Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. The Infinix Zero X Neo and Hot 30i are both compelling choices in the budget-friendly segment, but which one offers the best value? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Zero X Neo generally edges out the Hot 30i thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G95 chipset, resulting in smoother performance and better gaming capabilities. However, the Hot 30i might offer a slightly better overall package depending on specific needs and price differences.
| 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, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 13 | 2023, March 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 02 | Available. Released 2023, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.4 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.63 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 7.6 | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/3.07", AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.94" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (Hot 30i NFC only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Nebula Black, Starry Silver, Bahamas Blue | Mirror Black, Glacier Blue, Diamond White, Marigold |
| Models | - | X669, X669D |
| Price | About 210 EUR | - |
Infinix Zero X Neo
- Superior Performance (Helio G95)
- Better Camera Quality
- Potentially Better Display
- More Premium Feel (likely)
- Slower Charging (18W)
- Potentially Higher Price
- May lack some features of the Hot 30i (e.g., NFC)
Infinix Hot 30i
- More Affordable
- Potentially Slightly Better Battery Efficiency
- Likely includes NFC
- Good for Basic Tasks
- Weaker Performance (Unisoc T606)
- Lower Camera Quality
- Less Premium Build Quality
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely AMOLED or IPS LCD) with comparable resolutions (likely FHD+). The Zero X Neo might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially higher-quality components, but this is not definitively confirmed without specific display testing data. Screen size is likely around 6.6-6.8 inches for both.
Camera Comparison
The Zero X Neo is expected to have a more capable camera system. While both likely feature multiple lenses (main, ultrawide, macro), the Zero X Neo's G95 chipset often pairs with better image processing capabilities. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the Zero X Neo. Specific megapixel counts are likely similar, but image quality will differ.
Performance
This is where the Zero X Neo shines. The Helio G95 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Unisoc T606. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and significantly better gaming performance on the Zero X Neo. The T606 is adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 18W wired charging, which is relatively slow by modern standards. Battery capacity is likely around 5000mAh for both, suggesting similar battery life in typical usage. The Unisoc T606 in the Hot 30i *might* offer slightly better efficiency, potentially extending battery life marginally, but the difference is unlikely to be significant.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Zero X Neo is ideal for users who prioritize performance, especially for gaming and multitasking. The Infinix Hot 30i is a good choice for those seeking a reliable daily driver with a focus on battery life and a more budget-friendly price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Infinix Zero X Neo worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance and camera quality, then yes. The Helio G95 chipset makes a significant difference. However, if you're on a tight budget and primarily use your phone for basic tasks, the Hot 30i is a solid alternative.
❓ Does the Hot 30i support 5G?
No, neither the Infinix Zero X Neo nor the Hot 30i support 5G connectivity. They both rely on 4G LTE.