The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Umidigi G9A and the Infinix Smart 8 Plus aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and faster charging, the Infinix Smart 8 Plus is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G36, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Umidigi G9A’s Unisoc SC9863A. The 18W charging is also a significant advantage, reducing downtime.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September | 2024, January 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September | Available. Released 2024, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167.2 x 77 x 7.9 mm (6.58 x 3.03 x 0.31 in) | 163.7 x 75.7 x 9 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 204 g (7.20 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 13 (Go edition), XOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | Ring-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Black, Lake Green | Galaxy White, Shiny Gold, Timber Black |
| Models | - | X6526 |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
Umidigi G9A
- Potentially lower price point.
- Functional for basic tasks.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Slower processor and less responsive performance.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Less efficient chipset (28nm).
Infinix Smart 8 Plus
- Faster and more efficient processor (Helio G36, 12nm).
- Faster 18W charging with reverse wired charging.
- More responsive user experience.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Camera performance likely similar to the G9A.
- Still an entry-level device with limitations.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Without specific resolution or brightness data, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the focus here is on processing power, not visual fidelity. Expect basic viewing experiences suitable for everyday tasks on both.
Camera Comparison
Given the price point, camera performance is unlikely to be a key differentiator. Both devices will likely feature basic camera setups. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality. It’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors included on either device should be considered marketing features rather than substantial photographic tools.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Smart 8 Plus utilizes the Mediatek Helio G36, fabricated on a 12nm process. This smaller node generally translates to improved power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the Umidigi G9A’s Unisoc SC9863A, which is built on a larger 28nm process. The Helio G36’s CPU configuration – 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 cores – offers a higher peak clock speed than the G9A’s 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. This means the Smart 8 Plus will likely exhibit snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both use an octa-core configuration, the architecture and clock speeds favor the Infinix.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but both will likely fall in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this segment. The crucial difference is charging speed. The Infinix Smart 8 Plus supports 18W wired charging, including reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Umidigi G9A’s 10W charging. This means the Smart 8 Plus will significantly reduce charging times, offering a more convenient user experience. The reverse charging capability also adds versatility, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G9A if you need a basic, functional smartphone for extremely light tasks like calls, texts, and occasional browsing, and are comfortable with slower performance and charging. Buy the Infinix Smart 8 Plus if you prefer a more responsive experience for social media, streaming, and light gaming, and value the convenience of faster 18W charging, even with a potentially slightly higher price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G36 in the Infinix Smart 8 Plus handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G36 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a smooth experience. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it's a step up from the Unisoc SC9863A in the Umidigi G9A for casual gaming.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Infinix Smart 8 Plus with the 18W charger?
While a precise time requires testing, the 18W charging should bring the Infinix Smart 8 Plus from 0% to 100% in approximately 2-3 hours, depending on battery capacity. This is significantly faster than the Umidigi G9A’s 10W charging, which could take 4+ hours.
❓ Is the reverse wired charging on the Infinix Smart 8 Plus useful for everyday use?
Yes, the reverse wired charging is a convenient feature. It allows you to use the Smart 8 Plus as a power bank to charge accessories like wireless earbuds or even another smartphone in an emergency, offering added versatility.
❓ What kind of storage and RAM options are typically available for these devices?
Both devices are likely to offer configurations with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage and 2GB or 3GB of RAM. Expandable storage via microSD card is also common in this price range, allowing you to increase storage capacity.
