The Oppo A16 and Infinix Hot 10i represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a price point that won't break the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The A16 prioritizes a streamlined experience, while the Hot 10i attempts to offer a bit more performance punch. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a smoother, more responsive experience, the Infinix Hot 10i is the better choice. Its Helio G70 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Oppo A16’s Helio G35, especially in multitasking and gaming. While the A16 is adequate for basic tasks, the Hot 10i offers a more future-proofed experience.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 17 | 2021, May 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 17 | Available. Released 2021, May 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164.3 x 76 x 9.6 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V Helio G70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, ColorOS 12 | Android 11, XOS 7.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Unspecified |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pearl Blue, Space Silver, Crystal Black | Black, Purple, Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | CPH2269 | X659B, PR652B, X658E, PR652C, X658B, X659 |
| Price | £ 88.50 / € 109.99 | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.77 W/kg (head) 0.97 W/kg (body) | - |
Oppo A16
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Hot 10i
- Likely slower app loading times
- Less enjoyable gaming experience
Infinix Hot 10i
- More powerful Helio G70 chipset
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Smoother multitasking and gaming
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potentially less optimized software
- Camera performance likely similar to Oppo A16
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on cost optimization over display technology. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, the focus here is on performance. The A16 likely employs a standard LCD panel, while the Hot 10i’s display quality is also expected to be basic. Bezels are likely comparable, given the price bracket. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either device.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones relying on budget sensors. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution. Image processing will likely be basic, prioritizing speed over detail. The Hot 10i may have a slight edge due to the more powerful chipset enabling faster image processing, but the difference will likely be minimal.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Hot 10i’s Mediatek Helio G70 is a significant upgrade over the Oppo A16’s Helio G35. The G70 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, offering a substantial boost in single-core and multi-core performance compared to the A16’s four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz. The A75 architecture is more efficient and powerful. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Hot 10i. The Hot 10i’s 18W charging also suggests a slightly more robust power delivery system, potentially aiding sustained performance during gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the Oppo A16, but typical budget phones in this class range from 4000-5000mAh. The Infinix Hot 10i’s 18W wired charging is a key advantage. While not exceptionally fast, it’s significantly quicker than the charging speeds typically found on phones in this price range. This means less time tethered to a charger and more time using the device. The more efficient Helio G70 in the Hot 10i may also contribute to slightly better battery life, even with a similar capacity battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A16 if you need a reliably basic smartphone for essential communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and prioritize simplicity. It’s a good fit for first-time smartphone users or those who want a no-frills device. Buy the Infinix Hot 10i if you prefer a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, smoother multitasking, and generally a more responsive user interface. It’s ideal for users who want a bit more performance without significantly increasing their budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Hot 10i handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Infinix Hot 10i, with its Helio G70 chipset, is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. However, don't expect a consistently smooth experience at the highest settings. The Helio G35 in the Oppo A16 will struggle with these titles, likely requiring very low settings and still experiencing noticeable lag.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Infinix Hot 10i a significant improvement over standard 10W charging?
Yes, 18W charging is a noticeable improvement. While not as fast as the charging speeds found on flagship phones, it will significantly reduce the time it takes to fully charge the Infinix Hot 10i compared to a standard 10W charger. Expect a full charge in around 2-3 hours, versus potentially 4+ hours with a slower charger.
❓ How much of a difference will the CPU architecture make in everyday use between the Helio G35 and Helio G70?
The difference in CPU architecture is substantial. The Helio G70’s Cortex-A75 cores are significantly more powerful and efficient than the A16’s Cortex-A53 cores. This translates to faster app launches, smoother scrolling through social media, and a more responsive overall user experience. The A75 cores handle demanding tasks more effectively, making the Hot 10i feel snappier.
