Budget Smartphone Battle: Xiaomi Redmi 15C vs. Infinix HOT 60i

In Kenya’s fast-moving budget smartphone market, two fresh contenders are grabbing attention: the Xiaomi Redmi 15C and the Infinix HOT 60i. Both are priced under KES 17,000, both feature smooth 120 Hz displays, and both come loaded with specs that would have been unthinkable in this segment a few years ago.

Yet, each phone reflects a different philosophy. Xiaomi’s Redmi 15C leans on the fundamentals – massive battery life, proven durability, and refined software. The Infinix HOT 60i, on the other hand, highlights portability, faster charging, stereo speakers, and a bold AI-driven software experience.

For anyone choosing a new device in this competitive bracket, here’s a complete breakdown of specs, pricing, similarities, differences, and why you might prefer one over the other. You can also watch this video comparing the two.

Specifications at a Glance

Design and Display: Durability vs Portability

The Redmi 15C feels substantial at 205g with its larger 6.9-inch screen and quad-curved back design.

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The Infinix HOT 60i is slimmer and lighter at 188g and just 7.7 mm thick. It slips easily into pockets and is more comfortable for one-hand use. The 6.7-inch display may be smaller, but it pairs with stereo speakers for a more immersive multimedia experience – a major plus over Redmi’s single speaker.

Both phones use 120 Hz HD+ LCDs with good brightness (Redmi ~810 nits, Infinix ~700 nits) and smooth scrolling.

Performance: Practically Twins

Both phones run on the same MediaTek Helio G81 chip (the “Ultra” and “Ultimate” labels are just branding). Everyday tasks like WhatsApp, TikTok, YouTube, and web browsing should run relatively well. Light games may work fine, but heavy 3D gaming will push the limits.

Redmi 15C comes in 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB RAM variants, with up to +8GB virtual expansion. HOT 60i starts at 6GB RAM, scaling to 8GB, with +4GB virtual RAM. Redmi’s bigger virtual RAM extension helps with multitasking, but both are strong performers in their class.

Battery and Charging: Endurance vs Speed

Battery is where Redmi shines. Its 6000 mAh cell comfortably stretches into two-day usage for light users.

Infinix’s 5160 mAh battery still provides all-day stamina, but its strength is speed: the HOT 60i features a 45W charger, filling up much quicker than the Redmi’s 33W charger. Importantly, both phones include their fast chargers in the box – and Infinix also throws in earphones and a case.

Both support 10 W reverse charging, letting you power other devices.

Software and AI: HyperOS Polish vs XOS Innovation

Redmi 15C runs HyperOS 2 on Android 15, focusing on stability, battery health, and integration with Xiaomi’s ecosystem. Features include Wet Touch 2.0, seamless clipboard sharing, and a 2-year warranty in Kenya. Updates are reliable, with at least one or two major Android upgrades expected.

Infinix HOT 60i runs XOS 15.1.1 on Android 15, with a more adventurous approach. A dedicated AI button launches Folax AI, powered by DeepSeek R1, offering enhanced AI-powered assistance like smart queries and translations. It’s bold, interactive, and AI-centric – perfect for users who want the newest features to play with.

Both phones bring AI into daily use but in different ways. Redmi 15C leans on the usual Android-Google integration, offering the Gemini assistant for tasks like writing support and idea generation, plus Circle to Search for instant visual lookups on any on-screen content. Its AI dual camera system enhances photos with scene detection, while AI face unlock secures the device.

Meanwhile the Infinix HOT 60i, meanwhile, puts AI front and center through both Google’s Gemini and Infinix’s own Folax, a voice assistant that works across apps and responds to what’s on your screen—whether browsing, reading, or watching video. Folax handles actions like real-time translation or content summarization, and the phone adds AI Night Charging to protect battery health, plus AI scene recognition in the camera for clearer low-light photos.

Cameras: Similar on Paper, Similar in Practice

Both pack a 50 MP main camera + depth lens and an 8 MP selfie camera. Photos are detailed and colorful in daylight, but low-light performance suffers on both, as expected in this segment.

Video recording maxes out at 1080p@30fps with no stabilization. Selfies are serviceable for social media, with Infinix sometimes leaning into brighter tones. Redmi includes an “Ultra HD 50 MP” mode for extra detail. Overall, they’re neck-and-neck.

Price in Kenya

Redmi 15C (Official Xiaomi Kenya prices):

• 4+128GB: KES 11,999
• 6+128GB: KES 14,099
• 8+256GB: KES 16,599

Infinix HOT 60i (Official launch prices):

• 6+128GB: KES 12,799
• 8+256GB: KES 15,199

Redmi has the lowest entry point (KES 11,999), but Infinix undercuts Xiaomi on equivalent higher-RAM models by about KES 1,300–1,400.

Verdict: Which Phone Should You Buy?

Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 15C if:

• Battery life is your top priority (6000 mAh endurance).
• Long-term support and warranty matter (2-year cover in Kenya).

Choose the Infinix HOT 60i if:

• You want a slimmer, lighter phone for everyday portability.
• Faster charging (45 W) and stereo speakers appeal to you.
• You’re excited about new features like the dedicated AI button.

Ultimately, both phones represent excellent value in the sub-KES 17,000 range. The Redmi 15C is the pragmatic endurance king, while the Infinix HOT 60i is the stylish innovator. Your choice depends on whether you want longevity and polish or cutting-edge features and speed.