The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Infinix S5 Lite and Realme 5 Pro both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they take drastically different approaches. The S5 Lite focuses on affordability, while the 5 Pro attempts to punch above its weight with a more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Realme 5 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 712 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Infinix S5 Lite’s Helio P22, making it better suited for gaming and demanding applications. While both offer similar battery endurance, the Realme 5 Pro’s faster charging is a significant convenience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, November. Released 2019, November | 2019, August 20. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3+), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 157 x 74.2 x 8.9 mm (6.18 x 2.92 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| | - | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3+ |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM712 Snapdragon 712 (10 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 616 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), XOS 5.5 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
2 MP
AI Lens (low light sensor) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 20W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | 4000 mAh | 4035 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight black, Quetzal cyan, Violet | Crystal Green, Crystal Blue, Chroma White |
| Models | X652B, X652C | RMX1971, RMX1973 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 430 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.3dB / Crosstalk -92.0dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 100h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1875:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 66dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 85dB |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 182765 (v7)
GeekBench: 6106 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Infinix S5 lite
- Lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Decent battery endurance
- Weak processor performance
- Likely inferior camera quality
- Slower charging (assumed)
Realme 5 Pro
- Significantly faster processor
- Faster 20W charging
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- Higher price than the S5 Lite
- May be slightly heavier
- Similar battery endurance to S5 Lite
Display Comparison
Both the Infinix S5 Lite and Realme 5 Pro feature displays with a 1875:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Realme 5 Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 512 nits, a tangible advantage over the S5 Lite, which lacks published brightness data. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the Realme 5 Pro’s superior brightness makes it the more comfortable option for all-day use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but details are sparse. Without specific sensor size or aperture information for the Infinix S5 Lite, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the Realme 5 Pro’s likely inclusion of a more sophisticated image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 712 chipset suggests superior image processing capabilities. The Realme 5 Pro is likely to produce more detailed and dynamic photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a 48MP main sensor (common in the 5 Pro series) would further solidify its camera advantage.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Realme 5 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 (10nm) is built on a smaller fabrication process than the Infinix S5 Lite’s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm), resulting in greater efficiency and lower heat generation. The Snapdragon 712’s octa-core CPU, with its Kryo 360 Gold (2x2.3 GHz) and Silver (6x1.7 GHz) cores, offers significantly more processing power than the S5 Lite’s 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Realme 5 Pro.
Battery Life
Both the Infinix S5 Lite and Realme 5 Pro achieve an endurance rating of 100 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the Realme 5 Pro distinguishes itself with 20W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 30 minutes. The S5 Lite’s charging speed is not specified, implying a slower charging experience. This faster charging capability on the Realme 5 Pro provides a significant convenience factor for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix S5 Lite if you need a basic smartphone for essential tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. It’s a functional device for those prioritizing cost above all else. Buy the Realme 5 Pro if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience, enjoy mobile gaming, or anticipate using your phone for more than just basic communication. The 5 Pro offers a significantly better long-term user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 712 in the Realme 5 Pro capable of handling demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Snapdragon 712 is a capable chipset for gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it can comfortably run PUBG and Call of Duty at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. The Adreno 616 GPU provides sufficient graphical power for a smooth gaming experience.
❓ Does the Realme 5 Pro support fast charging protocols beyond 20W, like Quick Charge or Power Delivery?
The Realme 5 Pro supports VOOC 3.0 charging, which is Realme's proprietary fast charging technology. While it doesn't officially support Quick Charge or Power Delivery, it may work with some chargers, but at reduced speeds. It's best to use the included 20W charger for optimal charging performance.
❓ How does the Helio P22 in the Infinix S5 Lite perform with multitasking and app switching?
The Helio P22 is a budget-oriented chipset and will struggle with heavy multitasking. App switching may be slow, and running multiple apps simultaneously can lead to noticeable lag. It's best suited for running one app at a time for a smoother experience.
❓ What type of storage does the Realme 5 Pro use, and is it expandable?
The Realme 5 Pro typically comes with UFS 2.1 storage, which is faster than the eMMC storage often found in budget phones. This contributes to quicker app loading times and overall system responsiveness. It also includes a dedicated microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing you to add up to 256GB of additional storage.
