Infinix Smart 9 (including HD), The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, with brands vying to offer the best features at the lowest prices. Infinix has made a strong case with its latest offerings, the Infinix Smart 9 and Infinix Smart 9 HD. Launched in late 2024, these devices promise solid performance, modern design, and impressive specs for their price range. In this post, we dive into the features, performance, and value proposition of these two models to help tech enthusiasts decide if they’re worth the hype.
Design and Display: Sleek and Smooth
Both the Infinix Smart 9 and Smart 9 HD sport a 6.7-inch HD+ IPS LCD display, delivering vibrant visuals for media consumption and gaming. The Smart 9 stands out with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring buttery-smooth scrolling and animations, which is rare in this price segment. The Smart 9 HD, on the other hand, offers a 90Hz refresh rate, still impressive for a budget device. Both displays reach up to 500 nits of peak brightness, making them usable in most lighting conditions, though direct sunlight may pose a challenge.
The design is minimalist yet premium-looking, with a plastic body that feels sturdy despite its lightweight build (around 188g). Available in vibrant colors like Mint Green, Coral Gold, Metallic Black, and Neo Titanium, these phones appeal to style-conscious users. The IP54 dust and splash resistance rating adds durability, a feature not always found in budget phones. The punch-hole notch houses the front camera, maximizing screen real estate, and the Dynamic Bar feature provides interactive notifications, adding a touch of flair to the user interface.
Performance: Capable for Everyday Use
Under the hood, the Infinix Smart 9 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 chipset, paired with 3GB or 4GB of RAM and up to 128GB of storage (expandable to 2TB via microSD). This setup handles daily tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming with ease. Games like Free Fire and Mobile Legends run smoothly at moderate settings, though heavy titles like PUBG may struggle, especially on the 3GB RAM variant.
The Smart 9 HD, however, uses the MediaTek Helio G50 chipset with 3GB RAM and 64GB storage (expandable to 1TB). While it’s less powerful than the G81, it’s optimized for basic tasks and casual use. Tech enthusiasts looking for gaming should opt for the Smart 9’s 4GB RAM version for better multitasking and performance.
Both phones run Android 14 Go Edition with Infinix’s XOS 14 interface. The Go Edition is lightweight, designed for low-RAM devices, ensuring smooth performance. However, some users have noted limitations, such as incompatibility with certain apps (e.g., Minecraft or eFootball). The XOS UI includes a Dynamic Bar for notifications and some pre-installed apps, which can be uninstalled or disabled. While bloatware is minimal, it’s something to consider for those who prefer a clean software experience.
Camera: Decent for the Price
The camera setup on both devices is modest but functional. The Smart 9 features a 13MP main camera with an AI lens and a dual LED flash, capturing decent photos in well-lit conditions with good color accuracy and detail. The Smart 9 HD also has a 13MP dual rear camera, but its low-light performance is weaker, often producing noisy images or a green tint. Portrait shots on both models can be inconsistent, with edge detection issues common in this price range.
For selfies, both phones offer an 8MP front camera, which performs adequately for video calls and casual shots. While not flagship-level, the cameras are competitive for budget phones, especially for social media enthusiasts.
Battery and Charging: All-Day Power
A 5000mAh battery powers both the Smart 9 and Smart 9 HD, delivering excellent battery life. With moderate usage (browsing, streaming, and light gaming), expect a full day of use, with some juice left over. The low-resolution display and efficient chipsets contribute to this longevity. However, 10W charging is a drawback, taking around 2 hours to fully charge. Overnight charging is recommended for convenience.
Audio and Extras: Multimedia Delight
Both phones feature dual stereo speakers with DTS audio, delivering loud and clear sound, enhanced by an Ultra Volume feature that boosts output up to 300%. While distortion may occur at max volume, the audio quality is impressive for the price, making these devices great for watching videos or listening to music.
Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, face unlock, dual-band Wi-Fi, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Smart 9 also supports a 5M LED torch, useful for low-light situations. However, neither phone supports 5G, which may disappoint users looking for future-proofing.
Value Proposition: Who Are These Phones For?
At approximately PHP 3,499–3,899 (~$60–70) for the Smart 9 and ₹6,699 (~$80) for the Smart 9 HD, these phones offer tremendous value. The Smart 9 is ideal for tech enthusiasts on a tight budget who prioritize smooth performance, a high refresh rate, and gaming capabilities. The Smart 9 HD caters to users needing a reliable device for basic tasks like communication, browsing, and media consumption.
Compared to competitors like the Tecno Spark Go 1 or Redmi 12C, the Smart 9 series holds its own with its display, audio, and battery life. However, the Android Go Edition and slower charging are trade-offs to consider.
FAQs
The Smart 9 features a MediaTek Helio G81 chipset, a 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 4GB RAM/128GB storage, making it better for gaming and multitasking. The Smart 9 HD has a Helio G50 chipset, a 90Hz refresh rate, and 3GB RAM/64GB storage, suited for basic tasks.
2. Can the Infinix Smart 9 handle gaming?
Yes, the Smart 9 (4GB RAM variant) can run light games like Free Fire and Mobile Legends smoothly. Heavy games like PUBG may lag, and the Smart 9 HD is less suitable for gaming due to its weaker chipset.
3. Does the Infinix Smart 9 HD support 5G?
No, both the Smart 9 and Smart 9 HD are 4G-only devices.
4. How long does the battery last on these phones?
With a 5000mAh battery, both phones last a full day with moderate usage. Heavy users may need to charge by the end of the day.
5. Is the camera good for photography?
The 13MP rear and 8MP front cameras perform well in good lighting but struggle in low light. They’re suitable for casual photography and social media.
6. Can I remove pre-installed apps?
Yes, most pre-installed apps can be uninstalled, and system apps can be disabled, though some bloatware is present.
7. Is the Infinix Smart 9 worth buying in 2025?
For budget-conscious tech enthusiasts, the Smart 9 offers great value with its display, battery, and performance. The Smart 9 HD is a solid choice for basic users but less versatile.
The Infinix Smart 9 and Smart 9 HD prove that budget smartphones can pack a punch. Whether you’re a gamer, a media lover, or just need a reliable daily driver, these devices are worth considering. Share your thoughts in the comments—have you tried these phones yet?