The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Infinix Smart 9 and the Tecno Spark Go 2023 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, significant differences in their core hardware – specifically the chipset – dictate vastly different user experiences. This comparison will dissect those differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Infinix Smart 9 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G81 chipset offers a substantial performance advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 2023’s Helio A22, making it better suited for multitasking, gaming, and overall smoother operation. While both offer 10W charging, the Smart 9’s superior processing power justifies the slight price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 23 | 2023, January 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2023, January 24 |
| 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) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition), XOS 14 | Android 12, HIOS 12 |
| 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 | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), 1/3.07", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.96", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Unspecified |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Metallic Black, Neo Titanium, Mint Green, Sandstone Gold | Endless Black, Nebula Purple, Uyuni Blue, Skin Orange |
| Models | X6532 | BF7n |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Infinix Smart 9
- Significantly faster processor (Helio G81)
- Better multitasking capabilities
- More responsive user experience
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potentially slightly lower battery life due to increased processing power
Tecno Spark Go 2023
- More affordable price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Potentially larger screen size (speculation)
- Slow processor (Helio A22)
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps
- Poor gaming performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed specs regarding resolution, brightness, and color gamut are unavailable. Given Tecno’s history, the Spark Go 2023 may prioritize a slightly larger screen size, while Infinix often focuses on maximizing processing power within the budget. Expect both to have sizable bezels and a basic viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, with both likely featuring a primary sensor paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Helio G81’s image signal processor (ISP) in the Infinix Smart 9 will likely offer better image processing capabilities, resulting in slightly improved photo and video quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Expect both to rely heavily on software processing to enhance images.
Performance
This is where the Infinix Smart 9 truly shines. The Mediatek Helio G81, an octa-core processor with a combination of Cortex-A75 and Cortex-A55 cores clocked up to 2.0 GHz and 1.7 GHz respectively, offers a significant leap in performance compared to the Tecno Spark Go 2023’s quad-core Helio A22 (2.0 GHz Cortex-A53). The G81’s architecture is more modern and efficient, enabling smoother multitasking and a more responsive user interface. The A22, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding applications and even moderately complex web browsing. The G81 also benefits from a more capable GPU, making it the better choice for casual gaming.
Battery Life
Both phones 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 target market, both are likely to house batteries in the 5000mAh range. The Helio G81 in the Infinix Smart 9 is a more power-efficient chip, meaning it may offer slightly better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity battery, due to its 12nm manufacturing process compared to the A22's 12nm process. However, the difference will likely be marginal.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Smart 9 if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, enjoy occasional gaming, or simply want a device that feels more responsive in everyday use. The Helio G81 provides a noticeable performance boost. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2023 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize absolute affordability above all else. It’s a functional device for minimal smartphone usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 9 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Infinix Smart 9’s Helio G81 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but you’ll likely need to play at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a smooth experience. Don’t expect flagship-level performance, but it’s significantly better than the Tecno Spark Go 2023, which would struggle considerably.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark Go 2023 a good choice for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp and makes calls?
Yes, the Tecno Spark Go 2023 is perfectly adequate for basic communication tasks like WhatsApp, calls, and texting. Its Helio A22 processor is sufficient for these functions, and its affordability makes it a practical choice for users with minimal smartphone needs.
❓ Does the Infinix Smart 9 support reverse wired charging?
Yes, the Infinix Smart 9 does support reverse wired charging, allowing you to use it as a power bank to charge other devices. This is a useful feature for emergencies or when you need to top up a friend's phone.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
Both devices likely run Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited processing power and RAM. This ensures a smoother experience on the Tecno Spark Go 2023, and allows the Infinix Smart 9 to allocate more resources to applications.
