The sub-$100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Samsung Galaxy M02 and Infinix Smart 5 Pro represent two contenders vying for the attention of first-time smartphone buyers or those seeking a reliable secondary device. While both devices operate within a similar price bracket and target similar users, their internal hardware choices lead to significant performance differences, making a direct comparison crucial for informed decision-making.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Infinix Smart 5 Pro is the better choice. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor demonstrably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy M02’s quad-core Mediatek MT6739W, offering a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. However, Samsung’s brand recognition and software support remain considerations.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | 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, February 02 | 2021, November 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, February 09 | Available. Released 2021, November 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 206 g (7.27 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10, One UI 2.0 | Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray, Blue, Red | Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | SM-M022F, SM-M022F/DS, SM-M022G, SM-M022G/DS | - |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.65 W/kg (head) 1.71 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy M02
- Established Brand Reputation (Samsung)
- Potentially Simpler Software Experience
- Wide Availability
- Inferior Processor (Mediatek MT6739W)
- Likely Slower Performance
- May Struggle with Multitasking
Infinix Smart 5 Pro
- Superior Processor (Unisoc SC9863A - Octa-Core)
- Better Multitasking Capabilities
- 10W Wired Charging
- Less Established Brand (Infinix)
- Potential Software Bloatware
- May Have Limited Software Updates
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 28nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on cost optimization over display features. Specific display specs (resolution, brightness, panel type) are not provided, but given the price point, expect basic LCD panels. The absence of information prevents a detailed comparison of color accuracy or viewing angles. However, the focus here is clearly not on media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a meaningful comparison is difficult. Both devices likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The market segment suggests the presence of a primary sensor and potentially a depth or macro sensor, but image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The absence of OIS or advanced features like Night Mode is expected. The focus should be on adequate performance in good lighting conditions, rather than expecting flagship-level image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core chip (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55), while the Samsung Galaxy M02 is equipped with a Mediatek MT6739W, a quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A55 architecture in the Unisoc chip is more efficient than the older Cortex-A53, translating to better performance per watt. The higher core count of the Smart 5 Pro allows for better multitasking and smoother operation of multiple apps simultaneously. While both are 28nm, the architectural improvements in the Unisoc chip are significant.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but both likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this price point. The Infinix Smart 5 Pro includes 10W wired charging, while the M02’s charging speed is unknown. The more efficient Unisoc SC9863A processor in the Smart 5 Pro may contribute to slightly longer battery life, but the difference will likely be marginal. The 10W charging on the Smart 5 Pro will provide a reasonable, if not rapid, recharge time.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M02 if you prioritize brand familiarity and a potentially simpler software experience, and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Infinix Smart 5 Pro if you need a more responsive device for multitasking, streaming video, or playing casual games, and are comfortable with a less established brand. The Smart 5 Pro’s octa-core processor provides a tangible performance advantage for a slightly more demanding user.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 5 Pro handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor in the Smart 5 Pro is well-equipped to handle everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing without significant lag. The additional cores provide a smoother experience compared to the quad-core processor in the Samsung Galaxy M02.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A processor in the Infinix Smart 5 Pro known for overheating?
The Unisoc SC9863A is a relatively low-power processor designed for efficiency. While it can get warm under sustained load, it's not generally known for overheating issues. The 28nm process node is not the most efficient, but the chip's architecture is designed to balance performance and thermal management.
❓ Can the Infinix Smart 5 Pro run PUBG Mobile, and if so, at what settings?
PUBG Mobile is likely playable on the Infinix Smart 5 Pro, but at the lowest graphics settings and frame rate. The processor and GPU are not powerful enough for a smooth experience at higher settings. Expect frame drops and potential lag during intense gameplay.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy M02 receive regular software updates?
Samsung typically provides software updates for its devices, but the Galaxy M02, being a budget model, may receive fewer updates and for a shorter duration compared to Samsung's flagship devices. Expect security patches and potentially one major Android version update.
