The Tecno Camon 15 Air and Infinix Hot 9 Play represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, but they diverge significantly in their internal hardware, particularly in their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Camon 15 Air emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, while not a powerhouse, consistently outperforms the base Helio A22 found in some Hot 9 Play variants. The P22’s octa-core configuration provides a smoother multitasking experience, making it better suited for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 13. Released 2020, April 13 | 2020, April 09. Released 2020, April 09 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 76.5 x 9 mm (6.48 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 171.8 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.76 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 - 32/2GBOcta-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) - 32/2GBMediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8300PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, HIOS 6.0 | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) - 32/2GBAndroid 9.0 (Pie) - 32/3GB, 64/3-4GB |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Triple-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | 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/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 384 h (3G) | Up to 750 h |
| Talk time | Up to 17 h (3G) | Up to 25 h |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Malachite Blue, Ice lake Blue, Misty Gray | Midnight Black, Quetzal Cyan, Violet, Ocean Wave |
| Models | CD6, CD6S | X680, X680B, X680C |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) |
Tecno Camon 15 Air
- More consistent performance with Helio P22
- Octa-core CPU for smoother multitasking
- Potentially better software optimization
- Lacks reverse wired charging
- Camera performance likely similar to Hot 9 Play
Infinix Hot 9 Play
- Reverse wired charging for power bank functionality
- Potentially lower price point
- Helio A25 variant offers improved performance
- Base Helio A22 variant is significantly slower
- Performance can be inconsistent depending on configuration
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable, but the focus here is on internal performance. 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.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones relying on budget sensors. Detailed sensor information is lacking, but it’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors of limited utility. Image processing will be crucial, and Tecno’s software optimizations may provide a slight advantage. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means low-light photography will be challenging.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Camon 15 Air’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) features an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz, utilizing Cortex-A53 cores. This provides a significant advantage over the base Infinix Hot 9 Play configuration, which uses the Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) with a quad-core CPU at 2.0 GHz. However, some Hot 9 Play models ship with the Helio A25 (12nm), an octa-core chip (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53). The A25 narrows the performance gap, but the P22 still holds an edge due to its consistent octa-core architecture. The A25’s mixed core speeds suggest a focus on power efficiency rather than raw performance. RAM configurations (2GB/3GB/4GB) further impact multitasking capabilities on both devices.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh, based on market trends). However, the Infinix Hot 9 Play’s inclusion of 10W wired charging *and* reverse wired charging is a notable advantage. This allows the Hot 9 Play to function as a power bank for other devices, a feature absent on the Camon 15 Air. While charging speeds are slow by modern standards, the reverse charging capability adds a unique layer of utility.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon 15 Air if you prioritize consistent performance for daily use, including social media, browsing, and basic app functionality. It’s the better option for users who occasionally engage in light gaming or multitasking. Buy the Infinix Hot 9 Play if your primary concern is absolute affordability and you only need a phone for the most basic tasks – calls, texts, and minimal app usage. The Hot 9 Play’s reverse wired charging is a unique feature for this segment, appealing to users who need a portable power bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for playing PUBG Mobile, even on low settings?
The Tecno Camon 15 Air with the Helio P22 is the better choice for PUBG Mobile, even if limited to low settings. The octa-core CPU and slightly more powerful GPU will provide a more stable and playable experience compared to the base Helio A22 in the Hot 9 Play. The A25 variant of the Hot 9 Play will be closer in performance, but still likely trails the P22.
❓ Does the Infinix Hot 9 Play's reverse charging feature significantly drain its battery?
Yes, using the Infinix Hot 9 Play's reverse charging feature will noticeably drain its battery. While convenient, it's not a replacement for a dedicated power bank. Expect to lose a significant percentage of the Hot 9 Play's battery capacity when charging another device, especially if the other device has a large battery.
❓ Is the 2GB of RAM in some Hot 9 Play configurations sufficient for everyday use?
2GB of RAM is *barely* sufficient for modern Android. The Infinix Hot 9 Play with 2GB of RAM will struggle with multitasking and may exhibit noticeable lag when switching between apps. It's best suited for users who only need to perform basic tasks and don't plan on running many apps simultaneously.
