Nokia G10 vs. Infinix Hot 10 Play: A Deep Dive into Two Ultra-Budget Smartphones

The Nokia G10 and Infinix Hot 10 Play represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both devices target first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. This comparison dissects their similarities and subtle differences to determine which offers the best value for essential smartphone tasks.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing software reliability and a potentially longer software support lifecycle, the Nokia G10 is the better choice. However, the Infinix Hot 10 Play offers more RAM options for a slightly lower starting price, potentially improving multitasking performance.

PHONES
Phone Names Nokia G10 Infinix Hot 10 Play
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - ROWHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - ROW1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
Launch
Announced2021, April 082021, January 21
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, April 26Available. Released 2021, January 21
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions164.9 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.36 in)171.8 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.76 x 3.07 x 0.35 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight194 g (6.84 oz)207 g (7.30 oz)
 Splash protection-
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density)
Size6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 440 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13Android 10 (Go edition), XOS 7
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual-13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaQuad-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single8 MP, (wide)-
Triple13 MP, (wide), AF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-LED flash
Single8 MP, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGmicroUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired10W wired
TypeLi-Po 5050 mAh6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsDusk, NightAegean Blue, Morandi Green, Obsidian Black, Purple
ModelsTA-1334, TA-1351, TA-1346, TA-1338X688C, X688B, MZ-Infinix X688C
PriceAbout 110 EURAbout 80 EUR
SAR1.06 W/kg (head)     1.51 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU0.46 W/kg (head)     1.51 W/kg (body)-
Pricing
32GB 2GB RAM-₹ 8,709
64GB 4GB RAM-Rp 1,570,000

Nokia G10

  • Potentially longer software support from Nokia.
  • Cleaner Android experience (likely closer to stock).
  • Established brand reputation for reliability.

  • RAM configuration is unknown, potentially limiting performance.
  • Slow 10W charging.

Infinix Hot 10 Play

  • Available with 4GB of RAM for improved multitasking.
  • Lower starting price (₹8,709 for 32GB/2GB variant).
  • More storage options available.

  • Android experience may be heavily customized.
  • Slow 10W charging.

Display Comparison

Both the Nokia G10 and Infinix Hot 10 Play lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. Given their price point, it's safe to assume both utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The absence of information regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or PWM dimming rates suggests neither device will excel in outdoor visibility or color accuracy. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are sparse for both devices. The lack of information regarding sensor size, aperture, or image stabilization suggests both will struggle in low-light conditions. While both likely feature a multi-camera setup, the provided data doesn't allow for a meaningful comparison beyond acknowledging their existence. The focus should be on basic photography for social media sharing, rather than expecting high-quality images.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) chipset, featuring an identical CPU configuration: an octa-core setup with 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This means raw processing power will be virtually indistinguishable between the two. However, the Infinix Hot 10 Play offers a 64GB/4GB RAM variant, while the Nokia G10’s RAM configuration is unspecified. The additional RAM on the Infinix model will demonstrably improve multitasking capabilities and reduce app reload times, especially with the resource-intensive Android operating system. Thermal management is unlikely to be a concern given the low-power chipset.

Battery Life

Both the Nokia G10 and Infinix Hot 10 Play utilize 10W wired charging. This slow charging speed means a full charge will take a significant amount of time – likely exceeding 3 hours. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the low-power chipset and basic display technology, both devices should achieve all-day battery life with moderate usage. The 10W charging rate is a significant limitation for users accustomed to faster charging solutions.

Buying Guide

Buy the Nokia G10 if you value a cleaner Android experience, potentially longer software updates, and brand reputation for durability. This phone suits users who primarily need calling, messaging, and basic app usage. Buy the Infinix Hot 10 Play if you prioritize maximizing RAM within a tight budget and are comfortable with a more customized Android experience. This is ideal for users who frequently switch between apps or enjoy a more visually altered interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Helio G25 chipset struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Mediatek Helio G25 is an entry-level chipset. While it can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame rate drops, especially during intense action. It's not designed for demanding gaming experiences.
❓ How long will software updates be supported on the Nokia G10?
Nokia typically provides a guaranteed number of software updates and security patches for its devices. While the exact duration for the G10 isn't explicitly stated, Nokia generally offers better software support than many other brands in this price segment, potentially extending the device's usability.
❓ Is the 2GB of RAM on the base Infinix Hot 10 Play sufficient for everyday use?
2GB of RAM is the bare minimum for running Android smoothly. While it can handle basic tasks like calling, messaging, and browsing, you may experience noticeable lag when switching between apps or running multiple applications simultaneously. Upgrading to the 4GB RAM variant is highly recommended.
❓ What type of charging port do these phones use?
Given the price point and target market, both the Nokia G10 and Infinix Hot 10 Play almost certainly use a micro-USB port for charging and data transfer. This is a legacy standard, but remains common in ultra-budget smartphones.