The sub-$100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Umidigi C1 and the Infinix Smart 7 HD aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Umidigi relying on a quad-core processor while the Infinix opts for an octa-core solution. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multitasking and responsiveness, the Infinix Smart 7 HD is the better choice. Its octa-core CPU provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Umidigi C1’s quad-core processor, making everyday tasks smoother. While both offer basic functionality, the Infinix delivers a more fluid user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2023, April 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2023, April 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 196.5 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.6 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | - |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5150 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunglow Gold, Galaxy Blue, Starry Black | Ink Black, Silk Blue, Jade White, Green Apple |
| Models | - | X6516 |
| Price | - | About 110 EUR |
Umidigi C1
- Potentially lower price point
- Simpler user experience
- May offer slightly longer battery life under minimal use
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Older processor architecture
Infinix Smart 7 HD
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Octa-core CPU provides a smoother user experience
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life
- May be marginally more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given their price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The absence of details like peak brightness or color gamut suggests neither prioritizes display quality. Expect standard viewing experiences suitable for basic content consumption.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a meaningful comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The absence of information regarding sensor size, aperture, or image stabilization suggests neither device will excel in low-light conditions or offer advanced photographic features. Any megapixel count claims should be viewed with skepticism, as image quality is more dependent on sensor size and image processing than resolution alone.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPU. The Umidigi C1’s Mediatek MT6739, built on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A53 configuration clocked at 1.5 GHz. This is an older architecture, designed for efficiency but limited in raw processing power. Conversely, the Infinix Smart 7 HD boasts an octa-core CPU clocked at 1.6 GHz. While the specific core architecture isn’t specified, an octa-core setup generally allows for better multitasking and smoother performance in demanding applications. The higher core count of the Infinix will translate to a more responsive experience when switching between apps or running multiple processes concurrently. The 28nm node of the MT6739 also suggests potentially higher power consumption for similar tasks compared to a more modern node.
Battery Life
Both devices share a 10W wired charging capability. This indicates similar charging speeds – expect around 2-3 hours for a full charge. Without knowing the battery capacity of either device, it’s impossible to determine which offers better battery life. However, the less demanding processor in the Umidigi C1 *could* translate to slightly longer battery life under light usage, despite potentially having a smaller capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi C1 if you primarily need a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light web browsing – and prioritize simplicity. Its lower price point makes it a viable option for first-time smartphone users or as a backup device. Buy the Infinix Smart 7 HD if you anticipate using your phone for more than just basic tasks, such as social media, light gaming, or running multiple apps simultaneously. The octa-core processor provides a significant boost in performance for a minimal price increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 7 HD struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Infinix Smart 7 HD is an entry-level device, its octa-core CPU should handle apps like Facebook and WhatsApp without significant issues. However, expect some slowdowns when using multiple apps simultaneously or when the phone is running other processes in the background. It's designed for basic social media use, not intensive multitasking.
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6739 in the Umidigi C1 capable of playing any mobile games?
The Mediatek MT6739 can run some less demanding mobile games, but expect low frame rates and significant graphical compromises. Games like older titles or simple puzzle games are playable, but modern, graphically intensive games will likely be unplayable or offer a very poor experience. The CPU's age and limited processing power are significant bottlenecks.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically offer, and can it be expanded?
While not specified, phones in this price range typically offer 16GB or 32GB of internal storage. Crucially, both devices *likely* support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage for photos, videos, and apps. This is essential given the limited internal storage.