The Xiaomi Redmi A4 and Infinix Smart 5 Pro represent the fiercely competitive entry-level smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price point, but they take drastically different approaches to achieving this. The key differentiator lies in their chipsets: Qualcomm’s efficient Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 versus Unisoc’s SC9863A. This comparison will dissect these differences and determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Redmi A4 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chipset, built on a modern 4nm process, delivers significantly better performance and efficiency than the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. While the Smart 5 Pro is cheaper, the performance gap justifies the slight price premium of the Redmi A4.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, October 16 | 2021, November 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, November 27 | Available. Released 2021, November 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 171.9 x 77.8 x 8.2 mm (6.77 x 3.06 x 0.32 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 | 212.4 g (7.51 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.88 inches, 112.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4635 Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, HyperOS | Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted) | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5160 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sparkle Purple, Starry Black | Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | 24116RNC1I | - |
| Price | ₹ 7,989 | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 0.81 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi A4
- Significantly faster and more efficient Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chipset
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Better potential for software updates and longevity
- Likely slightly higher price point
- May have limited storage options in base configurations
Infinix Smart 5 Pro
- Lower price point
- Potentially larger battery capacity (unconfirmed)
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Slow and inefficient Unisoc SC9863A chipset
- Slow 10W wired charging
- Limited performance for demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing power, we can infer both likely utilize basic LCD panels. However, the Redmi A4’s chipset allows for potentially better image processing, leading to slightly more vibrant colors. The Infinix Smart 5 Pro, with its less powerful chipset, will likely struggle with smooth animations and responsiveness when navigating the UI. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, typical of this price segment.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera specs, we can assume both devices feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Redmi A4’s more powerful chipset allows for more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. However, the actual image quality will heavily depend on the sensor size and lens aperture, which are unknown. It’s likely both phones include a 2MP macro camera, which offers limited practical value due to its low resolution and fixed focus.
Performance
The performance disparity is the defining characteristic of this comparison. The Xiaomi Redmi A4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 (4nm) is a modern chipset featuring an octa-core configuration with Cortex-A78 performance cores. This architecture, combined with the smaller 4nm fabrication process, translates to significantly higher CPU and GPU performance compared to the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Unisoc chip relies on older Cortex-A55 cores across the board and its larger 28nm process consumes more power and generates more heat. This means the Redmi A4 will handle demanding apps and multitasking with greater ease, while the Smart 5 Pro will likely exhibit noticeable lag and slowdowns. The 4nm process also contributes to better thermal management on the Redmi A4, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained use.
Battery Life
The Redmi A4’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s 10W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chipset in the Redmi A4 will likely deliver comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery. The faster charging speed will also reduce downtime, allowing users to quickly top up their device when needed. The Smart 5 Pro’s slower charging will require a longer time to reach a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi A4 if you need a phone that feels responsive for everyday tasks, handles multitasking without significant slowdown, and offers a degree of future-proofing for app updates. Buy the Infinix Smart 5 Pro if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize the absolute lowest possible price above all else. The Smart 5 Pro is best suited for first-time smartphone users or as a temporary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 5 Pro struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook after a few months of use?
The Unisoc SC9863A chipset in the Smart 5 Pro is relatively underpowered. While it may handle these apps adequately initially, performance will likely degrade over time as apps receive updates and become more demanding. The Redmi A4, with its Snapdragon 4s Gen 2, is better equipped to handle future software updates and maintain smooth performance.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Redmi A4 a significant improvement over the 10W charging on the Infinix Smart 5 Pro?
Yes, it is. 18W charging will significantly reduce the time it takes to fully charge the Redmi A4. While exact 0-100% times depend on battery capacity, you can expect a noticeably faster charging experience with the Redmi A4, minimizing downtime.
❓ Can the Redmi A4 handle basic mobile gaming?
The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 in the Redmi A4 is capable of handling basic mobile games at low to medium settings. While it won't deliver a high-end gaming experience, it will provide a playable experience for casual gamers. The Infinix Smart 5 Pro will likely struggle with even less demanding games.
