Infinix Smart 5 vs Nokia C200: A Deep Dive into Ultra-Budget Performance

The Infinix Smart 5 and Nokia C200 represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a very basic secondary device. Both rely on Mediatek’s Helio A-series chipsets, but subtle differences in processing power and storage options can significantly impact the user experience. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing slightly smoother performance, the Nokia C200 edges out the Infinix Smart 5 thanks to its faster 2.0 GHz CPU. However, the Infinix Smart 5’s availability in a 64GB/3GB RAM configuration at a lower price point makes it a compelling option for those on a tighter budget and willing to trade a small performance hit.

PHONES
Phone Names Infinix Smart 5 Nokia C200
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 412, 4, 5, 12, 13, 41, 66, 71
SpeedHSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE (2CA)
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2020, August 13. Released 2020, August 202022, January 05
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2022, Q2
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame-
Dimensions165.4 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.51 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)156.5 x 73.1 x 8.8 mm (6.16 x 2.88 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight183 g (6.46 oz)172.5 g (6.10 oz)
 -Splash protection
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density)720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~79.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUQuad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
ChipsetMediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 10 (Go edition)Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesTriple-LED flashLED flash
Single-13 MP, AF
Triple13 MP + Auxiliary lenses (X657 model) or 8 MP + Auxiliary lens (X657C model)-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash-
Single8 MP8 MP
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximityAccelerometer, proximity, barometer
Battery
Charging10W wired10W wired
Type5000 mAhLi-Ion 4000 mAh
Misc
ColorsOcean Wave, Quetzal Cyan, Midnight BlackMeteor Black
ModelsX657, X657C, MZ-Infinix X657C, MZ-Infinix X657BTA-1437, TA-1510
PriceAbout 70 EURAbout 60 EUR
SAR-1.11 W/kg (head)     1.33 W/kg (body)
Pricing
32GB 2GB RAMRp 1,600,000-
64GB 3GB RAMRp 1,525,000-

Infinix Smart 5

  • Potentially lower price, especially for the 64GB/3GB RAM variant.
  • Larger storage option (64GB) available.
  • Established brand presence in some markets.

  • Slightly slower CPU compared to the Nokia C200.
  • May experience more lag with demanding apps.

Nokia C200

  • Faster CPU (2.0 GHz) for a more responsive experience.
  • Slightly better performance in app loading and multitasking.
  • Clean Android experience (typically associated with Nokia).

  • Standard 32GB storage may be limiting for some users.
  • Potentially higher price compared to the base Infinix Smart 5 model.

Display Comparison

Neither the Infinix Smart 5 nor the Nokia C200 boast impressive displays. Both are expected to feature basic LCD panels with resolutions likely around 720x1600. Without specific brightness data, it’s safe to assume both will struggle in direct sunlight. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but rather basic readability and durability.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance on both devices will be extremely basic. Details on sensor size and aperture are unavailable, but given the price point, expectations should be low. Both are likely equipped with a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Image quality will be acceptable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light are guaranteed. Focusing on megapixel counts would be misleading; image processing and sensor quality are far more important, and data is lacking for both.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Infinix Smart 5 uses the Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 with a quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, while the Nokia C200 utilizes the MT6761 Helio A22 with a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. That 200 MHz clock speed increase on the A22 translates to a noticeable, albeit not dramatic, improvement in responsiveness. The A22 will handle basic tasks like web browsing and app switching slightly more fluidly. Both phones are limited by their 2GB/3GB RAM configurations, meaning multitasking will be constrained. The 12nm process node is consistent across both, suggesting similar power efficiency.

Battery Life

Both phones feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect a full charge to take several hours. Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but given the target market and hardware, capacities likely fall in the 4000-5000 mAh range. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both should comfortably last a full day with light use (calls, texts, minimal app usage).

Buying Guide

Buy the Infinix Smart 5 if you need maximum storage for the price and are comfortable with potentially slower app loading times. It’s ideal for users primarily focused on calls, texts, and light social media use. Buy the Nokia C200 if you prioritize a slightly more responsive user experience and are willing to accept the standard 32GB storage, or if you anticipate needing to run a few more apps concurrently.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Nokia C200 run popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Nokia C200 with its Helio A22 chipset should handle apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. However, running multiple apps simultaneously or using more demanding applications may result in some lag due to the limited RAM.
❓ Is the 32GB storage on the Nokia C200 enough for everyday use?
32GB of storage is relatively limited in 2024. While sufficient for basic use (calls, texts, a few apps), you'll likely need to rely on cloud storage or a microSD card to store photos, videos, and larger apps. The Infinix Smart 5's 64GB option offers more breathing room.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either the Infinix Smart 5 or Nokia C200 with a microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specifications, both the Infinix Smart 5 and Nokia C200 are highly likely to support microSD card expansion, given their target market and price point. This is a crucial feature for users needing more storage.
❓ Which phone is better for playing casual games?
The Nokia C200's slightly faster processor will provide a marginally better gaming experience for simple, casual games. However, neither phone is suitable for graphically intensive games. Expect low frame rates and potential lag in anything beyond basic titles.