The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Hot 10i and Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ are two contenders vying for your attention. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The key difference lies in their chipsets, impacting performance and overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the Infinix Hot 10i is the better choice. Its Helio G70 chipset offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Redmi 9 Activ’s Helio G35, and the faster 18W charging is a significant convenience. However, the Redmi 9 Activ remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget.
| 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, 8, 40, 41 | 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, September 24 | 2021, May 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 24 | Available. Released 2021, May 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 164.3 x 76 x 9.6 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V Helio G70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 11, XOS 7.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Unspecified |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | 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-Po 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Purple | Black, Purple, Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | - | X659B, PR652B, X658E, PR652C, X658B, X659 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable basic functionality
- Long battery life (due to efficient chipset)
- Significantly slower performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Less responsive user experience
Infinix Hot 10i
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Faster 18W charging
- Better suited for gaming and multitasking
- Potentially slightly higher price
- Battery life may be marginally shorter (offset by faster charging)
- May not be significantly better in camera performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and peak brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – around 720p+ and adequate for indoor use. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic functionality. Bezels are likely to be noticeable on both, as manufacturers prioritize cost savings over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones relying on basic sensors. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the emphasis on the G70 in the Hot 10i suggests a slightly higher overall system budget, potentially translating to a marginally better camera module. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). Image processing will likely be basic on both, prioritizing speed over detail.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Hot 10i’s Mediatek Helio G70 (12nm) is a significant step up from the Redmi 9 Activ’s Helio G35 (12nm). The G70 features a dual-core Cortex-A75 setup alongside six A55 cores, providing a substantial boost in single-core and multi-core performance compared to the G35’s all-A53 configuration. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural improvements in the G70 are crucial. The G70's CPU is clocked higher (2.0 GHz vs 2.3 GHz on the G35's prime cores), but the A75 cores provide a more substantial performance benefit than the clock speed difference suggests. The G70 is better suited for running modern apps and handling more demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature around 5000mAh batteries, standard for this segment. However, the Infinix Hot 10i’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Redmi 9 Activ’s 10W charging. This means significantly faster top-up times, reducing downtime and increasing convenience. While a larger battery capacity is desirable, the faster charging speed of the Hot 10i effectively mitigates any potential difference in real-world battery life for most users. A full charge on the Redmi 9 Activ will take considerably longer.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ if you need a reliably basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Infinix Hot 10i if you prefer a smoother experience with more demanding apps, enjoy occasional mobile gaming, and value faster charging speeds. The Hot 10i is a better all-rounder for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G70 in the Infinix Hot 10i handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Helio G70 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a significantly smoother experience than the Helio G35 in the Redmi 9 Activ, making it a viable option for casual gamers.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Infinix Hot 10i with the 18W charger?
While the exact 0-100% charge time will vary, the Infinix Hot 10i with its 18W charging should fully charge in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. This is considerably faster than the Redmi 9 Activ, which will likely take over 4 hours with its 10W charger.
❓ Is the Redmi 9 Activ a good choice for elderly users who primarily make calls and send messages?
Yes, the Redmi 9 Activ is a perfectly adequate choice for basic communication. Its simplicity and potentially lower price make it suitable for users who don't require advanced features or high performance. The Helio G35 is efficient enough for these tasks.
❓ Does either phone support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)?
While not explicitly stated, both the Helio G35 and Helio G70 chipsets support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). This means both phones should be capable of connecting to modern Wi-Fi networks for fast internet access.
