The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Infinix Smart 9 HD and Realme C30s aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. This comparison dissects their core specifications to determine which device offers the best balance of performance and features for the budget-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw processing power and multitasking, the Infinix Smart 9 HD emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio chipset with an octa-core 2.2 GHz CPU provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Realme C30s’ 1.6 GHz CPU, making it more suitable for demanding apps and light gaming. However, both phones offer similar basic functionality.
| 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, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, November | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, December | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 77.1 x 8.4 mm (6.52 x 3.04 x 0.33 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 8x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio | - |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition), XOS 14 | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Metallic Black, Neo Titanium, Mint Green, Coral Gold | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | X6532C | RMX3690 |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
Infinix Smart 9 HD
- Faster processor for smoother multitasking
- Potentially better app loading times
- More responsive user experience
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life under heavy load
- Likely similar camera performance to Realme C30s
Realme C30s
- Potentially slightly better battery life with minimal usage
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Competitive price point
- Slower processor leading to potential lag
- Less responsive multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither Infinix nor Realme provide display specifications beyond size. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The absence of details like peak brightness or color gamut suggests a focus on cost reduction. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio. Color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment, prioritizing visibility over fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable for either device. However, based on market positioning, both are expected to feature a primary camera alongside basic auxiliary lenses (likely 2MP depth or macro sensors). Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing and ambient lighting conditions. Without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, it’s difficult to definitively assess camera performance, but the processing power of the Helio in the Infinix Smart 9 HD *could* allow for slightly faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The 2MP auxiliary cameras on both devices are unlikely to provide significant photographic value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset and CPU. The Infinix Smart 9 HD’s Mediatek Helio, coupled with its octa-core CPU clocked at 2.2 GHz, represents a significant step up in processing power compared to the Realme C30s’ octa-core 1.6 GHz CPU. While both utilize Cortex-A53/A55 cores, the higher clock speed of the Helio translates to faster application loading times and smoother multitasking. The Realme C30s’ lower clock speed will likely result in more noticeable lag when switching between apps or running resource-intensive tasks. The architecture of the A55 core in the Realme C30s is more efficient, but the clock speed difference is more impactful in this scenario.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the similar overall specifications, they likely fall within the 5000mAh range. The Realme C30s’ lower CPU clock speed *may* translate to slightly better battery life in scenarios with minimal usage, as the processor consumes less power at idle. However, the difference is likely to be marginal and overshadowed by usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Smart 9 HD if you frequently use multiple apps simultaneously, enjoy occasional gaming, or need a phone that feels more responsive overall. Its faster processor will provide a smoother user experience. Buy the Realme C30s if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize simplicity and a potentially slightly longer battery life due to the lower CPU clock speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 9 HD struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
While the Infinix Smart 9 HD is a budget device, its 2.2 GHz octa-core processor should handle Facebook and Instagram without significant issues. However, expect some loading times and occasional lag when scrolling through image-heavy feeds or using the apps extensively. The Realme C30s may exhibit more noticeable lag in these scenarios.
❓ Can either of these phones run PUBG Mobile, and if so, at what settings?
Both the Infinix Smart 9 HD and Realme C30s are unlikely to provide a smooth PUBG Mobile experience. While the game may be playable at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates, expect significant frame drops and lag. The Infinix Smart 9 HD’s faster processor *might* allow for slightly better performance, but it’s not designed for demanding gaming.
❓ Does the 10W charging feel slow in real-world use?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take approximately 2-3 hours. This is typical for phones in this price range, and users should plan to charge overnight. Neither device offers fast charging capabilities.
