The Maxwest Nitro 55 LTE and Nitro 5 represent a segment of the market increasingly focused on affordability. Both devices aim to deliver a smartphone experience at a very low price point, but they achieve this with different chipsets. This comparison will dissect the key differences between the Mediatek MT6737 in the Nitro 55 LTE and the Spreadtrum SC7731 in the Nitro 5, helping you determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic connectivity and occasional app use, the Maxwest Nitro 55 LTE emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Mediatek MT6737 chipset, while still entry-level, offers a modest performance advantage over the Spreadtrum SC7731 in the Nitro 5, and crucially, includes LTE support for faster data speeds.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17 | - |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, November. Released 2017, January | 2015, June. Released 2015, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 153 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm (6.02 x 3.06 x 0.31 in) | 145.6 x 72 x 9.6 mm (5.73 x 2.83 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (dual stand-by) | Dual SIM (dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 163 g (5.75 oz) | 155 g (5.47 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6737 (28 nm) | Spreadtrum SC7731 |
| GPU | Mali-T720MP2 | Mali-400 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDHC |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.0 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@25fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 2.1 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio | Stereo FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 280 h | Up to 170 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 15 h | Up to 12 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, White, Gold | Silver, Black, Gray |
Maxwest Nitro 55 LTE
- LTE Connectivity for faster data speeds
- Slightly faster processor (MT6737)
- More capable GPU (Mali-T720 MP2)
- Battery life may be slightly reduced due to LTE usage
- Limited detailed specifications available
Maxwest Nitro 5
- Potentially longer battery life in areas without LTE coverage
- Lower price point (likely)
- Simple and straightforward functionality
- Lacks LTE connectivity
- Slower processor (SC7731)
- Less capable GPU
Display Comparison
Neither Maxwest provides display specifications beyond size, so a detailed comparison is limited. However, given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of information regarding resolution, brightness, or color gamut suggests both displays are geared towards basic visibility rather than media consumption. The Nitro 55 LTE's inclusion of LTE suggests a slightly more modern design, potentially indicating a marginally better display assembly.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable for either device. Given the target market, both likely feature basic camera sensors. It's safe to assume image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but will struggle in low-light environments. Without sensor size or aperture information, a meaningful comparison is impossible. The presence of any 'macro' or 'depth' sensors is likely marketing fluff, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Maxwest Nitro 55 LTE utilizes the Mediatek MT6737, a 28nm quad-core processor clocked at 1.3 GHz. The Nitro 5 employs the Spreadtrum SC7731, a quad-core processor clocked at 1.2 GHz. While both CPUs are based on the Cortex-A7 architecture, the MT6737's higher clock speed and more mature manufacturing process (28nm vs. likely a larger node for the SC7731) translate to a small but noticeable performance advantage in app loading times and multitasking. The MT6737 also includes a more capable Mali-T720 MP2 GPU, offering slightly better graphics performance. The Nitro 55 LTE's LTE modem is a significant advantage, enabling faster data speeds where available, a feature absent in the Nitro 5.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the low-power chipsets and likely smaller screen sizes, both should provide at least a full day of standby time and moderate usage. The Nitro 55 LTE's LTE connectivity will consume more power when actively connected to a cellular network, potentially reducing battery life compared to the Nitro 5 when LTE is unavailable or unused. Charging wattage is also unknown, suggesting slow charging speeds for both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Maxwest Nitro 55 LTE if you need reliable LTE connectivity for data on the go and a slightly smoother experience with everyday apps. This is the better option for users who frequently stream music, browse the web, or use social media. Buy the Maxwest Nitro 5 if you primarily need a device for basic calling and texting, and are less concerned with data speeds or running multiple apps simultaneously. It's a viable option for those on a very tight budget where LTE isn't a necessity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Maxwest Nitro 55 LTE work with my carrier in the US?
The Mediatek MT6737 supports a range of LTE bands, but compatibility with US carriers depends on your specific provider and region. You'll need to verify that the Nitro 55 LTE supports the LTE bands used by your carrier before purchasing. Check the carrier's website or contact their support team for confirmation.
❓ Can I play games like PUBG Mobile on the Maxwest Nitro 5 or 55 LTE?
While technically possible, gaming performance on both devices will be limited. The Mali-T720 MP2 in the Nitro 55 LTE offers a slight advantage, but expect low graphics settings and potentially choppy frame rates. The Spreadtrum SC7731 in the Nitro 5 will struggle even more with demanding games like PUBG Mobile.
❓ Is the Maxwest Nitro 55 LTE a good option for a first smartphone?
The Nitro 55 LTE is a reasonable option for a first smartphone, particularly if LTE connectivity is important. It provides basic smartphone functionality at a very affordable price. However, be aware of its limitations in terms of performance and camera quality.
