The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Cubot Note 30 and Infinix Hot 30 5G represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. However, they take drastically different approaches to achieving affordability. The Cubot focuses on minimizing cost with an older chipset, while the Infinix prioritizes 5G connectivity and a more modern processor. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Infinix Hot 30 5G is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Cubot Note 30’s Helio P35, translating to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more responsive user experience. While the Cubot may offer slightly longer battery life due to the less power-hungry chipset, the Infinix’s 5G capabilities and superior processing power make it the better value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 40 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2023, July 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2023, July 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165 x 75.7 x 9 mm (6.50 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 168.5 x 76.5 x 9.2 mm (6.63 x 3.01 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 580 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13, XOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 20 MP, (wide)
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.55", AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Knight Black, Aurora Blue |
| Models | - | X6832 |
| Price | - | About 140 EUR |
Cubot Note 30
- Potentially longer battery life due to the power-efficient Helio P35.
- Likely lower price point.
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Infinix.
- Lacks 5G connectivity.
- Outdated chipset architecture.
Infinix Hot 30 5G
- Much faster performance thanks to the Dimensity 6020 chipset.
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups.
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to the Cubot.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Performance may be limited by software optimization.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the provided data, a direct comparison is limited. Both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of specifications like resolution or refresh rate suggests a focus on cost reduction. Bezels are likely to be noticeable on both devices. Color accuracy is expected to be standard for the price point, prioritizing saturation over fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a comprehensive comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards social media sharing. The absence of information regarding sensor size or optical image stabilization (OIS) suggests neither device will excel in low-light photography. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is likely a marketing tactic, as these sensors typically produce low-quality images. Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to enhance detail and reduce noise.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Hot 30 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 6020, fabricated on a 7nm process, is a significant leap forward from the Cubot Note 30’s 12nm Mediatek Helio P35. The Dimensity 6020 features a more modern CPU architecture – 2x Cortex-A76 cores alongside 6x Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the Cubot’s 4x Cortex-A53 and 4x Cortex-A53 configuration. This translates to approximately 30-40% faster CPU performance in benchmarks, and a more noticeable difference in real-world responsiveness. The Dimensity 6020 also benefits from a more capable GPU, offering a better gaming experience. While RAM specifications are not provided, the Dimensity 6020 supports faster LPDDR4X RAM, further enhancing performance. The Helio P35 is known for being adequate for basic tasks but struggles with multitasking and demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but the Helio P35 in the Cubot Note 30 is inherently more power-efficient than the Dimensity 6020. This suggests the Cubot Note 30 *could* offer slightly longer battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Infinix Hot 30 5G compensates with 18W wired charging, allowing for faster top-ups. The charging speed difference is significant; the Cubot Note 30 likely charges at a slower rate, potentially negating any battery life advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Note 30 if your primary need is basic smartphone functionality – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize maximizing battery life above all else. You're willing to accept slower performance and lack of 5G connectivity to achieve this. Buy the Infinix Hot 30 5G if you want a phone that can handle more demanding tasks, such as gaming or video editing, and you value future-proofing with 5G support. You're willing to trade a small amount of battery life for a significantly improved user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 6020 in the Infinix Hot 30 5G overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 6020 is a relatively efficient chipset. While some throttling is possible during prolonged, graphically intensive gaming, the 7nm process node and likely adequate thermal design should prevent excessive overheating. Expect playable frame rates, but not necessarily sustained peak performance.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Infinix Hot 30 5G actually useful, or is it just a marketing feature?
The usefulness of 5G depends on your location and carrier coverage. If you live in an area with robust 5G infrastructure, you'll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G. Even if 5G isn't immediately available, having a 5G-enabled phone future-proofs your investment as 5G networks continue to expand.
❓ How much of a performance difference will I realistically notice between the Helio P35 and the Dimensity 6020?
The difference will be very noticeable in everyday tasks. The Dimensity 6020 will handle multitasking, app loading, and web browsing much more smoothly. Gaming will also be significantly improved, with higher frame rates and less lag. The Helio P35 will feel sluggish in comparison, especially when running multiple apps or demanding games.
