The Tecno Phantom 9 and Infinix Note 7 represent compelling options in the sub-$150 smartphone market. While both aim for affordability, they diverge significantly in their core processing power. This comparison dissects the differences between the Mediatek Helio P35 in the Phantom 9 and the Helio G70 in the Note 7, revealing which device delivers a superior user experience for everyday tasks and beyond.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Infinix Note 7 is the better choice. Its Helio G70 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Phantom 9’s Helio P35, translating to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The 18W charging is also a significant advantage.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 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 |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, July. Released 2019, July | 2020, April 06. Released 2020, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 158.5 x 75.3 x 7.9 mm (6.24 x 2.96 x 0.31 in) | 173.4 x 79 x 8.8 mm (6.83 x 3.11 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 164.4 g (5.78 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~258 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.95 inches, 114.7 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| 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 MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10, XOS 6.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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)
2 MP, f/1.8, (dedicated video camera) - 128/6 model only
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 13mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lapland Aurora | Forest Green, Aether Black, Bolivia Blue |
| Models | AB7 | X690B, X690 |
| Price | About 15000 INR | - |
Tecno Phantom 9
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful chipset.
- May be available at a lower price point.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Note 7.
- Less responsive for multitasking and demanding apps.
- Slower charging speeds.
Infinix Note 7
- Faster and more responsive performance with the Helio G70.
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups.
- Better suited for gaming and demanding applications.
- May have slightly shorter battery life under heavy load.
- Potentially higher price compared to the Phantom 9.
- May experience more heat during prolonged gaming sessions.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing, we can infer both likely utilize standard IPS LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of specifications like resolution or refresh rate suggests neither prioritizes display quality. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both phones. Color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment, leaning towards warmer tones.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, it’s reasonable to assume both phones feature a multi-camera setup geared towards social media sharing. The absence of information regarding sensor size or optical image stabilization (OIS) suggests neither phone excels in low-light photography. The focus will likely be on software processing to enhance image quality. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors present on either device are likely to offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Note 7’s Mediatek Helio G70 is a substantial upgrade over the Tecno Phantom 9’s Helio P35. The G70 features a more modern CPU architecture with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores alongside 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, compared to the P35’s 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration. The A75 cores in the G70 offer significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness. The G70 also benefits from a more efficient process node, potentially leading to better thermal management during sustained loads. This translates to a smoother experience when multitasking, browsing, and playing games.
Battery Life
While the exact battery capacities are unknown, the Infinix Note 7’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage. The Tecno Phantom 9 likely supports standard 10W or 15W charging. This means the Note 7 will significantly reduce charging times, offering greater convenience for users who frequently need to top up their battery. Even with a similar battery capacity, the more efficient Helio G70 in the Note 7 may contribute to slightly longer real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Phantom 9 if your primary needs are basic communication, light social media use, and extended battery life with minimal performance demands. It’s a suitable option for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget. Buy the Infinix Note 7 if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, enjoy mobile gaming, or frequently use demanding applications. The G70 chipset and faster charging make it a more versatile and future-proof option.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G70 in the Infinix Note 7 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Helio G70 is specifically designed for gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it can comfortably run PUBG Mobile at medium settings with stable frame rates. The P35 in the Phantom 9 will struggle with consistent performance in demanding titles.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio P35 and G70 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Absolutely. The G70’s more powerful CPU cores and improved architecture result in snappier app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience. The P35 may exhibit noticeable lag when switching between apps or loading complex web pages.
❓ Does the Infinix Note 7 support reverse charging?
Based on typical features for phones in this price range, it's unlikely the Infinix Note 7 supports reverse charging. This feature is usually reserved for higher-end models.
❓ How much faster is the 18W charging on the Infinix Note 7 compared to a standard 10W charger?
The 18W charging on the Note 7 can reduce charging times by approximately 40-50% compared to a 10W charger. This means a full charge could take around 2-2.5 hours with 18W, versus 4-5 hours with 10W.
