The itel P38 and Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) represent the extreme end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers and those needing a reliable secondary device. While both aim for affordability, they take different approaches to achieving it. The itel P38 focuses on simplicity, while the Infinix Smart 6 Plus attempts to offer more processing power with its Helio G25 chipset.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) is the better choice. Its octa-core Helio G25 chipset provides a significant performance advantage over the itel P38’s quad-core processor, making everyday tasks smoother. However, the itel P38 remains a viable option for those needing a basic, reliable phone with a focus on simplicity.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2022, July 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2022, August 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 172.6 x 77.7 x 8.7 mm (6.80 x 3.06 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 202 g (7.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~257 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 | 6.82 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 440 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Galaxy Blue, Spruce Green, Nebula Black | Tranquil Sea Blue, Miracle Black |
| Models | - | X6823C, X6823 |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
itel P38
- Simpler user interface, potentially easier for first-time users.
- Potentially longer standby time due to lower power consumption.
- Reliable for basic communication tasks.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Infinix.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
- Outdated processor architecture.
Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India)
- Faster and more responsive performance with the Helio G25.
- Better multitasking capabilities.
- More efficient chipset for potentially better battery life during use.
- May experience slight performance throttling under heavy load.
- Camera quality is still limited by the budget sensor.
- Software experience may include pre-installed bloatware.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data, we can assume both utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. The Infinix Smart 6 Plus benefits from the more efficient 12nm manufacturing process of the Helio G25, potentially allowing for slightly better power management related to the display. However, without knowing the resolution or brightness levels, it's difficult to declare a clear winner. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, reflecting their cost-conscious design.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar – basic. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s safe to assume both phones feature entry-level cameras. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Infinix Smart 6 Plus is largely a marketing tactic; its image quality will be limited. The primary camera on the Infinix, assuming a standard sensor size for this segment, will likely offer slightly better detail due to the increased processing power of the Helio G25, allowing for more effective image processing. However, expect limited low-light performance on both devices.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The itel P38’s quad-core 1.3 GHz processor is a generation behind and significantly less powerful than the Infinix Smart 6 Plus’s MediaTek Helio G25. The Helio G25’s octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) provides a substantial boost in multitasking and application loading times. The Cortex-A53 cores, while not the latest architecture, are far more capable than those typically found in quad-core processors at this price point. This translates to a smoother user experience, especially when switching between apps or browsing the web. The 12nm process node of the Helio G25 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained use.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature similar battery capacities, typical for this price range (around 5000mAh is a safe assumption). The itel P38’s 15W wired charging is standard, but the Infinix Smart 6 Plus may offer slightly faster charging due to the more efficient chipset managing power delivery. While the itel P38 might have a slight edge in standby time due to its less powerful processor, the Infinix Smart 6 Plus’s more efficient chipset could offset this during active use. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel P38 if you need a supremely basic phone for calls, texts, and light use – a device that prioritizes simplicity and longevity over performance. Buy the Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) if you prefer a phone capable of handling more demanding tasks like social media browsing, video streaming, and light gaming, and appreciate the benefits of a more modern chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G25 in the Infinix Smart 6 Plus overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Helio G25 isn't a gaming powerhouse, its 12nm process node and integrated thermal management features should prevent significant overheating during moderate gaming. Expect some performance throttling after extended periods, but it shouldn't lead to complete shutdowns. It's best suited for casual gaming rather than demanding titles.
❓ Is the itel P38 a good choice for elderly users who primarily need a phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the itel P38 is an excellent choice for elderly users or anyone needing a simple, reliable phone for basic communication. Its straightforward interface and focus on core functionality make it easy to use, and its lower processing demands contribute to longer standby time.
❓ Does the Infinix Smart 6 Plus support popular social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Infinix Smart 6 Plus, running Android (likely Go Edition), fully supports popular social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. The Helio G25 chipset provides sufficient processing power for smooth operation of these applications, although multitasking with several apps open simultaneously may result in some slowdown.
