The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G and the Infinix Hot 30i aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. This comparison dissects their core specifications, focusing on performance differences stemming from their respective Unisoc chipsets and the impact of battery endurance versus charging speed.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and longevity, the Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G emerges as the stronger choice. Its Unisoc T7250 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores clocked slightly higher than the Hot 30i, provides a noticeable edge in multitasking and app responsiveness, complemented by impressive 45:26h battery endurance.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 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 | 2025, March 21 | 2023, March 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 21 | Available. Released 2023, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 171.7 x 77.8 x 8.3 mm (6.76 x 3.06 x 0.33 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 | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 5 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.88 inches, 112.4 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7250 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 15 (Go edition), up to 2 major Android upgrades | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/3.07", AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.94" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (Hot 30i NFC only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Lake Green, Sandy Gold, Midnight Black | Mirror Black, Glacier Blue, Diamond White, Marigold |
| Models | 25028PC03G, 25028RN03A, 25028RN03I, 25028RN03Y | X669, X669D |
| Price | € 69.85 / $ 75.09 / £ 54.99 / ₹ 6,499 | - |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 45:26h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G
- Superior CPU performance due to the Unisoc T7250 chipset.
- Exceptional battery endurance (45:26h).
- Potentially longer battery lifespan (1000 cycles).
- Slower charging speed (15W).
- Display specifications are unknown, potentially limiting visual experience.
Infinix Hot 30i
- Faster charging speed (18W) for quicker top-ups.
- Competitive price point.
- Unisoc T606 provides adequate performance for basic tasks.
- Lower CPU performance compared to the Redmi A5 4G.
- Likely shorter battery life compared to the Redmi A5 4G.
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 720p+ resolution. The user experience will likely hinge on color calibration and brightness, areas where Xiaomi typically demonstrates a slight advantage in budget offerings. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their cost-conscious design.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a meaningful comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside auxiliary lenses (potentially a depth or macro sensor). Image quality will heavily depend on sensor size and image processing algorithms. Given the price point, expectations should be tempered; both devices will likely perform adequately in well-lit conditions but struggle in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests reliance on software-based stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi A5 4G’s Unisoc T7250 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz. The Infinix Hot 30i utilizes the Unisoc T606, with two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores also at 1.6 GHz. While both are octa-core designs, the slightly higher clock speed on the A75 cores of the T7250 translates to a tangible performance boost in CPU-intensive tasks. This difference will be most noticeable when multitasking or running demanding applications. Both chipsets are fabricated on a 12nm process, suggesting similar thermal characteristics, but the T7250’s architecture provides a performance advantage.
Battery Life
The Redmi A5 4G boasts an impressive 45:26 hours of endurance, indicating excellent power efficiency. Coupled with a 1000-cycle battery lifespan claim, it suggests long-term reliability. The Infinix Hot 30i, while lacking endurance data, compensates with 18W wired charging. This faster charging speed will allow users to replenish the battery more quickly, but the overall runtime is likely to be shorter than the Redmi A5 4G. The Redmi A5 4G’s 15W charging is slower, but the superior battery life mitigates this drawback.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G if you need a phone that can reliably handle daily tasks and moderate usage for extended periods without frequent charging. It’s ideal for users who value battery life and consistent performance over the absolute fastest charging speeds. Buy the Infinix Hot 30i if you prioritize quicker top-ups and are willing to trade a small amount of sustained performance for the convenience of 18W charging. This phone suits users who frequently find themselves needing a fast boost in power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T606 in the Infinix Hot 30i struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Unisoc T606 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The Redmi A5 4G’s T7250 offers a slight advantage, potentially allowing for slightly higher settings, but neither phone is a dedicated gaming device.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Infinix Hot 30i from 0% with the 18W charger?
While the exact 0-100% charging time isn't specified, the 18W charging should take approximately 2-2.5 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is faster than the Redmi A5 4G’s 15W charging, but the Redmi A5 4G’s longer battery life reduces the need for frequent full charges.
❓ Is the 1000-cycle battery lifespan claim for the Redmi A5 4G realistic?
1000 cycles represents the number of complete charge-discharge cycles the battery can endure before significant degradation. While achievable, it depends heavily on usage patterns and charging habits. Avoiding extreme temperatures and consistently deep discharging/charging will maximize the battery’s lifespan.
