The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. We pit the Doogee U7, a basic but functional device, against the Infinix Smart 8 Plus, which aims to deliver more performance and features for a similar price. This comparison will dissect their core components to determine which offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Infinix Smart 8 Plus is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G36 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Doogee U7’s MT6580, making it significantly more responsive for everyday tasks and even light gaming. While the U7 offers a simpler experience, the Smart 8 Plus delivers more for your money.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2024, January 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021 | Available. Released 2024, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 209.5 x 142.5 x 20 mm (8.25 x 5.61 x 0.79 in) | 163.7 x 75.7 x 9 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 373 g (13.16 oz) | 204 g (7.20 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~46.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 (Go edition), XOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Ring-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 2 MP | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 0.3 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 3400 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Pink | Galaxy White, Shiny Gold, Timber Black |
| Models | - | X6526 |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
Doogee U7
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Potentially more durable build (Doogee's reputation)
- Outdated processor
- Slow charging speed
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Infinix Smart 8 Plus
- Significantly faster processor
- Faster 18W charging with reverse charging
- Larger display for better media consumption
- May have more bloatware
- Build quality might not be as robust as Doogee
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, details like resolution and brightness are missing for the Doogee U7. The Infinix Smart 8 Plus, while also lacking detailed display specs, benefits from a larger screen size (6.6 inches) which is more immersive for media consumption. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO on either device is expected at this price point.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, given the typical sensor quality found in this segment. Detailed sensor information is lacking for both devices, but it’s safe to assume both rely on basic sensors. The Infinix Smart 8 Plus may have a slight edge due to its more powerful image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Helio G36 chipset, potentially leading to better image processing and noise reduction. The presence of a dedicated night mode on the Smart 8 Plus, often found in phones with the G36, is another potential advantage.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Doogee U7’s Mediatek MT6580, a quad-core processor, is showing its age. It’s designed for basic tasks and will struggle with multitasking or demanding applications. In contrast, the Infinix Smart 8 Plus features the Mediatek Helio G36, an octa-core processor built on a more efficient 12nm process. The G36’s combination of Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and 1.6 GHz provides a substantial performance advantage, resulting in smoother app launches, faster web browsing, and a more responsive user experience. This benefits users who frequently switch between apps or engage in light gaming.
Battery Life
Both phones offer respectable battery capacities, but the Infinix Smart 8 Plus’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Doogee U7’s 10W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified for the U7, the Smart 8 Plus packs a 5000mAh battery. The faster charging speed on the Smart 8 Plus translates to quicker top-ups, reducing downtime and ensuring you spend less time tethered to a wall outlet. The Smart 8 Plus also supports reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices – a feature absent on the U7.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee U7 if you prioritize extreme simplicity and a minimal feature set, and need a phone primarily for calls and basic messaging. It’s a good option for first-time smartphone users or those needing a durable, no-frills device. Buy the Infinix Smart 8 Plus if you want a more capable smartphone for social media, streaming, and occasional gaming. The faster processor and 18W charging make it a better all-around choice for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G36 in the Infinix Smart 8 Plus capable of running popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G36 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can run PUBG Mobile at lower settings (balanced or low graphics) with acceptable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense firefights. The Doogee U7’s MT6580 would struggle significantly with PUBG Mobile, making it largely unplayable.
❓ Does the Infinix Smart 8 Plus have a lot of pre-installed bloatware?
Infinix phones are sometimes known to include pre-installed apps. While the extent of bloatware varies, users can typically uninstall or disable most of these apps to free up storage space and improve performance. The Doogee U7 is likely to have less bloatware, but also fewer features overall.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Infinix Smart 8 Plus from 0%?
With its 18W charging support and 5000mAh battery, the Infinix Smart 8 Plus should fully charge in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the charger used. The Doogee U7’s 10W charging will take considerably longer, likely exceeding 4 hours.
