The Infinix S5 Pro (48+40) and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent different approaches to the budget and mid-range smartphone market. The S5 Pro, while older, aimed for a strong camera experience at a low price point. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, however, prioritizes future-proofing with 5G connectivity and a more modern chipset, making a direct comparison crucial for budget-conscious buyers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset delivers significantly better performance and efficiency than the Infinix S5 Pro’s Helio P35, alongside the benefit of 5G connectivity and faster 33W charging. While the S5 Pro may appeal to those prioritizing a lower initial cost, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G offers a superior long-term experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 06. Released 2020, April | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 162.5 x 76.9 x 9 mm (6.40 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 165.4 x 76.8 x 9 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | Motorized pop-up 40 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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 |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Nebula Black, Quetzal Cyan, Violet | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | X660 | M2007J17C |
| Price | - | About 370 EUR |
| SAR | 0.79 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) | - |
Infinix S5 Pro (48+40)
- Potentially lower initial cost
- 40MP front camera for selfie enthusiasts
- May offer a larger battery capacity (unconfirmed)
- Significantly weaker performance
- No 5G connectivity
- Less efficient chipset leading to shorter battery life
- Slower charging speeds
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 750G
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- 33W fast charging (0-100% in 58 minutes)
- More efficient chipset for longer battery life
- Higher initial cost
- May have a lower resolution front camera
- Potentially smaller battery capacity
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G's positioning, it likely features a higher quality panel with better color accuracy and potentially a higher refresh rate than the S5 Pro. The S5 Pro, being an older model, likely utilizes a standard 60Hz LCD. Bezels are expected to be larger on the S5 Pro due to its age.
Camera Comparison
Both phones boast a 48MP main camera, but the image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 750G provides superior image processing capabilities. While the S5 Pro’s 40MP front camera might appeal to selfie enthusiasts, the overall camera experience on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is likely to be more consistent and feature-rich. The S5 Pro’s reliance on software processing to compensate for the Helio P35’s limitations will likely result in less dynamic range and more noise in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, if equipped, would further enhance image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Infinix S5 Pro’s MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm). The 8nm process node of the Snapdragon 750G translates to significantly improved power efficiency and thermal management, reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The Snapdragon 750G’s Kryo 570 cores (2x2.2 GHz & 6x1.8 GHz) offer a more modern architecture and higher clock speeds compared to the Helio P35’s Cortex-A53 cores (4x2.3 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz). This results in a noticeable performance boost in everything from app loading times to gaming. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G also benefits from 5G connectivity, a feature absent in the S5 Pro.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for the S5 Pro, but the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging, capable of a full charge in 58 minutes, is a significant advantage. The Helio P35’s lower efficiency means the S5 Pro will likely require more frequent charging. While a larger battery on the S5 Pro could offset this, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s faster charging minimizes downtime and provides greater convenience. The Snapdragon 750G’s efficiency also contributes to better overall battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix S5 Pro (48+40) if your primary need is a very affordable smartphone with a decent camera for basic social media sharing and you don't require 5G or demanding performance. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you prioritize future-proofing with 5G, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and faster charging, even if it means a slightly higher upfront investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P35 in the Infinix S5 Pro struggle with modern mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the MediaTek Helio P35 is a relatively weak chipset and will likely struggle to run demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty at high settings. You'll likely experience significant frame drops and lag, even on lower graphics settings. The Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G offers a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 5G connectivity on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G compared to 4G on the Infinix S5 Pro?
5G offers significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G. In ideal conditions, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G can achieve speeds several times faster than the Infinix S5 Pro on a 4G network. However, 5G availability varies greatly depending on your location and carrier.
❓ Is the 40MP front camera on the Infinix S5 Pro a significant advantage for selfie lovers?
While a higher megapixel count doesn't automatically equate to better selfies, the 40MP sensor on the S5 Pro may capture more detail. However, the image processing capabilities of the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G often result in more natural-looking and balanced selfies, even with a lower megapixel count.
