Budget smartphones often come with trade-offs, but the Infinix Smart 9 HD aims to balance affordability with durability and functionality. As an upgrade over its predecessor, the Smart 8 HD, this new model introduces notable improvements, especially in design, display, and processing power. Having used the device for a while, I’ll break down my experience with it, covering everything from design and build quality to performance and camera capabilities.
Design and Display: Sturdiness Takes Center Stage
Right out of the box, the Infinix Smart 9 HD looks more premium than what you’d expect from a phone priced at just ₹6,699. It boasts a multi-layer glass back finish, flat edges, and a color-matched frame, giving it a sleek, modern look. The brand emphasizes durability, and for good reason. Infinix claims that this phone has undergone 2,50,000 drop tests, a 1.5m six-side drop test, and even extreme temperature testing. Holding the device in hand, I could feel its sturdy build, which is reassuring for those who often worry about accidental drops.
The phone is also IP54-rated for splash resistance, meaning it can handle minor spills and splashes. The glass-back finish adds a premium touch, though it does attract fingerprints. Despite its flat-edged design, the grip remains comfortable, making one-handed usage manageable.
The 6.7-inch HD+ display is slightly larger than its predecessor, offering a 90Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness. While the 1600 x 720 pixels resolution may not be the sharpest, the smooth refresh rate and vivid colors make up for it. Scrolling through social media and watching videos on YouTube and OTT platforms felt quite enjoyable, given the price point.
One interesting addition is the interactive Dynamic Bar, a feature inspired by premium devices. It adds a layer of functionality by displaying real-time notifications, battery status, and call information around the punch-hole cutout. While not as polished as higher-end versions, it’s a nice touch for budget users who want something different.
Performance and Software: A Modest Yet Efficient Upgrade
Under the hood, the Infinix Smart 9 HD is powered by the MediaTek Helio G50 SoC, paired with 3GB LPDDR4X RAM and 64GB eMMC 5.1 storage. There’s also an option to expand storage up to 1TB via a microSD card. The phone supports 3GB virtual RAM, effectively making multitasking a bit smoother.
For day-to-day tasks like browsing, watching videos, using social media apps, and calling, the phone works well. However, pushing it beyond basic usage—like gaming—leads to noticeable lag. Casual games like Subway Surfers and Candy Crush run fine, but more demanding titles like BGMI or Call of Duty Mobile struggle even at low settings. Given the budget nature of the device, this is expected.
The Infinix Smart 9 HD runs on Android 14 Go Edition, a lightweight version optimized for budget hardware. The Go Edition ensures faster app launches, better memory management, and less bloatware. I appreciated the relatively clean software experience, though there are some pre-installed apps that can be removed. Navigating through the UI was mostly smooth, with occasional stutters when switching between multiple apps quickly.
Cameras: Decent for the Price
For photography, the phone comes equipped with a 13MP primary camera with a quad-LED flash and an 8MP front shooter. Given its price range, I wasn’t expecting much, but the rear camera produces decent shots in well-lit conditions. The color accuracy is acceptable, and HDR helps retain details. However, in low-light situations, the camera struggles with noise and lack of detail. The quad-LED flash helps to some extent but doesn’t completely solve the issue.
Selfies from the 8MP front camera are usable for social media, but don’t expect flagship-level quality. Video recording maxes out at 1080p, and while stabilization is missing, the footage remains serviceable for casual use.
Battery Life and Audio: All-Day Usage with Ease
One of the strong points of the Infinix Smart 9 HD is its 5,000mAh battery. On a single charge, I was able to get through an entire day of moderate usage, including calls, web browsing, video streaming, and light gaming. The device charges via USB-C, which is a welcome upgrade at this price. However, there’s no fast charging support, meaning a full charge takes over 2.5 hours.
Budget phones often compromise on sound quality, but Infinix has included dual speakers with DTS audio and sound boost technology. The speakers offer clear and loud output, making media consumption more enjoyable. The phone also features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is fast and reliable, adding a layer of security without the need for on-screen authentication.
Comparison: Smart 9 HD vs Smart 8 HD
Compared to the Infinix Smart 8 HD, the new model brings notable upgrades:
- Bigger display: 6.7 inches vs 6.6 inches.
- More powerful chipset: MTK Helio G50 replaces the Unisoc T606.
- Better software: Runs Android 14 Go Edition instead of Android 13 Go Edition.
- More durable build: Glass-back design and extensive durability testing.
- Interactive Dynamic Bar: New addition for notifications and UI enhancements.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at ₹6,699, the Infinix Smart 9 HD is one of the most affordable smartphones available in India. For early buyers, the phone will be available at a special price of ₹6,199 on Flipkart from February 4th. It comes in four colors: Mint Green, Coral Gold, Neo Titanium, and Metallic Black, catering to different aesthetic preferences.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Infinix Smart 9 HD?
Pros:
Durable build with IP54 rating
Large 6.7-inch display with 90Hz refresh rate
Decent performance for daily tasks
Clean Android 14 Go Edition experience
Big 5000mAh battery for all-day use
Dual speakers with DTS audio enhancement
Cons:
✘ Limited gaming performance
✘ No fast charging support
✘ Cameras struggle in low light
For those looking for an ultra-budget smartphone that prioritizes durability, battery life, and display quality, the Infinix Smart 9 HD makes a strong case. While it won’t cater to power users or gamers, it delivers a reliable experience for everyday usage at an unbeatable price. If your needs are basic browsing, media consumption, and casual social media usage, this phone is worth considering in the sub-₹7,000 segment.
