The Nokia C10 and Infinix Smart 5 Pro represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Nokia C10 prioritizes a clean software experience with Android Go, while the Infinix Smart 5 Pro focuses on offering more processing power for multitasking and light gaming.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional smartphone for basic tasks, the Infinix Smart 5 Pro is the better choice. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor provides a significantly smoother experience than the Nokia C10’s quad-core SC7331E, making it more capable for everyday use despite both phones sharing a 28nm process.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 08 | 2021, November 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 29 | Available. Released 2021, November 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 169.9 x 77.9 x 8.8 mm (6.69 x 3.07 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 | 191 g (6.74 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC7331E (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 MP2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB 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 |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Light Purple | Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | TA-1342 | - |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.44 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia C10
- Clean Android Go Edition software
- Potentially longer software support from Nokia
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Likely struggles with multitasking
- Limited gaming capabilities
Infinix Smart 5 Pro
- Faster octa-core processor for smoother performance
- More responsive user experience
- 10W wired charging
- Potentially more bloatware
- Software updates may be less frequent
- May not have the same level of software polish as Nokia
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume both are 720p or lower to conserve power. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic readability. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, given the price point, expect 5MP or 8MP main sensors with limited dynamic range and low-light performance. Any additional cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) are likely to be of limited practical use. Image processing will be basic on both, prioritizing speed over quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A, with its octa-core configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55), offers a substantial advantage over the Nokia C10’s Unisoc SC7331E quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. The A55 cores in the SC9863A are more efficient and powerful than the older A7 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Infinix. While both are built on a 28nm process, the architectural improvements of the SC9863A are significant. The Nokia C10 will struggle with even moderately demanding apps.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but both likely house around 4000-5000mAh batteries. The Infinix Smart 5 Pro includes 10W wired charging, which is a standard, albeit slow, charging speed. The Nokia C10’s charging speed is unknown, but likely similar. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage, but the more efficient processor in the Infinix Smart 5 Pro may contribute to slightly longer runtimes, even with similar battery capacities.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C10 if you absolutely prioritize a clean, uncluttered Android experience and minimal bloatware, and your usage is limited to calls, texts, and very light app usage. Buy the Infinix Smart 5 Pro if you prefer a more responsive device capable of handling multiple apps simultaneously, streaming video, and playing less demanding mobile games, even if it means a slightly less pristine software experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 5 Pro struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
While the Infinix Smart 5 Pro won't offer a flagship-level experience, its octa-core processor should handle Facebook and Instagram reasonably well. Expect some occasional slowdowns with multiple apps open, but it's significantly more capable than the Nokia C10 for these tasks.
❓ Is the Android Go Edition on the Nokia C10 a significant benefit for performance?
Android Go Edition is designed for low-end hardware, reducing bloat and optimizing apps for limited resources. However, it can't overcome the fundamental limitations of the Unisoc SC7331E processor. While it will make the phone *more usable* than it would be with full Android, it won't deliver the same level of performance as the Infinix Smart 5 Pro.
❓ Can the Infinix Smart 5 Pro handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Yes, the Infinix Smart 5 Pro should be able to handle less demanding mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers without significant issues. However, don't expect to play graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile at high settings.
