The Infinix Smart 4c and Tecno Spark 5 Air represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a price point accessible to almost anyone. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best experience for users prioritizing affordability and basic features.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional, if basic, smartphone, the Infinix Smart 4c edges out the Tecno Spark 5 Air. The Smart 4c’s Helio A22 chipset, clocked at 2.0 GHz, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Spark 5 Air’s unspecified Mediatek chipset, translating to smoother app loading and multitasking.
| 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 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 05. Released 2020, July | 2019, November. Released 2019, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 174.6 x 79.3 x 9.1 mm (6.87 x 3.12 x 0.36 in) | 167 x 76 x 8.3 mm (6.57 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~256 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 116.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS 6.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP |
| 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 | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5000 mAh | 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Jadeite, Spark Orange, Vacation Blue, Misty Green | Midnight Black, Quetzal Cyan, Cosmic Purple |
| Models | KD6a | X653C |
Tecno Spark 5 Air
- Potentially wider brand recognition in some markets
- May offer a more established service network
- Likely a very affordable price point
- Less powerful chipset compared to the Smart 4c
- Unspecified chipset details raise concerns about optimization
- Potentially slower app loading and multitasking
Infinix Smart 4c
- More powerful and efficient Mediatek Helio A22 chipset
- Higher clock speed (2.0 GHz) for improved responsiveness
- 12nm process node for better power efficiency
- May have limited brand recognition in certain regions
- Potentially less extensive service network
- Still limited by its ultra-budget price point
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-end display. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels with resolutions around 720p+. The absence of detailed display specifications necessitates focusing on the overall user experience. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy and brightness will be adequate for basic viewing, but not ideal for outdoor use or media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Expect basic image quality suitable for social media sharing in good lighting conditions. Both likely feature a primary camera alongside auxiliary sensors (potentially depth or macro), but the quality of these secondary sensors will be minimal. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to enhance photos, but limitations in processing power will hinder the effectiveness of these algorithms.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Smart 4c features the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm), a quad-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz using Cortex-A53 cores. The Tecno Spark 5 Air, conversely, utilizes a generic Mediatek quad-core chipset without a specific model number or clock speed. The Helio A22’s 12nm process node offers improved power efficiency compared to older Mediatek designs, potentially leading to slightly better battery life. The 2.0 GHz clock speed on the Smart 4c provides a tangible performance boost for app launches and basic multitasking. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Smart 4c will handle lighter games more smoothly.
Battery Life
Battery life will be a key consideration for budget smartphone buyers. While specific battery capacities are not provided, both devices likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Infinix Smart 4c’s more efficient Helio A22 chipset could translate to slightly longer battery life, despite potentially similar battery capacities. Charging speeds are likely to be slow on both, utilizing Micro-USB ports and limited wattage chargers. Expect several hours to fully charge from 0-100%.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 5 Air if you prioritize a brand with a wider service network in certain regions and are comfortable with potentially slower performance. Buy the Infinix Smart 4c if you value a slightly more responsive user experience and a more modern chipset architecture, even if the differences are subtle in everyday tasks. Both are ideal for first-time smartphone users or as a reliable backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 4c struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
While not designed for intensive multitasking, the Helio A22 chipset in the Smart 4c is capable of running Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly. Expect some loading times, but the core functionality of these apps should be usable. Closing other apps beforehand will improve performance.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark 5 Air a good option for someone upgrading from a feature phone?
Yes, the Tecno Spark 5 Air is a viable option for first-time smartphone users. It provides essential smartphone features at a very affordable price. However, be aware that performance will be limited compared to more expensive devices.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Both phones can handle casual games like Candy Crush and Subway Surfers, but don't expect high frame rates or detailed graphics. The Infinix Smart 4c, with its faster processor, will likely provide a slightly smoother gaming experience.
❓ What type of charging port do these phones use?
Both the Tecno Spark 5 Air and Infinix Smart 4c are expected to use a Micro-USB port for charging. Charging speeds will be relatively slow compared to modern smartphones with USB-C and fast charging capabilities.
