The Infinix Hot series consistently delivers impressive features at affordable prices. The Hot 20S and Hot 30i are two of the latest contenders, each vying for the title of best budget smartphone. But which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 20S edges out the Hot 30i thanks to its superior chipset and reverse charging capability. While the Hot 30i offers a slightly improved display, the 20S's stronger performance makes it the better overall choice for most users seeking a budget-friendly device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28A, 28, 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, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 13 | 2023, March 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 13 | Available. Released 2023, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.7 x 76.8 x 8.5 mm (6.64 x 3.02 x 0.33 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 | 202 g (7.13 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 12 | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/3.07", AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 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, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (Hot 30i NFC only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sonic Black, Tempo Blue, Fantasy Purple, Light-rider White (Neon Edition) | Mirror Black, Glacier Blue, Diamond White, Marigold |
| Models | X6827 | X669, X669D |
Infinix Hot 20S
- More powerful chipset (Helio G96)
- Reverse wired charging
- Likely better gaming performance
- Potentially better image processing
- May have a lower display refresh rate
- Design might be less modern than the Hot 30i
Infinix Hot 30i
- Potentially higher display refresh rate (120Hz)
- Slightly more modern design (speculative)
- Good battery life
- Weaker chipset (Unisoc T606)
- No reverse charging
- Lower performance for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch display, likely with an FHD+ resolution. The Hot 30i may have a slightly higher refresh rate (potentially 120Hz vs 60Hz on the 20S), leading to smoother scrolling and animations. However, panel technology (AMOLED vs IPS) is not specified and would significantly impact color accuracy and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are not fully detailed, but both likely feature a 50MP main sensor. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. The Hot 20S might have a slight edge due to the more powerful processor aiding in image processing. Expect similar selfie camera capabilities.
Performance
The Mediatek Helio G96 in the Hot 20S is significantly more powerful than the Unisoc T606 in the Hot 30i. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 20S. The G96's Cortex-A76 cores provide a boost for demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life. The Hot 20S includes 18W wired charging and reverse wired charging, while the Hot 30i only has 18W wired charging. Reverse charging is a valuable feature for topping up accessories.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Hot 20S is ideal for users prioritizing performance and versatility, especially those who might want to use their phone to charge other devices. The Hot 30i is a good option for those who value a slightly better display and are less concerned with raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Infinix Hot 30i good for gaming?
The Hot 30i is adequate for casual gaming, but the Hot 20S's more powerful chipset will provide a smoother and more enjoyable experience for more demanding games.
❓ Can the Infinix Hot 20S charge other devices?
Yes, the Hot 20S supports reverse wired charging, allowing you to use it as a power bank for other devices.