The Infinix Smart 5 (India) and Samsung Galaxy A01 Core represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a very basic secondary device. Both prioritize affordability, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate vastly different user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on where each phone excels and where it falls short.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Infinix Smart 5 (India) is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, built on a 12nm process, delivers noticeably better performance than the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s older, 28nm Mediatek MT6739. While neither phone is a powerhouse, the Smart 5 offers a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 11 | 2020, July 21. Released 2020, August 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, February 18 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 171.8 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.76 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) | 141.7 x 67.5 x 8.6 mm (5.58 x 2.66 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 440 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), XOS 7 | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 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 |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aegean Blue, Morandi Green, Obsidian Black, Purple | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | X688C | SM-A013F, SM-A013F/DS, SM-A013G, SM-A013G/DS, SM-A013M |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | 0.25 W/kg (head) 0.56 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
Infinix Smart 5 (India)
- Significantly better performance with the Helio G25 chipset.
- More efficient 12nm fabrication process for improved battery life.
- Octa-core CPU enables smoother multitasking.
- 10W charging support.
- Display quality likely similar to the A01 Core (low resolution).
- Camera performance will still be limited despite chipset advantage.
Samsung Galaxy A01 Core
- Brand recognition of Samsung.
- Potentially more readily available software updates (though limited).
- Lower price point in some markets (depending on promotions).
- Compact form factor.
- Significantly slower performance with the outdated MT6739 chipset.
- Less efficient 28nm fabrication process leads to shorter battery life.
- Quad-core CPU struggles with multitasking.
- Limited gaming capabilities.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are expected to feature low-resolution panels, likely 720p+, though specific details are unavailable. However, the focus here isn't image quality, but the impact of the chipset on rendering UI elements. The Smart 5’s more powerful GPU will contribute to smoother scrolling and animations, even on a similar-resolution display. Bezels are likely substantial on both, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Details are scarce, but both are likely to feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The image processing capabilities of the Mediatek chipsets are limited, and image quality will be heavily dependent on lighting conditions. Focusing on megapixel counts is misleading; the sensor size and image processing algorithms are far more important. Given the chipset disparity, the Smart 5 likely has a slight edge in image processing speed, but neither phone will challenge even mid-range camera phones.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Smart 5’s Mediatek Helio G25 (12nm) features an octa-core CPU (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53), while the Galaxy A01 Core is equipped with a quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 Mediatek MT6739 (28nm). The 12nm fabrication process of the Helio G25 is significantly more efficient than the 28nm process of the MT6739, resulting in lower power consumption and less heat generation. This translates to better sustained performance and potentially longer battery life. The octa-core configuration further enhances multitasking capabilities compared to the quad-core setup. The G25 also has a more modern GPU, offering a better gaming experience, albeit still limited to basic titles.
Battery Life
While specific battery capacities are not provided, both phones likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. However, the efficiency of the Mediatek Helio G25 (12nm) in the Smart 5 will result in significantly better battery life compared to the power-hungry Mediatek MT6739 (28nm) in the A01 Core. The Smart 5 also supports 10W wired charging, which, while slow, is a standard offering in this price segment. The A01 Core’s charging speed is likely similar, but the less efficient chipset will require more time to reach a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Smart 5 (India) if you need a phone capable of handling basic multitasking, social media, and light gaming without significant lag. It’s the better option for users who prioritize responsiveness and a slightly more modern chipset. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core if you absolutely require the Samsung brand ecosystem and are willing to accept significantly slower performance and a less efficient processor in exchange for potential software familiarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 5 handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Helio G25 chipset in the Smart 5 is capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. While it won't offer a blazing-fast experience, it will be noticeably smoother than the Galaxy A01 Core, especially when switching between apps.
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6739 in the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core sufficient for basic web browsing?
The MT6739 can handle basic web browsing, but expect slow page loading times and occasional stuttering, especially on data connections. The processor struggles with rendering complex web pages, making the browsing experience less enjoyable compared to the Smart 5.
❓ Can either of these phones play PUBG Mobile?
While technically possible to *launch* PUBG Mobile on both devices, the experience will be severely limited. Frame rates will be extremely low, and the phones are likely to overheat quickly. The Infinix Smart 5 will offer a marginally better experience, but neither is suitable for serious gaming.
❓ Do either of these phones support fast charging?
Neither phone supports fast charging. Both are limited to 10W charging, meaning a full charge will take several hours. The Smart 5’s more efficient chipset will reach a full charge slightly faster due to lower power draw during charging.
