Infinix Smart 5 Pro vs Infinix Hot 9 Play: The Ultimate Budget Showdown

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Infinix Smart 5 Pro and Hot 9 Play are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Infinix Hot 9 Play generally edges out the Smart 5 Pro thanks to its more efficient chipset (MediaTek Helio A22 vs Unisoc SC9863A), potentially better performance, and reverse wired charging. However, the Smart 5 Pro might offer slightly better value depending on pricing and specific configurations.

PHONES
Phone Names	Infinix Smart 5 Pro	Infinix Hot 9 Play

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 21.1/5.76 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, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66	-

Launch
Announced	2021, November 17	2020, April 09. Released 2020, April 09
Status	Available. Released 2021, November 17	Discontinued

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions	164.4 x 75.6 x 9.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.37 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	-	209 g (7.37 oz)

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution	720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)	720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density)
Size	6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio)	6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak)	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55)	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	Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm)	Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) - 32/2GBMediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB
GPU	IMG8322	PowerVR GE8300PowerVR GE8320
OS	Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6	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, AF Auxiliary lens	13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF Auxiliary lens
Features	Quad-LED flash	Triple-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single	8 MP	13 MP, AF
Video	1440p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	Dual-LED flash	-
Single	8 MP	8 MP, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	4.2, A2DP	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 b/g/n	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity	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	Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean	Midnight Black, Quetzal Cyan, Violet, Ocean Wave
Models	-	X680, X680B, X680C
Price	About 70 EUR	About 100 EUR
SAR EU	-	0.35 W/kg (head)

Infinix Smart 5 Pro

Larger Display (potentially)
Affordable Price
Decent Battery Life

Less Powerful Chipset
Slower Performance
No Reverse Wired Charging

Infinix Hot 9 Play

More Efficient Chipset
Better Performance
Reverse Wired Charging
Potentially Better Display Quality

Slightly Higher Price (potentially)
Similar Camera Performance

Display Comparison

Both phones feature large displays, typically around 6.6 inches, with HD+ resolution. While the Smart 5 Pro might have a slightly larger display, the Hot 9 Play's display often exhibits better color accuracy and viewing angles due to potentially better panel technology. Expect similar brightness levels on both.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is comparable on both devices, featuring a multi-lens setup (typically a main lens, depth sensor, and potentially a macro lens). Image quality in good lighting conditions is acceptable, but low-light performance is limited. The Hot 9 Play might have a slight edge in image processing due to its more capable chipset.

Performance

The Hot 9 Play's MediaTek Helio A22 (or A25) chipset is generally more efficient and offers better performance than the Smart 5 Pro's Unisoc SC9863A. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the Hot 9 Play. Gaming performance will be noticeably better on the Hot 9 Play, though neither phone is a gaming powerhouse.

Battery Life

Both phones boast large 5000mAh batteries, promising all-day battery life. However, the Hot 9 Play's more efficient chipset often translates to slightly better real-world battery performance. The Hot 9 Play also includes reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up other devices.

Buying Guide

The Infinix Smart 5 Pro is a good choice for users prioritizing a larger display and basic functionality on a tight budget. The Infinix Hot 9 Play is better suited for those needing a bit more performance, slightly better battery life, and the convenience of reverse wired charging.