The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Maxwest Nitro 5 and Micromax In note 1 both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they take drastically different approaches to achieving this, particularly in their core processing power. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Micromax In note 1 is the superior choice. Its MediaTek Helio G85 chipset provides a significantly more responsive experience for everyday tasks and even light gaming, while the 18W charging offers a convenience the Nitro 5 lacks. The Nitro 5's appeal is limited to those prioritizing absolute lowest cost.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat7 300/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, June. Released 2015, July | 2020, November 03. Released 2020, November 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 145.6 x 72 x 9.6 mm (5.73 x 2.83 x 0.38 in) | 165.2 x 77 x 9 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 155 g (5.47 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Spreadtrum SC7731 | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@25fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 170 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 12 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver, Black, Gray | Green, White |
| Models | - | E7746 |
| Price | - | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
Maxwest Nitro 5
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward interface
- Very slow performance
- Slow charging
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Micromax In note 1
- Significantly faster performance
- 18W fast charging
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Slightly higher price
- May still struggle with demanding games
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data, we can assume both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The absence of display specifications for the Nitro 5 suggests a basic implementation. The In note 1, while not specified, likely features a 720p+ resolution, standard for its segment. The real difference lies in processing power impacting UI smoothness, rather than display quality itself. Expect similar viewing angles and color reproduction on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world results, given the expected sensor quality in this price range. Without specific sensor details, it's safe to assume both devices feature basic camera modules. The In note 1 may benefit from MediaTek’s image signal processor (ISP) offering slightly better image processing, but don't expect flagship-level results. Any macro camera on either device (likely 2MP) will offer limited utility due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization.
Performance
The performance gap is substantial. The Micromax In note 1’s MediaTek Helio G85, built on a 12nm process, is a clear upgrade over the Maxwest Nitro 5’s Spreadtrum SC7731. The Helio G85’s octa-core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) provides significantly more processing power than the Nitro 5’s quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the In note 1. The Cortex-A75 cores in the Helio G85 are architecturally superior, offering better single-core performance crucial for responsive UI. The SC7731 will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While the mAh capacity isn't specified for either device, the Micromax In note 1’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage. This allows for much faster top-ups, reducing downtime. The Nitro 5 likely relies on slower 5W or 10W charging, meaning a full charge will take considerably longer. The more efficient Helio G85 chipset in the In note 1 may also contribute to slightly better battery endurance during moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Maxwest Nitro 5 if you need a functional smartphone for basic communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage – and your budget is extremely limited. It's a device for those who prioritize affordability above all else. Buy the Micromax In note 1 if you prefer a smoother, more capable experience for social media, streaming, and casual gaming, and appreciate the convenience of faster charging. It offers a better balance of features and performance for a slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Micromax In note 1 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G85 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to use lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Expect playable performance, but don't anticipate a high-end gaming experience. The Nitro 5 will struggle significantly with PUBG Mobile.
❓ Is the Spreadtrum SC7731 chipset known for overheating?
The Spreadtrum SC7731 is a low-power chipset, so overheating isn't a major concern. However, its limited processing capabilities mean it can become stressed even with moderate use, leading to noticeable slowdowns rather than thermal throttling.
❓ Does the Micromax In note 1 support reverse charging, and is it useful?
Yes, the Micromax In note 1 supports 2.5W reverse wired charging. While slow, it can be useful for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch in an emergency, but it's not a replacement for a dedicated power bank.
❓ What type of storage does the Micromax In note 1 use, and is it expandable?
While not specified in the provided data, phones in this segment typically use eMMC storage. The In note 1 likely includes a dedicated microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing you to increase the available space beyond the internal capacity.
