Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Tecno Pop 5 and Infinix Smart 6 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering essential features at attractive price points. But which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Smart 6 takes the win thanks to its significantly more powerful Octa-core processor and slightly better battery life. While both are budget phones, the Smart 6 offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks and a more future-proof chipset.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | eMMC 5.1 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 26 | 2021, October 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 26 | Available. Released 2021, October 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 157.7 x 75.7 x 9.6 mm (6.21 x 2.98 x 0.38 in) | 165.6 x 76.4 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.01 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | 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 | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP
VGA | 8 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Unspecified | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Unspecified | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Lake Green, Obsidian Black, Ice Blue | Purple, Ocean Blue, Light Sea Green, Polar Black |
| Models | BD2, BD2p, BD3, BD1, BD2d | X6511B, X6511, X6511E |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Tecno Pop 5
- Very affordable
- Compact design
- Basic functionality
- Weak processor
- Limited storage
- Basic camera
- Low brightness display
Infinix Smart 6
- More powerful processor
- Better battery life
- Slightly more modern design
- More future-proof chipset
- Slightly more expensive
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Basic camera
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar, basic LCD displays, likely around 6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness and color accuracy. The Infinix Smart 6 might have a slightly better panel, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely comparable, with both phones featuring a basic dual-camera setup (likely a main lens and a depth sensor). Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Infinix Smart 6's more powerful processor *might* offer slightly better image processing.
Performance
This is where the Infinix Smart 6 shines. Its Unisoc SC9863A Octa-core processor is a substantial upgrade over the Tecno Pop 5's Quad-core Cortex-A7. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a generally more responsive user experience on the Smart 6. The Pop 5 will likely struggle with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
The Infinix Smart 6 likely has a slightly larger battery capacity (around 5000mAh) and benefits from the efficiency of its chipset, potentially offering a bit longer battery life than the Tecno Pop 5. Both should comfortably last a full day with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Pop 5 is ideal for users who prioritize a very low price and basic functionality. The Infinix Smart 6 is a better choice for those who want a slightly faster phone, a bit more battery life, and a more modern chipset, even if it means spending a little extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Infinix Smart 6 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor. However, neither phone is designed for demanding games.
❓ How much storage do these phones have?
Both phones typically come with limited storage (around 32GB or 64GB), expandable via microSD card. We recommend using a microSD card for extra storage.
❓ What operating system do these phones run?
Both phones run Android, likely with a custom UI from Tecno and Infinix respectively. Expect a slightly different user experience depending on the manufacturer's skin.