The Lenovo A7 and Infinix Hot 9 Pro represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The A7 prioritizes power efficiency with its Unisoc chipset, while the Hot 9 Pro opts for a more powerful, albeit less efficient, Mediatek Helio P22. This comparison dissects these choices to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness in everyday tasks, the Infinix Hot 9 Pro emerges as the better choice. Its Helio P22 chipset, clocked at 2.0 GHz, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Lenovo A7’s Unisoc SC9863A, despite the latter’s more efficient 28nm process. However, users heavily focused on maximizing battery life might find the A7’s efficiency appealing.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April 13. Released 2019, April 13 | 2020, May 29. Released 2020, June 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 155 x 75 x 12 mm (6.10 x 2.95 x 0.47 in) | 165 x 76.8 x 8.7 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10, XOS 6.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 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 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Violet, Ocean Wave |
| Models | L19111 | X655F |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 50 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo A7
- Potentially longer battery life due to efficient chipset.
- Lower cost (likely).
- Simpler user experience (potentially running Android Go Edition).
- Significantly slower performance.
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps.
- Less responsive user interface.
Infinix Hot 9 Pro
- Faster and more responsive performance.
- Smoother multitasking and app loading.
- Better suited for casual gaming.
- Potentially shorter battery life.
- May run warmer under load.
- Likely a slightly higher price point.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specifications necessitates a focus on the chipset’s impact on UI smoothness. The Hot 9 Pro’s faster CPU will contribute to a more fluid scrolling experience, even if the panel itself is similar in quality to the A7’s. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, and color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside auxiliary lenses (potentially a depth sensor or macro lens). However, given the price point, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The Hot 9 Pro’s more powerful chipset *could* allow for slightly more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and should not be a deciding factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Hot 9 Pro’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) utilizes Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, offering a clear advantage over the Lenovo A7’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) with its mix of 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 12nm process of the Helio P22, while not leading-edge, is more efficient than the 28nm process of the SC9863A, but the higher clock speeds and more modern core architecture of the P22 outweigh this advantage in terms of raw performance. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Hot 9 Pro. The A7 will likely struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both devices likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Lenovo A7’s Unisoc SC9863A, built on a 28nm process, is inherently more power-efficient than the Helio P22. This means the A7 *could* offer longer battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Hot 9 Pro’s faster processor allows it to complete tasks quicker, potentially reducing overall screen-on time and mitigating some of the efficiency gap. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both are likely to support standard 5W or 10W charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo A7 if you need a device that prioritizes battery longevity and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Its Unisoc chipset, while less powerful, is designed for efficiency. Buy the Infinix Hot 9 Pro if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for multitasking, casual gaming, and running more demanding apps. The Helio P22 offers a significant performance boost, making it ideal for users who want a bit more from their budget smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P22 in the Infinix Hot 9 Pro overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Helio P22 isn't a high-end gaming chip, it's unlikely to overheat severely during casual gaming. The 12nm process helps with thermal management, but extended, graphically intensive games may cause some throttling to maintain safe temperatures. The A7's SC9863A will likely throttle sooner due to its less efficient architecture.
❓ Is the Lenovo A7 a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls, texts, and WhatsApp?
Yes, the Lenovo A7 is well-suited for basic communication tasks. Its power-efficient Unisoc SC9863A chipset will provide ample battery life for these use cases, and the less demanding applications won't strain the processor. It's a practical choice for users who prioritize simplicity and longevity over performance.
❓ Does the Infinix Hot 9 Pro support popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Infinix Hot 9 Pro can *run* PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but likely at low to medium graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. Don't expect flagship-level performance; the Helio P22 is an entry-level chipset. The A7 would struggle significantly with these titles.
