The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y3, a long-standing budget option, faces a new challenger in the Infinix Note 30 Pro. While the Y3 prioritizes affordability, the Note 30 Pro aims to disrupt with faster charging and a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects the core differences to help you choose the right device for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Infinix Note 30 Pro is the superior choice. Its significantly more powerful Helio G99 chipset and blazing-fast 68W charging offer a dramatically improved user experience, justifying the likely price premium over the aging vivo Y3. The Y3 remains a viable option for extremely basic use cases.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (2CA) Cat6 400/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October | 2023, May 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2019, October | Available. Released 2023, May 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm (6.28 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 162.7 x 76 x 8.2 mm (6.41 x 2.99 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 203 g (7.16 oz) |
| | - | IP53 |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1544 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.35 inches, 99.6 cm2 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 900 nits (peak) |
| | - | * the display diagonal size and resolution is unconfirmed |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.0 | Android 13, XOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) | 108 MP, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| | - | Sound by JBL
24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 68W wired, PD3.0, 80% in 30 min
15W wireless
Reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ink blue, Jade Red | Magic Black, Variable Gold |
| Models | - | X678B |
| Price | About 140 EUR | - |
vivo Y3 (4GB+64GB)
- Lowest possible price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Acceptable for basic communication
- Outdated chipset and slow performance
- Slow charging speeds
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Infinix Note 30 Pro
- Significantly faster processor
- Ultra-fast 68W charging
- Wireless and reverse wireless charging
- Likely superior display quality
- Higher price than the vivo Y3
- May still have limited RAM in base models
- Software experience can vary
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so we must infer. The vivo Y3, given its price point, likely features a 720p+ LCD panel. The Infinix Note 30 Pro, positioned as a more premium offering, likely boasts a 1080p AMOLED display. The move to AMOLED on the Infinix would provide superior contrast, color accuracy, and viewing angles. While neither is expected to have high refresh rates, the panel technology difference is substantial. Bezels are also likely thinner on the Note 30 Pro, contributing to a more modern aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera specs, analysis is limited. However, the Infinix Note 30 Pro, being a more recent and positioned device, is likely to feature a more capable primary camera sensor. The Y3 likely relies on a basic sensor for its main camera. The inclusion of features like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is highly improbable on the Y3, but possible on the Note 30 Pro. Image processing algorithms will also be more advanced on the Infinix, resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and should not be a deciding factor.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is considerable. The Infinix Note 30 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the vivo Y3’s Helio P35 (12nm). The G99 utilizes more modern Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.2 GHz) compared to the Y3’s Cortex-A53 cores (4x2.3 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz). The 6nm process node of the G99 also translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling. The Y3’s 4GB of RAM will struggle with multitasking, while the Note 30 Pro, though also likely configured with 4GB in base models, benefits from the more efficient chipset. This difference will be most noticeable in app loading times and overall system responsiveness.
Battery Life
The Infinix Note 30 Pro’s charging capabilities are a standout feature. Its 68W wired charging, supporting PD3.0 and achieving 80% charge in 30 minutes, is leagues ahead of the vivo Y3’s 18W charging. The Note 30 Pro also includes 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, features absent on the Y3. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the Note 30 Pro mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery. Users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their phone will greatly benefit from the Note 30 Pro’s charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y3 (4GB+64GB) if you need a phone for absolutely essential tasks – calls, texts, and light social media – and prioritize the lowest possible price. Buy the Infinix Note 30 Pro if you value faster performance for apps and games, significantly quicker charging, and a more future-proofed platform, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Note 30 Pro handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio G99 chipset in the Infinix Note 30 Pro is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. However, don't expect a flagship-level gaming experience. The 4GB of RAM may be a limiting factor, and sustained performance could be affected by thermal throttling.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the vivo Y3 slow enough to be a major inconvenience?
Yes, the 18W charging on the vivo Y3 is significantly slower than the 68W charging on the Infinix Note 30 Pro. Expect a full charge to take well over two hours, making it less convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day.
❓ Does the Infinix Note 30 Pro support fast charging with all USB-C chargers?
The Infinix Note 30 Pro supports PD3.0 fast charging, meaning it will achieve its maximum 68W charging speed when paired with a compatible PD3.0 charger. Using a standard USB-C charger will still charge the phone, but at a slower rate.
❓ How does the Helio G99 chipset compare to other chipsets in this price range?
The Helio G99 is a strong performer in the sub-$200 price bracket, generally outperforming chipsets like the Snapdragon 680 and the Helio P35 found in the vivo Y3. It offers a good balance of performance and power efficiency, making it suitable for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
