The itel S18 Pro and Infinix Smart 6 HD represent the fiercely competitive entry-level smartphone market. Both devices are powered by the same Unisoc SC9863A chipset, making a direct hardware comparison less insightful than examining potential software optimizations, build quality, and pricing strategies. This deep dive explores where these nearly identical phones diverge.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the choice between the itel S18 Pro and Infinix Smart 6 HD will likely come down to price and availability. Given the identical core hardware, the device available at the lowest cost represents the better value. Expect similar performance and battery life from both.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023 | 2022, April 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2022, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 165.6 x 76.4 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.01 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android, itel OS 8.6 | Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP (wide)
0.08 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 32 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Liquid Silver, Starry Black | Force Black, Origin Blue, Aqua Sky |
| Models | - | X6512 |
| Price | - | About 80 EUR |
itel S18 Pro
- Potential for better software optimization (brand dependent)
- Established itel brand presence in some markets
- Likely similar battery life to the Infinix model
- Identical chipset to the competition
- 10W charging is slow
- Camera performance likely limited
Infinix Smart 6 HD
- Potential for more aggressive pricing
- Infinix UI may appeal to some users
- Likely similar battery life to the itel model
- Identical chipset to the competition
- 10W charging is slow
- Camera performance likely limited
Display Comparison
Both the itel S18 Pro and Infinix Smart 6 HD utilize the Unisoc SC9863A, suggesting similar display capabilities. Given the target market, expect both to feature LCD panels, likely with a 720p+ resolution. Without specific nit brightness data, it's reasonable to assume both displays will struggle in direct sunlight. The absence of higher refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO is expected at this price point, meaning a standard 60Hz experience. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a budget-friendly form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be a weak point on both devices. While specifications aren't detailed, it's common for phones in this segment to include a primary sensor paired with low-resolution auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro or depth sensors). Image quality will be acceptable in well-lit conditions, but expect significant noise and a lack of detail in low light. The Unisoc SC9863A's image signal processor (ISP) is basic, limiting the potential for advanced image processing. Differences in camera performance will likely be minimal and driven by software algorithms rather than hardware capabilities.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core processor built on a 28nm process. This chipset features four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and another four at 1.2 GHz. This configuration is optimized for efficiency rather than raw power, making it suitable for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing. The 28nm node, while older, contributes to reasonable battery life. Performance will be largely identical between the two phones, with any differences stemming from RAM management and software optimization. Expect noticeable slowdowns with multitasking or demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both the itel S18 Pro and Infinix Smart 6 HD support 10W wired charging. This is a slow charging standard, meaning a full charge will take several hours. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the target market, expect capacities around 4000-5000 mAh. The Unisoc SC9863A's efficiency, combined with the likely lower-resolution display, should translate to all-day battery life for light users. However, heavy usage will necessitate frequent charging due to the slow charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel S18 Pro if you prioritize brand recognition within the itel ecosystem or if it's available with a slightly more refined software experience. Buy the Infinix Smart 6 HD if you prefer the Infinix UI or if it offers a more aggressive price point, making it the most affordable option for basic smartphone functionality. Both are suited for users needing a secondary device or a first smartphone for essential tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either of these phones run demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
No. The Unisoc SC9863A is an entry-level chipset. While PUBG Mobile may be playable at the lowest settings, expect significant frame rate drops and a generally poor gaming experience. These phones are designed for basic tasks, not gaming.
❓ Are these phones likely to receive software updates?
Software update support is limited for phones in this price range. While both itel and Infinix may provide occasional security patches, major Android version updates are unlikely. Expect the phones to ship with an older version of Android, potentially Android Go Edition, optimized for lower-end hardware.
❓ What type of storage do these phones use – eMMC or UFS?
Given the price point, both the itel S18 Pro and Infinix Smart 6 HD almost certainly utilize eMMC storage. UFS storage is faster but more expensive, making it unlikely to be included in these budget devices. This will impact app loading times and overall system responsiveness.
❓ Can I use these phones for video calls without issues?
Yes, both phones should be capable of handling basic video calls via apps like WhatsApp or Messenger. However, the camera quality and microphone performance are likely to be average, and network connectivity will play a significant role in call quality.
