The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Infinix Hot 30i and Samsung Galaxy A14 both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The Hot 30i prioritizes a streamlined experience, while the Galaxy A14 offers configuration variations and Samsung’s established brand recognition. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a slightly faster charging experience, the Samsung Galaxy A14 (specifically the Exynos 850 variant) is the better choice. While the Infinix Hot 30i offers a competitive 50MP camera, the A14’s more powerful chipset provides a smoother overall user experience.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 27 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 27 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 12 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mirror Black, Glacier Blue, Diamond White, Marigold | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | X669C | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 90 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Infinix Hot 30i (50 MP)
- Competitive 50MP main camera
- Clean and streamlined software experience
- Affordable price point
- Less powerful Helio G37 chipset
- Slower 10W charging
- Potentially limited software updates
Samsung Galaxy A14
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G80 or Exynos 850 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Samsung’s brand reputation and potential for longer software support
- Software can include bloatware
- May be slightly more expensive than the Hot 30i
- Camera performance, while good, isn't class-leading
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity. However, the lack of detailed display specs (resolution, peak brightness) makes a direct comparison difficult. We can assume both offer adequate viewing angles for typical use, but neither will excel in direct sunlight. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 50MP main camera, but sensor size and image processing algorithms are crucial. While the Infinix Hot 30i highlights its 50MP sensor, the Galaxy A14’s image processing, benefiting from Samsung’s expertise, likely delivers more consistent results, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of additional, often low-resolution, cameras on both devices (typically 2MP macro/depth sensors) adds little practical value. The focus should be on the primary sensor’s performance, and Samsung’s software optimization gives it an edge.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A14 offers two chipset options: the Mediatek Helio G80 and the Exynos 850. The Helio G80, built on a 12nm process, features a more powerful CPU configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) compared to the Infinix Hot 30i’s Mediatek Helio G37 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). The Cortex-A75 cores in the G80 provide a noticeable boost in single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm node, further enhances efficiency and sustained performance, minimizing throttling during prolonged use. The Hot 30i’s G37, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding applications and heavier multitasking.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A14’s 15W charging is a slight advantage over the Infinix Hot 30i’s 10W charging. While neither is particularly fast by modern standards, the 5W difference translates to a quicker top-up time. Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but typical capacities in this segment range from 5000mAh to 6000mAh. The Exynos 850’s 8nm process in the A14 contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity differences. Users prioritizing minimal downtime will benefit from the A14’s faster charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 30i (50 MP) if you need a capable camera for everyday snapshots and prioritize a clean, uncluttered software experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you prefer a more established brand with potentially longer software support, and value a more responsive user interface thanks to the more powerful Exynos 850 variant.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in the Galaxy A14 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is relatively efficient and manages thermals well. While it may get warm during prolonged gaming, it's unlikely to experience significant throttling, providing a more consistent gaming experience compared to the Hot 30i’s Helio G37.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones produce images with limited detail and sharpness. They are often included for marketing purposes but rarely deliver satisfying results. The primary 50MP camera is far more capable for most photographic scenarios.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A14 run PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Galaxy A14 (especially the Exynos 850 variant) should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at 60fps on medium settings. However, performance may vary depending on the specific game settings and background processes. The Infinix Hot 30i may struggle to maintain a stable 60fps, requiring lower settings.
❓ How long can I expect software updates to be supported on the Samsung Galaxy A14?
Samsung typically provides longer software support for its devices compared to many other budget brands. The Galaxy A14 is likely to receive at least two major Android updates and several years of security patches, offering greater long-term value.
