The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. We pit the Sendo S230, a relatively unknown contender, against the Infinix Hot 30, a popular choice known for its gaming focus, to determine which offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers. Given the limited information available on the Sendo S230, we'll analyze its likely positioning based on brand strategy and market trends.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing gaming and fast charging, the Infinix Hot 30 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G88 chipset and 33W charging provide a tangible performance and convenience advantage. The Sendo S230's value proposition remains unclear without detailed specifications.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2002, February | 2023, March 31 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 115 x 50 x 24 mm (4.53 x 1.97 x 0.94 in) | 168.7 x 76.6 x 8.4 mm (6.64 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 98 g (3.46 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 96 x 64 pixels, 6 lines, 3:2 ratio | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | - | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Monochrome graphic | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) |
| | Soft keys | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | - | Android 13, XOS 12.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | - | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | Message templates
SMS smileys | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.55", AF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | - | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.55", AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | - | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Alert types | Vibration; Downloadable monophonic ringtones, composer | - |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| NFC | - | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | - | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Alarm | Yes | - |
| Browser | WAP 1.2.1 | - |
| Clock | Yes | - |
| Games | 12 - Splash, Quaddro, Scizzors, FlippIT ... | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| Sensors | - | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Predictive text input
User changeable front housing, back housing and keypad | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired, 55% in 30 min |
| Stand-by | up to 230 h | - |
| Talk time | up to 4 h | - |
| Type | Removable NiMH battery | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | 4 - Midnight, Ink Blue, Frosty Mint, Pepper Red | Racing Black, Surfing Green, Sonic White, Free Fire |
| Models | - | X6831 |
Sendo S230
- Potentially more compact design (speculation)
- Less mainstream brand appeal for some users
- May offer a unique software experience
- Lack of published specifications
- Likely inferior performance to the Infinix Hot 30
- Unknown camera quality
Infinix Hot 30
- Mediatek Helio G88 chipset for solid performance
- 33W fast charging for quick top-ups
- Established brand with a gaming focus
- May include bloatware
- Plastic build quality
- Camera performance may not be flagship-level
Display Comparison
Without specific display details for the Sendo S230, we can assume it targets a similar LCD panel to other phones in its price bracket. The Infinix Hot 30 likely features a 6.6-inch display, common in this segment. The key difference will likely be color accuracy and peak brightness. The Hot 30's display, while not high-end, is optimized for gaming with a potentially higher refresh rate (though unconfirmed). The Sendo S230's display quality will be a critical factor in its overall appeal, and a lack of optimization could be a significant drawback.
Camera Comparison
Given the price point, both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor and supporting lenses. The Infinix Hot 30 likely prioritizes its main sensor for image quality, while the Sendo S230’s camera performance is unknown. We can expect both to include a 2MP macro lens, which offers limited practical benefit due to its low resolution. Image processing algorithms will be crucial; Infinix often tunes its cameras for vibrant, social media-ready photos. Without details on the Sendo S230’s sensor size and aperture, it’s difficult to assess its camera capabilities, but the Hot 30 likely has a more refined camera experience.
Performance
The Infinix Hot 30’s Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) chipset is the defining performance factor. Its octa-core configuration, with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, provides a solid foundation for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The Sendo S230, lacking published specs, likely utilizes a similar-tier chipset, potentially a Unisoc or another Mediatek Helio G-series processor. However, the G88’s proven track record and optimized drivers give the Hot 30 an edge. The 12nm process node of the G88 balances performance and efficiency, though it won't compete with newer 6nm or 4nm chips. The Hot 30's performance will be noticeably better in demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Infinix Hot 30’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage. The advertised 55% charge in 30 minutes translates to a substantial top-up during short breaks. The Sendo S230’s charging speed is unknown, but it likely falls behind. While battery capacity (mAh) is important, the charging wattage dictates how quickly you can replenish it. The Hot 30’s faster charging mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery, offering more usable uptime throughout the day. This is particularly beneficial for gamers who drain battery quickly.
Buying Guide
Buy the Sendo S230 if you prioritize a potentially more compact form factor and a less mainstream brand experience, and are willing to accept compromises in performance and charging speed. Buy the Infinix Hot 30 if you need a phone capable of handling mobile games at reasonable settings, coupled with rapid 33W charging to minimize downtime. The Hot 30 is ideal for users who value performance-per-dollar.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G88 in the Infinix Hot 30 powerful enough for demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G88 can run PUBG Mobile at medium settings with a stable frame rate. While it won't deliver the highest graphical fidelity, it provides a playable experience for casual and moderate gamers. Optimizing in-game settings is crucial for maintaining consistent performance.
❓ How long does it *really* take to charge the Infinix Hot 30 from 0% to 100% with the 33W charger?
While Infinix advertises 55% in 30 minutes, a full 0-100% charge typically takes around 60-75 minutes with the included 33W charger. Charging speed slows down as the battery approaches full capacity to protect battery health.
❓ What kind of storage does the Infinix Hot 30 use, and is it expandable?
The Infinix Hot 30 typically comes with eMMC 5.1 storage, which is standard for this price range. It also supports microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase storage capacity up to 512GB or 1TB, depending on the model.
❓ Given the lack of information on the Sendo S230, is it worth considering if the price is significantly lower than the Infinix Hot 30?
Unless the Sendo S230 is substantially cheaper (over $50 less), the Infinix Hot 30 is the safer bet. The known performance and features of the Hot 30 provide more value and peace of mind. A significantly lower price on the Sendo S230 might indicate compromises in build quality or software support.
