Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? The Infinix Hot series consistently delivers, and today we're pitting the Hot 11 Play against the newer Hot 30i. Both offer compelling value, but which one comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 30i is the clear winner. While the Hot 11 Play is a decent budget option, the 30i's faster chipset, improved charging, and generally more modern features make it a better overall choice for most users seeking a reliable and affordable smartphone.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2023, March 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 15 | Available. Released 2023, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 171.8 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.76 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 440 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 7.6 | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/3.07", AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.94" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (Hot 30i NFC only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Gold, Blue, Black | Mirror Black, Glacier Blue, Diamond White, Marigold |
| Models | - | X669, X669D |
| Price | About 120 EUR | - |
Infinix Hot 11 Play
- Exceptional battery life
- Very affordable
- Large display
- Decent for basic tasks
- Slow performance
- Outdated chipset
- Slow charging (10W)
- Mediocre camera
Infinix Hot 30i
- Improved performance (Unisoc T606)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Better camera (likely 50MP)
- More modern design
- Improved display (potentially)
- Slightly shorter battery life than Hot 11 Play
- Still a budget phone, so don't expect flagship features
- Performance not ideal for demanding games
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.6-inch displays, likely with an HD+ resolution. The Hot 30i may offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially newer panel technology, but both are adequate for everyday use and media consumption. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The Hot 11 Play typically features a 13MP main camera and a depth sensor. The Hot 30i likely boasts a more capable 50MP main camera, potentially with improved image processing. While neither phone is a photography powerhouse, the 30i should deliver better image quality, especially in well-lit conditions. Both likely have front-facing cameras around 8-16MP.
Performance
This is where the Hot 30i shines. The Unisoc T606 chipset, while not a flagship, offers a significant performance boost over the Helio G35 in the Hot 11 Play. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the 30i. Gaming will also be noticeably better.
Battery Life
The Hot 11 Play is known for its exceptional battery life, often exceeding 2 days of moderate use. The Hot 30i, while having a similar capacity (likely around 5000mAh), will likely see slightly reduced battery life due to the more power-hungry chipset, but the faster 18W charging compensates for this.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Hot 11 Play is a good choice for users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize long battery life and don't need high performance. The Infinix Hot 30i is ideal for those who want a smoother experience, faster charging, and a more modern design without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Infinix Hot 30i worth the extra money compared to the Hot 11 Play?
Yes, the Hot 30i's performance improvements and faster charging make it a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you value a smoother user experience.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Infinix Hot 11 Play generally offers slightly better battery life, but the Hot 30i's faster charging can offset the difference.