The Tecno Pouvoir 4 and Infinix Smart 5 Pro represent the fiercely competitive sub-$100 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Pouvoir 4 leverages a Mediatek chipset, while the Smart 5 Pro opts for a Unisoc solution. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic tasks and extended battery life, the Tecno Pouvoir 4 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Mediatek Helio A22, despite being a 12nm process, offers a more consistent performance profile than the Unisoc SC9863A, which struggles with sustained workloads due to its larger 28nm node.
| 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 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 07. Released 2020, July 23 | 2021, November 17 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, November 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 174.9 x 79.6 x 9.2 mm (6.89 x 3.13 x 0.36 in) | 164.4 x 75.6 x 9.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~256 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 116.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10, HIOS 6.0 | Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash | Quad-LED flash |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, 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 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Shine, Ice Jadeite, Fascinating Purple | Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | LC7, LC7S | - |
| Price | - | About 70 EUR |
Tecno Pouvoir 4
- More efficient chipset (12nm)
- Potentially smoother UI experience
- Better sustained performance
- Likely lacks fast charging
- Older chipset architecture
Infinix Smart 5 Pro
- 10W wired charging support
- Newer chipset (Unisoc SC9863A)
- Potentially improved image processing
- Less efficient chipset (28nm)
- Potential for thermal throttling
- Split CPU core configuration may lead to inconsistent performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature basic IPS LCD panels with resolutions around 720x1640. However, the absence of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset's impact on UI smoothness. The Pouvoir 4's Helio A22, while not a powerhouse, is generally better equipped to handle the UI rendering than the SC9863A, potentially resulting in fewer stutters during navigation.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups, with the Infinix Smart 5 Pro potentially offering a slightly more refined image processing algorithm due to its newer chipset. However, without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization. Expect similar image quality in good lighting conditions, with both struggling in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Pouvoir 4’s Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) utilizes an octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz. The Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) also features an octa-core CPU, but with a split configuration: four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. The 28nm process of the Unisoc chip is significantly less efficient than the 12nm process of the Mediatek, meaning it will generate more heat and consume more power for the same workload. While the A55 cores are more efficient *per core* than the A53, the lower clock speeds and the process node disadvantage negate this benefit in real-world usage. This translates to potentially longer app loading times and less responsive multitasking on the Smart 5 Pro.
Battery Life
While both phones likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range (specs not provided), the Infinix Smart 5 Pro benefits from 10W wired charging, a feature likely absent on the Pouvoir 4. The Unisoc SC9863A’s lower efficiency, however, partially offsets this advantage. Users prioritizing longer screen-on time without frequent charging will likely find the Pouvoir 4’s more efficient chipset beneficial, even without fast charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pouvoir 4 if you need a phone for reliable everyday use – calls, messaging, social media, and light web browsing – and value a more predictable performance experience. Buy the Infinix Smart 5 Pro if you prioritize a slightly newer chipset and 10W charging, and are willing to accept potential performance dips during more demanding tasks. Both are suitable for first-time smartphone users or as a secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Infinix Smart 5 Pro overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Unisoc SC9863A's 28nm process is prone to generating more heat than the Mediatek Helio A22's 12nm process. While neither phone is designed for intensive gaming, the Smart 5 Pro is more likely to experience thermal throttling, leading to reduced performance and potentially a less enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ Is the difference in CPU architecture (Cortex-A53 vs. Cortex-A55) significant in real-world use between these two phones?
While Cortex-A55 cores are more efficient *per clock cycle* than Cortex-A53 cores, the lower clock speeds of the SC9863A and its less efficient 28nm process negate much of that advantage. The Helio A22's higher clock speed and more efficient manufacturing process result in a more consistently responsive experience for everyday tasks.
❓ How much faster is the 10W charging on the Infinix Smart 5 Pro compared to potentially no fast charging on the Tecno Pouvoir 4?
The 10W charging on the Smart 5 Pro will noticeably reduce charging times compared to standard 5W charging (likely on the Pouvoir 4). Expect a full charge to take around 3-4 hours with 10W, while the Pouvoir 4 could take upwards of 5-6 hours. This is a significant benefit for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
