The Infinix Note 30 and Honor X8a represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. The Note 30 prioritizes performance with its newer Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, while the X8a focuses on a sleek design and efficient power management with the Helio G88. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing gaming and sustained performance, the Infinix Note 30 is the clear winner. Its Helio G99 chipset and 45W charging offer a noticeable advantage. However, the Honor X8a provides a more refined aesthetic and respectable battery life for everyday tasks, making it a solid choice for casual users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 22 | 2023, February 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May 22 | Available. Released 2023, February 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, glass or leather back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.6 x 76.6 x 8.6 mm (6.64 x 3.02 x 0.34 in) | 162.9 x 74.5 x 7.5 mm (6.41 x 2.93 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 219 g (7.72 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 580 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | 100 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (CRT-LX1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired | 22.5W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Obsidian Black, Interstellar Blue, Sunset Gold | Cyan Lake, Titanium Silver, Midnight Black |
| Models | X6833B, X6716B | CRT-LX1, CRT-LX2, CRT-LX3 |
| Price | - | About 170 EUR |
Infinix Note 30
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G99 chipset
- Faster 45W wired charging
- Potentially longer battery life (based on endurance rating)
- Display specifications are limited
- Camera details are sparse
Honor X8a
- Sleek and lightweight design
- Respectable 22.5W fast charging
- Potentially better optimized software experience
- Less powerful Mediatek Helio G88 chipset
- Lower performance for gaming and demanding tasks
- Less efficient 12nm process
Display Comparison
Both devices lack detailed display specifications beyond the Infinix Note 30's reported 1521:1 contrast ratio. This suggests a standard IPS LCD panel on both. However, the absence of high refresh rate information on either device indicates a 60Hz panel is likely. The Honor X8a's design emphasizes a slim profile, potentially resulting in smaller bezels, but without specific measurements, this remains speculative. Color accuracy is also unknown, but typical for this price segment.
Camera Comparison
Both phones list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, offering minimal insight. Without sensor size or megapixel counts, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning suggests the Honor X8a may prioritize camera aesthetics with a focus on software enhancements. The Infinix Note 30, with its performance focus, may lean towards a more straightforward image processing approach. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on many phones in this segment is often a marketing tactic, offering limited real-world benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Note 30’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) boasts a significant architectural advantage over the Honor X8a’s Helio G88 (12nm). The 6nm process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to better sustained performance and less heat generation. The G99’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – is also more potent than the X8a’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55. This means the Note 30 will handle multitasking and graphically intensive games with greater ease. While both use similar RAM configurations (likely LPDDR4X), the G99’s superior processing power will be the bottleneck, not the RAM.
Battery Life
The Infinix Note 30’s endurance rating of 119 hours suggests a larger battery capacity than the Honor X8a, though the exact mAh is unspecified. The Honor X8a compensates with its 22.5W charging, claiming 50% charge in 30 minutes. The Note 30’s 45W charging is significantly faster, offering a more convenient top-up experience. While the X8a’s lower wattage might seem slower, it’s important to consider the battery capacity; a smaller battery will reach 50% faster with less wattage. The G99’s 6nm efficiency also contributes to better battery life under load.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Note 30 if you need a phone capable of handling demanding games and applications, and value faster charging speeds. You'll benefit from the more powerful processor and longer endurance. Buy the Honor X8a if you prefer a phone with a more polished design, a lighter footprint, and are primarily focused on social media, browsing, and basic communication – prioritizing efficiency over raw power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Note 30 get noticeably hotter than the Honor X8a during extended gaming sessions?
Yes, the Helio G99 in the Infinix Note 30, while more powerful, is likely to generate more heat than the Helio G88 in the Honor X8a. The 6nm process helps mitigate this, but sustained high performance will inevitably lead to higher temperatures. The X8a’s less demanding chipset will remain cooler, but at the cost of performance.
❓ Is the 22.5W charging on the Honor X8a sufficient for daily use, or should I prioritize the 45W charging of the Infinix Note 30?
22.5W is adequate for overnight charging or topping up during the day. However, the 45W charging on the Infinix Note 30 offers significantly faster top-ups, which is beneficial if you frequently find yourself needing a quick charge. If you're often in a rush, the Note 30's charging speed is a clear advantage.
❓ Can the Infinix Note 30 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
The Helio G99 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings, but achieving consistently smooth frame rates at the highest settings may require some optimization. Expect playable performance, but don't anticipate a flagship-level gaming experience. The Honor X8a will likely struggle with high settings in PUBG Mobile.