The Realme C20 and Infinix Smart 5 Pro represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone market, targeting first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low price point, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate which device offers the better user experience. This comparison focuses on the core performance and efficiency trade-offs between the Mediatek Helio G35 and Unisoc SC9863A chipsets.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a slightly smoother experience, the Realme C20 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G35, built on a 12nm process, features a more modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A53) than the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A, resulting in better overall performance despite similar core counts.
| 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, 38, 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, January 19 | 2021, November 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 19 | Available. Released 2021, November 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | - |
| | Splash-resistant design | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% 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 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 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, panorama | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 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 | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cool Gray, Cool Blue | Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | RMX3063, RMX3061 | - |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.50 W/kg (body) | - |
Realme C20
- More efficient chipset (12nm)
- Faster CPU clock speeds
- Potentially better sustained performance
- 10W charging is slow
- Display quality likely basic
Infinix Smart 5 Pro
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable for basic communication
- 10W charging
- Less efficient chipset (28nm)
- Slower CPU clock speeds
- Struggles with multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Details regarding panel type, resolution, and brightness are not provided, but given the price point, both likely utilize basic LCD panels. The absence of information suggests neither phone prioritizes display quality. Bezels are likely substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy is expected to be standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, with neither offering a standout imaging experience. Details regarding sensor size and aperture are unavailable, but given the market segment, both likely feature basic sensors. The focus should be on capturing usable images in good lighting conditions, with limited low-light performance. Any 2MP auxiliary cameras (macro, depth) are unlikely to provide significant value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C20’s Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm) utilizes a combination of Cortex-A53 cores clocked up to 2.3 GHz, while the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) features Cortex-A55 cores clocked lower at 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz. While both are octa-core, the 12nm fabrication process of the Helio G35 is significantly more efficient than the 28nm process of the Unisoc chip. This translates to better thermal management and sustained performance. The Cortex-A53 architecture, while older, is still more capable than the A55 in this specific implementation due to the higher clock speeds. Users will notice this difference in app launch times and general system responsiveness.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. While battery capacity isn't specified, the more efficient Mediatek Helio G35 in the Realme C20 will likely result in slightly better battery life, even with a similar capacity battery. The 28nm Unisoc chip in the Smart 5 Pro will consume more power, reducing overall uptime. Expect approximately 2-3 hours to fully charge both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C20 if you need a phone that feels reasonably responsive for everyday tasks like messaging, social media, and light web browsing. The Helio G35 provides a noticeable advantage in app loading times and multitasking. Buy the Infinix Smart 5 Pro if your primary concern is absolute lowest price and you only intend to use the phone for very basic communication – calls and texts – with minimal app usage. The Smart 5 Pro’s older chipset will struggle with even moderately demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C20 handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Realme C20’s Mediatek Helio G35 chipset should provide a reasonably smooth experience with apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. While not a powerhouse, the CPU architecture and clock speeds are sufficient for these everyday tasks. Expect some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A in the Infinix Smart 5 Pro suitable for playing mobile games?
The Unisoc SC9863A is not well-suited for gaming. While it can run very basic games, expect significant lag and low frame rates in even moderately demanding titles. This chipset is primarily designed for essential communication and light tasks, not gaming.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge both phones from 0%?
With both phones utilizing 10W charging, expect a full charge to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The charging speed is relatively slow compared to modern smartphones, so overnight charging is recommended.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging?
No, neither the Realme C20 nor the Infinix Smart 5 Pro supports fast charging. Both are limited to 10W wired charging, which is standard for devices in this price range.
