The Infinix S5 Pro and Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly in the chipset department. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall performance and a more refined software experience, the Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime is the better choice. Its Exynos 9611 chipset, built on a 10nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Infinix S5 Pro’s Helio P35, despite the similar clock speeds on the primary cores.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Class 10 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 06. Released 2020, April | 2020, October 14. Released 2020, October 17 |
| Status | Discontinued | 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) | 159.2 x 75.1 x 8.9 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| 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 (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED, 420 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, One UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | Yes |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 3.15 MP |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | Motorized pop-up 32 MP, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | 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, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 |
|---|
| Games | - | Downloadable |
| Java | - | Yes |
| Messaging | - | SMS, MMS, Email, Push Email, IM |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 150 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 1 h 30 min |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Nebula Black, Quetzal Cyan, Violet | Ocean Blue, Space Black, Iceberg Blue |
| Models | X660 | SM-M315F/DS |
| Price | - | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | 0.79 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) | 0.38 W/kg (head) |
Infinix S5 Pro (16+32)
- Potentially lower price point
- Larger display size (assumed)
- May offer unique software features
- Inferior chipset performance (Helio P35)
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Less refined software experience
Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime
- Superior chipset performance (Exynos 9611)
- Faster 15W charging
- More efficient power consumption
- Potentially higher price
- Software bloatware (typical of Samsung)
- May have a smaller display
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The absence of detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) necessitates relying on brand reputation. Samsung generally offers slightly better color calibration, but the Infinix S5 Pro’s larger 6.6-inch display (assumed, based on typical S5 Pro variants) might appeal to users who prioritize screen real estate. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature multiple rear cameras, but the emphasis should be on the primary sensors. The Infinix S5 Pro’s 16MP primary sensor is likely paired with a 32MP secondary sensor (the '16+32' in the name), but the utility of the secondary sensor is questionable without further details. The Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime’s primary sensor resolution is unknown, but Samsung’s image processing algorithms generally deliver more consistent results, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The inclusion of features like OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is unlikely on either device, but Samsung’s software enhancements can compensate to some extent. Avoid placing much stock in the auxiliary 2MP sensors found on many budget phones.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime’s Exynos 9611, fabricated on a 10nm process, offers a significant architectural advantage over the Infinix S5 Pro’s Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm). While both feature octa-core CPUs with similar peak clock speeds (2.3 GHz), the Exynos 9611 utilizes more powerful Cortex-A73 cores in its prime cluster, resulting in superior single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The Helio P35, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with more demanding applications. The M31 Prime's GPU will also outperform the P35's.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime benefits from 15W wired charging, a significant advantage over the likely slower charging speeds of the Infinix S5 Pro. While both devices likely house batteries in the 5000mAh range (typical for this segment), the faster charging of the M31 Prime reduces downtime. The 10nm process of the Exynos 9611 also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix S5 Pro (16+32) if you prioritize a lower initial cost and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding applications, occasional gaming, and appreciate faster charging speeds, even if it comes at a slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 9611 isn't a flagship-level chip, it's generally well-behaved in terms of thermal management. It's unlikely to experience severe overheating during moderate gaming, but extended, high-graphics sessions may lead to some throttling to maintain safe temperatures. The 10nm process helps mitigate heat generation compared to the 12nm Helio P35.
❓ Is the 32MP secondary camera on the Infinix S5 Pro actually useful for improving image quality?
The utility of a high-resolution secondary camera without optical image stabilization or a large sensor is limited. It's likely used for depth sensing to improve portrait mode effects, but the actual impact on overall image quality will be minimal. Don't expect significant improvements in detail or low-light performance from this sensor.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime handle games like PUBG Mobile at reasonable frame rates?
The Exynos 9611 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to stick to medium graphics settings to achieve consistently smooth frame rates. Expect around 30-40 FPS, which is playable but not ideal for competitive gaming. The Infinix S5 Pro will struggle to maintain even these frame rates at similar settings.
