The Tecno Pop 5X and Infinix Smart HD 2021 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both phones prioritize affordability, but they achieve this with different chipsets – the Unisoc SC9832E in the Pop 5X and the MediaTek Helio A20 in the Smart HD 2021. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which offers the best value for basic smartphone tasks.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness in everyday tasks, the Infinix Smart HD 2021 is the better choice. Its Helio A20, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process and clocked higher at 1.8GHz, delivers noticeably smoother performance than the Tecno Pop 5X’s 1.4GHz Unisoc SC9832E, despite both being quad-core CPUs.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 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 / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 27 | 2020, December 16. Released 2020, December 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 27 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm (6.54 x 2.99 x 0.33 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 | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.5% 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 1.4 GHz | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS | Android 10 (Go edition), XOS 6.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | - |
| Triple | 8 MP
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Shine, Crystal Blue, Dazzle Black | Topaz Blue, Obsidian Black, Quartz Green |
| Models | - | X612B, X612 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.53 W/kg (head) 1.22 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pop 5X
- Potentially lower price point than the Infinix.
- Unisoc chipset may offer better software support in some regions.
- Likely to be very lightweight.
- Less powerful processor compared to the Helio A20.
- Larger fabrication process (28nm) leads to lower efficiency.
- Slower app loading and multitasking.
Infinix Smart HD 2021
- More powerful MediaTek Helio A20 processor.
- More efficient 12nm fabrication process.
- Smoother user experience for everyday tasks.
- Better multitasking capabilities.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Tecno Pop 5X.
- MediaTek chipsets sometimes have a reputation for less consistent software updates.
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-quality display. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions. However, display details are not provided in the context data. We can infer that both will prioritize size over resolution or panel technology, aiming for maximum screen real estate within their budget constraints. Color accuracy and brightness are likely to be average at best.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a key differentiator. Both devices likely feature basic camera setups, and the context data doesn't provide specifics beyond the chipsets. It's safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. Any megapixel count differences will be largely irrelevant given the limitations of the image signal processors (ISPs) within these chipsets. Expect acceptable results for casual snapshots in good lighting.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Smart HD 2021’s MediaTek Helio A20, built on a 12nm process, offers a significant advantage over the Tecno Pop 5X’s Unisoc SC9832E (28nm). The smaller fabrication node translates to improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation, allowing the Helio A20 to sustain higher clock speeds for longer. The 1.8GHz clock speed of the Helio A20’s Cortex-A53 cores further enhances performance compared to the Pop 5X’s 1.4GHz cores. While both are quad-core CPUs, the architectural and process node differences mean the Smart HD 2021 will handle multitasking and app loading more smoothly.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing, but both phones likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000mAh range, typical for this price segment. The Helio A20’s 12nm process should contribute to slightly better battery life in the Infinix Smart HD 2021, as it’s more power-efficient than the Unisoc SC9832E’s 28nm process. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both are likely to ship with basic 5W or 10W chargers, resulting in relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 5X if your primary need is a very low-cost device for extremely basic communication – calls, texts, and minimal app usage. The Pop 5X is ideal for users who prioritize absolute affordability above all else. Buy the Infinix Smart HD 2021 if you want a slightly more responsive experience for social media, light web browsing, and occasional app use. The Helio A20 provides a tangible performance boost for a minimal price increase, making it a better all-rounder.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio A20 in the Infinix Smart HD 2021 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Helio A20 isn't a powerhouse, it's generally sufficient for running lightweight apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. You may experience some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously, but for basic social media use, it should be adequate. The 1.8GHz clock speed provides a noticeable improvement over the Tecno Pop 5X’s processor.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9832E in the Tecno Pop 5X suitable for playing mobile games?
The Unisoc SC9832E is not designed for gaming. While you might be able to run very basic 2D games, demanding titles will likely be unplayable due to the processor's limited capabilities and the lack of a dedicated GPU. Expect significant lag and low frame rates.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
For basic communication, the Tecno Pop 5X is a viable option due to its likely lower price. However, the Infinix Smart HD 2021’s slightly better performance will still provide a smoother experience even for these fundamental tasks, and the price difference is likely minimal.
