The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Tecno Pova 3 and Infinix Hot 30 are two strong contenders. Both offer impressive features for their price point, but which one truly comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 30 edges out the Tecno Pova 3 thanks to its significantly faster charging and potentially improved software experience. While both share the same chipset, the Hot 30's charging speed and potential software optimizations make it a more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 25 | 2023, March 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 25 | Available. Released 2023, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 173.1 x 78.5 x 9.4 mm (6.81 x 3.09 x 0.37 in) | 168.7 x 76.6 x 8.4 mm (6.64 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 230 g (8.11 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| | RGB notification light stripe on the back (Electric Blue model only) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~389 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.9 inches, 113.1 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS | Android 13, XOS 12.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.55", AF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.55", AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth)
0.08 MP | - |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired
10W reverse wired | 33W wired, 55% in 30 min |
| Type | 7000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Electric Blue, Tech Silver, Eco Black | Racing Black, Surfing Green, Sonic White, Free Fire |
| Models | LF7n | X6831 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | - |
Tecno Pova 3
- Potentially larger battery capacity
- Larger display
- May have a higher refresh rate display
- Slow charging speed
- Software experience can be inconsistent
- Camera performance may be average
Infinix Hot 30
- Faster charging (33W)
- Potentially better software optimization
- Sleeker design (likely)
- Potentially smaller battery capacity
- Display refresh rate may be lower
- Camera may have lower resolution
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature large, LCD displays around 6.6-6.7 inches. Expect similar resolutions (likely FHD+). The Tecno Pova 3 might have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs potentially 60Hz on the Hot 30), offering smoother scrolling. However, panel quality and color accuracy will be key differentiators to look for in reviews.
Camera Comparison
The Tecno Pova 3 likely features a higher resolution main camera (potentially 50MP vs. a lower resolution on the Hot 30). However, megapixels aren't everything. Image processing and software algorithms are critical. Expect both phones to offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. Video recording capabilities will likely be similar.
Performance
Sharing the same Helio G88 chipset means core performance will be very similar. Expect adequate performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. However, software optimization plays a crucial role. Infinix often has a reputation for slightly more efficient software, potentially leading to better real-world performance despite the identical hardware.
Battery Life
Both phones likely pack large batteries (around 6000mAh). However, the Infinix Hot 30's 33W charging significantly outperforms the Tecno Pova 3's 10W reverse wired charging. This means the Hot 30 will charge much faster, a significant advantage for many users.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Pova 3 is ideal for users prioritizing a large display and potentially a slightly larger battery capacity (though real-world performance is key). The Infinix Hot 30 is better suited for those who value fast charging and a potentially more refined software experience, especially if they frequently need to top up their battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones offer adequate performance for casual gaming. The Infinix Hot 30's potentially better software optimization might give it a slight edge, but it's not a significant difference.
❓ Does the Tecno Pova 3 have reverse charging?
Yes, the Tecno Pova 3 supports 10W reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge other devices using its battery.