The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Hot 30 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R are two contenders vying for dominance. The Hot 30 leans on MediaTek’s Helio G88, while the Redmi Note 12R boasts Qualcomm’s newer, more efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing efficiency and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, built on a 4nm process, delivers superior performance and thermal management compared to the Infinix Hot 30’s Helio G88, despite the latter’s faster charging.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 31 | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 31 | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 168.7 x 76.6 x 8.4 mm (6.64 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 13, XOS 12.6 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.55", AF
0.08 MP, (depth) | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.55", AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 55% in 30 min | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Racing Black, Surfing Green, Sonic White, Free Fire | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | X6831 | 23076RA4BC |
| Price | - | About 150 EUR |
Infinix Hot 30
- Faster 33W charging
- Potentially slightly higher peak CPU clock speeds
- Aggressive pricing (likely)
- Less efficient Helio G88 chipset
- Potential for thermal throttling
- Older manufacturing process (12nm)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R
- More efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm)
- Superior CPU architecture (Cortex-A78)
- Better long-term performance
- Potentially better image processing
- Slower 18W charging
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potentially less aggressive pricing
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to feature a high-end display. While specific display specs are missing, both likely utilize LCD panels given their price point. The key difference will likely be color accuracy and peak brightness. The Redmi Note 12R’s Qualcomm chipset *could* translate to slightly better image processing for display output, but this is speculative. Bezels are likely comparable, and neither is expected to offer high refresh rates.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, given the price bracket, both phones will likely feature a primary sensor paired with depth and macro lenses (the usefulness of the latter is questionable). The Redmi Note 12R’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 will likely offer more advanced image processing capabilities, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction. The aperture of the main lens will be a critical factor, but without that data, we can only assume the Redmi Note 12R has a slight edge due to its more modern chipset.
Performance
The core battleground is the chipset. The Redmi Note 12R’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) represents a significant leap in efficiency over the Infinix Hot 30’s Helio G88 (12nm). The 4nm process allows for higher transistor density and lower power consumption, resulting in better sustained performance and reduced heat. While the Hot 30’s CPU has slightly higher clock speeds on its prime cores (2.0 GHz vs 2.2 GHz on the Redmi), the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s Cortex-A78 cores are architecturally superior to the Helio G88’s Cortex-A75 cores, offering better IPC (Instructions Per Clock). This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The Redmi Note 12R will likely exhibit less throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
The Infinix Hot 30’s 33W charging is a clear advantage on paper, promising 55% charge in 30 minutes. The Redmi Note 12R’s 18W charging with PD (Power Delivery) is slower. However, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s superior efficiency means the Redmi Note 12R will likely consume less power during typical usage, potentially offsetting the slower charging speed. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the Redmi Note 12R is likely to offer comparable, if not better, all-day battery life despite a potentially smaller battery capacity (spec not provided).
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 30 if you absolutely prioritize the fastest possible charging speeds and are willing to accept slightly lower performance and potentially more thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R if you value a more efficient processor, better long-term performance, and a smoother overall user experience, even if it means a slower charging rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Hot 30 get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio G88, built on a 12nm process, is prone to thermal throttling under sustained load. While it can handle casual gaming, expect performance to dip and the phone to get warm during prolonged, graphically intensive gaming sessions. The Redmi Note 12R’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, with its 4nm process, will manage heat much more effectively.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12R support Power Delivery (PD) for faster charging with compatible chargers?
Yes, the Redmi Note 12R explicitly supports Power Delivery (PD) charging. While its maximum charging wattage is 18W, using a PD-compatible charger can optimize the charging process and potentially reduce charging time compared to a standard charger.
❓ Is the difference in CPU clock speeds (2.0 GHz vs 2.2 GHz) between the Hot 30 and Note 12R significant in real-world use?
Not significantly. While the Redmi Note 12R has slightly higher clock speeds, the architectural advantages of its Cortex-A78 cores (compared to the Hot 30’s Cortex-A75 cores) and the efficiency of the 4nm process outweigh the clock speed difference. The Redmi Note 12R will feel snappier and more responsive in everyday tasks.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos and streaming content?
Both phones will provide a satisfactory viewing experience, but the Redmi Note 12R’s potentially better image processing capabilities could result in slightly more vibrant and accurate colors. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s ISP may also offer better video stabilization.
