The Tecno Spark 9 and Infinix Hot 11s NFC represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, but they diverge in their core processing power and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best overall experience for budget-conscious users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Infinix Hot 11s NFC emerges as the stronger choice. Its Helio G88 chipset, featuring more powerful Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift in everyday tasks and gaming compared to the Tecno Spark 9’s Helio G37. The inclusion of 18W charging further sweetens the deal, making it a more convenient option.
| 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, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 18 | 2022, February 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 15 | Available. Released 2022, February 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 168.9 x 77 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 | Android 11, XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1440p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Infinity Black, Sky Mirror | Polar Black, Green Wave, Purple |
| Models | KG5p | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 230 EUR |
Tecno Spark 9
- Potentially lower price point
- Likely similar battery life to the Hot 11s NFC (assuming similar capacity)
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Inferior processor performance compared to the Helio G88
- Slower charging speeds
- Less responsive user experience
Infinix Hot 11s NFC
- More powerful Helio G88 processor
- Faster 18W charging
- NFC support for contactless payments
- May be slightly more expensive than the Tecno Spark 9
- Battery life may be marginally shorter due to increased performance
- Still a budget device with inherent limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. While specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are unavailable, the focus here is on the processor, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be relatively substantial on both, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio. Color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment, prioritizing vibrancy over absolute precision.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but details are scarce. It’s safe to assume both will include a primary camera, a depth sensor, and potentially a macro lens. Given the price point, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, the G88’s image signal processor (ISP) in the Hot 11s NFC is likely more advanced, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Hot 11s NFC’s MediaTek Helio G88 (12nm) is a significant step up from the Tecno Spark 9’s Helio G37 (12nm). The G88 utilizes two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, offering superior single-core and multi-core performance. The Spark 9’s G37 relies on four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz. While the G37’s higher clock speed on some cores might seem advantageous, the architectural improvements of the A75 cores in the G88 translate to a more responsive and capable experience. This difference will be most noticeable when multitasking, launching apps, and playing graphically intensive games. The G88’s GPU is also more powerful, providing a smoother gaming experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely house around a 5000mAh battery, standard for this segment. The key differentiator is charging speed. The Infinix Hot 11s NFC supports 18W wired charging, significantly faster than the likely 10W or slower charging on the Tecno Spark 9. This translates to a much quicker 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime and improving convenience. While a larger battery capacity is desirable, faster charging can mitigate the impact of a slightly smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 9 if your primary needs are basic smartphone functionality – calls, messaging, and light social media – and you prioritize a potentially lower price point. Buy the Infinix Hot 11s NFC if you want a smoother experience with more demanding apps, enjoy occasional mobile gaming, and value the convenience of faster charging and NFC for mobile payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Hot 11s NFC handle popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio G88 in the Hot 11s NFC is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to use medium graphics settings for a consistently smooth experience. The Tecno Spark 9’s Helio G37 will struggle with higher settings and may exhibit noticeable lag.
❓ Does the lack of NFC on the Tecno Spark 9 significantly limit its functionality?
If you frequently use mobile payment systems like Google Pay or rely on quick pairing with accessories, the absence of NFC on the Tecno Spark 9 will be a noticeable inconvenience. The Infinix Hot 11s NFC offers this convenience.
❓ Is the difference in processor performance between the Helio G88 and G37 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The G88’s more modern CPU architecture results in snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall user experience compared to the G37.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Infinix Hot 11s NFC with the 18W charger?
While a precise time isn't available, expect a full charge from 0-100% to take approximately 2-2.5 hours with the 18W charger. This is significantly faster than the Tecno Spark 9, which likely takes 3+ hours with a standard charger.
