The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo iQOO U1x and Infinix Smart 4c represent two distinct approaches to delivering value. The iQOO U1x leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 662 for a performance boost, while the Smart 4c opts for MediaTek’s Helio A22, prioritizing cost-effectiveness. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the vivo iQOO U1x is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset offers significantly better performance than the Helio A22 in the Infinix Smart 4c, making it a more future-proof and enjoyable daily driver. However, the Smart 4c remains a viable option for extremely basic usage.
| 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, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 21. Released 2020, October 31 | 2019, November. Released 2019, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 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 | 192.3 g (6.77 oz) | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, IQOO UI 1.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Midnight Black, Quetzal Cyan, Cosmic Purple |
| Models | V2065A | X653C |
| Price | About 110 EUR | - |
vivo iQOO U1x
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More capable GPU for light gaming
- Faster 18W charging
- Better image processing capabilities
- Likely a slightly higher price point
- May not have a significantly better display
Infinix Smart 4c
- More affordable price
- Potentially longer battery life (depending on capacity)
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Lightweight and portable
- Slow processor struggles with multitasking
- Poor gaming performance
- Slower charging speeds
- Limited future-proofing
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing power, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The iQOO U1x’s Snapdragon 662 has an integrated ISP capable of handling slightly better image processing, potentially leading to marginally improved color reproduction, but this is speculative. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, and neither is expected to offer high brightness or color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price point, both devices likely feature basic camera setups. The iQOO U1x’s Snapdragon 662 ISP offers more advanced image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The presence of a more powerful ISP suggests the iQOO U1x could handle more complex camera features, even if the sensor itself isn’t significantly larger. It’s reasonable to assume both phones will include a standard macro lens, but its utility will be limited by the overall camera system.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The iQOO U1x’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, built on an 11nm process, features an octa-core CPU (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver). This architecture provides a significant advantage over the Infinix Smart 4c’s MediaTek Helio A22, a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor fabricated on a 12nm node. The 12nm process of the Helio A22, while potentially offering slightly better power efficiency, is offset by the vastly superior core count and architecture of the Snapdragon 662. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the iQOO U1x. The Snapdragon 662’s Adreno 610 GPU also provides a substantial graphics performance boost, making it suitable for light to moderate gaming, something the Helio A22 would struggle with.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified, but both phones likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this segment. The iQOO U1x’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the likely slower charging capabilities of the Infinix Smart 4c. While a larger battery capacity on the Smart 4c could offset the slower charging, the Snapdragon 662’s improved power efficiency means the iQOO U1x will likely deliver comparable, if not better, battery life despite potentially having a smaller capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U1x if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, smoother app switching, and a more responsive user experience. It’s ideal for students, casual social media users, and anyone who wants a phone that won’t feel sluggish after a few months of use. Buy the Infinix Smart 4c if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. It’s best suited for first-time smartphone users or as a temporary backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio A22 in the Infinix Smart 4c struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Helio A22 can run these apps, you may experience noticeable lag and slowdowns, especially when multitasking or using the apps for extended periods. The iQOO U1x’s Snapdragon 662 provides a much smoother experience with these commonly used applications.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 662 in the iQOO U1x capable of playing games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 662 can run PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to play at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. The Helio A22 in the Smart 4c is not well-suited for gaming and will likely struggle even at the lowest settings.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the iQOO U1x compared to the Smart 4c?
The iQOO U1x’s 18W charging will significantly reduce charging times compared to the Smart 4c, which likely supports a much slower charging rate. Expect a full charge on the iQOO U1x to take around 2-3 hours, while the Smart 4c could take 4+ hours.
❓ Does the iQOO U1x offer a noticeable improvement in app loading times over the Smart 4c?
Yes, the Snapdragon 662’s superior processing power results in significantly faster app loading times. Apps will open almost instantly on the iQOO U1x, while the Smart 4c will experience noticeable delays.
