The Infinix Hot 9 and Samsung Galaxy A11 represent the lower end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers and those seeking essential functionality. Both devices aim to deliver a smartphone experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily in their chipset choices. This comparison will dissect those differences and determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent, if not blazing-fast, performance and faster charging, the Samsung Galaxy A11 is the better choice. However, the Infinix Hot 9’s more modern 12nm process offers potential for slightly better efficiency, and may appeal to those seeking a marginally more future-proof chipset architecture.
| 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, 2, 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 |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A115U |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 23. Released 2020, April | 2020, March 13. Released 2020, May 01 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.8 x 8.8 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 161.4 x 76.3 x 8 mm (6.35 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 177 g (6.24 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 10, XOS 6.0 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Triple-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses
or
16 MP, (wide), PDAF (64/128 GB models only)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| 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, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Quetzal Cyan, Violet, Ocean Wave | Black, White, Blue, Red |
| Models | X655C, X655, X655D | SM-A115F/DS, SM-A115F, SM-A115M, SM-A115M/DS, SM-A115U, SM-A115A, SM-A115AZ, SM-A115U1, SM-A115W, SM-A115AP, SM-S115DL |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Infinix Hot 9
- Potentially better power efficiency due to 12nm process
- Slightly more modern CPU architecture
- May offer better long-term software support
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Less established brand reputation
Samsung Galaxy A11
- Faster 15W wired charging
- More recognizable brand name
- Generally smoother user experience
- Older 14nm chipset process
- Less efficient chipset
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details regarding panel type (IPS vs TFT) and resolution are missing, but both likely feature 720p displays typical of this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio. Color accuracy and brightness are likely similar, leaning towards the basic side, sufficient for indoor use but potentially washed out in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, and largely unimpressive. Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside several low-resolution auxiliary lenses (details missing). The image processing capabilities of both devices will be focused on basic scene optimization. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but significant noise and a lack of detail in low-light scenarios. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device further limits low-light performance. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; sensor size and image processing algorithms are far more critical.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Hot 9 utilizes the Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25, fabricated on a 12nm process. This newer process *should* translate to slightly better power efficiency compared to the Samsung Galaxy A11’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, built on a 14nm process. Both CPUs are octa-core, utilizing Cortex-A53 cores, but the Helio A25 splits its cores into a 4x1.8 GHz and 4x1.5 GHz configuration, potentially offering a slight edge in burst performance. The Snapdragon 450, however, runs all eight cores at a consistent 1.8 GHz. While both are adequate for basic multitasking, demanding applications will likely cause noticeable slowdowns on both devices. The A25's architecture is slightly more modern, which could offer better long-term software support.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices, but both likely fall in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this segment. However, the Samsung Galaxy A11 has a clear advantage with its 15W wired charging support. The Infinix Hot 9’s charging speed is unknown, but likely slower. This means the A11 will reach a full charge significantly faster, a crucial benefit for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day. While a larger battery capacity on the Hot 9 *could* offset the slower charging, the A11’s faster charging is a more tangible benefit.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 9 if you need a device for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and value a slightly newer chipset architecture. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A11 if you prioritize a more established brand, faster 15W charging, and a generally smoother user experience, even if the chipset is older and less efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio A25 in the Infinix Hot 9 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Helio A25 can handle basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, expect some lag when multitasking or using more demanding features within those apps. It's designed for light usage, not heavy app switching.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Samsung Galaxy A11 a significant advantage over a potentially slower charger on the Infinix Hot 9?
Yes, 15W charging is a substantial benefit. It will reduce charging times considerably, allowing you to quickly top up your battery when needed. A slower charger on the Hot 9 could mean leaving it plugged in for several hours to reach a full charge.
❓ Can either of these phones handle mobile gaming like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Both phones will struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile. You'll likely need to play on the lowest graphics settings and still experience frame rate drops and lag. These phones are not designed for serious gaming.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates and security patches?
Samsung generally provides better software support than Infinix. The Galaxy A11 is more likely to receive regular security updates and potentially even a major Android version upgrade, extending its usable lifespan.
