The Infinix Smart 5 and Hot 9 Play are both contenders in the fiercely competitive budget smartphone market. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one truly delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 9 Play edges out the Smart 5 thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset options (especially the octa-core variant), potentially better RAM configurations, and reverse wired charging. While both are budget phones, the Hot 9 Play offers a bit more performance for the price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 11 | 2020, April 09. Released 2020, April 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, February 18 | Discontinued |
| 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) | 171.8 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.76 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 440 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | 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 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) - 32/2GBMediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8300PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), XOS 7 | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) - 32/2GBAndroid 9.0 (Pie) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Triple-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 750 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 25 h |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aegean Blue, Morandi Green, Obsidian Black, Purple | Midnight Black, Quetzal Cyan, Violet, Ocean Wave |
| Models | X688C | X680, X680B, X680C |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.25 W/kg (head) 0.56 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) |
Infinix Smart 5 (India)
- Large 6.6-inch display
- Long battery life (5000mAh)
- Affordable price
- Less powerful chipset
- No reverse wired charging
- Basic camera performance
Infinix Hot 9 Play
- Potentially more powerful chipset (Helio A25 octa-core variant)
- Reverse wired charging
- Good battery life (5000mAh)
- Slightly better RAM options
- Display quality may not be exceptional
- Camera performance is adequate but not outstanding
- Can still feel sluggish with lower RAM configurations
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.6-inch HD+ displays, offering decent viewing angles and brightness for their price range. However, the Hot 9 Play might have slightly better color accuracy depending on the specific variant. Screen resolution is likely similar across both models.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is comparable on both devices. Both typically feature a multi-lens setup (likely a primary lens, depth sensor, and potentially a macro lens). Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Hot 9 Play might offer slightly better software optimization for its camera.
Performance
The Infinix Hot 9 Play holds a slight advantage here. While the Smart 5 uses the Helio G25, the Hot 9 Play offers both the Helio A22 (quad-core) and the more capable Helio A25 (octa-core) depending on the RAM/storage configuration. This means the Hot 9 Play, particularly the octa-core version, will generally offer smoother performance and better multitasking capabilities. Expect both to handle basic tasks well, but the Hot 9 Play will be more responsive.
Battery Life
Both phones boast large 5000mAh batteries, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. The Hot 9 Play's inclusion of reverse wired charging is a significant advantage, allowing you to use it as a power bank to charge other devices.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Smart 5 (India) is ideal for users prioritizing a large display and basic functionality for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing. The Infinix Hot 9 Play is a better choice for those needing a bit more processing power for multitasking, gaming, or slightly more demanding apps, and who appreciate the convenience of reverse wired charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Infinix Hot 9 Play, especially the variant with the Helio A25 octa-core processor, is generally better suited for gaming due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ Can I use the Infinix Hot 9 Play to charge my other devices?
Yes, the Infinix Hot 9 Play supports reverse wired charging, allowing you to use it as a power bank to charge other devices.
❓ What is the RAM and storage configuration available for each phone?
The Infinix Smart 5 typically comes in 3GB/64GB configurations. The Infinix Hot 9 Play offers more variety, including 2GB/32GB, 3GB/32GB, 3GB/64GB, and 4GB/64GB options.
