The Realme 5 Pro and Infinix S5 Pro represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a feature-rich experience without breaking the bank, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this goal, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dives deep into the specifications and real-world implications of these devices to determine which one offers the best overall package.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Realme 5 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 712 chipset, built on a more efficient 10nm process, provides a significant performance advantage over the Infinix S5 Pro’s Helio P35, translating to smoother multitasking and better gaming experiences.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 06 | 2019, August 20. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, April | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3+), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.5 x 76.9 x 9 mm (6.40 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 157 x 74.2 x 8.9 mm (6.18 x 2.92 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| | - | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3+ |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12nm) | Qualcomm SDM712 Snapdragon 712 (10 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 616 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | 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, (wide), PDAF
2 MP, (depth)
QVGA low light camera sensor | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | Motorized pop-up 32 MP, (wide) | 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 |
| 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/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 20W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | 4035 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Nebula Black, Quetzal Cyan, Violet | Crystal Green, Crystal Blue, Chroma White |
| Models | X660 | RMX1971, RMX1973 |
| Price | - | About 430 EUR |
| SAR | 0.79 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) | - |
| 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 Pro (16+32)
- Potentially lower price point
- Decent battery endurance
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- Inferior chipset performance
- Less efficient processor
- Likely slower charging speeds
Realme 5 Pro
- Superior chipset performance (Snapdragon 712)
- Faster 20W charging
- Better thermal management
- Higher peak display brightness
- May be slightly more expensive
- Similar battery endurance to the Infinix S5 Pro
Display Comparison
Both the Realme 5 Pro and Infinix S5 Pro share a similar 1875:1 contrast ratio, suggesting comparable visual pop. However, the Realme 5 Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 512 nits, which is crucial for outdoor visibility, while the Infinix S5 Pro’s brightness remains unspecified. This difference means the Realme 5 Pro will be more usable in direct sunlight. Details regarding panel technology (IPS, TFT) and color accuracy are missing for both, but given the price point, expecting wide color gamut coverage would be unrealistic.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning of the Realme 5 Pro suggests a more refined camera experience, potentially with better image processing algorithms. The Infinix S5 Pro’s camera is likely focused on providing acceptable results in good lighting conditions, while the Realme 5 Pro may offer more consistent performance across various scenarios. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 5 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 (10nm) utilizes Kryo 360 Gold and Silver cores, offering a more balanced and efficient architecture than the Infinix S5 Pro’s MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm). The Snapdragon 712’s 2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold cores provide a performance boost for demanding tasks, while the 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver cores handle background processes efficiently. The Helio P35’s Cortex-A53 configuration, while octa-core, is less capable, particularly in sustained workloads. The 10nm process of the Snapdragon 712 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 100 hours, indicating similar battery life under typical usage. However, the Realme 5 Pro’s 20W wired charging capability, capable of reaching 50% charge in 30 minutes, provides a significant convenience advantage over the Infinix S5 Pro, which lacks specified charging speeds. This faster charging mitigates any potential battery life differences, making the Realme 5 Pro more forgiving for users who frequently need to top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix S5 Pro (16+32) if you prioritize a lower upfront cost and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Realme 5 Pro if you value a more responsive user experience, enjoy mobile gaming, and want a device that will remain capable for a longer period thanks to its superior processing power and thermal management.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P35 in the Infinix S5 Pro struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Helio P35 is likely to struggle with PUBG Mobile at higher settings. While playable at low settings, you may experience frame drops and stuttering, especially during intense firefights. The Snapdragon 712 in the Realme 5 Pro offers a significantly smoother gaming experience.
❓ How much of a difference will the 20W charging make on the Realme 5 Pro compared to a slower charger?
The 20W charging on the Realme 5 Pro is a substantial improvement. It can charge the phone from 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes, significantly reducing downtime. A standard 10W charger would take considerably longer, potentially over an hour to reach the same level.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
While both phones can handle basic tasks, the Snapdragon 712 in the Realme 5 Pro will provide a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience. App loading times will be faster, multitasking will be more fluid, and the overall user interface will feel snappier.
