Poco C40 vs. Infinix Smart 6 Plus: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Xiaomi Poco C40 and the Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their choice of chipset. This comparison dissects those differences and helps you determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing consistent, if modest, performance, the Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) emerges as the better choice. Its MediaTek Helio G25, built on a more efficient 12nm process, offers a slight edge in real-world responsiveness compared to the Poco C40’s JLQ JR510. While both are entry-level, the G25’s architecture provides a more predictable experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Poco C40 Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2022, June 062022, July 29
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, June 17Available. Released 2022, August 03
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions169.6 x 76.6 x 9.2 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.36 in)172.6 x 77.7 x 8.7 mm (6.80 x 3.06 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight204 g (7.20 oz)202 g (7.13 oz)
 Dust & splash resistant-
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla GlassPanda Glass
Resolution720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~257 ppi density)
Size6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.82 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 400 nitsIPS LCD, 440 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetJLQ JR510 (11 nm)Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC1PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 11, MIUI 13 for POCOAndroid 12 (Go edition)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens8 MP, f/2.0, AF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single5 MP, f/2.25 MP, f/2.0
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRLED flash
Single5 MP, f/2.25 MP, f/2.0
Video1080p@30fps720p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYes (market/region dependent)No
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0microUSB 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging18W wired-
TypeLi-Po 6000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsPower Black, Coral Green, Poco YellowTranquil Sea Blue, Miracle Black
Models220333QPGX6823C, X6823
PriceAbout 110 EURAbout 100 EUR

Xiaomi Poco C40

  • Potential for longer software support from Xiaomi.
  • 18W fast charging support.
  • Established brand reputation.

  • Less efficient JLQ JR510 chipset.
  • Potentially lower performance compared to the Infinix.
  • Less optimized CPU architecture.

Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India)

  • More efficient MediaTek Helio G25 chipset.
  • Mature Cortex-A53 CPU architecture.
  • Potentially smoother user experience.

  • Potentially shorter software support lifecycle.
  • Charging speed not explicitly stated.
  • Less brand recognition than Xiaomi.

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – around 720p+ and adequate for indoor use. The lack of higher refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO is expected. Bezels will likely be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a budget.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance will be limited on both devices. Details are scarce, but it’s safe to assume both will feature a primary sensor paired with auxiliary lenses of questionable utility. Focusing on the main sensors, the Helio G25’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally more capable than what’s found in the JLQ JR510, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality in good lighting conditions. Expect limited low-light performance from both. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is a given at this price point.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco C40 utilizes the JLQ JR510, a less common 11nm processor. While it features an octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A55), the JR510’s architecture is less refined than the MediaTek Helio G25 in the Infinix Smart 6 Plus. The G25, built on a 12nm process, employs Cortex-A53 cores (4x2.0 GHz & 4x1.5 GHz). Although the clock speeds are identical, the Cortex-A53 is a more mature and optimized architecture, leading to better sustained performance and efficiency. This translates to smoother multitasking and app loading times on the Infinix. The 12nm process also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during prolonged use.

Battery Life

Both phones likely house large batteries (5000mAh or greater) to compensate for the power inefficiency of their respective chipsets. The Poco C40 supports 18W wired charging, which is a standard offering. The Infinix Smart 6 Plus’s charging speed is not specified, but is likely similar. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the more efficient Helio G25 in the Infinix Smart 6 Plus should provide a slight advantage, potentially adding an hour or two of screen-on time.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Poco C40 if you prioritize a potentially longer software support lifecycle due to Xiaomi’s brand recognition and established update schedule, and are willing to accept slightly lower performance. Buy the Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) if you prefer a more responsive user experience for everyday tasks, and value the efficiency of the 12nm Helio G25 chipset, even if it means potentially shorter software support.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the JLQ JR510 in the Poco C40 struggle with multitasking?
Yes, the JLQ JR510 is a relatively underpowered chipset. While it can handle basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing, expect noticeable slowdowns when running multiple apps simultaneously or switching between them frequently. The Infinix Smart 6 Plus with the Helio G25 will offer a smoother multitasking experience.
❓ Is the Helio G25 in the Infinix Smart 6 Plus capable of playing popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G25 can run PUBG Mobile, but you’ll need to lower the graphics settings to the lowest possible levels and accept lower frame rates. It’s not designed for demanding gaming, and you may experience stuttering and lag, especially in intense scenes. It's suitable for casual gaming, but not for competitive play.
❓ How does the 11nm vs 12nm process affect real-world battery life?
A smaller process node (12nm vs 11nm) generally indicates greater power efficiency. The Helio G25’s 12nm process allows it to perform the same tasks using less energy than the Poco C40’s 11nm JR510. This translates to potentially longer battery life and less heat generation during use.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates?
Xiaomi generally provides more consistent software updates and a longer support lifecycle for its devices compared to Infinix. While both are budget brands, Xiaomi has a stronger track record in this area. Therefore, the Poco C40 is likely to receive updates for a longer period.