The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Micromax In 1 and the Infinix Smart 5 Pro aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take drastically different approaches to achieving this, particularly in their core processing power and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Micromax In 1 is the clear winner. Its MediaTek Helio G80 chipset provides significantly better performance than the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A, making it more suitable for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. While the Infinix offers a slightly lower entry price, the performance gap justifies the small premium for the In 1.
| 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, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 19. Released 2021, March 26 | 2021, November 17 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, November 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 77 x 9 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 164.4 x 75.6 x 9.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 440 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Quad-LED flash |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Purple | Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | E6746 | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 0.96 W/kg (head) | - |
Micromax In 1
- Significantly faster processor (Helio G80)
- Faster 18W charging
- More responsive user experience
- Potentially slightly higher price
- Limited detailed specifications available
Infinix Smart 5 Pro
- Lower price point
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- Potentially longer battery life (depending on capacity)
- Slow processor (Unisoc SC9863A)
- Slow 10W charging
- Likely to struggle with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are unavailable. The focus here is on internal components, and display quality is likely similar, prioritizing affordability over premium features. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited, but the focus should be on realistic expectations. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the processing capabilities of the Helio G80 in the Micromax In 1 may offer slightly better image processing, potentially resulting in more detailed and vibrant photos. The prevalence of low-resolution auxiliary cameras (often 2MP) in this segment suggests these should be largely ignored.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference. The Micromax In 1’s MediaTek Helio G80, built on a 12nm process, features a more modern CPU architecture – a combination of Cortex-A75 and Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Helio G80’s Cortex-A75 cores deliver substantially higher single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The Unisoc SC9863A relies solely on Cortex-A55 cores, resulting in slower processing. The 28nm fabrication process of the Unisoc chip also contributes to lower efficiency and potentially more heat generation. This translates to a noticeably smoother experience on the In 1, especially when multitasking or running demanding apps.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, making a direct comparison challenging. However, the Micromax In 1’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s 10W charging. This faster charging speed will result in considerably quicker top-ups, reducing downtime. While a larger battery capacity on the Infinix could offset the slower charging, the In 1’s 18W charging provides a tangible benefit for users who frequently need to recharge their devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Micromax In 1 if you need a phone capable of handling everyday tasks smoothly, enjoy occasional gaming, and appreciate faster charging. It’s ideal for users who want a device that won’t feel sluggish after a few months of use. Buy the Infinix Smart 5 Pro if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize absolute lowest cost above all else. It’s a suitable option for first-time smartphone users or as a secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 5 Pro struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook after a year of use?
Given the Unisoc SC9863A’s limited processing power and the reliance on older Cortex-A55 cores, the Infinix Smart 5 Pro is likely to exhibit noticeable slowdowns with prolonged use and app updates. While it will function initially, the experience will likely degrade over time as apps become more demanding.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Micromax In 1 compatible with any standard USB charger?
The Micromax In 1 supports 18W charging via the USB-C port. While it will charge with a standard 5W charger, it will do so at a significantly slower rate. To take full advantage of the 18W charging, you’ll need a compatible power adapter that supports Power Delivery (PD) or Quick Charge (QC) protocols.
❓ Can I play PUBG Mobile on either of these phones?
PUBG Mobile is playable on the Micromax In 1, but likely at low to medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Infinix Smart 5 Pro will struggle significantly with PUBG Mobile, even at the lowest settings, due to the underpowered chipset. Expect frequent lag and stuttering.
