The Doogee X96 and Infinix Smart 5 Pro occupy the ultra-budget smartphone segment, a space where incremental differences can be crucial. Both devices share the exact same core hardware – the Unisoc SC9863A chipset – making a direct comparison a fascinating exercise in identifying where manufacturers attempt to differentiate beyond the silicon.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Infinix Smart 5 Pro likely offers a slightly better value proposition due to Infinix's established software optimization and broader market presence. However, the Doogee X96 isn't a poor choice, and availability or specific regional pricing could easily swing the decision.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 30 | 2021, November 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 11 | Available. Released 2021, November 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.7 x 9.7 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.38 in) | 164.4 x 75.6 x 9.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash |
| Quad | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5400 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green, Red | Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 70 EUR |
Doogee X96
- Potential for ruggedized build quality (Doogee brand)
- May be available at a lower price point
- Simple, uncluttered Android experience (potentially)
- Less established brand recognition
- Potentially limited software support
- Unknown camera sensor quality
Infinix Smart 5 Pro
- Established brand with wider support network
- Likely better software optimization
- Potentially more frequent software updates
- May be slightly more expensive
- Software bloatware is possible
- Build quality may not be as robust as Doogee
Display Comparison
Both the Doogee X96 and Infinix Smart 5 Pro are expected to feature LCD panels, given their price bracket. Without specific display specs like resolution or brightness, it's difficult to assess a clear winner. However, the 28nm Unisoc SC9863A isn't a power-hungry chipset, suggesting both devices will likely prioritize battery life over a high-resolution, power-draining display. Expect standard 60Hz refresh rates on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, relying heavily on software processing to enhance images. Given the target price point, expect a primary sensor paired with basic auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro or depth sensors). The image signal processor (ISP) within the Unisoc SC9863A will be the limiting factor, and image quality will likely be acceptable for social media sharing but not for detailed photography. Without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, a definitive camera comparison is impossible.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core processor with a configuration of 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means performance will be virtually identical in CPU-bound tasks. The 28nm manufacturing process is relatively mature, but also less efficient than newer nodes, meaning thermal throttling could become a factor during sustained workloads. RAM capacity, which isn't specified, will be a key determinant of multitasking performance; more RAM will benefit the Smart 5 Pro.
Battery Life
Both the Doogee X96 and Infinix Smart 5 Pro support 10W wired charging. This is a slow charging standard by today's standards, meaning a full charge will take several hours. Battery capacity isn't specified, but given the power efficiency of the Unisoc SC9863A and the target market, both devices likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The slower charging speed emphasizes the importance of battery optimization within the software.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee X96 if you prioritize a potentially more rugged build quality (based on Doogee's brand reputation) and find it at a significantly lower price point. Buy the Infinix Smart 5 Pro if you value a more refined software experience, potentially better long-term software support, and a brand with a larger user base for troubleshooting and community resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either of these phones struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
While the Unisoc SC9863A can handle basic tasks, running multiple apps simultaneously or using resource-intensive features within WhatsApp or Facebook might lead to noticeable slowdowns. These phones are best suited for light usage.
❓ Are these phones likely to receive Android updates?
Given their ultra-budget nature, major Android updates are unlikely. Both devices may receive security patches for a limited time, but don't expect to see upgrades beyond the version of Android they ship with. Infinix generally provides slightly better software support than smaller brands.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed a significant drawback?
Yes, 10W charging is quite slow compared to modern smartphones. Expect a full charge to take 3-4 hours. However, the relatively low power consumption of the Unisoc SC9863A means you won't be constantly needing to top up the battery.
❓ What kind of gaming performance can I expect?
Don't expect to play demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty at high settings. These phones are suitable for casual gaming with less graphically intensive titles. Frame rates will likely be low, and you may experience stuttering.
