The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Tecno Pop 9 and the Infinix Smart 7 HD aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, a significant difference in chipset architecture separates these two, promising a vastly different user experience. This comparison will dissect those differences, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Pop 9 is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset, built on a 6nm process, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Infinix Smart 7 HD’s unnamed octa-core CPU. While the Smart 7 HD is cheaper, the Pop 9’s improved processing power justifies the price difference for anyone beyond the most basic usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 24 | 2023, April 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October 08 | Available. Released 2023, April 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165 x 77 x 8 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.31 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 196.5 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | - |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Cloud, Azure Sky, Midnight Shadow | Ink Black, Silk Blue, Jade White, Green Apple |
| Models | KL4 | X6516 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Tecno Pop 9
- Significantly faster processor with the Dimensity 6300
- Faster 18W charging for reduced downtime
- More efficient 6nm chipset for better battery life and thermal management
- Likely a higher price point than the Infinix Smart 7 HD
- May lack features found on slightly more expensive models
Infinix Smart 7 HD
- Lower price point, making it highly accessible
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Slow 1.6 GHz CPU will struggle with demanding apps
- 10W charging is significantly slower
- Limited performance and future-proofing
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor Infinix provide display specifications beyond resolution. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. However, the focus should be on performance, as display quality is unlikely to be a differentiating factor. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, and color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment. Without further data, a direct comparison is impossible.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison. However, the focus should be on the image signal processor (ISP) within the chipset. The Dimensity 6300’s ISP will offer superior image processing capabilities compared to the ISP paired with the Smart 7 HD’s CPU, resulting in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality. Expect both phones to include a 2MP macro lens, which offers limited practical benefit due to its low resolution.
Performance
The Tecno Pop 9’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300, fabricated on a 6nm process, represents a significant leap in performance over the Infinix Smart 7 HD’s octa-core CPU clocked at 1.6 GHz. The Dimensity 6300’s CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – provides a more powerful and efficient core arrangement. The Cortex-A76 cores are significantly more capable than the cores likely found in the Smart 7 HD, resulting in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. The Smart 7 HD, while functional, will struggle with demanding tasks.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the charging wattage is a key differentiator. The Tecno Pop 9 supports 18W wired charging, while the Infinix Smart 7 HD is limited to 10W. This means the Pop 9 will charge significantly faster, reducing downtime. Even with a similar battery capacity, the 18W charging will translate to a more convenient user experience. The efficiency gains from the Dimensity 6300’s 6nm process may also contribute to slightly better battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 9 if you need a phone capable of handling multitasking, moderate gaming, and smoother app performance. The Dimensity 6300 provides a future-proofed experience within this price bracket. Buy the Infinix Smart 7 HD if your primary needs are limited to calls, texts, and very light app usage, and you prioritize the absolute lowest possible price point. It’s a functional device, but sacrifices performance for affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Pop 9 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Dimensity 6300 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. Expect medium settings to be the sweet spot for a balance between visual fidelity and performance. The Infinix Smart 7 HD will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Tecno Pop 9 with the 18W charger?
While the exact 0-100% charge time depends on battery capacity (which isn't specified), the 18W charging should take approximately 2-3 hours. This is considerably faster than the Infinix Smart 7 HD’s 10W charging, which could take upwards of 4-5 hours.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Tecno Pop 9’s Dimensity 6300 will result in snappier app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience when browsing the web or using social media apps. The Infinix Smart 7 HD may exhibit lag or slowdowns during these tasks.
