The Infinix Note 8 and Nokia X20 represent distinct approaches to the budget 5G smartphone market. The Note 8, leveraging MediaTek’s Helio G80, prioritizes raw processing power at a lower price point. Conversely, the Nokia X20 utilizes Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 480, aiming for a balance of efficiency and 5G connectivity. This comparison dissects these choices, revealing which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing 5G connectivity and long-term software support, the Nokia X20 is the better choice. While the Infinix Note 8 offers a slightly more powerful CPU core configuration, the Snapdragon 480’s superior fabrication process and Qualcomm’s optimization provide a smoother, more efficient 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 66, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 15. Released 2020, November 04 | 2021, April 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 175.3 x 78.8 x 9 mm (6.90 x 3.10 x 0.35 in) | 168.9 x 79.7 x 9.1 mm (6.65 x 3.14 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 220 g (7.76 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~258 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.95 inches, 114.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~79.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, XOS 7.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Zeiss optics, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | 64 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP
2 MP, (depth) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | - | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| 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 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, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Po 4470 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Green | Midnight Sun, Nordic Blue |
| Models | X692, MZ-Infinix X692 | TA-1341, TA-1344 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.04 W/kg (head) 0.62 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.51 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) |
Infinix Note 8
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance for specific tasks.
- Likely more affordable price point.
- May offer more RAM configurations.
- Less efficient chipset leading to shorter battery life.
- Potentially less refined software experience.
- Image processing may not be as advanced.
Nokia X20
- More efficient Snapdragon 480 chipset for better battery life.
- Integrated 5G modem for improved connectivity.
- Cleaner Android experience with guaranteed updates.
- Slightly lower peak CPU performance compared to the Note 8.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Potentially limited RAM options.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. The key difference lies under the hood: display driver efficiency. Without specific brightness data, it's difficult to declare a winner, but the Nokia X20’s Snapdragon 480 likely allows for more efficient display power management, potentially extending battery life during media consumption. Bezels are expected to be similar on both, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is challenging. However, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon ISP (Image Signal Processor) generally offers superior image processing capabilities compared to MediaTek’s equivalent. This means the Nokia X20 is likely to produce more detailed and dynamic photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a dedicated ISP within the Snapdragon 480 also allows for faster image capture and processing speeds. The Infinix Note 8 may rely more heavily on software processing, which can introduce artifacts and reduce image quality.
Performance
The core battleground is the chipset. The Infinix Note 8’s MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm) features a dual-core Cortex-A75 setup paired with six Cortex-A55 cores, offering peak performance for tasks that can utilize those faster cores. However, the Nokia X20’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 (8nm) benefits from a more advanced fabrication process. This 8nm process translates to better power efficiency and thermal management, meaning sustained performance is likely higher on the Nokia X20, despite a similar CPU core count (dual Kryo 460, based on Cortex-A75). The Snapdragon 480 also integrates a 5G modem directly, simplifying the design and potentially improving signal strength.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 18W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. The real difference will be battery life. The Snapdragon 480’s 8nm process contributes to significantly better power efficiency. While the exact battery capacities are unknown, the Nokia X20 is expected to deliver longer screen-on time and overall battery life due to the chipset’s lower power draw. The Infinix Note 8’s Helio G80, while capable, will likely require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Note 8 if you need maximum CPU performance for demanding tasks like emulation or light gaming and are comfortable with a potentially less refined software experience. Buy the Nokia X20 if you prioritize 5G connectivity, a cleaner Android experience with guaranteed updates, and a more efficient chipset for all-day battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 480 in the Nokia X20 struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 480 isn't a flagship gaming chip, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. The 8nm process and Qualcomm’s optimizations help prevent significant throttling, providing a more consistent gaming experience than the Helio G80 might offer under sustained load.
❓ How does the software update policy differ between the Infinix Note 8 and Nokia X20?
Nokia is known for its commitment to software updates, guaranteeing at least three years of security updates and two major Android version upgrades for the X20. Infinix’s update policy is less predictable, and users should expect fewer updates over the device’s lifespan. This is a significant advantage for the Nokia X20, ensuring long-term security and access to new features.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Nokia X20 truly useful in most areas?
5G availability varies greatly by location. However, the Nokia X20’s integrated 5G modem future-proofs the device, allowing you to take advantage of faster speeds as 5G networks expand. Even in areas with limited 5G coverage, the modem supports 4G LTE, ensuring reliable connectivity.
