The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo G2 and Infinix Note 40S are two contenders vying for your attention. Both leverage Mediatek chipsets, but diverge significantly in charging technology and feature sets. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the most compelling package for everyday users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing convenience and future-proofing, the Infinix Note 40S is the better choice. Its significantly faster 33W charging, coupled with wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities, outweighs the G2’s slightly simpler experience. While performance is comparable, the Note 40S offers more versatility.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, January 19 | 2024, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, January 19 | Available. Released 2024, October |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.4 x 8.1 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.32 in) | 164.1 x 74.6 x 7.8 mm (6.46 x 2.94 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2436 pixels (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.9 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 840 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 Ultimate |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, OriginOS 3 | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, XOS 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | Unspecified |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Anti-stroboscopic sensor | - |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.52", PDAF
2 MP (macro)
3rd unspecified camera |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1" |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | 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/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired
Reverse wired | 33W wired, 50% in 31 min
20W wireless MagCharge
Reverse wired
Reverse wireless
Bypass charging |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Obsidian Black, Vintage Green |
| Models | V2318A | X6850B |
| Price | About 160 EUR | - |
vivo G2
- Simple and streamlined user experience
- Potentially slightly better thermal management due to 7nm process
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Slow 15W charging
- No wireless or reverse charging
- Limited feature set compared to the Note 40S
Infinix Note 40S
- Fast 33W wired charging (50% in 31 min)
- 20W wireless MagCharge support
- Reverse wired and wireless charging
- Potentially slightly lower power efficiency due to 6nm process
- May experience more thermal throttling under sustained load
- Camera performance likely similar to the G2
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels with FHD+ resolution. The absence of details like refresh rate or peak brightness suggests neither phone is focused on display excellence. Expect typical viewing experiences for this segment, with color accuracy likely being standard rather than exceptional.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a comprehensive comparison is challenging. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on the primary sensor and image processing algorithms. The absence of information regarding sensor size, aperture, or optical image stabilization (OIS) suggests neither phone is a photography powerhouse. Expect adequate performance in well-lit conditions, but image quality will likely degrade in low-light scenarios. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is likely a marketing gimmick with limited practical value.
Performance
Both the vivo G2 and Infinix Note 40S are powered by Mediatek’s octa-core CPUs featuring the same core configuration: 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. However, the chipset differs – the G2 uses the Dimensity 6020 (7nm) while the Note 40S employs the Helio G99 Ultimate. While the core architecture is identical, the G99 Ultimate is built on a 6nm process, potentially offering slightly improved power efficiency. In real-world usage, this difference will likely be minimal for most tasks, but the G99 Ultimate might exhibit slightly better sustained performance during extended gaming sessions. Both phones will handle everyday tasks and moderate multitasking without issue.
Battery Life
The Infinix Note 40S significantly differentiates itself with its charging capabilities. While the vivo G2 is limited to 15W wired charging, the Note 40S boasts 33W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 31 minutes. Furthermore, the Note 40S includes 20W wireless MagCharge, a feature absent on the G2. The Note 40S also supports reverse wired and wireless charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Note 40S’s charging versatility provides a substantial advantage for users who prioritize convenience and rapid power replenishment.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo G2 if you prioritize a streamlined experience and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It’s a solid option for users who primarily need a reliable phone for basic tasks. Buy the Infinix Note 40S if you value fast charging, wireless charging, and the flexibility of reverse charging – ideal for users who are frequently on the go and need to quickly top up their devices or share power with friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Infinix Note 40S’s MagCharge work with all wireless chargers, or is it proprietary?
The Infinix Note 40S utilizes MagCharge, which is based on the Qi wireless charging standard but incorporates magnetic alignment for more efficient charging. While it will work with standard Qi chargers, you’ll benefit from faster and more reliable charging with MagCharge-compatible accessories that provide the magnetic connection.
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G99 Ultimate in the Infinix Note 40S powerful enough for demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G99 Ultimate is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. However, for consistently smooth gameplay at higher settings, you may need to lower the graphics quality or accept occasional frame drops. The chipset is optimized for efficiency rather than raw power.
❓ What does 'bypass charging' mean on the Infinix Note 40S, and how is it useful?
Bypass charging allows the phone to directly power itself from the charger when plugged in, rather than charging the battery first. This reduces heat generation and battery wear, making it ideal for extended gaming sessions or prolonged use while plugged in.
