The Gionee P12 and Infinix Smart 5 Pro represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best experience for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a slightly smoother multitasking experience, the Infinix Smart 5 Pro emerges as the better choice. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A, despite being built on a less efficient 28nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Gionee P12’s quad-core Helio A20, making it more suitable for everyday tasks and light app usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | 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 | 2020, November 09. Released 2020, November 09 | 2021, November 17 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, November 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156.1 x 73.7 x 9.7 mm (6.15 x 2.90 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 | 178 g (6.28 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~288 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 89.8 cm2 (~78.1% 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 | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A20 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.8, AF | 8 MP |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
0.3 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| 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, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 510 h (2G) / Up to 500 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 20 h (2G) / Up to 9 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3200 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Purple | Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | K130, K120, K121 | - |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 70 EUR |
Gionee P12
- Potentially better battery life due to the 12nm process.
- Simpler user experience, ideal for basic phone functions.
- Likely more affordable.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Infinix.
- Less responsive multitasking.
- Outdated CPU architecture.
Infinix Smart 5 Pro
- Octa-core processor offers smoother performance.
- More responsive user interface.
- Better suited for light gaming and social media.
- Less efficient 28nm process may lead to shorter battery life.
- Potentially higher price point.
- Camera quality likely similar to Gionee, with a largely useless macro lens.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price bracket, details like panel type (IPS is assumed for both) and resolution are likely similar and not specified. The focus here is on performance, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a priority, and both will likely rely on standard color profiles.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on the Infinix Smart 5 Pro is largely a marketing gimmick; its limited resolution offers minimal practical benefit. Image processing will be basic on both, prioritizing speed over quality. The Gionee P12's camera performance will likely be adequate for simple snapshots, while the Infinix may offer slightly more detail due to its more capable processor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Gionee P12 utilizes the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A20, a quad-core processor built on a more efficient 12nm process. However, the Infinix Smart 5 Pro counters with the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core CPU featuring four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6GHz and another four at 1.2GHz. While the 28nm process of the Unisoc chip is less efficient, the increased core count provides a significant advantage in multitasking and handling more demanding applications. The Cortex-A55 architecture is also a step up from the A53 cores in the Helio A20, offering improved performance per clock cycle. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother scrolling on the Infinix.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but both will likely house batteries in the 4000-5000mAh range, typical for this price segment. The Infinix Smart 5 Pro includes 10W wired charging, a standard offering. The Gionee P12’s charging speed is unknown, but likely similar. The less efficient Unisoc chipset in the Infinix will likely result in slightly shorter battery life compared to the Gionee P12, but the performance gains may be worth the trade-off for many users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Gionee P12 if you prioritize simplicity and a potentially longer lifespan due to its more conservative power draw. It’s ideal for users who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and very basic app usage. Buy the Infinix Smart 5 Pro if you prefer a more responsive user experience, even if it means slightly reduced battery life. This phone is better suited for users who occasionally browse the web, use social media, or play light mobile games.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 5 Pro struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Unisoc SC9863A isn't a powerhouse, it should handle apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. The octa-core configuration and Cortex-A55 architecture provide enough processing power for these everyday applications. However, expect some slowdowns when multitasking or running multiple apps simultaneously.
❓ Is the Gionee P12 suitable for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The Gionee P12 is an excellent choice for users who prioritize basic functionality. Its Helio A20 chipset is sufficient for making calls, sending texts, and using simple apps. The more efficient processor also contributes to potentially longer battery life, making it ideal for users who don't want to worry about frequent charging.
❓ Can the Infinix Smart 5 Pro handle any mobile games?
The Infinix Smart 5 Pro can handle very light mobile games, such as simple puzzle games or older titles. However, it will struggle with more demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty. Expect low frame rates and significant lag even on the lowest settings.
❓ What type of storage does the Infinix Smart 5 Pro use, and is it expandable?
While not specified, budget phones like the Infinix Smart 5 Pro typically use eMMC storage. It almost certainly includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing you to add more space for photos, videos, and apps. Check the product listing for the maximum supported microSD card capacity.
