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Infinix Smart 9: The Ultimate Entry-Level Smartphone With 120 Hz Display And Long Battery Life

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📅 Published: 2024-10-06 09:56:03
Author: Radon Lee

Discover the Infinix Smart 9 with a 120 Hz display, 5000 mAh battery, and Android 14 (Go edition). A budget-friendly smartphone packed with modern features.

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The Infinix Smart 9 enters the budget segment with a feature set aimed at users seeking an affordable smartphone without sacrificing essential features. Ideal for students, first-time smartphone buyers, or anyone who needs a reliable daily driver, the Smart 9 is a device that punches above its weight in many aspects.

However, if you're expecting flagship performance or cutting-edge features like 5G or high-end camera quality, this may not be the device for you.

Let's dive into the specs of the Infinix Smart 9 and see what makes it an enticing option in the entry-level market.

Design and Build Quality

Measuring 165.7×77.1×8.4 mm and weighing just 188 g, the Infinix Smart 9 offers a sleek and manageable form factor for everyday use. The glass front paired with a plastic back and frame gives it a solid, if somewhat standard, build for its price range. It comes in four distinct colors - Metallic Black, Mint Green, Neo Titanium, and Sandstone Gold - giving you options to express your style. Here are the relevant specs:

SpecificationInfinix Smart 9
General
  • Predecessor: Infinix Smart 8
  • Slogan: 48-Month Guaranteed Joy
  • Type: Smartphone
  • Models: X6532
  • OS: Android 14 (Go edition)
  • UI: XOS 14
Dimensions H: 165.7 mm (6.52″), W: 77.1 mm (3.04″), D: 8.4 mm (0.33″)
Mass 188 g (6.63 oz)
Material Glass front; plastic back and frame
Colors Metallic Black, Mint Green, Neo Titanium, Sandstone Gold

Coming to the physicality of the device, the body of the Infinix Smart 9 strikes a nice balance between being sizable but still portable. With those dimensions and weight, it is relatively lightweight and slim, making it comfortable to hold for long periods.

The thickness of 8.4 mm ensures it feels substantial without being too bulky, which is ideal for users who don't like overly thick phones. The size of the device makes it manageable for one-handed use for some users, though reaching across the display might be tricky if you have smaller hands.

The weight of 188 g is on the lighter side for a phone with a 6.7-inch display and a 5000 mAh battery, making it easy to carry around in your pocket or bag without feeling too heavy or awkward. Long gaming or social media scrolling sessions won't leave your hand fatigued, and the weight also gives a reassuring feel of durability without becoming cumbersome.

The Infinix Smart 9 features a plastic back and frame, which is typical in entry-level smartphones. The use of plastic keeps the phone's weight down, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. Plastic is less prone to shattering than glass, so it's more likely to survive minor drops or knocks without significant damage. It helps keep the overall cost of the phone low, which is important in the budget segment. And plastic finishes tend to be less prone to visible fingerprint smudges during daily use.

On the other hand, compared to materials like aluminum or glass, plastic doesn't offer the same premium feel. It may feel less "high-end" in your hand, which could be a downside for users used to flagship materials. Plastic, while durable against drops, is more susceptible to scratches. You may find the back accumulating minor scuffs over time unless protected by a case. And it doesn't dissipate heat as well as materials like metal or glass, so it may feel warmer during extended gaming or video watching sessions.

Infinix has chosen four distinct color options for the Smart 9 - Metallic Black, Mint Green, Neo Titanium, and Sandstone Gold. Each color brings a different personality to the phone:

  • Metallic Black: Classic, sleek, and understated, this is perfect for professionals or users who prefer a minimalist look. It's a timeless color that suits a wide range of environments, whether in the office or at a casual outing.
  • Mint Green: This is the fun, fresh choice, perfect for younger users or those who like their devices to have a pop of color. It's light, playful, and will likely appeal to fashion-forward individuals or anyone looking to stand out.
  • Neo Titanium: The Neo Titanium is a neutral, metallic, silver-like shade that gives the phone a modern, techy vibe. It suits users who prefer a more futuristic or industrial design aesthetic. It's perfect for those who want their tech to look modern and functional.
  • Sandstone Gold: This is for those who like a touch of luxury. While it's not as flashy as a typical gold finish, it adds a bit of sophistication to the phone's look. It's suited to users who like to make a subtle, elegant statement.

In summary, the dimensions and weight of the Infinix Smart 9 make it comfortable for long-term use and easy to carry around. Its plastic build might not feel as premium as other materials, but it offers practical benefits like durability and cost savings.

The colors range from understated to fun, giving you plenty of choices to match your style preferences. All in all, the body design of the Smart 9 strikes a good balance for its price range, offering decent aesthetics and comfort for everyday use.

If we compare the Infinix Smart 9 with the predecessor Smart 8, it's gotten slightly larger and heavier but slimmer. The Infinix Smart 8 was 163.6×75.6×8.5 mm and 184 g. Material-wise, it too featured a glass front and a plastic back and frame.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

What makes the Smart 9 stand out in this segment is its IP54 rating, which offers some dust and splash resistance. While this isn't a fully waterproof phone, it's a level of protection rarely seen at this price, making it a good choice for users looking for durability. The predecessor Smart 8, for instance, lacked an IP rating.

The IP (Ingress Protection) rating of a device provides valuable insights into its resistance against environmental elements. The first digit (5 here) indicates a moderate level of protection against dust. While not completely dust-tight, the Infinix Smart 9 is designed to resist the entry of dust to an extent that it would not interfere with its normal operation.

The second digit (4 here) signifies protection against water splashes from any direction. It can handle light splashes and rain but is not fully waterproof. Submersion is not recommended.

Here are some practical tips for protecting your Smart 9 from the elements:

  • Avoid Submersion: While the device can handle light splashes, it's crucial to avoid submerging it in water. Keep it away from pools, sinks, and other bodies of water to prevent potential damage.
  • Use in Moderate Conditions: Exercise caution when using the phone in extreme environmental conditions. Avoid exposing it to heavy rain or dusty environments for extended periods.
  • Cleaning: Gently clean the Smart 9 with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any dirt or grime. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that may damage the device's finish.
  • Protective Case: Consider investing in a protective case to add an extra layer of defense against accidental drops and impacts. A case designed for the Infinix Smart 9's form factor ensures a snug fit without hindering access to ports, cameras, and buttons.
  • Screen Protector: Applying a tempered glass or plastic screen protector can safeguard the display from scratches and minor impacts. It's a small investment that can go a long way in preserving the integrity of the screen.
  • Regular Inspections: Periodically check the condition of your Smart 9, especially the ports and seams, to ensure that they are free from dust and debris. Clean as needed to maintain optimal performance.

While the IP54 rating offers a level of protection, it's always wise to take additional precautions to safeguard your investment. A combination of responsible usage, a protective case, and a screen protector can significantly enhance the durability of your device, ensuring a longer lifespan and a smoother user experience. After all, a little care goes a long way in keeping your tech companion in top-notch condition!

Display: High Refresh Rate on a Budget

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

The display is one of the most impressive features of the Smart 9. Sporting a 6.7-inch IPS LCD with a 120 Hz refresh rate, this phone offers smooth scrolling and decent gameplay. While the resolution is limited to 720×1600 pixels (approximately 262 PPI), which isn't the sharpest in the market, the 20:9 aspect ratio and the 84.8% screen-to-body ratio make for an immersive viewing experience.

Infinix Smart 9 display
Image credit: Infinix

The Always-On Display features is an interesting addition here, which is uncommon in this price segment. It allows you to glance at notifications, time, and calendar events without waking the phone - adding convenience to a budget device.

Here are the relevant specs:

SpecificationInfinix Smart 9
Size 6.7″ (170 mm) diagonal
Type IPS LCD, 120 Hz
Resolution (px) 720×1600, about 262 PPI
Brightness Peak: 500 nits
Features Always-On

The display of the Infinix Smart 9 is one of its standout features, particularly given its entry-level price point. The IPS LCD display technology is a popular choice in budget and midrange smartphones. One of the biggest advantages of IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels is their superior viewing angles compared to standard LCDs. You can view the screen from off-angles without significant color distortion or loss of brightness, which makes the Smart 9 great for media consumption and sharing content with friends.

IPS displays are known for producing relatively accurate and vibrant colors compared to other LCD types. While not as punchy as OLED, the colors on this panel will look natural and well-balanced, which is particularly important for social media browsing, web content, and videos.

IPS LCDs generally consume less power than OLED displays when displaying bright or white content, which can help with battery life - important for budget phones that prioritize longevity over flagship-level performance. However, the OLED panels win in this department when displaying darker content, as their pixels can individually turn off conserving power.

One of the most surprising features of the Infinix Smart 9 is its 120 Hz refresh rate. This is impressive for a budget smartphone, as most devices in this range stick to 60 Hz or, at best, 90 Hz. A 120 Hz display refreshes twice as often as a 60 Hz display, resulting in smoother animations and fluid scrolling, whether you're navigating the UI or browsing through apps like Instagram and Twitter. It also makes a noticeable difference when gaming, as fast-paced games will appear more responsive.

For an entry-level phone, the 120 Hz refresh rate gives the Infinix Smart 9 a premium feel, especially when compared to competitors in the same price segment. Not all apps and games are optimized to take full advantage of this high refresh rate, but it's a future-proof feature that adds significant value.

The display has a 720×1600 pixel resolution, translating to a 262 PPI (pixels per inch) density. While this is not a Full HD or higher resolution, it's generally adequate for a phone in this price range, especially given the size of the display. Here's a breakdown of how the resolution fares for different types of content:

  • Text: For casual reading, browsing the web, or messaging, the 720p resolution is more than enough. Text is clear and legible, and everyday tasks won't feel compromised.
  • Videos: For watching content on platforms like YouTube and Netflix, the resolution is adequate for HD streaming, but it won't support Full HD or 4K video. You'll still enjoy decent quality for movies and shows, especially on a smaller display like this.
  • Photos: For viewing photos and social media content, the resolution provides reasonable sharpness. However, if you're someone who often edits photos or looks for pixel-level detail, you may notice some lack of crispness.
  • Games: Many casual and low-graphic games will look fine at 720p. However, more graphically intense games (especially first-person shooters or action games) might benefit from a higher resolution to ensure sharper visuals.

For heavy multimedia consumers or those who need crisp, razor-sharp detail (like photography enthusiasts or users who do a lot of content creation), the 720p resolution might feel lacking. In such cases, a 1080p or higher display would be preferable.

The display on the Infinix Smart 9 has a peak brightness of 500 nits, which is decent for indoor use and moderate outdoor conditions. However, in very bright outdoor environments or under direct sunlight, this brightness level could feel insufficient. At 500 nits, you might struggle to see the screen clearly, especially if you're using it to navigate or take photos in bright daylight.

So, if you frequently use your phone outdoors in bright conditions, you might find the screen harder to read without cranking up the brightness to its max - potentially impacting battery life.

The Always-On Display feature is a great bonus in this budget phone. It allows you to glance at essential information like the time, notifications, and battery percentage without fully unlocking the device. Normally reserved for OLED displays due to their ability to light up individual pixels, seeing this on an IPS LCD is a pleasant surprise.

However, one thing to note is that Always-On Display can draw more power on an IPS panel compared to an OLED, where only specific pixels light up. That said, the utility of being able to quickly check notifications without unlocking the phone outweighs the minor hit to battery life.

In conclusion, the Infinix Smart 9 offers an IPS LCD display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, which is impressive at its price point. While the 720×1600 px resolution is adequate for most tasks, users who demand high detail for media consumption or gaming may feel it falls short.

The 500 nits peak brightness is passable indoors but could struggle under direct sunlight. Still, for an entry-level device, the display delivers a balance of smooth performance and decent visuals, with standout features like the Always-On Display and high refresh rate adding value.

For comparison, the predecessor Infinix Smart 8 featured a 6.6-inch, 720×1612 px IPS LCD display, with a 90 Hz refresh rate and 500 nits peak brightness.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

Navigating through the tech landscape, the Infinix Smart 9 supports the GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies.

GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality.

SIM

The Smart 9's dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by) capability adds flexibility, catering to those who navigate between personal and professional domains.

Chipset - Performance: Efficient Chipset for Day-to-Day Tasks

Powering the Infinix Smart 9 is the MediaTek Helio G81 chipset, which is paired with an octa-core CPU (comprising two types of cores) and Mali-G52 MC2 GPU. This setup is more than adequate for day-to-day tasks such as web browsing, social media, and light gaming. Here are the relevant specs:

SpecificationInfinix Smart 9
Chipset Mediatek Helio G81
CPU Octa-core (2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 + 6×1.7 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Mali-G52 MC2

The chipset, CPU, and GPU of the Infinix Smart 9 play a crucial role in determining the device's overall performance, especially given its entry-level positioning. The MediaTek Helio G81 is a mid-tier, gaming-oriented SoC (system on chip) designed for budget smartphones. It's part of MediaTek's G-series, which focuses on delivering good gaming performance at an affordable price, though it also handles day-to-day tasks efficiently.

This chipset is built on a 12-nm process, which, while not the most energy-efficient compared to more advanced chipsets with 7-nm or 6-nm processes, is fairly common in the entry-level and midrange segments. It strikes a decent balance between power efficiency and performance.

The Helio G81 features an octa-core CPU, with a combination of two types of ARM Cortex cores:

  • 2×Cortex-A75 Cores (Clocked at 2.0 GHz): These are the high-performance cores, designed to handle demanding tasks. When you're launching apps, playing games, or performing any resource-intensive operation, these cores kick in to ensure the phone operates smoothly. The Cortex-A75 cores are more powerful and optimized for performance, ensuring that the phone doesn't lag during short bursts of intensive activity.
  • 6×Cortex-A55 Cores (Clocked at 1.7 GHz): These are the efficiency cores, optimized for less demanding tasks while conserving battery life. They handle background processes and lighter tasks such as web browsing, messaging, and video streaming. These cores ensure that your phone doesn't drain the battery quickly when performing routine tasks, offering a good balance between performance and battery longevity.

This big.LITTLE architecture allows the phone to seamlessly switch between performance and efficiency, making the most out of the available resources.

The Mali-G52 MC2 GPU handles the graphics processing in the Infinix Smart 9. This GPU is a dual-core variant of the Mali-G52 family, which is commonly found in midrange and budget devices.

While it's not designed for high-end gaming, it performs reasonably well with light to medium gaming and other graphically intensive tasks such as watching videos, rendering UI animations, and handling augmented reality (AR) apps. For users who enjoy casual mobile games like Candy Crush, Clash of Clans, and light 3D titles like PUBG Mobile Lite, the GPU will hold up well, especially at lower graphic settings.

However, if you're a serious mobile gamer looking to play heavy 3D games (such as Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile) at higher settings, you might notice some stuttering or frame drops. The Mali-G52 MC2 is not built for extreme gaming performance but is sufficient for most users who don't demand top-tier graphics.

The combination of the Helio G81, the Cortex-A75/A55 cores, and the Mali-G52 MC2 GPU positions the Infinix Smart 9 as an affordable device that can handle most everyday tasks comfortably, including:

  • Basic Multitasking: The Helio G81 is capable of running several apps simultaneously without significant slowdowns. Opening multiple tabs in a browser, switching between social media apps, and light multitasking like watching videos while messaging should be smooth.
  • Casual Gaming: As mentioned earlier, the phone is well-equipped for casual gaming or lightweight 3D games at lower settings. Games like Asphalt 9 and PUBG Mobile Lite will run reasonably well, though not at ultra graphics.
  • Media Consumption: Whether you're watching YouTube, Netflix, or browsing social media apps, the phone should offer a smooth experience. The GPU and CPU can handle high-definition videos without hiccups.
  • Day-to-Day Apps: Apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and productivity tools such as Google Docs, Microsoft Office, and note-taking apps will run smoothly. The processing setup is more than sufficient for basic tasks.

However, there are tasks that may demand more power to run properly, such as:

  • Heavy Gaming: While the phone can handle casual gaming, it will struggle with graphically intensive titles like Genshin Impact and Fortnite, especially at higher settings. Frame drops and lag may occur, making the experience less enjoyable for serious gamers.
  • Advanced Photo and Video Editing: Basic photo editing apps like Snapseed and VSCO will work just fine, but if you are looking to perform heavier tasks such as rendering high-resolution videos or working with multiple layers in a photo-editing app like Adobe Lightroom, the processing power might feel underwhelming. The lack of a more powerful CPU and GPU will limit how smooth these apps run.
  • Future-Proofing: As mobile apps continue to evolve and demand more resources, the Helio G81 chipset might start to feel outdated in a few years, especially for newer games or apps requiring more graphical and processing power. For users who intend to keep their phone for more than two years and expect it to handle the latest apps and games, this configuration might not offer enough longevity.

In summary, the Helio G81 chipset combined with the Cortex-A75 and A55 cores and the Mali-G52 MC2 GPU delivers a balanced performance for entry-level users. The CPU's dual-cluster setup allows for a balance between performance and power efficiency, making it ideal for basic multitasking, casual gaming, and media consumption.

However, users who demand heavy gaming performance or advanced content creation may find this configuration lacking. The phone's processing power is adequate for most users who prioritize affordability and basic functionality but might fall short for power users looking for a more robust experience.

For comparison, the predecessor Smart 8 featured the Unisoc T606 (12 nm) chipset, housing an octa-core CPU (2×1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 + 6×1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) and the Mali-G57 MP1 GPU.

Memory and Storage

Here are the relevant specs:

SpecificationInfinix Smart 9
Memory Card Slot microSDXC
RAM / Internal Storage Variants 3 GB / 64 GB, 4 GB / 64 GB, 4 GB / 128 GB

For storage and memory, you have multiple options. The presence of a dedicated microSDXC card slot means you can easily expand the storage, a feature often missing in higher-end phones.

For comparison, the predecessor Smart 8 came with the same memory and storage configuration.

Cameras: A Basic Setup

The Infinix Smart 9 features a dual-camera system on the rear, headlined by a 13 MP wide lens, capable of shooting 1080p video at 30 fps. There's also an auxiliary lens, but don't expect groundbreaking performance here - it's more of a basic enhancement.

For selfies, you get a single 8 MP wide lens with an aperture of f/2.0. While it won't deliver the most detailed shots, it's serviceable for social media and video calls.

Rear Camera

Infinix Smart 9 main camera setup
Image credit: Infinix

The main camera setup on the Infinix Smart 9 consists of a dual-camera system, with a focus on providing essential photography features that cater to casual photographers. Let's break down the roles of the two lenses and how the overall camera experience fares, especially for an entry-level device. Here are the relevant specs:

SpecificationInfinix Smart 9
Number of Cameras 2 (Dual)
Resolution (Megapixels) 13 MP (wide), N/A (auxiliary lens)
Focal Length 27 mm, N/A
Aperture f/1.9, N/A
Autofocus AF, N/A
Video Recording 1080p at 30 fps
Other Features LED flash, panorama, HDR

The 13 MP primary lens is the main workhorse of the camera system, with an aperture of f/1.9. This relatively wide aperture allows more light into the sensor, which is particularly useful for low-light photography or indoor shots. It's also versatile enough for general day-to-day photography, from snapping quick photos of landscapes to portraits.

The 27 mm focal length makes this lens a wide-angle camera, suitable for capturing larger scenes or group photos. It won't give you an ultra-wide field of view, but for typical photos, it covers enough of the scene.

The phone also features a secondary camera. In most entry-level smartphones, auxiliary cameras are often depth sensors or low-resolution cameras meant to support features like portrait mode or improve focus performance.

While the exact specifications of this lens aren't detailed in the spec sheet, it's safe to assume this secondary lens plays a supporting role, likely assisting with depth detection to create bokeh effects in portraits, where the subject is in focus, and the background is artistically blurred. It's unlikely to offer much in terms of independent functionality but helps improve portrait photography by separating the subject from the background.

While the camera hardware itself isn't flagship-grade, the software and features give you additional tools to enhance your photography. AF (Autofocus) ensures that your photos remain sharp, especially in situations where you need to capture fast-moving subjects or when you're not able to manually adjust focus quickly.

This is crucial for moments where you have little time to compose the shot, such as taking a quick photo of something happening in front of you. It also helps with general usability, making the camera easier for users who are not experienced photographers.

The inclusion of an LED flash helps when you're in low-light environments and need additional lighting to improve the exposure of your shots. While it won't offer the soft, natural lighting of a dedicated camera flash, it's enough for basic indoor photography or night shots where lighting conditions are poor.

The panorama mode allows you to capture wide-angle photos by stitching together several images as you pan the camera across a scene. This is especially useful for landscapes, cityscapes, or large group photos where you want to capture more of the surroundings in a single shot. Panorama mode tends to work best in well-lit environments and on still subjects, as moving objects can appear distorted during the stitching process.

And HDR (High Dynamic Range) is key for improving your photos in challenging lighting conditions. HDR takes multiple exposures at different brightness levels and combines them to give you a balanced image with better detail in both the highlights (brighter areas) and shadows (darker areas).

This is particularly useful in situations where there's a stark contrast between bright and dark areas, such as shooting landscapes with bright skies and shadowy foregrounds. HDR can help prevent overexposed skies and underexposed foregrounds, making it a handy feature for daylight and sunset photography.

The main camera can shoot 1080p video at 30 fps, which is standard for smartphones in this price range. While this isn't 4K or even 60 fps, 1080p at 30 fps is more than sufficient for casual videography, whether you're recording a family event, vlogs, or capturing a moment with friends.

Given these lenses and features, the Smart 9's main camera setup is adequate for basic photography needs, including:

  • Casual Photography: The 13 MP primary camera with autofocus and wide aperture makes the Infinix Smart 9 perfectly suitable for casual, everyday photography. Whether you're taking photos of friends, landscapes, or everyday scenes, it provides decent image quality. The HDR feature adds extra versatility for outdoor photography in bright conditions.
  • Basic Night Photography: While not equipped with advanced night modes, the f/1.9 aperture helps in low-light environments, allowing for some decent night shots, especially with the help of the LED flash.
  • Social Media Videos: The 1080p video recording at 30 fps is adequate for users who need to record videos for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. It's enough for personal content, video blogs, and casual videography.

However, advanced photography and videography needs would demand a more powerful camera setup, such as:

  • Advanced Low-Light Photography: While the f/1.9 aperture helps, the absence of a dedicated night mode and advanced image stabilization means the Infinix Smart 9 struggles with more challenging low-light photography. Users who take a lot of photos in the evening or in dimly lit environments might prefer a phone with night mode or a larger sensor for better results.
  • Professional Videography: The lack of 4K video recording and optical image stabilization (OIS) means the Smart 9 is not equipped for professional video production or high-quality videography. If you need smooth 4K video, 60 fps, or more advanced stabilization for vlogging or other professional needs, you'll want a more powerful setup.
  • Macro or Ultra-Wide Photography: The Infinix Smart 9 lacks additional lenses like a macro lens or ultra-wide lens. If you're someone who enjoys shooting close-up shots or wide-angle landscapes, you'll miss these features. A more advanced phone with multiple lenses would offer greater flexibility in this area.

In conclusion, the main camera setup of the Infinix Smart 9, with its 13 MP primary camera and supporting auxiliary lens, is perfectly adequate for casual photography and videography. It offers a decent balance of features like autofocus, HDR, and panorama, catering to users who take photos for social media and everyday memories.

However, if you need more advanced features, such as night photography, 4K video recording, or specialized lenses for macro or ultra-wide shots, this setup may feel limited. It's a camera system built for the average user looking for reliable, everyday performance rather than professional-grade photography.

For comparison, the older Infinix Smart 8 featured a dual camera setup, consisting of a 13 MP wide lens similar to that in the Smart 9, and a 0.08 MP auxiliary lens. It could record 1080p videos at 30 fps, and its feature set included Ring-LED flash, panorama, and HDR.

Front Camera

The selfie camera sits inside a centered punch-hole cut-out on the top of the display. Here are the relevant specs:

SpecificationInfinix Smart 9
Resolution 8 MP (wide)
Aperture f/2.0
Video Recording Yes

For comparison, the predecessor Smart 8 featured a similar selfie shooter.

Battery Life: Long-Lasting Power

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

SpecificationInfinix Smart 9
Battery Type Non-removable
Capacity 5000 mAh
Wired Charging 10 W
Others Reverse wired

The 5000 mAh battery is one of the highlights of the Infinix Smart 9. This large battery ensures that the phone lasts through a full day of regular use without needing to recharge. However, the 10 W charging speed is on the slower side, meaning that charging from 0% to full will take a while. The device also supports reverse wired charging, which can come in handy when you need to juice up another device in a pinch.

For comparison, the older Smart 8 came with a similar battery and charging setup. It too supported reverse wired charging.

Sound

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

SpecificationInfinix Smart 9
Loudspeaker Yes (stereo speakers)
Headphone (3.5 mm) Jack Yes

The Infinix Smart 9 doesn't skimp on audio, providing stereo speakers for a more immersive sound experience, which is a rare find in budget smartphones. It also includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which is becoming a rarity in modern smartphones.

For comparison, the predecessor Infinix Smart 8 featured a single loudspeaker. It too supported the 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Connectivity

The Infinix Smart 9 covers the connectivity essentials, with the various options contributing to a well-rounded connectivity suite. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.

The Smart 9 features Bluetooth, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices.

The Infinix Smart 9 features the GPS positioning system for accurate navigation and location services.

The Infinix Smart 9 also sports infrared port.

NFC is a no-show, but the inclusion of FM radio is a pleasant surprise.

Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your device to act as host and connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives, keyboards, cameras, and more, without needing a computer as an intermediary.

Sensors

The Infinix Smart 9 comes equipped with the following sensors:

  • Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the Smart 9.
  • Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
  • Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.

In conclusion, at its price, the Infinix Smart 9 delivers a solid set of features for the budget-conscious user. Its 120 Hz display, 5000 mAh battery, and Android 14 Go edition make it a strong contender in the entry-level smartphone market. While the camera and charging speed are less impressive, these compromises are acceptable given the phone's low cost.

If you're after a budget-friendly phone with a smooth display and excellent battery life, the Infinix Smart 9 is hard to beat. However, if camera quality or faster charging is a priority, you may want to explore options in the mid-range segment. Overall, for the price, the Smart 9 delivers excellent value.

Feature (top) image credit: Infinix.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What is Infinix Smart 9 release date?

    The Infinix Smart 9 has been announced on the 23rd September, 2024. It is expected to release in October 2024.

  • What is Infinix Smart 9 price?

    The Infinix Smart 9 is priced starting from MYR 299 (about USD 71) for the 3 GB / 64 GB variant.




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