The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Tecno Spark 9T and the Infinix Hot 30i. Both promise a lot, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 30i edges out the Tecno Spark 9T thanks to its faster charging, slightly more modern chipset, and potentially better display. While the Spark 9T is a solid option, the Hot 30i offers a more compelling package for the price, especially for those prioritizing quick top-ups.
| 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, June 20 | 2023, March 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July | Available. Released 2023, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.7 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.34 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) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.2% 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 (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | 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 | 32 MP, (wide) | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/3.07", AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 32 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 | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (Hot 30i NFC only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Quantum Black, Burano Blue, Particle Silver, Vitality Green | Mirror Black, Glacier Blue, Diamond White, Marigold |
| Models | KH6 | X669, X669D |
| Price | About 180 EUR | - |
Tecno Spark 9T
- Larger screen (potentially)
- Established brand reputation
- Decent battery life
- Slow charging (10W)
- Older chipset
- Potentially lower refresh rate display
Infinix Hot 30i
- Faster charging (18W)
- Potentially better display (90Hz)
- Slightly more modern chipset
- Less established brand
- Performance still limited by chipset
- Camera quality may vary
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature LCD displays around 6.6 inches. The Infinix Hot 30i *may* have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs. 60Hz on the Spark 9T, though this is not definitively confirmed), leading to smoother scrolling and animations. Color accuracy and brightness will be key differentiators to look for in reviews.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are often similar in this price range. Both likely feature a primary 50MP camera. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. Expect decent daytime shots, but low-light performance may be a weakness for both. Video recording capabilities will likely be limited to 1080p.
Performance
The Infinix Hot 30i's Unisoc T606, with its Cortex-A75 cores, *should* offer a noticeable performance boost over the Tecno Spark 9T's Helio G37, particularly in demanding tasks. However, both chipsets are entry-level and won't handle heavy gaming flawlessly. Expect adequate performance for everyday use.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life. However, the Infinix Hot 30i's 18W charging significantly outperforms the Tecno Spark 9T's 10W charging, allowing for much faster top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Spark 9T is a good choice for users prioritizing a larger screen and a more established brand. The Infinix Hot 30i is ideal for those who value faster charging, a potentially better display, and a slightly more modern processor, even if it's from a less familiar manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Neither phone is a gaming powerhouse. The Infinix Hot 30i's slightly more powerful chipset gives it a marginal edge, but both will struggle with demanding titles. Expect to lower graphics settings.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the Infinix Hot 30i's faster charging means you can quickly top up the battery when needed.
