The sub-₹8,000 (approximately $100 USD) smartphone segment is fiercely competitive. Both the Infinix Smart 5 (India) and Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport aim to deliver the most functionality for the least amount of money. This comparison dissects their similarities and differences, focusing on how the identical core hardware translates into real-world user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing brand recognition and a slightly more refined software experience, the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is the better choice. However, the Infinix Smart 5 offers comparable performance at a potentially lower price point, making it a strong contender for the truly budget-conscious.
| 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, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 11 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, February 18 | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 171.8 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.76 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 440 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), XOS 7 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB 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, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| 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, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aegean Blue, Morandi Green, Obsidian Black, Purple | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Models | X688C | - |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.25 W/kg (head) 0.56 W/kg (body) | - |
Infinix Smart 5 (India)
- Potentially lower price point
- Comparable performance to Redmi 9A Sport
- Large battery capacity (estimated)
- Less established brand reputation
- Potentially less refined software experience
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Stronger brand recognition (Xiaomi)
- Potentially better software optimization
- Wider support network
- May be slightly more expensive
- Identical core hardware to Infinix Smart 5
Display Comparison
Both the Infinix Smart 5 and Redmi 9A Sport lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their price point, it's safe to assume both utilize LCD panels with HD+ resolution (720 x 1600). The user experience will likely be similar, with color accuracy and brightness being average for this segment. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices, as maximizing screen real estate isn't a priority at this price. The absence of features like higher refresh rates or PWM dimming control suggests neither phone is optimized for prolonged media consumption or users sensitive to screen flicker.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are limited. Both phones likely feature a primary camera, but details regarding sensor size and aperture are missing. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, as image quality will be significantly lower than the main sensor. Image processing will likely be basic, focusing on contrast and saturation rather than dynamic range or detail preservation. Low-light performance will be subpar on both devices due to the limitations of the sensors and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53). This means performance will be virtually identical for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. The 12nm process node offers reasonable efficiency, but don't expect sustained peak performance under heavy load. RAM configurations are not specified, but are likely to be 2GB or 3GB, which will impact multitasking capabilities. Neither device boasts advanced cooling solutions, so thermal throttling is a possibility during extended gaming sessions. The GPU performance will be adequate for basic games, but demanding titles will require significant graphical settings compromises.
Battery Life
Both the Infinix Smart 5 and Redmi 9A Sport are equipped with 10W wired charging. This translates to a relatively slow charging speed, requiring several hours to fully charge the battery from 0 to 100%. Battery capacity is not specified, but is likely in the 5000mAh range, common for this price segment. Real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns, but users can expect a full day of moderate use. The slow charging speed means topping up the battery throughout the day is less convenient.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Smart 5 (India) if you need a functional smartphone with a focus on minimizing upfront cost and are comfortable with a potentially less polished software experience. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport if you prefer a more established brand with a wider support network and a slightly more streamlined user interface, even if it means paying a small premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G25 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G25 can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll need to lower the graphics settings significantly to achieve playable frame rates. Expect stuttering and lag during intense firefights. It's best suited for less demanding games.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the battery with the 10W charger?
With the 10W charger, expect a full charge to take approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the battery capacity (likely around 5000mAh). It's not a fast-charging solution, so plan accordingly.
❓ Is the software on either phone heavily customized with bloatware?
Both Infinix and Xiaomi are known for pre-installing apps (bloatware). Xiaomi's MIUI is generally more feature-rich but also more heavily customized. Infinix's software is typically lighter but may lack some of the polish found in MIUI.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either device?
Given the target market, both the Infinix Smart 5 and Redmi 9A Sport likely include a dedicated microSD card slot for storage expansion, allowing you to add more space for photos, videos, and apps.
