The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Infinix Note 10 and Oppo A74 represent compelling options, but cater to slightly different priorities. The Note 10 emphasizes raw processing power with its MediaTek Helio G85, while the A74 prioritizes efficient power management with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 and significantly faster charging. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing quick top-ups and consistent performance, the Oppo A74 emerges as the winner. Its 33W charging is a game-changer, reducing downtime significantly. While the Infinix Note 10 boasts a more powerful CPU on paper, the Snapdragon 662 in the A74 offers a smoother, more balanced experience in daily use.
| 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, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 12 | 2021, April 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 07 | Available. Released 2021, May 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 173.2 x 78.7 x 8.8 mm (6.82 x 3.10 x 0.35 in) | 160.3 x 73.8 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~387 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.95 inches, 114.7 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 800 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 7.6 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, PDAF
2 MP, f/2.4, (monochrome)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 54% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Purple, Emerald Green | Prism Black, Midnight Blue |
| Models | X693 | CHP2219 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 300 EUR |
Infinix Note 10
- Potentially higher CPU performance for gaming
- May offer larger storage options
- Competitive price point
- Slower 18W charging
- Helio G85 may throttle under sustained load
- Potentially less efficient power consumption
Oppo A74
- Significantly faster 33W charging
- More power-efficient Snapdragon 662
- Smoother overall user experience
- CPU performance may be lower in benchmarks
- May have less internal storage
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. While specific display specs are missing, the focus here is on processing power, not display fidelity. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be standard for the segment. The absence of high refresh rates or AMOLED technology means display quality won't be a deciding factor for most users.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature multi-camera setups with a primary sensor and supporting lenses (likely including a depth or macro sensor). The image processing algorithms will be a key differentiator. Oppo is generally known for its natural-looking image processing, while Infinix tends towards more vibrant, saturated colors. Sensor size and aperture are crucial, but absent that data, we can only speculate. The presence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device would be a significant advantage, but is unlikely at this price point.
Performance
The core battleground is the chipset. The Infinix Note 10’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) features a dual-core Cortex-A75 setup paired with six Cortex-A55 cores, aiming for peak performance. Conversely, the Oppo A74 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) with Kryo 260 Gold and Silver cores. The 11nm process node of the Snapdragon 662 generally translates to better power efficiency, meaning less heat generation and potentially more sustained performance during prolonged use. While the Helio G85 *peaks* higher, the Snapdragon 662’s architecture is optimized for consistent, real-world responsiveness. This difference is particularly noticeable in multitasking and sustained gaming sessions.
Battery Life
The Oppo A74’s 33W wired charging is a clear advantage. The ability to gain 54% charge in just 30 minutes drastically reduces downtime compared to the Infinix Note 10’s 18W charging. While the Note 10 may have a slightly larger battery capacity (spec not provided), the A74’s faster charging effectively mitigates any capacity difference. The Snapdragon 662’s power efficiency further contributes to longer real-world battery life on the A74, even with similar battery sizes.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Note 10 if you frequently engage in demanding tasks like mobile gaming and need the highest possible CPU performance within this budget. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable edge in benchmarks and graphically intensive applications. Buy the Oppo A74 if you value battery life, fast charging, and a consistently responsive user experience. The Snapdragon 662 excels in power efficiency, and the 33W charging ensures you spend less time tethered to a wall outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G85 in the Infinix Note 10 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G85 is a capable chipset, but its 12nm process can lead to thermal throttling during extended gaming. While it offers peak performance, sustained performance may be lower than the Snapdragon 662 in the Oppo A74, which benefits from a more efficient 11nm process.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Oppo A74 compared to the 18W charging on the Infinix Note 10 in real-world use?
The Oppo A74’s 33W charging can add approximately 54% battery in 30 minutes. The Infinix Note 10’s 18W charging will take considerably longer – likely over an hour to achieve a similar charge level. This difference is significant for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 662 in the Oppo A74 struggle with demanding apps or multitasking?
The Snapdragon 662 is optimized for efficiency and responsiveness. While it may not match the peak CPU performance of the Helio G85, it handles everyday tasks and moderate multitasking with ease. It’s unlikely to struggle with most common apps or typical user workflows.
