The Tecno Spark 5 and Infinix Hot 9 Pro represent a fiercely competitive segment of the smartphone market – the ultra-budget category. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point. This comparison dissects their core specifications to determine which offers the most compelling experience for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Infinix Hot 9 Pro emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones share the same 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU clock speed, the Infinix Hot 9 Pro’s Helio P22 chipset offers a modest GPU performance advantage, making it better suited for light gaming and smoother multitasking.
| 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 | LTE | 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 04. Released 2020, May 26 | 2020, May 29. Released 2020, June 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.3 x 8.8 mm (6.48 x 3.00 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 | - | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, HIOS 6.1 | Android 10, XOS 6.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | 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 | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| 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 | Yes | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Jadeite, Spark Orange, Vacation Blue, Misty Grey | Violet, Ocean Wave |
| Models | KE5, KD7S | X655F |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 50 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 5
- Potentially lower price point.
- Reliable basic functionality.
- Large battery (likely)
- Less powerful GPU than the Hot 9 Pro.
- Limited gaming capabilities.
Infinix Hot 9 Pro
- Slightly better GPU performance (Helio P22).
- Improved multitasking capabilities.
- Potentially better image processing.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Still limited by the budget chipset.
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor Infinix provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution in their marketing materials. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of information regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or PWM dimming rates suggests a focus on cost reduction over display quality. Users should expect standard viewing experiences, adequate for everyday use but not ideal for outdoor visibility or color-critical work. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are scarce. Both devices likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the emphasis is on quantity over quality. The inclusion of 2MP macro or depth sensors is common in this segment, offering limited practical benefit. The primary sensor’s resolution and aperture are critical, but unspecified. The Helio P22’s slightly improved ISP (Image Signal Processor) in the Infinix Hot 9 Pro *may* result in marginally better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions, but this is unlikely to be a significant difference. Users should manage expectations regarding image quality; these phones are not designed for serious photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset: the Tecno Spark 5 utilizes the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22, while the Infinix Hot 9 Pro features the MT6762 Helio P22. Both are based on a 12nm process, ensuring reasonable power efficiency. However, the Helio P22 incorporates a slightly more powerful IMG PowerVR GE8320 GPU compared to the Helio A22’s GE8300. This translates to a modest, but noticeable, improvement in graphics performance on the Infinix Hot 9 Pro, making it better equipped for handling casual games and smoother UI transitions. Both devices share an Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, meaning CPU-bound tasks like web browsing and app loading will perform similarly.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging wattage are not specified in the provided data. However, given the target market, both devices likely feature a large battery (4000mAh or greater) to compensate for the power-efficient chipsets. Fast charging is unlikely to be a priority, and users should anticipate several hours for a full charge from 0%. The 12nm process node of both chipsets contributes to reasonable battery life, allowing for all-day usage with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 5 if you need a reliably basic smartphone for essential communication and light tasks, and prioritize a potentially lower price point. Buy the Infinix Hot 9 Pro if you prefer a slightly more capable device for occasional gaming, social media browsing, and benefit from the marginally improved graphics processing capabilities of the Helio P22 chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Hot 9 Pro run PUBG Mobile smoothly?
While the Helio P22 can handle PUBG Mobile, expect to play at low to medium settings with a moderate frame rate. It's not designed for high-end gaming, and sustained gameplay may lead to some frame drops. The Tecno Spark 5 will likely struggle even more with this title.
❓ Is the camera on either phone good enough for social media?
Both phones can capture acceptable photos for social media in good lighting conditions. However, don't expect exceptional detail or dynamic range. The 2MP macro and depth sensors are largely marketing features and offer limited practical improvement to image quality. Focus on utilizing the main sensor in well-lit environments.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically come with, and is it expandable?
These phones typically ship with 32GB of internal storage, which is often expandable via a microSD card slot. This is crucial, as the operating system and pre-installed apps will consume a significant portion of the available space. Check the specific model's specifications to confirm microSD card support and maximum capacity.
