The ultra-budget smartphone segment is fiercely competitive. Both the Wiko Power U10 and the Infinix Smart 5 Pro aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point. However, they take drastically different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing performance versus efficiency.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the Wiko Power U10 emerges as the stronger contender. Its Mediatek Helio G35, built on a more modern 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A, despite the latter’s octa-core configuration.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1700 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 | 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 | CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June | 2021, November 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June | Available. Released 2021, November 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 173.8 x 78.6 x 9.5 mm (6.84 x 3.09 x 0.37 in) | 164.4 x 75.6 x 9.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 206 g (7.27 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM Radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Blue, Denim Blue, Turquoise | Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | W-V745-EEA, W-V745-OPE | - |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 0.52 W/kg (head) 1.36 W/kg (body) | - |
Wiko Power U10
- More powerful and efficient chipset (Helio G35)
- Likely better sustained performance
- Potentially better battery life due to chipset efficiency
- Charging speed is unknown
- Detailed camera specs are unavailable
Infinix Smart 5 Pro
- Lower price point (likely)
- 10W wired charging included
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Less powerful and efficient chipset (Unisoc SC9863A)
- Slower performance and potential for throttling
- Potentially shorter battery life under load
Display Comparison
Neither Wiko nor Infinix provide display specifications beyond resolution. However, given the price bracket, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The key difference lies under the hood. The Wiko’s Helio G35 benefits from a more modern manufacturing process, potentially allowing for slightly better power management of the display driver. The Infinix, with its older chipset, may exhibit slightly less efficient display power consumption. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable for either device. However, given the target market, both are likely to feature basic camera setups. It’s reasonable to assume both will include a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The image processing capabilities will likely be limited on both. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner, but the Wiko’s more capable chipset *could* offer slightly faster image processing speeds.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Wiko Power U10’s Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm) features an octa-core CPU with a split configuration of 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This is a more modern architecture than the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm), which uses 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While both are octa-core, the Cortex-A55 cores in the Infinix are less performant than the A53 cores in the Wiko. Crucially, the 12nm process of the Helio G35 offers significantly better power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the 28nm process of the Unisoc chip. This translates to less throttling under sustained load and a smoother user experience. The Wiko will likely handle multitasking and app switching more effectively.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Infinix Smart 5 Pro includes 10W wired charging, while the Wiko’s charging speed is unknown. The Unisoc SC9863A’s 28nm process is inherently less power-efficient than the Helio G35’s 12nm process. This means the Infinix Smart 5 Pro will likely drain its battery faster under similar usage scenarios. While the Infinix’s 10W charging is present, the Wiko’s potentially more efficient chipset could offset a smaller battery capacity, resulting in comparable or even better real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Wiko Power U10 if you need a phone capable of handling everyday tasks with a degree of smoothness and enjoy occasional light gaming. Its more efficient chipset translates to better sustained performance. Buy the Infinix Smart 5 Pro if your primary concern is absolute minimal cost and you primarily use your phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and are willing to accept slower performance and potentially shorter battery life under load.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Wiko Power U10 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G35 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it *can* run PUBG Mobile at lower settings. Expect frame rate drops during intense action, but it's playable. The Infinix Smart 5 Pro will struggle significantly with PUBG Mobile, likely offering a very poor gaming experience.
❓ How much slower is the Unisoc SC9863A compared to the Helio G35 in everyday tasks?
You'll notice the difference in app loading times, multitasking, and overall responsiveness. The Unisoc chip will feel sluggish compared to the Wiko, especially when switching between apps or browsing the web with multiple tabs open. The 12nm process of the Helio G35 provides a significant advantage in maintaining performance over time.
❓ Does the Infinix Smart 5 Pro support fast charging beyond the 10W standard?
No, the Infinix Smart 5 Pro is limited to 10W wired charging. The Wiko Power U10’s charging speed is currently unknown, but even if it’s also 10W, the more efficient chipset may result in faster overall charging times due to reduced power loss.
