The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Infinix Smart 5 and Motorola Moto E7i Power aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Infinix prioritizing a slightly more powerful (though older) CPU, while the Motorola opts for an octa-core design on a less efficient process. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multi-tasking and a smoother overall experience, the Motorola Moto E7i Power is the better choice. Its octa-core processor, despite being built on a 28nm process, offers a noticeable advantage over the quad-core Helio A20 in the Infinix Smart 5, making it more responsive 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 13. Released 2020, August 20 | 2021, February 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, March 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.51 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 165.1 x 75.9 x 9.2 mm (6.5 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 183 g (6.46 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 380 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | Triple-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP + Auxiliary lenses (X657 model)
or
8 MP + Auxiliary lens (X657C model) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Wave, Quetzal Cyan, Midnight Black | Tahiti Blue, Coral Red |
| Models | X657, X657C, MZ-Infinix X657C, MZ-Infinix X657B | XT2097-13 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 32GB 2GB RAM | Rp 1,600,000 | - |
| 64GB 3GB RAM | Rp 1,525,000 | - |
Infinix Smart 5
- Potentially better battery efficiency due to 12nm process.
- Lower price point for the base configuration (32GB/2GB RAM).
- Larger storage option available (64GB).
- Quad-core processor limits multi-tasking performance.
- Likely slower app loading times.
- Less responsive user interface.
Motorola Moto E7i Power
- Octa-core processor provides smoother performance.
- Better multi-tasking capabilities.
- More responsive user experience.
- Less power-efficient chipset (28nm).
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load.
- RAM configuration not specified.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature basic LCD panels with resolutions around 720p+, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like brightness and color accuracy are not provided, but we can assume both will prioritize power efficiency over visual fidelity. The absence of features like high refresh rates or even a high PWM dimming rate suggests neither is optimized for extended viewing or users sensitive to flicker.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Neither phone is positioned as a photography powerhouse. Details on sensor size and aperture are unavailable, but it's safe to assume both feature low-resolution primary sensors. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely marketing fluff, offering minimal practical benefit. Image processing will likely be limited, resulting in images that are acceptable in good lighting conditions but struggle in low light. The Motorola may have a slight edge due to potentially better software optimization, but the difference will be minimal.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Smart 5 utilizes the Mediatek Helio A20, a quad-core processor built on a 12nm process. While the 12nm process is more efficient, the quad-core architecture is a significant limitation. The Motorola Moto E7i Power, conversely, features the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core processor, albeit on a less efficient 28nm node. The four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6GHz, paired with another four at 1.2GHz, provide a substantial advantage in multi-threaded tasks. This translates to smoother app switching and a more responsive user interface on the Motorola, even if single-core performance is comparable. The Infinix's 2GB or 3GB of RAM (depending on the configuration) will be a bottleneck, while the Moto E7i Power's RAM configuration is not specified, but the processor advantage will be more impactful.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. The Infinix Smart 5 is available with either a 32GB/2GB RAM or 64GB/3GB RAM configuration, but battery capacity is not specified. The Motorola Moto E7i Power also lacks a specified battery capacity. However, the Unisoc SC9863A's 28nm process is less power-efficient than the Helio A20's 12nm process. This means the Motorola may drain its battery faster under heavy use, but the octa-core processor's ability to complete tasks quicker could offset some of that drain in typical usage scenarios.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Smart 5 if you primarily need a phone for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and are comfortable with potentially slower performance. Buy the Motorola Moto E7i Power if you prefer a more responsive experience for multi-tasking, running multiple apps, or handling slightly more demanding tasks, even if it means potentially slightly shorter battery life due to the less efficient chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto E7i Power struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Unisoc SC9863A isn't a powerhouse, its octa-core architecture should handle apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. The extra cores will help with background processes and multitasking, providing a smoother experience compared to the quad-core Helio A20 in the Infinix Smart 5.
❓ Is the 2GB of RAM in the base Infinix Smart 5 configuration enough for basic use?
2GB of RAM is the absolute minimum for a modern smartphone. While it will handle basic tasks like calls and texts, you'll likely experience slowdowns and app reloading when switching between applications. Upgrading to the 3GB RAM version is highly recommended if your budget allows.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge either phone with the 10W charger?
With 10W charging, expect a full charge to take approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the battery capacity (which is not specified for either device). Neither phone supports fast charging, so don't expect a quick top-up.
❓ Which phone is better for playing casual games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
The Motorola Moto E7i Power will provide a better gaming experience, even for casual games. The octa-core processor will handle the game's processing demands more efficiently, resulting in smoother gameplay and fewer stutters compared to the Infinix Smart 5.
