The Gionee Max and Infinix Smart HD 2021 represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware approaches. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on the core performance implications of their respective chipsets.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multi-tasking and a slightly smoother experience, the Gionee Max emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A, with its octa-core configuration, offers a performance advantage over the quad-core Helio A20 in the Infinix Smart HD 2021, despite the latter's more efficient 12nm process.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 25. Released 2020, August 31 | 2020, December 16. Released 2020, December 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 148 x 70.9 x 10.8 mm (5.83 x 2.79 x 0.43 in) | 158.3 x 75.2 x 9.8 mm (6.23 x 2.96 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~87.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~76.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 (Go edition), XOS 6.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@24fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Royal Blue | Topaz Blue, Obsidian Black, Quartz Green |
| Models | - | X612B, X612 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 0.41 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) | 0.53 W/kg (head) 1.22 W/kg (body) |
Gionee Max
- Octa-core processor offers better multi-tasking.
- Potentially smoother app switching.
- More responsive user interface (likely).
- 28nm process may lead to higher power consumption.
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to the Infinix.
Infinix Smart HD 2021
- More efficient 12nm process.
- Potentially longer battery life.
- Lower power consumption.
- Quad-core processor may struggle with demanding tasks.
- Slower app switching and multi-tasking.
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-quality display. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions. However, display quality isn't a differentiating factor in the provided specs. The focus here is on the internal hardware, as display specs are not available.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are likely to feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the target market, image quality will likely be similar, focusing on adequate performance in good lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Gionee Max’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core processor built on a 28nm process, featuring four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6GHz and four at 1.2GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Infinix Smart HD 2021’s MediaTek Helio A20, a quad-core processor with Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.8GHz, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm node. While the Helio A20’s higher clock speed per core might offer a slight advantage in single-core tasks, the Gionee Max’s eight cores provide superior multi-core performance, crucial for smoother app switching and handling multiple processes. The 28nm process of the Unisoc chip will likely result in higher power consumption, but the architectural advantage of more cores is significant in this price segment.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, making a direct comparison challenging. However, the Helio A20’s 12nm process offers a theoretical advantage in power efficiency. This means the Infinix Smart HD 2021 *could* achieve longer battery life on a single charge, assuming similar battery capacities. The Gionee Max’s more powerful processor will consume more energy, potentially requiring more frequent charging. Charging wattage is also unknown, further complicating the battery life assessment.
Buying Guide
Buy the Gionee Max if you frequently switch between apps, need to run multiple applications simultaneously (even basic ones), or anticipate using the phone for more than just calls and messaging. Buy the Infinix Smart HD 2021 if your primary use case is limited to essential tasks like calls, WhatsApp, and light browsing, and you prioritize potentially longer battery life due to the more efficient chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio A20 in the Infinix Smart HD 2021 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Helio A20 can handle basic apps like Facebook and WhatsApp, performance may be sluggish with multiple tabs open or when using the apps for extended periods. The quad-core architecture is designed for light usage, and demanding tasks can lead to noticeable lag.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A known for overheating under load?
The Unisoc SC9863A is not a high-performance chip, so significant overheating is unlikely. However, prolonged use of demanding applications could lead to thermal throttling, reducing performance to prevent overheating. The 28nm process is less efficient, so some heat generation is expected.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Both phones can handle very basic 2D games. However, demanding 3D games will likely be unplayable or experience significant frame rate drops. The Gionee Max, with its octa-core processor, will offer a slightly better gaming experience, but don't expect high performance.
