The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Smart 5 and Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport are two contenders vying for the attention of first-time smartphone buyers and those seeking a reliable secondary device. While both prioritize affordability, key differences in their chipsets and configurations dictate which phone delivers a smoother, more capable experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport is the better choice. Its Helio G25 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance boost over the Infinix Smart 5’s quad-core Helio A20, translating to snappier app loading and improved multitasking. While both offer similar battery life and charging speeds, the Redmi 9A Sport’s extra processing power justifies the slight price difference.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 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, September 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| 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) | 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 | 183 g (6.46 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| 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) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Triple-LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Triple | 13 MP + Auxiliary lenses (X657 model)
or
8 MP + Auxiliary lens (X657C model) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 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 | 4.2, A2DP | 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/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Wave, Quetzal Cyan, Midnight Black | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Models | X657, X657C, MZ-Infinix X657C, MZ-Infinix X657B | - |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 32GB 2GB RAM | Rp 1,600,000 | - |
| 64GB 3GB RAM | Rp 1,525,000 | - |
Infinix Smart 5
- Potentially lower price point (depending on retailer)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Large battery capacity (estimated)
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Struggles with demanding apps
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Faster and more responsive processor (Helio G25)
- Improved multitasking performance
- Better suited for light gaming
- Slightly higher price
- Similar battery life to the Smart 5
- Basic camera performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and peak brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p+ resolution. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but on basic readability. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar and unremarkable on both devices. Details on sensor size and aperture are missing, but given the price point, expect basic 8MP or 13MP main sensors. The Redmi 9A Sport may have a slight edge due to the more capable processor allowing for faster image processing. However, don't expect exceptional low-light performance or detailed images from either. The inclusion of 2MP macro lenses on both is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi 9A Sport’s MediaTek Helio G25 is a significant upgrade over the Smart 5’s Helio A20. The G25’s octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) provides more processing power and improved multi-tasking capabilities compared to the Smart 5’s quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to faster app launch times and a smoother overall user experience. While neither is a gaming powerhouse, the G25 will handle less demanding titles with greater ease. The Smart 5 will struggle with anything beyond basic apps.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2.5-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity isn’t specified for the Smart 5, but given the segment, it’s likely around 5000mAh, similar to the Redmi 9A Sport. Therefore, real-world battery life will be comparable, offering a full day of moderate use for both devices. The efficiency gains of the Helio G25 might slightly offset the battery capacity difference, but the impact will be minimal.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Smart 5 if your primary needs are extremely basic – calls, texts, and light social media – and you’re prioritizing the absolute lowest price point. The 32GB/2GB RAM variant is particularly appealing for minimalists. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport if you want a phone that can handle a bit more, like occasional gaming, smoother app switching, and a more responsive user interface. The octa-core processor offers a tangible upgrade for everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9A Sport handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Redmi 9A Sport won't deliver a high-framerate gaming experience, it *can* run PUBG Mobile at lower settings. Expect frame drops and occasional lag, but it's playable for casual gaming. The Infinix Smart 5 will struggle significantly with PUBG Mobile.
❓ How much storage space is realistically usable on the 32GB/64GB variants?
Expect around 20-25GB of usable storage on the 32GB variants and 50-55GB on the 64GB variants after accounting for the operating system and pre-installed apps. A microSD card is highly recommended for both devices to expand storage.
❓ Is the Redmi 9A Sport a good option for someone switching from a feature phone?
Yes, the Redmi 9A Sport is an excellent choice for first-time smartphone users. Its simple interface, large display, and affordable price make it an easy and accessible entry point into the world of smartphones. The Helio G25 provides enough power for basic tasks and learning the ropes.
