The Tecno Pop 4 and Infinix Smart 5 Pro represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they take different approaches. The Pop 4 focuses on absolute affordability, while the Smart 5 Pro attempts to offer a more refined experience with a more powerful chipset. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a slightly smoother and more responsive experience, the Infinix Smart 5 Pro is the clear winner. Its Unisoc SC9863A octa-core processor provides a significant performance uplift over the Tecno Pop 4’s quad-core CPU, making everyday tasks noticeably faster. While both phones are limited, the Smart 5 Pro offers better value for a minimal price increase.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 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 | 2020, July 24. Released 2020, July 24 | 2021, November 17 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, November 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 160 x 77.3 x 9.5 mm (6.30 x 3.04 x 0.37 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 | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~75.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS | Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | 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 | Dual-LED flash | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Lake Green, Dawn Blue | Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | BC2c, BC1s | - |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 70 EUR |
Tecno Pop 4
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic communication
- Lightweight and portable
- Extremely slow performance
- Limited app compatibility
- Poor camera quality
Infinix Smart 5 Pro
- Significantly faster processor
- More responsive user experience
- 10W wired charging
- Still limited by budget components
- Camera quality is basic
- Slow charging speed
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. The Tecno Pop 4’s display specifications are not provided, but given its market positioning, it likely features a basic LCD panel with a low resolution. The Infinix Smart 5 Pro also utilizes an LCD, but the focus here isn’t on visual fidelity. The key difference lies in the processing power driving the display; the more capable chipset in the Smart 5 Pro will likely result in smoother animations and transitions, even if the panel itself is similar in quality. Expect both to struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are likely to feature basic camera setups. Without specific details on the Tecno Pop 4’s camera, it’s safe to assume it’s a simple sensor. The Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s camera specifications are also limited, but the focus should be on realistic expectations. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but both phones will struggle in low light. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Smart 5 Pro is largely a marketing gimmick; its limited resolution and lack of autofocus will result in subpar macro shots. Prioritize the main sensor’s performance when evaluating camera capabilities.
Performance
This is where the Infinix Smart 5 Pro truly shines. The Tecno Pop 4’s quad-core 1.3 GHz CPU is a basic processor designed for minimal tasks. In contrast, the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core chip (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) fabricated on a 28nm process. The octa-core configuration, combined with the faster Cortex-A55 cores, provides a substantial performance advantage for multitasking, app loading, and general responsiveness. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Smart 5 Pro will handle casual games with significantly less stuttering. The 28nm process, while not cutting-edge, is a step up from potentially older, less efficient nodes used in the Pop 4.
Battery Life
Battery life will be similar on both devices, as both are designed for light usage. The Infinix Smart 5 Pro includes 10W wired charging, which, while slow by modern standards, is a welcome addition. The Tecno Pop 4’s charging capabilities are unknown, but likely slower. The actual battery capacity of both phones is not specified, but given their target market, they likely fall in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Smart 5 Pro’s more efficient chipset may contribute to slightly longer battery life under similar usage conditions.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 4 if you absolutely need the cheapest possible smartphone for basic communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage. It’s a functional device for those with extremely limited budgets. Buy the Infinix Smart 5 Pro if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, even for simple tasks, and want a phone capable of handling slightly more demanding apps without significant lag. The Smart 5 Pro is the better choice for anyone who doesn’t want to constantly fight with a sluggish interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 5 Pro handle popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s octa-core processor should provide a reasonably smooth experience with Facebook and WhatsApp. While it won’t be lightning-fast, it will be significantly more responsive than the Tecno Pop 4, which may struggle with even basic app loading times.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset known to overheat during prolonged use?
The Unisoc SC9863A is a low-power chipset and is not typically prone to overheating. While it may get warm during extended gaming sessions, it shouldn’t reach critical temperatures that cause performance throttling. The 28nm process helps manage thermal output effectively for this class of device.
❓ Can the Tecno Pop 4 run Google Go apps effectively?
The Tecno Pop 4 is specifically targeted at users who will benefit from Google Go apps. These lightweight versions of popular Google services are designed to run efficiently on low-end hardware, making the Pop 4 a viable option for those prioritizing basic functionality and data savings.
❓ What type of storage does the Infinix Smart 5 Pro use, and is it expandable?
While the exact storage type isn't specified, budget phones like the Infinix Smart 5 Pro typically use eMMC storage. It almost certainly includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing you to increase the available space for photos, videos, and apps.
