The ZTE Blade A53 Pro and Infinix Hot 30i represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices rely on Unisoc chipsets to deliver an affordable Android experience, but significant differences in their silicon and charging capabilities dictate which phone is the better choice for different users. This comparison dissects those differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Infinix Hot 30i emerges as the superior choice. Its more modern Unisoc T606 chipset, fabricated on a smaller 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the ZTE Blade A53 Pro’s older 22nm SC9863A1. The 18W charging also significantly reduces downtime, making the Hot 30i a more practical daily driver.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 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, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April | 2023, March 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April | Available. Released 2023, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.7 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.34 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) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/3.07", AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.94" |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (Hot 30i NFC only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | 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 | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Green | Mirror Black, Glacier Blue, Diamond White, Marigold |
| Models | - | X669, X669D |
ZTE Blade A53 Pro
- Potentially lower price point.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Acceptable for basic communication tasks.
- Outdated Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Limited performance for demanding apps.
Infinix Hot 30i
- More powerful Unisoc T606 chipset.
- Faster 18W charging.
- Improved performance for multitasking and gaming.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Still an entry-level device with limitations.
- Camera quality likely similar to ZTE A53 Pro.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, details like panel type and resolution are not provided. However, the focus should be on the processing power needed to drive the display, which we'll cover in the performance section. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, and color accuracy will be basic. The absence of high refresh rates is expected.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards social media sharing. The absence of information regarding sensor size or optical image stabilization suggests both rely on computational photography to enhance image quality. Given the likely similar sensor quality, the Hot 30i’s more powerful chipset could offer faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn't be a deciding factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Hot 30i’s Unisoc T606 (12nm) is a clear upgrade over the ZTE Blade A53 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm). The T606 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.6GHz alongside six A55 cores, while the A53 Pro relies solely on four A55 cores at 1.6GHz and four at 1.2GHz. This architectural difference translates to significantly better multi-core and single-core performance for the Hot 30i, particularly in app launch times and multitasking. The 12nm process also contributes to improved power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life under load. While neither chipset is a gaming powerhouse, the Hot 30i will handle less demanding titles with greater fluidity.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified, but the charging wattage is a key differentiator. The Infinix Hot 30i’s 18W wired charging is a substantial improvement over the ZTE Blade A53 Pro’s 10W charging. This means the Hot 30i will charge significantly faster, reducing downtime and making it more convenient for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day. Even with a similar battery capacity, the faster charging speed provides a tangible benefit.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A53 Pro if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing, and you prioritize absolute minimal cost. Buy the Infinix Hot 30i if you want a more responsive experience for social media, streaming, and occasional gaming, and value faster charging to minimize interruptions. The Hot 30i is the better all-rounder for the vast majority of users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Hot 30i handle popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 chipset in the Infinix Hot 30i is significantly more capable than the ZTE Blade A53 Pro’s chipset when it comes to running social media applications. The Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable performance boost, resulting in smoother scrolling, faster loading times, and a more responsive overall experience.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Infinix Hot 30i from 0% with the included charger?
While the exact charging time depends on battery capacity (which isn't specified), the 18W charging of the Infinix Hot 30i will be considerably faster than the ZTE Blade A53 Pro’s 10W charging. Expect a full charge in approximately 2-3 hours, a substantial improvement over the potentially 4+ hours required for the ZTE.
❓ Is the ZTE Blade A53 Pro suitable for playing mobile games?
The ZTE Blade A53 Pro is only suitable for very light gaming. The Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset lacks the processing power and graphics capabilities to handle demanding games smoothly. Expect low frame rates and significant lag in most modern titles. The Infinix Hot 30i is a better choice for casual gaming.
❓ Does either phone support VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling?
This information isn't provided in the specifications. However, given the target market, it's likely both phones support basic VoLTE functionality. Wi-Fi calling support is less certain and would depend on carrier compatibility. Checking with your mobile carrier is recommended.
