Infinix Smart 10 vs Smart 9: Is It a Real Upgrade or Just a Redesign?

Insights At a Glance:

• Design overhaul, mostly same internals: The Smart 10 HD brings a bold new look but sticks to similar specs as the Smart 9 HD—right down to the display, battery, and camera.
• Smart 9 HD still holds its own: With more RAM options, water resistance, and slightly richer camera features, last year’s model remains a strong contender.
• No hands-on with the 10 HD yet: This breakdown is based on Infinix’s official listings and early coverage. I’ve used the Smart 9 HD briefly.

Infinix isn’t wasting any time when it comes to refreshing its Smart series. Barely half a year after launching the Smart 9 HD in Kenya, the company has unveiled its next-gen budget device, the Smart 10 HD, alongside the Smart 10 and Smart 10 Plus in Malaysia. With a landing page for the device already live on Infinix Kenya’s website, it shouldn’t be long before it starts selling locally. But with both phones sharing nearly identical DNA, including Android Go software, you might be wondering: Is the Smart 10 HD truly an upgrade, or just a fresh coat of paint on last year’s recipe?

Having spent a little time with the Smart 9 HD—albeit briefly, when I bought one for a friend who, like some out there, still refuses to buy anything online unless someone else does it for them (yes, so they can shift the blame in case of a failed delivery or a dodgy product)—I’m speaking here from a slight hands-on experience. On the other hand, I haven’t had the chance to interact with the Smart 10 HD yet, as it’s not available locally at the time of writing.

Design & Build: Big Glow-Up, Small Trade-Off

This is where the difference hits you right in the eyes.

The Smart 10 HD goes all-in on a modern, premium-inspired look with a flat-edged frame, a minimalist back panel, and a cleaner camera layout. From the official images, it’s clear Infinix has drawn some inspiration from flagship designs—those twin circular lenses and centered LED flash create a striking, symmetrical vibe. It’s a huge leap in aesthetic over the older Smart 9 HD, which featured a more traditional vertical camera island.

However, while the Smart 10 HD looks sleeker, it loses the IP54 splash resistance found on the Smart 9 HD. So you’re trading a bit of ruggedness for style.

Display & Size: Slightly Smaller, Still Smooth

The Smart 9 HD edges out the new model with a 6.7-inch display, compared to 6.6 inches on the Smart 10 HD. Both use IPS LCD tech with 90Hz refresh rates and 500 nits peak brightness, so real-world differences will be minimal unless you really value screen size.

Performance & Software: Minor Shifts Under the Hood

The two phones differ slightly in terms of processing power. The Smart 9 HD runs on a MediaTek Helio octa-core chip clocked at 2.2GHz, while the Smart 10 HD switches to the old Unisoc T606 processor from 2021. Performance should be comparable for most daily tasks, but the Smart 9 HD is slightly superior and it even gets more RAM options—up to 4GB—while the Smart 10 HD is capped at 2GB. Strange choices, but hey, we don’t make the rules.

Both run Android 14 (Go Edition), so there shouldn’t be any signficant differences software-wise.

Camera Comparison: Same Sensor, Slightly Different Execution

Despite the flashy new camera layout, the Smart 10 HD keeps it simple with a 13MP camera on the back, assisted by an AI lens and quad-LED flash. The Smart 9 HD also uses a 13MP main sensor with an auxiliary AI lens and supports HDR and panorama features. So while the newer phone looks fancier, the Smart 9 HD might actually offer more versatility in terms of features.

Both phones offer 8MP front cameras with LED flash and support 1080p video recording on both ends.

Battery Life & Extras: No Surprises

Both models come with a 5,000mAh battery, 10W charging, and support for reverse charging. No upgrades here. You’ll still get a full day of moderate use and then some.

Audio-wise, both feature stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, FM radio, and DTS-tuned sound with a “300% volume boost” mode, which may appeal to users who love louder audio output.

Visual Design Comparison (Based on Images)

Specs Comparison Table: Smart 10 HD vs Smart 9 HD

Final Verdict: Evolution in Looks, Not in Power

The Smart 10 HD is a clear step up in design, with a cleaner and more stylish aesthetic that mimics higher-end devices. But when it comes to actual functionality, I think the Smart 9 HD still holds its ground, especially with the higher RAM options, water resistance, and richer camera features.

If you’re after a phone that looks new and feels fresh in the hand, the Smart 10 HD delivers. But if you’re already rocking a Smart 9 HD—or even bought one for a cautious friend—you might want to sit this one out, at least until Infinix drops a Plus model worth jumping for.