The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme Narzo 30 5G and Infinix Hot 11s represent compelling options for users seeking 5G connectivity without breaking the bank. While both aim for affordability, they take different approaches to achieving it, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those choices and reveals which phone delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Realme Narzo 30 5G is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 700 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Helio G88 in the Infinix Hot 11s, making it better suited for demanding tasks and 5G applications. However, the Infinix Hot 11s may offer slightly better battery endurance due to the more efficient chipset.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 17 | 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 21 | Available. Released 2021, June 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.9 x 77 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | NEG Dinorex T2X-1 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2480 pixels (~399 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 108.6 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 7.6 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Polar Black, Green Wave, Purple | Racing Blue, Racing Silver |
| Models | X6812, X6812B | RMX3242 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Infinix Hot 11s
- Potentially longer battery life due to less power-hungry chipset.
- Likely more affordable price point.
- Reliable performance for basic tasks.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Narzo 30 5G.
- Less capable GPU for gaming.
- Older chipset architecture.
Realme Narzo 30 5G
- Faster and more responsive performance with the Dimensity 700.
- Superior GPU for gaming and demanding apps.
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups.
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life.
- May be slightly more expensive.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood: display performance is heavily influenced by the GPU, and the Narzo 30 5G’s Dimensity 700 has a more capable GPU. While specific brightness nits aren’t provided, the Narzo 30 5G’s superior processing power suggests better handling of HDR content, if supported. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be typical for budget LCDs – adequate, but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a role here. The Dimensity 700 includes a more advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP) than the Helio G88, enabling better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality. While both phones likely feature a primary camera, the Narzo 30 5G’s ISP will likely extract more detail and produce more pleasing images, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t heavily influence purchasing decisions.
Performance
The core of this comparison is the chipset battle. The Realme Narzo 30 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) is a significant step up from the Infinix Hot 11s’ Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm). The 7nm process node inherently offers better power efficiency and thermal performance. The CPU architecture also favors the Narzo 30 5G: Cortex-A76 cores at 2.2 GHz versus Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz in the Hot 11s. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The Narzo 30 5G will demonstrably outperform the Hot 11s in GPU-intensive tasks like gaming. While both have octa-core CPUs, the architectural advantages of the Dimensity 700 are substantial.
Battery Life
The Infinix Hot 11s *may* have a slight edge in battery life, despite potentially having a similar capacity. The Helio G88’s 12nm process is less power-efficient than the Dimensity 700’s 7nm process. However, the Narzo 30 5G includes 18W wired charging, which is a benefit the Hot 11s’ charging speed is not specified. This means the Narzo 30 5G can replenish its battery faster, mitigating any potential battery life disadvantage. Real-world usage will determine the ultimate winner, but the Narzo 30 5G’s faster charging is a significant convenience factor.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 11s if you need a reliable daily driver for basic tasks like calling, texting, social media, and light web browsing, and prioritize maximizing battery life. Buy the Realme Narzo 30 5G if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, enjoy mobile gaming, and want to take advantage of 5G networks for faster data speeds and a longer-lasting device due to the more modern chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Narzo 30 5G overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 700’s 7nm process and efficient thermal design should prevent significant overheating during gaming. While some throttling is possible, it will be less pronounced than on the Infinix Hot 11s with its less efficient Helio G88. The Narzo 30 5G is better equipped to sustain performance over longer periods.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Realme Narzo 30 5G actually useful?
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, the Narzo 30 5G is future-proofed for when 5G networks expand.
❓ Can the Infinix Hot 11s handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Infinix Hot 11s can *run* PUBG Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. The Helio G88 struggles with demanding games, and you may encounter stuttering or lag. The Realme Narzo 30 5G will provide a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the Realme Narzo 30 5G in real-world use compared to the Infinix Hot 11s?
Expect app loading times to be approximately 20-30% faster on the Narzo 30 5G. Multitasking will be smoother, and demanding apps will respond more quickly. The difference will be most noticeable when switching between apps or performing resource-intensive tasks.
