The Xiaomi Redmi 9A and Infinix Smart 5 Pro represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low cost. However, significant differences in their underlying hardware, particularly the chipset, dictate their performance and suitability for different users. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a slightly smoother experience, the Xiaomi Redmi 9A is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G25, built on a more modern 12nm process, provides a performance advantage over the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A, despite similar core counts. While both offer basic functionality, the Redmi 9A feels less constrained.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 30. Released 2020, July 07 | 2021, November 17 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, November 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 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 | 196 g (6.91 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12 | Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Gray (Midnight Black), Sky Blue (Sea Blue), Ocean Green (Nature Green) | Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | M2006C3LG, M2006C3LI, M2006C3LC, M2004C3L | - |
| Price | € 64.30 / $ 56.50 / £ 95.56 | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.40 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 9A
- More efficient chipset (Helio G25)
- Potentially smoother performance
- Likely better ISP for image processing
- 10W charging is slow
- Basic camera system
Infinix Smart 5 Pro
- Extremely affordable
- Acceptable for basic communication
- Potentially larger battery capacity (unconfirmed)
- Less efficient chipset (Unisoc SC9863A)
- Slower performance
- May struggle with multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels with resolutions around 720p+, typical for this price point. However, the lack of detailed display specifications necessitates a focus on the chipset's ability to drive the UI smoothly. The Redmi 9A’s slightly more powerful GPU may translate to marginally smoother scrolling and animations, but the difference will be subtle. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature basic camera setups, likely headlined by a single 8-13MP main sensor. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, so analysis focuses on the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP). The Helio G25’s ISP is likely more capable than the Unisoc SC9863A’s, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality in good lighting conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices suggests these are largely marketing features with limited practical benefit. Expect similar performance in low-light scenarios – poor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi 9A’s Mediatek Helio G25 (12nm) utilizes Cortex-A53 cores clocked up to 2.0 GHz, while the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) features Cortex-A55 cores clocked up to 1.6 GHz. While both are octa-core, the 12nm fabrication process of the Helio G25 is significantly more efficient than the 28nm process of the Unisoc chip. This translates to better thermal management and sustained performance under load. The Cortex-A55 cores in the Smart 5 Pro are architecturally more efficient *per clock cycle* than the A53, but the lower clock speeds and larger process node negate this advantage. Users will notice this difference in app loading times and overall system responsiveness.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds (approximately 3-4 hours for a full charge). Battery capacity is not specified, but both are likely to house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Helio G25’s superior power efficiency may result in slightly longer battery life on the Redmi 9A, especially during moderate usage. However, the difference will likely be marginal and heavily dependent on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A if you need a phone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, social media, and light web browsing, and value a slightly more responsive user experience. Buy the Infinix Smart 5 Pro if your primary concern is absolute affordability and you only need a phone for the most basic communication functions, accepting a potentially slower and less fluid experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Infinix Smart 5 Pro struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Smart 5 Pro can run these apps, the Unisoc SC9863A’s limited processing power may result in slower loading times, occasional lag, and a less fluid experience, especially when multitasking. The Redmi 9A’s Helio G25 will handle these apps more comfortably.
❓ Is the 10W charging on either phone sufficient for daily use?
10W charging is quite slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take around 3-4 hours. Neither phone is ideal for users who need quick top-ups. Both are best charged overnight.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Both phones can handle very basic 2D games. However, demanding 3D games will likely be unplayable or suffer from severe frame rate drops. The Redmi 9A’s Helio G25 has a slightly more capable GPU, offering a marginally better gaming experience, but don't expect miracles.
