The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Smart 9 and Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G represent compelling options for users prioritizing affordability. However, they take different approaches: the Smart 9 focuses on maximizing value with a proven chipset, while the Spark 20 Pro 5G leaps into 5G connectivity and faster charging with a newer, more efficient processor. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6080 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Infinix Smart 9’s Helio G81, coupled with substantially faster 33W charging. While the Smart 9 provides excellent value, the Spark 20 Pro 5G’s future-proofing and improved user experience justify the slight price premium.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 23 | 2024, June 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2024, June 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 77.1 x 8.4 mm (6.52 x 3.04 x 0.33 in) | 168.5 x 76.2 x 8.3 mm or 8.5 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 200 g or 201.5 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 | Mediatek Dimensity 6080 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition), XOS 14 | Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), 1/3.07", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED dual-tone flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.96", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Metallic Black, Neo Titanium, Mint Green, Sandstone Gold | Startrail Black, Glossy White, Neon Green |
| Models | X6532 | KJ8 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Infinix Smart 9
- Excellent value for money
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Slow 10W charging
- Older Helio G81 chipset
Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G
- Faster 33W charging
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 6080
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Slightly higher price point
- May still lack advanced display features
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are absent, the focus here is on core performance. Both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of high refresh rates on either device suggests a focus on power efficiency rather than visual fluidity. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, typical of budget offerings.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the market segment suggests both phones will rely on primary sensors for most image capture. The Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G likely benefits from the improved image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Dimensity 6080, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction. The prevalence of 2MP macro and depth sensors in this price range suggests these are largely marketing features and should not be heavily weighted in the decision-making process. Image processing algorithms will play a crucial role, and Tecno’s software optimizations could give it an edge.
Performance
The Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 6080, fabricated on a 6nm process, represents a substantial upgrade over the Infinix Smart 9’s Helio G81. The Dimensity 6080’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.4 GHz, outperform the Smart 9’s Cortex-A75 cores (2.0 GHz) in both single-core and multi-core tasks. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the Dimensity 6080’s superior architecture will be the defining factor for performance-sensitive users.
Battery Life
The Infinix Smart 9’s 10W charging is a significant drawback compared to the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G’s 33W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the Spark 20 Pro 5G will dramatically reduce charging times, offering a more convenient user experience. A full charge on the Smart 9 could take upwards of 3 hours, while the Spark 20 Pro 5G could potentially reach 100% in under an hour. This difference is particularly impactful for users who frequently find themselves needing to quickly top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Smart 9 if you need a reliably functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and prioritize absolute affordability above all else. Buy the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G if you want a smoother, more responsive experience, faster charging speeds, and the benefit of 5G connectivity for future network compatibility, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 6080 in the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 6080 is more efficient than the Helio G81, some heat generation is inevitable during prolonged gaming. However, the 6nm process and potentially improved thermal design in the Spark 20 Pro 5G should mitigate throttling better than the Smart 9, allowing for more sustained performance.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G actually useful if 5G coverage is limited in my area?
Even with limited 5G coverage currently, the Spark 20 Pro 5G’s 5G modem future-proofs the device for when 5G networks expand. It also often provides improved 4G+ performance in areas with congested networks, offering a benefit even without a direct 5G connection.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G compared to the Infinix Smart 9 in real-world use?
The 33W charging on the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G can realistically cut charging times in half or even more compared to the 10W charging on the Infinix Smart 9. Expect a full charge on the Spark 20 Pro 5G in under 60-90 minutes, while the Smart 9 could take 3+ hours.
