The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Hot 9 Play and Samsung Galaxy A02 represent two popular choices for users prioritizing affordability. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality, they differ significantly in their internal hardware, impacting performance and overall user experience. This comparison dissects these differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Infinix Hot 9 Play offers a superior experience thanks to its more powerful Mediatek Helio A25 chipset (in some configurations) and potentially more RAM. While the Samsung Galaxy A02 benefits from brand recognition, its older and less efficient MT6739W processor struggles to keep pace, making the Infinix the better value.
| 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, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 09. Released 2020, April 09 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | 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 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| 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 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) - 32/2GBMediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) - 32/2GBAndroid 9.0 (Pie) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| 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, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | Triple-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| 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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 750 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 25 h | - |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Quetzal Cyan, Violet, Ocean Wave | Black, Blue |
| Models | X680, X680B, X680C | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 97.46 |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) | 0.65 W/kg (head) 1.71 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 32GB 2GB RAM | - | $ 149.99 |
| 32GB 3GB RAM | - | $ 129.99 |
| 64GB 3GB RAM | - | $ 199.99 |
| RENEWED | - | £ 113.00 |
Infinix Hot 9 Play
- More powerful processor options (Helio A25)
- Potential for more RAM (up to 4GB)
- Reverse wired charging
- More power-efficient chipset
- Less brand recognition
- Build quality may not match Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Well-known brand reputation
- Simple and streamlined user experience
- Potentially better image processing (Samsung software)
- Less powerful processor (MT6739W)
- Less RAM options
- Less power-efficient chipset
- Slower performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, though specific details like panel type (IPS) and color gamut coverage are unavailable. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but functionality. The resolution is likely 720p on both, adequate for the screen sizes. The real difference lies in the processing power needed to drive the display; the more efficient Helio A25 in the Infinix Hot 9 Play will contribute to slightly better battery life during display-intensive tasks.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. The Samsung Galaxy A02 offers a 13MP main sensor, while the Infinix Hot 9 Play’s main sensor resolution isn’t specified, but is likely similar. Both will include auxiliary lenses, but their 2MP macro and depth sensors are largely marketing features with limited real-world utility. Image processing will be the key differentiator, and Samsung generally offers more refined software algorithms, but the processing power of the MT6739W may limit its effectiveness. Expect similar results in good lighting, with the Infinix potentially benefiting from the more powerful processor for faster image processing.
Performance
The core difference between these phones is the chipset. The Infinix Hot 9 Play features either the Mediatek Helio A22 (quad-core, 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) or the Helio A25 (octa-core, 1.8 GHz & 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53). The A25, with its eight cores, provides a significant performance boost over the Samsung Galaxy A02’s Mediatek MT6739W (quad-core, 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53). The MT6739W, built on a 28nm process, is less efficient, leading to more heat and potential throttling. The A22/A25’s 12nm process offers better power efficiency. The availability of up to 4GB of RAM in the Infinix Hot 9 Play further enhances multitasking capabilities compared to the Galaxy A02’s 2GB or 3GB options.
Battery Life
Both phones feature similar battery capacities, likely around 5000mAh. However, the efficiency of the chipset plays a crucial role. The Mediatek MT6739W’s 28nm process is less efficient than the Helio A22/A25’s 12nm process. This means the Infinix Hot 9 Play, particularly with the A25, will likely deliver longer battery life on a single charge. Both support 10W charging, which is slow by modern standards, meaning a full charge will take several hours. The Infinix Hot 9 Play also offers reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Galaxy A02.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 9 Play if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding tasks like light gaming or multitasking, and if you value performance over brand prestige. The potential for a Helio A25 processor and up to 4GB of RAM provides a noticeable advantage. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you prioritize a well-known brand and a simple, streamlined experience, and are willing to compromise on performance. It's a suitable option for basic communication and light usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A02 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The MT6739W processor in the Galaxy A02 is relatively weak. While it can handle basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, expect noticeable lag and slowdowns when multitasking or using more demanding features within those apps. The Infinix Hot 9 Play, especially with the Helio A25, will provide a smoother experience.
❓ Is the Infinix Hot 9 Play a good option for playing mobile games?
The Infinix Hot 9 Play with the Helio A25 is a better choice for gaming than the Galaxy A02. While it won't handle graphically intensive games at high settings, it can run less demanding titles smoothly. The Galaxy A02’s MT6739W will struggle with even basic games, experiencing significant frame rate drops and lag.
❓ How much does the software experience differ between these two phones?
The Samsung Galaxy A02 runs Samsung's One UI, which is generally considered more polished and feature-rich, but also more resource-intensive. The Infinix Hot 9 Play likely runs a customized version of Android Go, designed for lower-end hardware. This means a simpler, less cluttered interface, but also fewer features. The A25 in the Infinix will handle OneUI better than the MT6739W.
❓ What is the real-world benefit of reverse wired charging on the Infinix Hot 9 Play?
Reverse wired charging allows you to use the Infinix Hot 9 Play as a power bank to charge other devices, like a friend's phone or wireless earbuds, using a USB cable. It's a useful feature in emergencies, but charging speeds are slow due to the 10W output.
