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.
🏆 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.
| 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 |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 26 | 2020, December 16. Released 2020, December 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 26 | Discontinued |
| 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) | 158.3 x 75.2 x 9.8 mm (6.23 x 2.96 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~76.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS | Android 10 (Go edition), XOS 6.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP
VGA | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | Unspecified | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Unspecified | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, 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 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Lake Green, Obsidian Black, Ice Blue | Topaz Blue, Obsidian Black, Quartz Green |
| Models | BD2, BD2p, BD3, BD1, BD2d | X612B, X612 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 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.