, and faster charging without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Infinix Hot 10i worth the extra money?
Yes, the performance improvements and faster charging of the Hot 10i generally justify the slightly higher price. It offers a much better overall user experience.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both have excellent battery life thanks to their 5000mAh batteries. However, the Hot 10i charges significantly faster.
❓ Can I play games on the Infinix Hot 9 Play?
You can play basic games, but don't expect smooth performance on demanding titles. The Hot 10i is a much better choice for gaming.
