The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Smart 9 and Tecno Spark Go 2024 are two contenders vying for dominance. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences and helps you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Infinix Smart 9 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G81 chipset, while not a powerhouse, offers a demonstrable performance advantage over the Unisoc T606 in the Tecno Spark Go 2024, particularly in sustained tasks and gaming. While both offer similar battery and charging capabilities, the extra processing power justifies the small 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, November 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2023, December 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | 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) | 163.7 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.34 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 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition), XOS 14 | Android 13 (Go edition), HIOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), 1/3.07", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.96", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Metallic Black, Neo Titanium, Mint Green, Sandstone Gold | Mystery White, Alpenglow Gold, Magic Skin, Gravity Black |
| Models | X6532 | BG6 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Infinix Smart 9
- Better CPU performance with the Helio G81
- Slightly improved gaming capabilities
- Potentially better image processing
- 10W charging is slow
- Limited detailed specifications available
Tecno Spark Go 2024
- Very affordable price point
- Decent battery life with likely 5000mAh battery
- Suitable for basic smartphone tasks
- Unisoc T606 chipset offers lower performance
- May struggle with multitasking and demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither Infinix nor Tecno provide display specifications beyond resolution in their marketing materials. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of details like peak brightness or color gamut coverage suggests a focus on cost reduction. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices. Without further data, it's safe to assume display quality will be similar, prioritizing functionality over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are expected to feature basic camera setups, likely headlined by a single main sensor. Given the market segment, detailed camera specs are scarce. It's reasonable to assume both will include a 2MP depth sensor and potentially a macro lens, but these are unlikely to deliver significant image quality improvements. Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to enhance photos, and the quality will be heavily dependent on lighting conditions. Without specific sensor details, it's difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the Helio G81’s slightly more powerful ISP *could* offer marginally better image processing capabilities.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Smart 9’s Mediatek Helio G81, built on a 12nm process, features a dual-core Cortex-A75 setup clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.7 GHz. The Tecno Spark Go 2024 utilizes the Unisoc T606, also on a 12nm process, but with a slightly lower Cortex-A75 clock speed of 1.6 GHz and the same 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This translates to a tangible performance edge for the Infinix, particularly in CPU-intensive tasks. While both are adequate for everyday use, the G81 will handle multitasking and more demanding apps with greater ease. The GPU within the Helio G81 also provides a better gaming experience, though neither phone is designed for high-end gaming.
Battery Life
Both the Infinix Smart 9 and Tecno Spark Go 2024 are equipped with 10W wired charging. While not fast by modern standards, this is typical for this price range. Battery capacity is not specified, but both are likely to house a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life with moderate usage. The 10W charging will take several hours to fully charge the device from 0 to 100%, making overnight charging the most practical option. The similar charging speeds and likely battery capacities mean battery life will be comparable between the two devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Smart 9 if you prioritize slightly better performance for multitasking, light gaming, and smoother app operation. This phone is ideal for users who frequently switch between apps or enjoy casual mobile games. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2024 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you're looking for the absolute lowest price point. It's a solid option for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 9 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Helio G81 in the Infinix Smart 9 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but you'll need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve playable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering, especially in intense firefights. The Tecno Spark Go 2024 will struggle more with these titles.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Tecno Spark Go 2024 with the 10W charger?
With the 10W charger, expect the Tecno Spark Go 2024 to take approximately 3-4 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%. It's best to charge the phone overnight for convenience.
❓ Is the Unisoc T606 chipset a reliable option for everyday use?
The Unisoc T606 is a capable chipset for basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, browsing the web, and using social media apps. However, it may exhibit slowdowns when multitasking or running more demanding applications. It's best suited for users with light smartphone usage patterns.
❓ Does either phone support software updates beyond the initial Android version?
Given the price point, long-term software update support is unlikely for either device. Expect at least one major Android update, but beyond that, updates will likely be limited to security patches. Don't expect features from newer Android versions.
