The itel S24 and Infinix Smart 8 Plus represent the increasingly competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features and acceptable performance, but they take different approaches. The itel S24 prioritizes processing power with the Helio G91 Ultra, while the Infinix Smart 8 Plus focuses on broader feature parity with its Helio G36. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing smoother multitasking and gaming, the itel S24 emerges as the stronger choice thanks to its significantly more powerful Mediatek Helio G91 Ultra chipset. However, the Infinix Smart 8 Plus offers the convenience of reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the itel S24, making it a viable option for those needing to top up other devices.
| 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, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, March 29 | 2024, January 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April | Available. Released 2024, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.5 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 163.7 x 75.7 x 9 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 204 g (7.20 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G91 Ultra | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13 (Go edition), XOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Ring-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 108 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, bypass charging, 50% in 40 min | 18W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn White, Coastline Blue, Starry Black | Galaxy White, Shiny Gold, Timber Black |
| Models | S667LN | X6526 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 100 EUR |
itel S24
- More powerful Helio G91 Ultra chipset for better performance.
- Bypass charging for simultaneous charging and usage.
- Potentially better image processing due to the more advanced ISP.
- Lacks reverse wired charging.
- Battery capacity is unknown.
Infinix Smart 8 Plus
- Reverse wired charging for topping up other devices.
- Potentially lower price point.
- 18W fast charging.
- Less powerful Helio G36 chipset.
- Older CPU architecture may lead to lower efficiency.
Display Comparison
Neither itel nor Infinix provide display specifications beyond the basic panel type. Assuming both utilize IPS LCDs, the real differentiator will be color calibration and peak brightness, which are currently unknown. However, the focus here is on performance, not display fidelity, given the price bracket. Bezels are likely comparable, and both will likely target 60Hz refresh rates.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G91 Ultra is likely more advanced, potentially leading to better image processing and low-light performance on the itel S24. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is almost certain on both devices at this price point. Focusing on the primary sensor resolution and aperture would be key to determining real-world image quality, but that data is currently unavailable.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel S24’s Mediatek Helio G91 Ultra, with its 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, represents a significant leap over the Infinix Smart 8 Plus’s Helio G36. The G36’s 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration, while offering a higher clock speed on some cores, utilizes older and less efficient architecture. The G91 Ultra’s Cortex-A75 cores provide substantially better single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The G36’s 12nm process node is also less efficient than the G91 Ultra’s, potentially leading to more heat generation under sustained load. This translates to a smoother experience for demanding tasks on the itel S24.
Battery Life
Both devices offer 18W wired charging, with the itel S24 claiming a 50% charge in 40 minutes. The Infinix Smart 8 Plus adds reverse wired charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices. While battery capacity is unknown for both, the more efficient Helio G91 Ultra in the itel S24 may offset a potentially smaller battery size. The inclusion of bypass charging on the itel S24 allows for simultaneous charging and usage without significantly impacting battery health, a useful feature for gamers.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel S24 if you frequently engage in mobile gaming, run multiple apps simultaneously, or simply demand a more responsive user experience. Its Helio G91 Ultra provides a noticeable performance advantage. Buy the Infinix Smart 8 Plus if you value versatility and the ability to charge other devices via reverse wired charging, and your primary use case revolves around basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the itel S24 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio G91 Ultra in the itel S24 is significantly more capable than the Helio G36. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it should provide a playable experience in PUBG Mobile at medium settings. Expect some frame drops during intense firefights, but overall, it's a more suitable choice for gaming than the Infinix Smart 8 Plus.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Infinix Smart 8 Plus useful in real-world scenarios?
Yes, reverse wired charging can be incredibly convenient. If you frequently find yourself with a low battery on your earbuds, smartwatch, or a friend's phone, the Infinix Smart 8 Plus allows you to share your power. While the charging speed won't be exceptionally fast, it's a valuable feature to have in a pinch.
❓ How does the efficiency of the Helio G91 Ultra compare to the Helio G36 in terms of battery life?
The Helio G91 Ultra, built on a more modern process node, is generally more power-efficient than the Helio G36. This means that, even with a similar battery capacity, the itel S24 is likely to offer slightly longer battery life during typical usage. However, actual battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns and display settings.
