Infinix Smart HD 2021 vs. Infinix Hot 9 Play: A Budget Showdown

The Infinix Smart HD 2021 and Hot 9 Play are both contenders in the fiercely competitive budget smartphone market. Both offer attractive price points, but which one delivers the best overall experience? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Infinix Hot 9 Play generally edges out the Smart HD 2021 thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset (especially the A25 variant), reverse charging capability, and often more RAM/storage options. While both are budget phones, the Hot 9 Play offers a more rounded package.

PHONES
Phone Names	Infinix Smart HD 2021	Infinix Hot 9 Play

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41
Speed	HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2020, December 16. Released 2020, December 24	2020, April 09. Released 2020, April 09
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions	158.3 x 75.2 x 9.8 mm (6.23 x 2.96 x 0.39 in)	171.8 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.76 x 3.07 x 0.35 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	195 g (6.88 oz)	209 g (7.37 oz)

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution	720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)	720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density)
Size	6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~76.7% screen-to-body ratio)	6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ)	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53	Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 - 32/2GBOcta-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB
Chipset	Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm)	Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) - 32/2GBMediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB
GPU	PowerVR GE8320	PowerVR GE8300PowerVR GE8320
OS	Android 10 (Go edition), XOS 6.2	Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) - 32/2GBAndroid 9.0 (Pie) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	32GB 2GB RAM	32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Dual	8 MP, f/2.0	13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF Auxiliary lens
Features	Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama	Triple-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single	-	13 MP, AF
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	Dual-LED flash, HDR	-
Single	5 MP, f/2.0	8 MP, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE	5.0, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS	GPS
Radio	FM radio	FM radio
USB	microUSB 2.0	microUSB 2.0, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	-	10W wired Reverse wired
Stand-by	-	Up to 750 h
Talk time	-	Up to 25 h
Type	5000 mAh	6000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Topaz Blue, Obsidian Black, Quartz Green	Midnight Black, Quetzal Cyan, Violet, Ocean Wave
Models	X612B, X612	X680, X680B, X680C
Price	About 70 EUR	About 100 EUR
SAR	0.53 W/kg (head) 1.22 W/kg (body)	-
SAR EU	-	0.35 W/kg (head)

Infinix Smart HD 2021

Very affordable
Large display
Decent battery life

Basic performance
Limited storage options
No reverse charging

Infinix Hot 9 Play

Better performance (A25 variant)
Reverse charging
More RAM/Storage options available
Larger battery capacity in some variants

Still budget-level performance
Camera quality is average
Can feel bulky

Display Comparison

Both phones feature large, HD+ displays, typically around 6.5 inches. Expect similar color accuracy and brightness levels – adequate for everyday use but not exceptional. The Hot 9 Play might offer slightly better viewing angles depending on the specific panel used.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is comparable on both devices, featuring a primary rear camera (typically 13MP) and a depth sensor. Image quality is acceptable in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be underwhelming. The Hot 9 Play might have slightly better software processing for improved results.

Performance

The Hot 9 Play holds a performance advantage. The Smart HD 2021 uses the Helio A20, a decent but entry-level chipset. The Hot 9 Play, particularly with the Helio A25, offers a noticeable boost in speed and responsiveness. The octa-core configuration in some Hot 9 Play variants further enhances multitasking capabilities. Expect some lag on both devices with demanding apps.

Battery Life

Both phones boast large batteries (typically 5000mAh), providing all-day battery life under moderate usage. The Hot 9 Play's reverse charging feature is a significant advantage, allowing you to use it as a power bank for other devices.

Buying Guide

The Infinix Smart HD 2021 is a good option for users prioritizing a very basic smartphone experience with essential features and a tight budget. The Infinix Hot 9 Play is better suited for users who need a bit more performance for multitasking, occasional gaming, and appreciate the added convenience of reverse charging.