The itel S18 and Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) represent the fiercely competitive entry-level smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price point. However, beneath the similar price tags lie significant differences in chipset architecture and processing power, impacting everything from daily tasks to light gaming. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing smooth multitasking and a slightly more responsive experience, the Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) emerges as the better choice. Its MediaTek Helio G25, built on a more efficient 12nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the itel S18’s Unisoc SC9863A, despite the clock speed differences.
| 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2022, July 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2022, August 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 172.6 x 77.7 x 8.7 mm (6.80 x 3.06 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 202 g (7.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~257 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 | 6.82 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 440 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP (wide)
0.08 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mint Green, Digital Sliver, Midnight Black | Tranquil Sea Blue, Miracle Black |
| Models | - | X6823C, X6823 |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
itel S18
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- May have longer software support (brand dependent)
- Less powerful chipset
- Less efficient processor (28nm)
- Likely slower app loading times
Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India)
- More powerful MediaTek Helio G25
- More efficient 12nm process
- Smoother multitasking experience
- Better gaming performance
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potentially shorter software support (brand dependent)
- Similar camera quality to itel S18
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price segment. However, details like resolution and brightness are missing. The key difference lies under the hood: the manufacturing process of the chipsets powering them. A better chipset means smoother animations and faster app loading, indirectly improving the perceived display experience. Without specific display specs, the advantage leans towards the Infinix due to its more powerful processor.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it's difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited real-world benefit. Image quality will heavily rely on software processing, and in this segment, it's unlikely either phone will excel in challenging lighting conditions. The focus should be on the main sensor, and without that information, the advantage is neutral.
Performance
The core difference here is the chipset. The Infinix Smart 6 Plus utilizes the MediaTek Helio G25, fabricated on a 12nm process. This smaller node size generally translates to improved power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the itel S18’s Unisoc SC9863A, which is built on a larger 28nm process. While the itel S18 has a slightly different CPU core configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55), the Helio G25’s Cortex-A53 cores, clocked at 2.0 GHz, offer a performance edge. The 12nm process allows the G25 to sustain higher clock speeds for longer without significant throttling, benefiting users who engage in even light gaming or multitasking. The G25 also has a more capable GPU, further widening the performance gap.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the more efficient 12nm Helio G25 in the Infinix Smart 6 Plus will likely result in better battery life, even with a similar capacity battery. The 28nm Unisoc SC9863A in the itel S18 will consume more power, leading to shorter usage times between charges. Charging wattage is also unknown, but the efficiency gain of the Helio G25 will be more impactful than a minor difference in charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel S18 if you primarily need a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and prioritize a potentially lower price point. It's a functional device for minimal smartphone usage. Buy the Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) if you want a more capable device for multitasking, occasional gaming, and a generally smoother user experience. The Helio G25 provides a tangible boost in performance for everyday tasks and offers a better long-term experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G25 in the Infinix Smart 6 Plus handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G25 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings and frame rates. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it offers a playable experience for casual gamers, unlike the itel S18 which will struggle more significantly.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset known for overheating issues?
The Unisoc SC9863A is not typically associated with severe overheating, but its 28nm process is less efficient than the 12nm Helio G25. This means it will generate more heat under load, potentially leading to some throttling during prolonged use. The Infinix Smart 6 Plus will likely manage heat better.
❓ How much RAM do these phones typically have, and will that impact performance?
Both phones are likely to come with 2GB or 3GB of RAM. While sufficient for basic tasks, 3GB is preferable for smoother multitasking. The more efficient chipset in the Infinix Smart 6 Plus will make better use of the available RAM, resulting in a more responsive experience.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on these devices?
Both phones typically offer 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. This is adequate for basic usage, but users who download many apps or store a lot of media may want to consider a larger microSD card.
