The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Infinix Hot 9 Play and the Realme C11 (2021) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with varying chipset choices and configurations. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic tasks and occasional media consumption, the Infinix Hot 9 Play (specifically the Helio A25 variant) offers a slight edge due to its more powerful CPU and potential for more responsive multitasking. However, the Realme C11 (2021) isn't far behind and may appeal to those seeking a slightly newer design.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 09. Released 2020, April 09 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 171.8 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.76 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant design |
| 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 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| 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 (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) - 32/2GBMediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) - 32/2GBAndroid 9.0 (Pie) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB | Android 11, Realme Go UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Triple-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 750 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 25 h | - |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Quetzal Cyan, Violet, Ocean Wave | Cool Blue, Cool Grey |
| Models | X680, X680B, X680C | RMX3231 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) | - |
Infinix Hot 9 Play
- Potentially more powerful CPU (Helio A25 variant)
- Reverse wired charging
- More RAM options available (up to 4GB)
- Older chipset (Helio A22 variant)
- Potentially less refined design
Realme C11 (2021)
- More modern aesthetic
- Reverse wired charging
- Potentially better image processing
- Less powerful CPU
- Less efficient chipset (28nm process)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The focus here isn't on resolution or color accuracy, but rather on usability. While specific display specs aren't provided, the Realme C11 (2021) likely benefits from a slightly more refined design, potentially offering marginally smaller bezels. However, the core viewing experience will be similar on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Neither phone is designed for photography enthusiasts. While both likely feature a main camera, details are scarce. The Realme C11 (2021) often includes a 13MP main sensor, while the Infinix Hot 9 Play typically features an 8MP sensor. The presence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both is largely marketing fluff and won't significantly impact image quality. Image processing will be the key factor, and Realme generally offers slightly more refined software algorithms, potentially resulting in marginally better photos in good lighting conditions.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Infinix Hot 9 Play offers two chipset options: the Mediatek Helio A22 (quad-core) and the Helio A25 (octa-core). The Helio A25, with its 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, provides a substantial performance boost over the A22. Conversely, the Realme C11 (2021) utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core processor with Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz. While both are octa-core, the A53 architecture in the Helio A25 is generally more capable than the A55 in the Unisoc, especially in single-core tasks. The Unisoc's 28nm process, however, is less efficient than the Helio's 12nm, potentially leading to slightly higher power consumption. The Infinix Hot 9 Play with the A25 chipset will offer a smoother experience for app switching and light gaming.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 10W wired charging and support reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories. Battery capacity isn't specified, but both likely fall in the 5000mAh range, common for budget smartphones. The Unisoc SC9863A's less efficient 28nm process may result in slightly faster battery drain compared to the Helio A25's 12nm process, but the difference will likely be minimal in real-world usage. Both phones should comfortably last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 9 Play if you need a phone capable of handling a bit more multitasking and light gaming, especially if you can find a model with the Helio A25 chipset and 3GB or 4GB of RAM. Buy the Realme C11 (2021) if you prefer a more modern aesthetic and are primarily focused on essential smartphone functions like calls, messaging, and basic social media, and don't anticipate heavy app usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Hot 9 Play handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Infinix Hot 9 Play with the Helio A25 chipset can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play on low settings to maintain a playable frame rate. The Helio A22 variant will struggle significantly. The Realme C11 (2021) will offer a similar gaming experience, likely requiring low settings as well.
❓ Does the Unisoc SC9863A in the Realme C11 (2021) get hot during extended use?
The Unisoc SC9863A, being manufactured on a 28nm process, is prone to generating more heat than the Helio A25 (12nm). While it won't overheat to the point of being unusable, you may experience some throttling during prolonged gaming or demanding tasks.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on either phone useful for more than just earbuds?
While primarily useful for accessories like earbuds or smartwatches, the 10W reverse charging can provide a slow trickle charge to other smartphones in emergencies, though it's not a substitute for a dedicated power bank.
