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 basic, functional experience. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and gaming, the Realme C3 emerges as the stronger contender. Its Helio G70 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Infinix Hot 9 Pro’s Helio P22. While both offer similar battery capacities, the C3’s superior processing power makes it the better choice for demanding tasks.
| 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 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 05. Released 2020, February 14 | 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 |
|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.25µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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 |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Frozen Blue, Blazing Red, Volcano Grey shade | Violet, Ocean Wave |
| Models | RMX2027, RMX2020, RMX2021 | X655F |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 50 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 192223 (v8)
GeekBench: 1262 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Realme C3
- Superior processing power with the Helio G70 chipset.
- More responsive user experience due to Cortex-A75 cores.
- Better suited for gaming and multitasking.
- 10W charging is slow.
- Display quality likely basic.
Infinix Hot 9 Pro
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Functional for basic communication tasks.
- Likely long battery life with light usage.
- Helio P22 chipset struggles with demanding apps.
- Poor gaming performance.
- 10W charging is slow.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of information regarding resolution or refresh rate suggests both are likely 720p displays. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a budget. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either device, prioritizing cost over calibration.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards social media sharing rather than professional photography. The market segment suggests both will include a primary sensor, likely around 13-20MP, and potentially depth or macro sensors of lower resolution. Image processing will likely be basic on both, prioritizing speed over advanced features. The Realme C3’s more powerful chipset *could* allow for slightly faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance, but this is speculative without further data.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C3’s Mediatek Helio G70 (MT6769V/CB) is a significant upgrade over the Infinix Hot 9 Pro’s Helio P22 (MT6762). The G70 utilizes a combination of 2x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x 1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, offering a substantial performance boost in CPU-intensive tasks compared to the P22’s 8x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The A75 cores in the G70 are architecturally superior, providing better single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. While both are built on a 12nm process, the G70’s architecture translates to a more fluid user experience, particularly noticeable in gaming. The Hot 9 Pro will struggle with more demanding titles.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature similar battery capacities, typical of the budget segment (around 5000mAh). However, the Realme C3’s more efficient Helio G70 chipset may translate to slightly better battery life under heavy usage. Both are limited to 10W wired charging, meaning full charges will take a considerable amount of time – likely over 3 hours. The difference in charging time will be minimal given the similar wattage and likely comparable battery capacities.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C3 if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming and multitasking without significant lag. Its Helio G70 chipset provides a smoother experience for apps and games. Buy the Infinix Hot 9 Pro if you prioritize a simple, functional smartphone for basic communication and light usage, and are on an extremely tight budget where every dollar counts. It's a viable option for first-time smartphone users or those needing a secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Hot 9 Pro be able to run PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Infinix Hot 9 Pro’s Helio P22 chipset is unlikely to provide a smooth PUBG Mobile experience. Expect significant lag and frame drops, even on the lowest graphics settings. The Realme C3, with its Helio G70, will offer a considerably better, though still not optimal, gaming experience.
❓ Is the 10W charging on either phone a major drawback?
Yes, 10W charging is slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take over 3 hours on both the Realme C3 and Infinix Hot 9 Pro. This is a compromise made to keep the price low, and users should plan to charge overnight.
❓ How much of a difference will the CPU cores make in everyday use?
The Cortex-A75 cores in the Realme C3’s Helio G70 provide a noticeable improvement in responsiveness compared to the Cortex-A53 cores in the Infinix Hot 9 Pro’s Helio P22. This translates to faster app launch times, smoother scrolling, and a more fluid overall user experience.
