The Infinix Smart 5 and Tecno Spark Go 2021 represent the absolute entry point into smartphone ownership. Both target users prioritizing affordability above all else, but subtle differences in hardware and software can significantly impact the daily experience. This comparison dissects these devices to determine which offers the most value for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, ultra-budget smartphone, the Infinix Smart 5 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Mediatek Helio A20 chipset, while not powerful, provides a known performance baseline, and the availability of a 64GB/3GB RAM variant offers more storage and smoother multitasking than the Tecno Spark Go 2021.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 13. Released 2020, August 20 | 2021, July 01 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, July 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | 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) | 165.6 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 183 g (6.46 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.8 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | - |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS 6.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Triple-LED flash | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| 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 | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 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 |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| 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 | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Wave, Quetzal Cyan, Midnight Black | Maldives Blue, Horizon Orange, Galaxy Blue |
| Models | X657, X657C, MZ-Infinix X657C, MZ-Infinix X657B | - |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 32GB 2GB RAM | Rp 1,600,000 | - |
| 64GB 3GB RAM | Rp 1,525,000 | - |
Infinix Smart 5
- Known chipset (Helio A20) offers predictable performance.
- Available with 64GB storage/3GB RAM for better multitasking.
- Potentially slightly better power efficiency due to 12nm process.
- 10W charging is slow.
- Camera performance will be limited.
Tecno Spark Go 2021
- Potentially lower price point.
- Lightweight and compact design (likely).
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- Unspecified chipset raises performance concerns.
- Limited storage and RAM options.
- Likely inferior power efficiency.
Display Comparison
Both devices lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their price point, it's safe to assume both utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The absence of information regarding brightness, color gamut coverage, or refresh rates suggests neither device will excel in visual fidelity. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Expect basic viewing angles and color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
Camera capabilities are likely to be extremely limited on both devices. The provided data doesn't detail camera sensors beyond the CPU/chipset. Given the target market, expect a single rear camera and a basic front-facing camera. Any additional sensors (like a 2MP macro) are likely to offer minimal practical benefit. Image quality will be acceptable in well-lit conditions but will suffer significantly in low light. Image processing will be basic, prioritizing speed over detail.
Performance
The Infinix Smart 5 boasts a Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) chipset with a Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. The Tecno Spark Go 2021 only lists a Quad-core 1.8 GHz CPU, lacking the specific chipset information. While both CPUs share the same clock speed and core count, the Helio A20's 12nm process node *suggests* slightly better power efficiency compared to an unspecified, potentially older, manufacturing process used in the Tecno. This translates to marginally longer battery life under similar usage. Both devices will struggle with demanding tasks, but the Helio A20 provides a more predictable performance profile.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. The absence of battery capacity information for the Tecno Spark Go 2021 makes a direct comparison difficult. However, given the similar target market and charging speed, battery life will likely be comparable. The Infinix Smart 5's slightly more efficient chipset *could* translate to a small advantage in longevity, but real-world usage will be the deciding factor. Expect a full charge to take over 3 hours with the included charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Smart 5 if you need a device with a known chipset and the option for more storage and RAM, making it better suited for light multitasking and storing essential apps. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2021 if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are comfortable with a more basic experience, primarily focusing on calls, texts, and very light app usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 5 handle popular social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
The Infinix Smart 5, with its Helio A20 chipset and available 3GB of RAM, should handle basic social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. However, expect some lag when switching between multiple apps or loading media-heavy content. It's designed for light usage, not intensive multitasking.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark Go 2021 a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Tecno Spark Go 2021 is a suitable option for users who primarily need a phone for calls and texts. Its basic functionality and likely lower price point make it a viable choice for this specific use case. However, be aware that performance will be limited if you attempt to use more demanding apps.
❓ Can I play games on either of these phones?
While you *can* technically play games on both the Infinix Smart 5 and Tecno Spark Go 2021, the experience will be limited to very basic, low-graphics games. Demanding titles like PUBG or Call of Duty will likely be unplayable due to the weak processors and limited RAM. Expect significant lag and low frame rates.
