The Infinix Hot 9 Play and Tecno Spark Go 2021 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at the lowest possible cost. This comparison dissects their key differences, focusing on where each device excels and who will benefit most from its strengths.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing occasional social media, calls, and light tasks, the Infinix Hot 9 Play (specifically the Helio A25 variant) offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 2021 due to its octa-core CPU. However, if absolute simplicity and minimal cost are paramount, the Spark Go 2021 remains a viable option.
| 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, 20, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 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, July 01 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, July 07 |
| 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) | 165.6 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 193 g (6.81 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 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits |
| 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 1.8 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) - 32/2GBMediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300PowerVR GE8320 | - |
| OS | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) - 32/2GBAndroid 9.0 (Pie) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS 6.2 |
| 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 |
| | 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, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Triple-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 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 | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 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 | Maldives Blue, Horizon Orange, Galaxy Blue |
| Models | X680, X680B, X680C | - |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) | - |
Infinix Hot 9 Play
- Potentially faster performance with Helio A25 chipset
- Reverse wired charging capability
- More RAM options available (up to 4GB)
- Performance varies significantly based on chipset variant
- Slow 10W charging
Tecno Spark Go 2021
- Extremely affordable price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Significantly slower performance compared to Helio A25 variant of Hot 9 Play
- Limited features and functionality
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are expected to feature basic LCD panels, likely with 720p+ resolution. Specifics like brightness and color accuracy are unavailable, but given the price point, users should expect limited viewing angles and washed-out colors in direct sunlight. The focus here is purely functional, prioritizing visibility over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details on sensor size and aperture are scarce, but both are likely to feature basic sensors. The Tecno Spark Go 2021 and lower-end Hot 9 Play models likely rely on a single main camera, potentially paired with a low-resolution depth sensor. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect significant noise and lack of detail in low light. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
This is where the most significant difference lies. The Infinix Hot 9 Play offers two chipset options: the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (quad-core, 2.0 GHz) and the MT6762D Helio A25 (octa-core, up to 1.8 GHz). The Helio A25, found in higher-spec models, provides a substantial performance boost over the A22 and the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s quad-core 1.8 GHz CPU. The A25’s octa-core architecture allows for more efficient multitasking and smoother operation of apps. While neither chipset is a powerhouse, the A25 offers a more responsive user experience. The RAM configurations (2GB/3GB/4GB) further impact performance, with more RAM mitigating slowdowns.
Battery Life
Both phones feature similar battery capacities, likely around 5000mAh, providing all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the Infinix Hot 9 Play has a slight edge with its 10W wired charging and reverse wired charging capability. While 10W is slow by modern standards, the reverse wired charging allows the Hot 9 Play to act as a power bank for other devices, a feature absent on the Tecno Spark Go 2021. The actual 0-100% charging time will likely be several hours on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 9 Play if you need a phone capable of handling slightly more demanding apps and multitasking, especially if you can find a model with the Helio A25 chipset and 3-4GB of RAM. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2021 if you prioritize extreme affordability and only require a phone for basic communication and very light usage – think calls, texts, and WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Hot 9 Play handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio A25 variant can *run* PUBG Mobile, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates. The Helio A22 will struggle significantly. Frame drops and lag will be common, making it a less-than-ideal gaming experience. This phone is better suited for casual gaming.
❓ How much storage space is actually usable on the Tecno Spark Go 2021 after system files?
The Tecno Spark Go 2021 typically comes with 32GB of internal storage. However, after accounting for the operating system and pre-installed apps, you'll likely have around 15-20GB of usable space. A microSD card is highly recommended for expanding storage.
❓ Is the difference between the Helio A22 and A25 on the Infinix Hot 9 Play significant enough to justify the extra cost?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Helio A25's octa-core processor provides a smoother and more responsive experience, especially when multitasking or running multiple apps. If your budget allows, opting for the A25 variant is highly recommended.
