Home Phones Infinix Smart 20 vs Redmi A5 Nigeria 2026 — The Honest Comparison...

Infinix Smart 20 vs Redmi A5 Nigeria 2026 — The Honest Comparison Smart Buyers Are Already Making

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The Infinix Smart 20 launches in Nigeria from ₦139,800 and the Redmi A5 sits at ₦99,700 at Kara.com.ng — a ₦40,000 gap between two phones with the same 5,200mAh battery, the same 120Hz display, and the same 15W USB-C charging. That gap has to be justified by something meaningful. This comparison breaks down exactly what the Smart 20’s premium buys you — and where the Redmi A5 quietly beats it despite costing less.

Infinix Smart 20 vs Redmi A5 Key Specifications Comparison

FeatureInfinix Smart 20Redmi A5
Display6.78-inch HD+ IPS LCD, 120Hz6.88-inch HD+ IPS LCD, 120Hz
ProcessorMediaTek Helio G81 UltimateUnisoc T7250
RAM & Storage4GB + 64GB/128GB3GB/4GB + 64GB or 6GB + 128GB
Rear Camera8MP Dual Camera32MP AI Dual Camera
Selfie Camera8MP8MP
Battery5,200mAh, 15W charging5,200mAh, 15W charging
Operating SystemAndroid 16 with XOS 16Android 15 Go with HyperOS
Expandable StorageUp to 1TBUp to 1TB
Special FeaturesNFC, IP64 rating, reverse chargingTÜV eye protection, HyperOS Go

What Are the Standout Features of the Infinix Smart 20 That Justify Its Premium?

The Infinix Smart 20 brings six genuinely uncommon features for a ₦139,800 budget phone: NFC, an IR blaster, stereo speakers, 1.5m drop resistance certification, 5W reverse wired charging, and Android 16 out of the box. No other Infinix Smart model has offered all six simultaneously. Here is what each one means for Nigerian buyers:

  • NFC (contactless payments): Tap your phone on POS terminals for payments without a card. Currently rare at this price point. MTN and Access Bank have NFC payment integration. No Redmi phone under ₦200k currently offers NFC.
  • IR blaster (remote control): Control your TV, air conditioner, fan, and decoder directly from the Smart 20. Open the XOS Remote app, point the phone at the device, and it works. Eliminates lost remote controls in Nigerian households. The Redmi A5 does not have an IR blaster.
  • Stereo speakers: Two separate speaker outputs — bottom and top earpiece — give wider, fuller audio for music, video calls, and YouTube. The Redmi A5 has a single mono speaker. The difference is audible in a quiet room.
  • 1.5m drop certification: Infinix has tested the Smart 20 to survive a 1.5 metre drop. Combined with IP64 splash resistance, this makes it the more durable choice for buyers who work outdoors, on construction sites, or in markets.
  • Reverse wired charging (5W): The Smart 20 can charge another phone through its USB-C port. Connect a cable and share battery with a colleague whose phone is dying. Not fast, but functional in an emergency. The Redmi A5 cannot do this.
  • Android 16 + XOS 16: The Smart 20 ships with the latest Android version. Longer software update runway than the Redmi A5’s Android 15. More recent Android versions bring better privacy controls, improved battery management, and AI features baked into the OS.

How Much Is the Infinix Smart 20 in Nigeria in 2026 — and Is the Price Justified Over the Redmi A5?

The Infinix Smart 20 costs ₦139,800 (64GB) to ₦160,000 (128GB) in Nigeria, making it ₦40,000–₦50,000 more expensive than the Redmi A5 in equivalent storage. Here is the full price map across both phones and the older Smart 10 as a reference point:

ModelStoragePrice (₦)Where to Buy
Infinix Smart 204GB/64GB~₦139,800Kara (coming soon) — category: kara.com.ng/infinix-smart-6-price-spec-nigeria
Infinix Smart 204GB/128GB~₦160,000Kara (coming soon) — same category page
Redmi A53GB/64GB₦99,700kara.com.ng/redmi-a5-price — in stock now
Redmi A54GB/128GB₦110,000–₦125,000kara.com.ng/redmi-a5-price — in stock now
Infinix Smart 10 (older gen)3GB/64GB₦55,000–₦70,000kara.com.ng/infinix-smart-10-x6725-3gb-64gb

Is the premium justified? For the specific features listed above — NFC, IR blaster, stereo speakers, drop certification, reverse charging, and Android 16 — yes, if any of those features matter to you. If you primarily want the best camera for the price, the ₦40,000 premium does not deliver that: the Redmi A5’s 32MP camera significantly outperforms the Smart 20’s 8MP. The buyer picker table later in this post resolves this across all use cases.

Browse current Infinix Smart stock at Kara: kara.com.ng/infinix-smart-6-price-spec-nigeria | Redmi A5: kara.com.ng/redmi-a5-price

Where Can I Buy an Affordable Smartphone With Good Camera Quality in Nigeria — Including Abuja?

Kara.com.ng stocks both the Redmi A5 and the Infinix Smart 20 with Lagos delivery in 1–2 days and nationwide delivery to Abuja and all 36 states in 3–5 days. For buyers outside Lagos:

  • Abuja FCT: Order online at kara.com.ng. Delivery via registered courier to your Abuja address within 3–5 business days. Kara’s Ikeja warehouse dispatches daily. For urgent Abuja needs, also check Slot Electronics Abuja locations and Pointek Abuja.
  • Other states: Nationwide delivery available. Orders placed before noon are dispatched same day. Typical delivery: Lagos 1–2 days, South-West 2–3 days, North and East 4–5 days.
  • Walk-in: Kara’s physical store is in Ikeja, Lagos — close to Computer Village. In-person inspection available for all stocked phones.
  • Corporate / bulk orders: Place your order through kara.com.ng/business — for schools, businesses, and organisations buying 5+ units.

How Long Does the Battery Last on the Infinix Smart 20 Vs Redmi A5 — Which Survives a Lagos Day Better?

Both phones carry identical 5,200mAh batteries with 15W USB-C charging — and both will survive a full Nigerian day without needing a top-up under typical use. They both have a fast charging feature that allows the battery charges fully in under 2 hours. The Smart 20 has one battery advantage the Redmi A5 lacks: 5W reverse wired charging. Here is the honest battery comparison:

Usage ScenarioInfinix Smart 20Redmi A5
Light use (calls, WhatsApp, browsing)2 full days easily2 full days easily
Mixed use (social media, camera, video)~18–22 hours~16–20 hours (smaller Helio G81 vs Unisoc T7250 efficiency)
Hotspot use (sharing data)~10–12 hours~10–12 hours
NEPA-free day verdictSurvive easily — charge overnightSurvive easily — charge overnight
Reverse chargingCan charge another phone (5W)Cannot reverse charge
0% to 100% charge time~2 hours (15W)~1.5–2 hours (15W / some 18W)

The NEPA reality: Both phones are designed for the Nigerian power environment. 5,200mAh at 15W charges fully in under 2 hours — short enough to fully charge on a generator run or a 90-minute office power supply window. Neither phone requires a power bank for standard use, though one is always recommended for extended days away from mains power. Read: 15 Steps to Optimise Android Phone Battery Life

Which Has the Better Camera — Infinix Smart 20 or Redmi A5? An Honest Head-to-Head

The Redmi A5 wins the camera comparison clearly with its 32MP AI dual rear camera versus the Infinix Smart 20’s 8MP. This is the single biggest performance difference between the two phones — and the most important factor for Nigerian buyers who use their phone for product photography, social media content, or visual documentation:

Camera FeatureInfinix Smart 20Redmi A5
Main Sensor8MP f/2.032MP AI f/1.8
Daylight photosGood for WhatsApp sharingSharp, detailed — significantly better
Low-light / nightAverage — soft detailsBetter — 32MP collects more light
Selfie camera8MP — similar quality both phones8MP + soft-light ring — better selfies
Video recording1080p at 30fps1080p at 30fps
AI featuresBasic scene detectionAI colour optimisation, scene AI
Camera verdictAdequate for documentation and WhatsAppClearly better — wins this category

How Do I Troubleshoot Common Issues on Infinix Smart Phones in Nigeria?

Most common Infinix Smart issues — overheating, fast battery drain, slow internet, and app crashes — can be resolved without visiting a repair centre. Here is the quick fix guide for the most frequent problems Nigerian users report:

Common IssueQuick Fix for Infinix Smart Series
Phone overheatingClose background apps (long-press recent button → clear all). Disable Bluetooth and WiFi when not in use. Avoid direct sunlight while gaming.
Battery draining fastSettings → Battery → Ultra-saving mode for light use days. Turn off Always-on display. Reduce screen brightness to 50%.
App crashing or freezingSettings → Apps → select the app → Clear Cache. If persistent, Clear Data (note: clears login). Update the app in Play Store.
Storage full notificationSettings → Storage → Smart Clean. Delete Downloaded Files folder. Move photos to Google Photos and delete local copies.
Fingerprint not recognisingSettings → Security → Fingerprint. Delete existing prints and re-register. Clean the sensor surface — dust and oils reduce accuracy.
Slow internet / network dropsSettings → Mobile Network → Preferred Network Type → set to 4G/LTE. Reset APN: Settings → Mobile Network → Access Point Names → MTN or Airtel defaults.
Screen not respondingPower + Volume Down for 10 seconds to force restart. If persistent, Safe Mode (hold power → long-press Power Off → Safe Mode) to test if an app is causing it.

Which Phone Has Better Long-Term Software Support — Infinix Smart 20 or Redmi A5?

The Infinix Smart 20 ships with Android 16 and XOS 16, giving it a longer software runway than the Redmi A5, which launches on Android 15 with HyperOS. For Nigerian buyers who keep phones for 2–3 years, software support matters because banking apps and social media platforms regularly drop support for older Android versions:

  • Infinix Smart 20 (Android 16): Will likely receive at least one more major Android update (Android 17) and security patches through 2027–2028. XOS 16 brings AI-enhanced battery management, improved privacy dashboard, and faster face unlock.
  • Redmi A5 (Android 15 + HyperOS): HyperOS is Xiaomi’s latest UI — clean, fast, and well-optimised for the hardware. Xiaomi has committed to 3 years of security updates for the A-series. One major Android update is expected (Android 16).

Which Online Stores Offer the Best Deals on Infinix Smart 20 and Redmi A5 in Nigeria?

Kara.com.ng offers fixed Naira prices on both phones with no hidden charges — what you see is what you pay, including warranty. Here is how to get the best deal:

  • Kara.com.ng (recommended): Fixed verified prices. Manufacturer warranty. No price inflation after you add to cart. Redmi A5 live now at kara.com.ng/redmi-a5-price. Smart 20 will be listed at kara.com.ng/infinix-smart-6-price-spec-nigeria once available.
  • Mid-year sale timing: Nigerian retailers typically run July sales. If you can wait until mid-July, entry-level phones like these often see ₦5,000–₦15,000 discounts. Subscribe to Kara’s newsletter or follow @KaraNigeria for deal alerts.
  • Avoid: Social media DMs offering “Smart 20 at ₦80,000.” Any Smart 20 listing below ₦130,000 is either a fake, a stolen unit, or a scam. The phone launched at ₦139,800 — prices do not drop 30% in the first month of availability.

Infinix Smart 20 vs Redmi A5 — Which One Should You Actually Buy in Nigeria?

The right choice depends on your single most important priority. This table resolves every buyer scenario:

Your PriorityChoose ThisWhy
Best camera under ₦150kRedmi A532MP vs 8MP is a clear advantage. No contest for photos.
Longest software supportInfinix Smart 20Android 16 + XOS 16 out of box vs Android 15. Longer update runway.
Budget under ₦110kRedmi A5₦99,700 vs ₦139,800 minimum. In stock now at Kara.
Durability — drops and rainInfinix Smart 201.5m drop certified + IP64. Redmi A5 is IP64 only, no drop cert.
Control your TV with your phoneInfinix Smart 20Has IR blaster. Redmi A5 does not.
Charge another device in emergencyInfinix Smart 205W reverse wired charging. Redmi A5 cannot do this.
Best audio (music, calls)Infinix Smart 20Stereo speakers. Redmi A5 has mono only.
Contactless payments (NFC)Infinix Smart 20Has NFC. Redmi A5 does not — rare at this price.
Best overall camera + budget comboRedmi A5If budget is the hard constraint, Redmi A5 128GB at ₦125k outperforms Smart 20 128GB at ₦160k purely on camera.

The bottom line: If you want the most features for the money — NFC, IR blaster, stereo speakers, reverse charging, drop certification, Android 16 — the Infinix Smart 20 at ₦139,800 is the more versatile phone. If you want the best camera for the least money and can accept a simpler feature set — the Redmi A5 at ₦99,700 is the smarter buy.

What Are the Current Prices for the Infinix Smart 20 and Redmi A5 in Nigerian Stores in June 2026?

As of June 2026: Infinix Smart 20 64GB is ₦139,800 and 128GB is approximately ₦160,000. Redmi A5 3GB/64GB is ₦99,700 at Kara.com.ng. Both prices are tied to the Naira/USD exchange rate — expect fluctuations of ₦5,000–₦15,000 if the rate moves significantly. Confirm the live price on the day of purchase.

Current verified prices at Kara: Redmi A5 — ₦99,700 (in stock) | Infinix Smart series category (Smart 20 coming soon) | Infinix Smart 10 — ₦55,000–₦70,000 (older gen, still stocked)

Related Reading

Buy verified at Kara.com.ng: Redmi A5 from ₦99,700 — in stock now. | Infinix Smart 20 — coming to Kara Smart series soon. Manufacturer warranty. Lagos delivery 1–2 days. Nationwide delivery to Abuja and all 36 states. Corporate and school orders: kara.com.ng/business