The Realme C3 and Infinix Hot 9 Pro represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential features at a low price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Realme C3 prioritizes processing power with its Helio G70 chipset, while the Infinix Hot 9 Pro focuses on offering a feature-rich experience with a slightly less powerful processor. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the Realme C3 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G70 chipset provides a significant performance advantage over the Infinix Hot 9 Pro’s Helio P22, translating to smoother multitasking and a more enjoyable gaming experience. While the Hot 9 Pro offers a comparable feature set, the C3’s processing power justifies its slight price premium.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 19. Released 2020, February 20 | 2020, May 29. Released 2020, June 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75 x 9 mm (6.47 x 2.95 x 0.35 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 | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, XOS 6.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses |
| Triple | 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.25µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 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, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Frozen Blue, Blazing Red | Violet, Ocean Wave |
| Models | - | X655F |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 50 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
Realme C3 (3 cameras)
- Superior processing power with the Helio G70 chipset.
- Better gaming performance due to the Cortex-A75 cores.
- Reverse wired charging for accessory top-ups.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Camera quality may not be significantly better than the Hot 9 Pro.
Infinix Hot 9 Pro
- Competitive price point.
- Feature-rich software experience.
- Decent battery life for basic usage.
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Realme C3.
- Less responsive user interface.
- Limited gaming capabilities.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but functionality. Without specific display specs, it's reasonable to assume similar resolutions and brightness levels. The real difference will likely be in color calibration, which is often a weaker point in budget phones. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature multiple rear cameras, but the quality will vary. The Realme C3’s camera setup (3 cameras) likely includes a primary sensor, a depth sensor, and potentially a macro lens. The Infinix Hot 9 Pro also features a similar configuration. However, without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to assess image quality. The aperture of the main sensor is a critical factor; a wider aperture (lower f-number) allows more light to enter, resulting in better low-light performance. Image processing algorithms also play a significant role, and Realme’s typically offer more refined results than Infinix’s in this price range. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C3’s Mediatek Helio G70 (12nm) is a significantly more capable processor than the Infinix Hot 9 Pro’s Helio P22 (12nm). The G70 features an octa-core configuration with two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.7 GHz. This architecture provides a substantial boost in single-core and multi-core performance compared to the P22’s all-Cortex-A53 setup clocked at 2.0 GHz. The A75 cores in the G70 are designed for more demanding tasks, resulting in a smoother user experience and better gaming performance. This translates to faster app loading times, quicker multitasking, and the ability to handle more graphically intensive games with fewer stutters.
Battery Life
Both devices likely pack similar battery capacities, typical for this segment (around 5000mAh). However, the Realme C3’s more efficient Helio G70 chipset will likely result in slightly better battery life under heavy use. The Infinix Hot 9 Pro’s Helio P22, while less powerful, may also offer comparable battery endurance with lighter usage. Charging speeds are a significant drawback for both, with only 10W wired charging supported. Expect a full charge to take well over two hours. The Realme C3 does offer reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C3 if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming and multitasking without significant lag. It’s ideal for users who frequently switch between apps or enjoy mobile games like PUBG Mobile at lower settings. Buy the Infinix Hot 9 Pro if you prioritize a feature-rich experience and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and social media browsing. It’s a good option for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C3 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Realme C3, with its Helio G70 chipset, can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a smooth frame rate. The Helio G70 is designed for gaming, but it's still a budget processor, so don't expect flagship-level performance.
❓ Is the Infinix Hot 9 Pro a good choice for someone who primarily uses social media and messaging apps?
Yes, the Infinix Hot 9 Pro is well-suited for basic tasks like social media browsing, messaging, and making calls. Its Helio P22 chipset is sufficient for these everyday activities, and the battery life should be adequate for moderate usage.
❓ Does the Realme C3 support fast charging?
Unfortunately, the Realme C3 only supports 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow compared to modern smartphones. Expect a full charge to take over two hours. The lack of fast charging is a notable drawback.
❓ How does the camera perform in low-light conditions on the Infinix Hot 9 Pro?
Low-light camera performance on the Infinix Hot 9 Pro is likely to be subpar. Without a dedicated night mode or a wide-aperture lens, images will likely appear noisy and lack detail in dimly lit environments. The Realme C3 may offer slightly better low-light performance due to its potentially superior image processing.
