The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo iQOO U1 and Infinix Note 8i are two contenders vying for dominance. Both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The iQOO U1 leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 720G, while the Note 8i opts for MediaTek’s Helio G80. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo iQOO U1 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 720G chipset, built on a more efficient 8nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge and better thermal management compared to the Infinix Note 8i’s 12nm Helio G80. While both offer 18W charging, the iQOO U1’s overall efficiency gives it a slight advantage in real-world battery life.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 16. Released 2020, July 23 | 2020, October 15. Released 2020, November 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (6.38 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 171.4 x 77.7 x 8.9 mm (6.75 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, iQOO UI 1.0 | Android 10, XOS 7.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.1, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS |
| Radio | No | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 4500 mAh | 5200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Gray, Blue, Green |
| Models | V2023A | X683, X683B |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 150 EUR |
vivo iQOO U1
- More efficient Snapdragon 720G chipset
- Better sustained performance due to 8nm process
- Superior image processing capabilities
- Likely better battery life
- May be slightly more expensive
- No specific display details available
Infinix Note 8i
- Potentially lower price point
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- 18W fast charging
- May offer larger storage options (depending on variant)
- Less efficient Helio G80 chipset
- Potential for thermal throttling during gaming
- Inferior image processing compared to Snapdragon
- Likely shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, the absence of detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) necessitates a focus on the chipsets’ ability to drive the UI smoothly. The Snapdragon 720G’s more powerful GPU should translate to a slightly more responsive experience, particularly when scrolling through content or playing graphically demanding games. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be standard for the segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the presence of sensors, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the iQOO U1’s Snapdragon 720G includes a dedicated image signal processor (ISP) that generally delivers superior image processing capabilities compared to the Helio G80’s ISP. This means better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices suggests these are largely marketing features and shouldn’t heavily influence purchasing decisions. Focus should be on the main sensor's quality, which is not specified in the provided data.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) utilizes Kryo 465 cores – 2x2.3 GHz Gold and 6x1.8 GHz Silver – offering a balanced approach to performance and efficiency. Conversely, the MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm) employs a Cortex-A75 (2x2.0 GHz) and Cortex-A55 (6x1.8 GHz) configuration. The 8nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 720G is a significant advantage, leading to lower power consumption and reduced heat generation. This translates to sustained performance during prolonged gaming sessions, where the Helio G80 might exhibit more noticeable throttling. While both have 6x1.8GHz cores, the architecture of the Kryo cores is more modern and efficient.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds (approximately 1.5-2 hours for a full charge). However, the Snapdragon 720G’s superior power efficiency means the iQOO U1 will likely extract more usage from a given battery capacity. While the mAh capacity isn’t provided, the 8nm process gives the iQOO U1 an edge in overall battery life, allowing for longer screen-on time and reduced standby drain. The Helio G80’s 12nm process is inherently less efficient, requiring more power to operate.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U1 if you prioritize consistent performance for gaming and multitasking, and appreciate a chipset known for its efficiency. Buy the Infinix Note 8i if you are looking for a phone that may offer slightly better value depending on regional pricing, and are less concerned with pushing the phone to its performance limits for extended periods. The Note 8i is a viable option for casual users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G80 in the Infinix Note 8i struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G80 can run PUBG Mobile, you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The 12nm process and less powerful GPU compared to the Snapdragon 720G mean it's more prone to overheating and frame drops during extended gaming sessions. The iQOO U1 will provide a smoother, more consistent gaming experience.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 720G in the iQOO U1 support advanced features like Wi-Fi 6?
Yes, the Snapdragon 720G typically supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster wireless speeds and improved network efficiency, provided the iQOO U1's implementation includes the necessary hardware. This is a significant advantage over the Helio G80, which generally supports older Wi-Fi standards.
❓ How significant is the difference in thermal management between the two phones?
The difference is substantial. The 8nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 720G generates significantly less heat than the 12nm Helio G80. This means the iQOO U1 will remain cooler under load, preventing performance throttling and ensuring a more consistent user experience, especially during gaming or video recording.
