The Tecno Pop 2 Plus and Infinix Smart 2 HD represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a very basic secondary device. Both rely on Mediatek’s entry-level chipsets, but subtle differences in implementation and design could make one a better choice than the other for specific users. This comparison dissects those differences.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly more modern chipset, the Tecno Pop 2 Plus emerges as the winner. While both phones offer similar core functionality, the MT6580P in the Pop 2 Plus, though a minor revision, represents a marginal improvement in efficiency and potentially sustained performance over the standard MT6580 in the Infinix Smart 2 HD.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, May. Released 2019, May | 2018, October. Released 2018, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 161.7 x 78.9 x 9.6 mm (6.37 x 3.11 x 0.38 in) | 156.9 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm (6.18 x 3.01 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 165 g (5.82 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~72.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580P | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | - |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) | Android 8.1 (Oreo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass, fingerprint (except Thailand, Colombia) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Champagne Gold, Nebula Black | Sandstone Black, Bordeaux Red, Serene Gold |
| Models | BA2, RB8S | X609, X609B |
Tecno Pop 2 Plus
- Slightly more efficient chipset (MT6580P)
- Potentially better sustained performance
- Likely to receive more frequent software updates (Tecno's track record)
- Limited RAM (likely 1GB or 2GB)
- Basic camera capabilities
Infinix Smart 2 HD
- Potentially lower price point
- Acceptable for basic communication tasks
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Older chipset (MT6580)
- May experience more thermal throttling
- Potentially less frequent software updates
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor Infinix provide detailed display specifications. Given the price point, both likely utilize low-resolution LCD panels. The absence of information regarding brightness nits suggests neither display will excel in direct sunlight. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a priority, and both will likely exhibit standard sRGB coverage. The lack of any mention of protective glass suggests neither device offers scratch resistance beyond the plastic screen itself.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. Expect basic 5MP or 8MP primary sensors on both, likely paired with fixed-focus lenses. The inclusion of a secondary camera on either device is likely a low-resolution depth sensor or a 2MP macro lens, neither of which will significantly enhance image quality. Image processing will be minimal, resulting in images with limited dynamic range and detail, particularly in low-light conditions. Users should expect acceptable results only in well-lit environments. Focusing on the primary sensor resolution is the most meaningful comparison point, but specific details are unavailable.
Performance
Both the Tecno Pop 2 Plus and Infinix Smart 2 HD are powered by quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPUs. However, the Tecno utilizes the Mediatek MT6580P chipset, while the Infinix uses the MT6580. The 'P' designation in the MT6580P indicates a process node refinement (likely 28nm vs 28nm), potentially leading to slightly improved power efficiency. While the CPU architecture is identical, the MT6580P *may* offer marginally better sustained performance due to reduced thermal throttling. RAM configurations are not specified, but both are likely to be limited to 1GB or 2GB, impacting multitasking capabilities. Neither phone is suited for demanding gaming or resource-intensive applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the low-power chipsets and basic displays, both phones should offer at least a full day of standby time and several hours of light usage. Charging wattage is also unspecified, suggesting both will rely on slow, standard 5W charging via micro-USB. Expect a 0-100% charge to take several hours. The slightly more efficient MT6580P in the Tecno Pop 2 Plus *could* translate to a marginally longer battery life, but the difference will likely be minimal in real-world scenarios.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 2 Plus if you need a phone that *might* handle slightly more demanding tasks, even if those tasks are still limited to basic social media and light web browsing. The MT6580P offers a small edge in power efficiency. Buy the Infinix Smart 2 HD if you prioritize finding the absolute lowest price point and are content with a very basic smartphone experience focused solely on calls, texts, and essential apps. The difference in real-world performance will be minimal for these core functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either of these phones run popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, both the Tecno Pop 2 Plus and Infinix Smart 2 HD should be able to run WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. However, expect some lag when switching between apps or loading media, especially with only 1GB of RAM. Optimizing app usage and clearing cache regularly will help maintain performance.
❓ Are these phones suitable for playing mobile games?
No, neither phone is well-suited for gaming. The Mediatek MT6580 and MT6580P chipsets lack the processing power and graphics capabilities to run modern mobile games at playable frame rates. Simple, older games might be playable at low settings, but don't expect a good gaming experience.
❓ Do these phones support 4G LTE connectivity?
While not explicitly stated, both the Tecno Pop 2 Plus and Infinix Smart 2 HD are likely to support 4G LTE connectivity, as it's a standard feature in this price range. However, the specific LTE bands supported may vary depending on the region.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
Both devices likely run Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited RAM and storage. This helps to improve performance and reduce data usage.
