The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Tecno Spark 9T and the Infinix Hot 30i. But which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 30i edges out the Tecno Spark 9T thanks to its slightly more modern chipset and potentially better software optimization. While both offer solid value, the Hot 30i's CPU architecture provides a noticeable performance boost for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 28 | 2023, March 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 06 | Available. Released 2023, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.48 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| | Splash resistant design | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/3.07", AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.94" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (Hot 30i NFC only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Turquoise Cyan, Atlantic Blue, Iris Purple, Tahiti Gold | Mirror Black, Glacier Blue, Diamond White, Marigold |
| Models | - | X669, X669D |
| Price | About 120 EUR | - |
Tecno Spark 9T (India)
- Larger Display (potentially)
- Established Brand
- Decent Value
- Older Chipset
- Potentially Slower Performance
- Software Updates May Be Slower
Infinix Hot 30i
- More Modern Chipset
- Smoother Performance
- Potentially Better Software Support
- Less Established Brand
- Camera Processing May Be Aggressive
- Display Calibration Might Be Less Accurate
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6.6 inches, with an LCD panel. Expect similar resolutions (likely FHD+). The Tecno Spark 9T might have slightly better color accuracy due to potentially better panel calibration, but both will be adequate for media consumption. Brightness levels are likely comparable.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones featuring a primary 50MP camera and additional depth/macro sensors. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. Expect decent daytime shots from both, but low-light performance might be a weak point. Infinix often includes more aggressive image processing, which some users may prefer.
Performance
Here's where the Infinix Hot 30i takes a slight lead. The Unisoc T606's dual Cortex-A75 cores offer a performance advantage over the Helio G35's all-Cortex-A53 configuration. Expect smoother multitasking and slightly better gaming performance on the Hot 30i. The Tecno Spark 9T will handle basic tasks well, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a large 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 18W, so expect similar charging times.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Spark 9T is a good choice for users prioritizing a larger display and a slightly more established brand. The Infinix Hot 30i is ideal for those seeking a smoother, more responsive experience and potentially better future software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Infinix Hot 30i is likely the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ Do both phones have NFC?
NFC availability varies by region. Check the specific model's specifications for your area.
❓ What is the software experience like on each phone?
Both phones run Android with custom skins (HiOS on Tecno and XOS on Infinix). The Infinix Hot 30i may offer slightly more frequent updates.
