The Ulefone Note 10 and Infinix Hot 10i represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential functionality at an accessible price, they take markedly different approaches to achieving this. The Note 10 prioritizes a basic, functional experience, while the Hot 10i leans heavily into gaming-oriented performance, making this a crucial comparison for budget-conscious users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Infinix Hot 10i is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G70 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, delivers significantly better performance than the Ulefone Note 10’s Unisoc SC9863A. The faster charging and more powerful CPU make it a better choice for gaming and demanding applications.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 21 | 2021, May 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 21 | Available. Released 2021, May 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.7 x 9.7 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.38 in) | 164.3 x 76 x 9.6 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 203 g (7.16 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V Helio G70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11, XOS 7.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, (wide) |
| Video | - | Unspecified |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5500 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Aurora Green | Black, Purple, Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | - | X659B, PR652B, X658E, PR652C, X658B, X659 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Ulefone Note 10
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Functional for basic tasks
- Significantly weaker performance
- Slower charging speed
- Less capable for gaming and multitasking
Infinix Hot 10i
- Superior performance with Helio G70
- Faster 18W charging
- Better suited for gaming and demanding apps
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potentially less battery life (depending on capacity)
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of detailed display specs, we can assume both utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. However, the focus should be on the processing power needed to *drive* the display, where the Hot 10i has a clear advantage. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO suggests both are geared towards minimizing cost rather than maximizing visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited real-world benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization. The primary sensor’s size and aperture would be the key differentiators, but without that data, we can only infer that the Hot 10i’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Helio G70 chipset will likely result in better image processing and overall camera performance.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Hot 10i’s Mediatek Helio G70 (12nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Ulefone Note 10’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 12nm process node of the Helio G70 translates to better power efficiency and reduced heat generation, allowing for sustained performance. Furthermore, the CPU architecture is significantly different: the G70 features 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores alongside 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, offering a much more capable high-performance tier compared to the Note 10’s 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a noticeably better gaming experience on the Hot 10i.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the charging wattage is a key differentiator. The Infinix Hot 10i’s 18W wired charging is significantly faster than the Ulefone Note 10’s 10W charging. This translates to a much quicker 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime and increasing usability. Even if the Note 10 has a slightly larger battery capacity, the Hot 10i’s faster charging will likely result in a more convenient user experience, especially for users who frequently use their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 10 if you need a simple, no-frills device for basic communication and light tasks like web browsing and social media. It’s a suitable option for users who prioritize affordability above all else. Buy the Infinix Hot 10i if you prefer a phone capable of handling mobile gaming, streaming video, and multitasking without significant lag. Its superior chipset and faster charging make it a more versatile and future-proof option.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G70 in the Infinix Hot 10i overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G70 is designed for gaming and features a 12nm process, which offers better thermal efficiency than the 28nm Unisoc SC9863A in the Ulefone Note 10. While some heat is inevitable, the G70 is less prone to significant throttling, allowing for longer, more consistent gaming performance.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Ulefone Note 10 noticeably slow compared to the 18W charging on the Infinix Hot 10i?
Yes, the difference is substantial. 10W charging will take significantly longer to fully charge the device, potentially requiring several hours. 18W charging on the Hot 10i will dramatically reduce charging times, making it much more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Can the Infinix Hot 10i handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Infinix Hot 10i, with its Helio G70 chipset, is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with playable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a significantly better gaming performance than the Ulefone Note 10.
