The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, with brands constantly vying for attention. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Tecno Pova Neo and the Infinix Hot 30i. Both promise impressive features at an affordable price, but which one truly delivers?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 30i edges out the Tecno Pova Neo thanks to its slightly more efficient chipset and potentially better software optimization. While both offer solid value, the Hot 30i's Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable performance boost for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 09 | 2023, March 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 09 | Available. Released 2023, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 171.4 x 77.3 x 9.1 mm (6.75 x 3.04 x 0.36 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) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Secondary unknown camera | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/3.07", AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 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 | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (Hot 30i NFC only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Obsidian, Geek blue, Powehi | Mirror Black, Glacier Blue, Diamond White, Marigold |
| Models | LE6, LE6h | X669, X669D |
| Price | About 160 EUR | - |
Tecno Pova Neo
- Large Display
- Excellent Battery Life
- Potentially Higher Refresh Rate (90Hz)
- Affordable Price
- Lower Performance Chipset
- Average Camera Quality
- Potentially Less Refined Software
Infinix Hot 30i
- Better Performance (Cortex-A75 cores)
- Potentially Better Software Optimization
- Smooth Multitasking
- Good Value
- Standard Refresh Rate (60Hz)
- Average Camera Quality
- Large Size
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6.6-6.8 inches, with an LCD panel. Expect similar resolutions (likely FHD+). The Tecno Pova Neo might have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs. 60Hz on the Hot 30i), offering smoother scrolling, but this is unconfirmed. Color accuracy and brightness will likely be average for this price range.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones featuring a primary 50MP sensor and additional macro and depth sensors. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. Expect decent daytime shots, but low-light performance will be average. The Infinix Hot 30i *might* have slightly better image processing due to potential software optimizations.
Performance
Here's where the Infinix Hot 30i has an advantage. The Unisoc T606's Cortex-A75 cores provide a performance boost over the Helio G25's all-Cortex-A53 configuration. Expect smoother app launches, faster multitasking, and slightly better gaming performance on the Hot 30i. The Tecno Pova Neo will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones boast large batteries (likely 6000mAh or higher). Battery life should be excellent on both devices, easily lasting a full day of moderate use. Charging speeds are identical at 18W, so expect similar charging times.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Pova Neo is ideal for users prioritizing a large display and extended battery life for media consumption and basic tasks. The Infinix Hot 30i is a better choice for those seeking a smoother overall experience, slightly better performance for multitasking, and potentially a more refined software experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Infinix Hot 30i is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset with Cortex-A75 cores. However, both phones are best suited for casual gaming.
❓ How long will the battery last on each phone?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day with moderate use. Expect around 10-12 hours of screen-on time.
