Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming. The Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus, a former flagship, and the Infinix Hot 20 5G, a more recent budget offering, both offer compelling features. Let's break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one is the better fit.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 20 5G takes the win due to its 5G connectivity, newer chipset, and generally more modern features. While the Mi 5s Plus boasts impressive contrast, its age and lack of 5G make it less appealing in today's market. It's a good option for those seeking a very budget-friendly device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, September. Released 2016, October | 2022, October 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, October 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 154.6 x 77.7 x 8 mm (6.09 x 3.06 x 0.31 in) | 166.3 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.55 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 168 g (5.93 oz) | 204 g (7.20 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~386 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 89.6 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (2x2.35 GHz Kryo & 2x2.2 GHz Kryo) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 530 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), upgradable to 8.0 (Oreo), MIUI | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
13 MP B/W, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 4 MP, f/2.0, 1/3", 2µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (except 64/4 option) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3 | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3800 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver, Gray, Gold, Rose Gold | Racing Black, Space Blue, Blaster Green |
| Models | 2016070 | X666, X666B |
| Price | About 310 EUR | About 240 EUR |
| SAR | 1.16 W/kg (head) 1.47 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -83.9dB / Crosstalk -84.9dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 104h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1448:1 (nominal), 2.884 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 65dB / Noise 68dB / Ring 70dB
| - |
| Performance |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 2434Basemark X: 36062 | - |
Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus
- Excellent contrast ratio
- Very budget-friendly
- Good sunlight visibility
- Outdated chipset
- No 5G connectivity
- Limited camera details
- Older software
Infinix Hot 20 5G
- 5G connectivity
- Modern chipset (Dimensity 810)
- Reverse wired charging
- Larger display (likely)
- LCD display (likely)
- May lack premium build quality
- Performance not flagship level
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus has a remarkable contrast ratio of 1448:1 (nominal) and an impressive 2.884 in sunlight, suggesting excellent visibility even outdoors. The Infinix Hot 20 5G likely has a standard LCD display, typical for its price range, with a resolution around 1080 x 2400. While the Mi 5s Plus wins on contrast, the Hot 20 5G's larger screen size (likely around 6.6 inches) might be preferable for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited for the Mi 5s Plus, but it likely features a dual-camera setup. The Infinix Hot 20 5G typically includes a higher resolution main camera (likely 50MP or higher) and a depth sensor. Image quality will depend on software processing, but the newer sensor in the Hot 20 5G should generally produce better results, especially in low light. Video recording capabilities are likely comparable.
Performance
The Infinix Hot 20 5G's Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset, built on a 6nm process, offers a significant performance advantage over the Mi 5s Plus's Snapdragon 821 (14nm). The Dimensity 810's octa-core CPU and Mali-G57 MC2 GPU provide smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance. The Mi 5s Plus, while still capable, will show its age in demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus boasts an endurance rating of 104 hours, which is exceptionally high. However, this rating is likely based on older testing methodologies. The Infinix Hot 20 5G likely has a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering good all-day battery life. The Hot 20 5G also includes 5W reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus is ideal for users on a very tight budget who prioritize excellent contrast and don't need 5G. The Infinix Hot 20 5G is a better choice for those wanting 5G connectivity, a more modern processor, and a generally smoother user experience, even at a slightly higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus still worth buying?
Only if you're on a very tight budget and don't need 5G. Otherwise, newer phones offer significantly better performance and features.
❓ Does the Infinix Hot 20 5G support fast charging?
It supports 18W wired charging, which is decent, but not the fastest available.