The sub-$100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Smart 8 (India) and itel A60s represent two contenders vying for dominance. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Infinix Smart 8 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Helio G36 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the itel A60s’ Unisoc SC9863A1. While both offer similar battery and charging capabilities, the Smart 8’s superior processing power makes it better suited for everyday tasks and light multitasking.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, January 13 | 2023 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, January 17 | Available. Released 2023 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | - |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 13 (Go edition), XOS 13 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Ring-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Rainbow Blue, Galaxy White, Shiny Gold, Timber Black | Shadow Black, Glacier Green, Moonlit Violet |
| Models | X6525B | - |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 70 EUR |
Infinix Smart 8 (India)
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G36 chipset
- More efficient 12nm fabrication process
- Potentially smoother multitasking experience
- 10W charging is slow
- Limited detailed specifications available
itel A60s
- Extremely affordable price point
- Functional for basic communication tasks
- Lightweight and portable
- Less powerful Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset
- Less efficient 22nm fabrication process
- May struggle with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither Infinix nor itel provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, the focus here isn't display quality, but rather the underlying hardware powering the experience. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The real difference lies in how efficiently the chipset can render content on the display; the Smart 8’s Helio G36 will deliver a smoother experience, especially when scrolling or navigating menus, due to its more capable GPU.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are expected to feature basic camera setups, likely with a primary sensor and potentially a secondary depth or macro lens. Given the price point, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. However, without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison. It’s reasonable to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The processing power of the Helio G36 in the Smart 8 *may* allow for slightly more sophisticated image processing algorithms, but the difference will likely be marginal. Focusing on the chipset, the Smart 8 will be able to process images faster.
Performance
The core differentiator between these two devices is their chipsets. The Infinix Smart 8’s Mediatek Helio G36 (12nm) features an octa-core configuration with a split design – four cores clocked at 2.2 GHz (Cortex-A53) and four at 1.6 GHz (Cortex-A53). This contrasts with the itel A60s’ Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm), also octa-core, but utilizing Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz. The 12nm fabrication process of the Helio G36 is significantly more efficient than the 22nm process of the Unisoc chip, resulting in better power efficiency and sustained performance. The Cortex-A53 cores in the Smart 8, while older architecture, benefit from the higher clock speeds, offering a tangible advantage in application loading and multitasking. The Unisoc chip, while adequate for basic tasks, will likely exhibit more noticeable lag and slowdowns under moderate load.
Battery Life
Both the Infinix Smart 8 and itel A60s are equipped with 10W wired charging. While this is slow by modern standards, it’s typical for this price segment. Battery capacity is not specified, but both are likely to house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The more efficient Helio G36 in the Smart 8 will contribute to slightly better battery life, allowing it to potentially last longer on a single charge despite similar battery capacities. The 10W charging will take several hours to fully charge either device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Smart 8 (India) if you prioritize responsiveness and smoother performance for apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, and basic web browsing. It’s the better option for users who occasionally play casual games. Buy the itel A60s if your primary needs are limited to calls, texts, and very light usage, and you’re seeking the absolute lowest possible price point. It’s a functional device for first-time smartphone owners or as a secondary phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 8 handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio G36 chipset in the Infinix Smart 8 is sufficiently powerful to run apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. The 12nm process contributes to better efficiency, ensuring a smoother experience even with multiple apps open.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A1 in the itel A60s suitable for playing games?
The Unisoc SC9863A1 is not ideal for gaming. While it can handle very basic 2D games, it will struggle with more demanding titles. Expect low frame rates and potential stuttering. The itel A60s is best suited for communication and light usage, not gaming.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge both phones with the 10W charger?
Expect both the Infinix Smart 8 and itel A60s to take approximately 3-4 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100% using the included 10W charger. This is a relatively slow charging speed compared to modern smartphones.
❓ Does the Infinix Smart 8 support software updates?
Infinix typically provides software updates for their devices, but the frequency and duration of support can vary. It's likely the Smart 8 will receive at least some security updates, but major Android version upgrades are less certain given its price point.
