The Lenovo K7 and Nokia 5.1 Plus (also known as the Nokia X5) represent a shrinking segment: truly affordable Android smartphones. Both devices aimed to deliver a functional experience without breaking the bank, but they took different approaches to achieving this. The K7 relies on the Unisoc SC9863A, while the Nokia 5.1 Plus leverages the Mediatek Helio P60. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a smoother overall experience, the Nokia 5.1 Plus (X5) is the better choice. Its Helio P60 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process and featuring more powerful Cortex-A73 cores, delivers noticeably better performance than the Lenovo K7’s Unisoc SC9863A.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 40, 66 - USA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 13 | 2018, July 18. Released 2018, December 05 |
| Status | Cancelled | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 149.5 x 72 x 8.1 mm (5.89 x 2.83 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 0 (5.68 oz) | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~276 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~287 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 92.6 cm2 | 5.86 inches, 85.7 cm2 (~79.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - GlobalOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) - China |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | - | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | Yes | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 3060 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black | Night black, Glacier white, Baltic sea blue |
| Models | - | TA-1120, TA-1105, TA-1102 |
| Price | - | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.78 W/kg (head) 1.89 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 119428 (v7)
GFXBench: 7.4fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Lenovo K7
- Potentially lower price point
- May be more readily available in certain markets
- Simple, straightforward Android experience
- Significantly weaker performance
- Less efficient processor
- Likely slower app loading times
Nokia 5.1 Plus (Nokia X5)
- Faster and more responsive performance
- More efficient processor for better battery life
- Superior CPU architecture (Cortex-A73)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potential for software update delays (typical for Nokia)
- Availability may be limited in some regions
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifics like panel type (IPS is assumed for both) and resolution are missing, but the focus here is on the underlying processing power impacting UI smoothness. Display quality is likely similar, making the chipset difference more impactful to the user experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature similar budget camera setups. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio P60 is generally more capable than the one in the Unisoc SC9863A, potentially leading to better image processing, especially in low-light conditions. However, the quality will heavily depend on the sensor and lens used, which are unknown.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Mediatek Helio P60 in the Nokia 5.1 Plus, fabricated on a 12nm process, is a significant upgrade over the 28nm Unisoc SC9863A in the Lenovo K7. The Helio P60’s CPU configuration – 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 (or 2.0 GHz in the China variant) – provides a substantial performance boost over the K7’s 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55. The A73 cores are architecturally superior to the A55 cores, offering better single-core performance, crucial for app launch times and general responsiveness. This translates to a snappier user interface and improved multitasking on the Nokia 5.1 Plus.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified, but the more efficient 12nm Helio P60 in the Nokia 5.1 Plus should provide better battery life than the 28nm Unisoc SC9863A in the Lenovo K7, *assuming* similar battery sizes. The larger process node of the Unisoc chip means it consumes more power for the same tasks. Charging wattage is also unknown, making a definitive statement about charging speeds impossible.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo K7 if you need a phone primarily for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and are extremely budget-constrained. Its lower price point might be appealing if performance isn't a priority. Buy the Nokia 5.1 Plus (Nokia X5) if you prefer a more responsive user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or value a more efficient processor that should translate to slightly better battery life under moderate use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia 5.1 Plus handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio P60 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. The Lenovo K7's Unisoc SC9863A will struggle with even lower settings, resulting in a less enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ Is the difference in performance between these two phones noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Nokia 5.1 Plus will feel significantly snappier when opening apps, switching between tasks, and browsing the web. The Lenovo K7 may exhibit lag and slowdowns, especially with multiple apps open.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates?
Historically, Nokia has offered a more consistent software update schedule, even for its budget devices. Lenovo's update track record is less reliable. However, both phones are older models, so future updates are unlikely.
❓ Does the Unisoc SC9863A chipset overheat under load?
The 28nm process of the Unisoc SC9863A is prone to generating more heat than the 12nm Helio P60. While it's unlikely to cause critical overheating, sustained heavy use could lead to performance throttling.
