Tecno Pop 5 vs Infinix Smart HD 2021: Which Budget Phone Reigns Supreme?

Looking for an affordable smartphone that won't break the bank? The Tecno Pop 5 and Infinix Smart HD 2021 are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one delivers the best experience for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Infinix Smart HD 2021 edges out the Tecno Pop 5 thanks to its more powerful processor and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget options, the Infinix offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks and potentially better gaming capabilities. However, the Tecno might offer slightly better value depending on pricing and specific features.

PHONES
Phone Names Tecno Pop 5 Infinix Smart HD 2021
Network
2G bandsGSM 900 / 1800GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands-1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA 21.1/5.76 MbpsHSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPAGSM / HSPA / LTE
 eMMC 5.1-
Launch
Announced2021, July 262020, December 16. Released 2020, December 24
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, July 26Discontinued
Body
BuildPlastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions157.7 x 75.7 x 9.6 mm (6.21 x 2.98 x 0.38 in)158.3 x 75.2 x 9.8 mm (6.23 x 2.96 x 0.39 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight-195 g (6.88 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)
Size6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~76.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 500 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUQuad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53
Chipset-Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm)
GPU-PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 10 (Go edition), HIOSAndroid 10 (Go edition), XOS 6.2
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual5 MP VGA8 MP, f/2.0
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single5 MP-
VideoUnspecified1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash, HDR
Single5 MP5 MP, f/2.0
VideoUnspecified1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometerFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity
Battery
Type4000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsIce Lake Green, Obsidian Black, Ice BlueTopaz Blue, Obsidian Black, Quartz Green
ModelsBD2, BD2p, BD3, BD1, BD2dX612B, X612
PriceAbout 70 EURAbout 70 EUR
SAR-0.53 W/kg (head)     1.22 W/kg (body)

Tecno Pop 5

  • Very Affordable
  • Compact Design (potentially)
  • Decent Battery Life

  • Slow Processor
  • Basic Camera
  • Limited Features

Infinix Smart HD 2021

  • Better Performance
  • Slightly More Features
  • Good Battery Life

  • Still a Budget Phone
  • Camera Quality Limited
  • Design May Be Less Premium

Display Comparison

Both phones feature HD+ displays, likely around 6.5 inches. Expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for the price point, but don't anticipate flagship-level quality. The Infinix might have a slightly brighter display, but this is often difficult to confirm without testing.

Camera Comparison

Camera specs are often similar in this price range. Both likely feature a primary rear camera around 13MP, potentially with additional depth and macro lenses. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Infinix might have a slight edge in image processing due to its more powerful chipset.

Performance

This is where the Infinix Smart HD 2021 shines. Its Mediatek Helio A20 chipset (12nm) with a 1.8 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU significantly outperforms the Tecno Pop 5's older and slower 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 quad-core processor. Expect smoother app loading, better multitasking, and potentially playable frame rates in less demanding games on the Infinix.

Battery Life

Both phones likely pack batteries in the 5000mAh range, offering all-day battery life for moderate usage. Battery optimization will play a crucial role in real-world performance, and the Infinix's slightly more efficient chipset could give it a small advantage.

Buying Guide

The Tecno Pop 5 is ideal for users prioritizing basic functionality, affordability above all else, and potentially a slightly more compact design. The Infinix Smart HD 2021 is a better choice for those needing a bit more performance for multitasking, light gaming, and a generally smoother user experience, even within a tight budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Infinix Smart HD 2021 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Infinix will handle less demanding games more smoothly.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, likely lasting a full day with moderate use. The Infinix might have a slight edge due to its more efficient chipset.