Infinix Zero 30 vs Nothing Phone (2): A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The Infinix Zero 30 and Nothing Phone (2) represent compelling options in a crowded mid-range and upper-mid-range smartphone market. The Zero 30 aims to deliver flagship-level performance at a more accessible price point, while the Nothing Phone (2) focuses on a unique design and refined software experience. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and fast charging, the Nothing Phone (2) emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset provides a noticeable performance edge, and the inclusion of wireless charging adds convenience. However, the Infinix Zero 30 offers a compelling value proposition for budget-conscious buyers.

PHONES
Phone Names Infinix Zero 30 Nothing Phone (2)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, September 012023, July 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, SeptemberAvailable. Released 2023, July 17
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) or eco leather back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions164.5 x 75 x 7.9 mm (6.48 x 2.95 x 0.31 in)162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm (6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight185 g (6.53 oz)201.2 g (7.09 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 950 nits (peak)LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1920Hz PWM, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 1600 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 8020 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9Adreno 730
OSAndroid 13, XOS 13Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple108 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP, f/2.4-
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, live HDR, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesLED flashHDR
Single50 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
BluetoothYes5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1), NavIC
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging68W wired, 80% in 30 min45W wired, PD3.0, PPS, QC4, 100% in 55 min 15W wireless, 100% in 130 min 5W reverse wireless
Type5000 mAhLi-Ion 4700 mAh
Misc
ColorsRome Green, Golden Hour, Fantasy PurpleWhite, Dark Gray
ModelsX6731A065
Price-$ 379.99 / £ 370.00

Infinix Zero 30

  • Significantly faster wired charging (68W)
  • More affordable price point
  • Competitive endurance rating

  • Less powerful chipset (Dimensity 8020)
  • No wireless charging support
  • Potentially inferior camera performance

Nothing Phone (2)

  • More powerful chipset (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1)
  • Wireless and reverse wireless charging
  • Potentially superior camera quality

  • Slower wired charging (45W)
  • Higher price point
  • Slightly lower peak display brightness

Display Comparison

Both the Infinix Zero 30 and Nothing Phone (2) feature excellent displays, but with subtle differences. The Nothing Phone (2) boasts a slightly brighter panel at 998 nits compared to the Zero 30’s 764 nits, making it marginally better for outdoor visibility. While both are likely OLED panels (inferred from the market segment), the lack of specific panel technology details prevents a deeper analysis of color accuracy and viewing angles. The Nothing Phone (2)'s design also incorporates a more uniform bezel, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are advertised as having capable photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is missing. Without specifics on sensor size, aperture, and optical image stabilization (OIS), a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning suggests the Nothing Phone (2) likely employs a more sophisticated image processing pipeline and potentially larger sensors, resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. The inclusion of OIS on the Nothing Phone (2) is also probable, further enhancing image stability. We can assume both phones will offer a variety of shooting modes, but the quality will likely lean towards the Nothing Phone (2).

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nothing Phone (2) utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm), a previous-generation flagship processor, while the Infinix Zero 30 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8020 (6nm). The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1’s 4nm process offers superior thermal efficiency, translating to sustained performance under load. The CPU architecture also favors the Snapdragon, with its Cortex-X2 prime core (3.0 GHz) providing a significant boost in single-core performance compared to the Zero 30’s Cortex-A78 cores (2.6 GHz). This difference will be most noticeable in demanding games and applications. The Nothing Phone (2) also benefits from potentially faster RAM speeds (likely LPDDR5x, inferred from its positioning).

Battery Life

The endurance ratings are remarkably similar, with both phones achieving around 102-103 hours. However, the Nothing Phone (2) achieves a more impressive 14:21 hours of active use, suggesting better power efficiency despite the more powerful chipset. The Infinix Zero 30 compensates with significantly faster wired charging at 68W, reaching 80% charge in just 30 minutes. The Nothing Phone (2) offers 45W wired charging (taking 55 minutes for a full charge), 15W wireless charging, and 5W reverse wireless charging – features absent on the Zero 30. This makes the Nothing Phone (2) more versatile for users who value wireless convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Infinix Zero 30 if you need a phone that prioritizes fast charging and solid performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, all while staying within a tighter budget. Buy the Nothing Phone (2) if you prefer a more polished software experience, faster overall performance for demanding applications and gaming, and the added convenience of wireless charging, even at a higher price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 8020 in the Infinix Zero 30 suffer from significant thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 8020 is a capable chipset, its 6nm process is less efficient than the 4nm process used in the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. This means the Zero 30 is more likely to experience thermal throttling during prolonged, demanding gaming sessions, potentially leading to reduced frame rates and performance.
❓ How does Nothing OS compare to Infinix's XOS in terms of software updates and bloatware?
Nothing OS is known for its clean, near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware and a commitment to timely software updates. XOS, on the other hand, typically includes more pre-installed apps and a heavier skin over Android. Users prioritizing a streamlined software experience will likely prefer Nothing OS.
❓ Is the 45W charging on the Nothing Phone (2) slow compared to the 68W on the Infinix Zero 30?
While 68W is faster on paper, the difference in real-world charging times isn't massive. The Nothing Phone (2) reaches 100% in 55 minutes, while the Zero 30 reaches 80% in 30 minutes. The addition of 15W wireless charging on the Nothing Phone (2) provides a significant convenience factor that the Zero 30 lacks.