Infinix Hot 30 Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Infinix Hot 30 was released just a few months ago in March 2023 and it has already grabbed the attention of many budget-conscious consumers. This smartphone boasts impressive specifications such as a high refresh rate display, a powerful processor, and a large battery capacity. With its affordable price point, the Infinix Hot 30 makes a strong case for being one of the best value-for-money smartphones in the market today.

Design and Build Quality

The Infinix Hot 30 boasts a sleek and stylish design that is sure to catch the eye of anyone who sees it. The phone is made of high-quality materials, with a glass front, plastic frame, and plastic back. While the plastic may not be as premium as other materials, it does make the phone lighter and easier to hold for extended periods.

The phone's dimensions of 168.7 x 76.6 x 8.4 mm make it quite large, but the slim profile and smooth edges ensure that it doesn't feel bulky in the hand. The phone's weight of 196 g is also quite manageable, and it doesn't feel heavy, even when held for prolonged periods.

One of the main highlights of the Infinix Hot 30's design is its ergonomics. The phone is easy to hold, and the buttons are placed in a way that they can be easily reached with one hand. The fingerprint scanner is side-mounted, making it easy to access and use.

The phone's construction is solid, and it feels durable and sturdy. The plastic back is slightly prone to scratches, but this can easily be remedied with a case. Overall, the Infinix Hot 30's design and build quality are impressive, and it is a phone that is sure to turn heads.

Display

The Infinix Hot 30 boasts an impressive 6.78-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and streaming content. The screen-to-body ratio is a commendable 84.5%, providing a wide and immersive viewing experience. The display resolution is 1080 x 2460 pixels with a pixel density of 396 ppi, resulting in sharp and detailed visuals.

The display technology used is IPS LCD, which offers excellent color accuracy and viewing angles. The colors on the Infinix Hot 30 are vibrant and true to life, and the brightness can reach up to 500 nits, making it easy to view content even in bright sunlight. The peak brightness can go up to 600 nits, making it one of the brightest displays in its category.

The touch sensitivity and responsiveness of the display are impressive, providing a smooth and seamless user experience. The display also has a fast refresh rate of 90Hz, which makes scrolling and animations smoother and more fluid.

Overall, the Infinix Hot 30's display is one of its standout features, providing an immersive and enjoyable viewing experience. The high refresh rate, vibrant colors, and excellent brightness make it an excellent choice for users who consume a lot of multimedia content on their phones.

Performance

V. Performance:

When it comes to performance, the Infinix Hot 30 does not disappoint. With its Mediatek Helio G88 chipset and octa-core CPU (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55), the Hot 30 is a powerful device that can handle a variety of tasks with ease. Whether you're browsing the web, streaming videos, or playing games, the Hot 30 delivers smooth and responsive performance that won't leave you feeling frustrated or annoyed.

To put the Hot 30's performance to the test, I ran a series of benchmarks and tests. First up was Geekbench 5, which measures a device's CPU and GPU performance. In the single-core test, the Hot 30 scored 345, while in the multi-core test, it scored 1364. These scores put the Hot 30 in line with other mid-range smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy A52 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro.

Next, I tested the Hot 30's graphics performance using 3DMark's Sling Shot benchmark. This test measures a device's ability to render complex 3D graphics. The Hot 30 scored 2212, which is a respectable score for a mid-range device. It's not going to compete with high-end devices like the iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S22, but it's more than capable of handling most mobile games.

Speaking of mobile games, I spent some time playing a variety of games on the Hot 30, including Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG Mobile. Both games ran smoothly and looked great on the Hot 30's 6.78-inch IPS LCD display. I didn't experience any lag or stuttering, even during intense firefights or action-packed scenes.

Overall, I'm impressed with the Hot 30's performance. It's not going to blow you away with its speed or power, but it's more than capable of handling everyday tasks and mobile gaming. If you're looking for a budget-friendly device that can keep up with your demands, the Hot 30 is definitely worth considering.

But performance isn't just about raw power and benchmarks. It's also about the overall user experience. And in this regard, the Hot 30 shines. The device runs on Android 13 with Infinix's XOS 12.6 overlay. The software is clean, fast, and easy to use. There's no bloatware or unnecessary features to get in the way. Everything just works the way it's supposed to.

One area where the Hot 30 does struggle a bit is in its memory management. The device comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, which should be more than enough for most users. However, I did notice that the device would occasionally close apps in the background, even when I wasn't actively using them. This could be a bit annoying if you're someone who likes to multitask or switch between apps frequently.

Another area where the Hot 30 falls short is in its audio performance. The device comes with stereo speakers, which is a nice touch for a budget device. However, the speakers are not very loud, and the sound quality is a bit tinny and lacking in bass. If you're someone who likes to listen to music or watch videos on your phone, you'll probably want to invest in a pair of headphones or external speakers.

In terms of connectivity, the Hot 30 has everything you'd expect from a modern smartphone. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, and FM radio. The device also comes with a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, as well as support for USB OTG (On-The-Go), which allows you to connect USB devices like flash drives or keyboards to your phone.

Finally, let's talk about battery life. The Hot 30 comes with a non-removable 5000 mAh battery, which should last you through a full day of use. In my testing, I was able to get around 7-8 hours of screen-on time, which is pretty impressive. The device also supports 33W wired charging, which allows you to quickly recharge your phone when it's running low on juice. In fact, the device can charge up to 55% in just 30 minutes, according to Infinix's marketing materials.

In conclusion, the Infinix Hot 30 is a budget-friendly device that offers solid performance and a great user experience. While it's not the most powerful or feature-packed device on the market, it's more than capable of handling most tasks and mobile games. If you're in the market for a new smartphone and don't want to break the bank, the Hot 30 is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of its limitations when it comes to memory management and audio performance.

Software and User Interface

The Infinix Hot 30 runs on Android 13 with XOS 12.6. The user interface is sleek and user-friendly, making it easy for even first-time Android users to navigate through the phone's features. The software comes with a host of customization options, allowing users to personalize their phone to their liking.

One downside, however, is the number of pre-installed apps and bloatware that comes with the phone. While some of these apps may be useful to some users, others may find them unnecessary and a drain on the phone's memory. The good news is that most of these apps can be uninstalled, freeing up space on the phone.

The Infinix Hot 30 also comes with a user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to access their favorite apps and features. The phone's software is regularly updated, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and security patches.

Overall, the Infinix Hot 30's software and user interface are impressive, with a few minor downsides. The phone's customization options, user-friendly interface, and regular software updates make it a great choice for anyone looking for a budget phone with a great user experience.

Camera

The Infinix Hot 30 boasts an impressive rear camera setup, with a 50 MP primary lens that has a wide f/1.6 aperture and 1/2.55" sensor size. It is accompanied by a 0.08 MP depth sensor for improved bokeh effects. The camera is capable of producing sharp, detailed images with accurate colors and good dynamic range. In daylight conditions, the camera performs exceptionally well, capturing vibrant and well-exposed shots. However, the camera struggles in low-light environments, producing noisy and grainy images. The phone also has a 1080p@30fps video recording capability, which produces decent quality footage.

The front-facing camera is an 8 MP sensor with an f/2.5 aperture and a wide-angle lens. It is accompanied by a dual-LED flash, which helps in low-light conditions. The front camera is suitable for social media selfies, but the images lack detail and sharpness compared to the rear camera.

Overall, the camera performance of the Infinix Hot 30 is decent, but it has its limitations, especially in low-light conditions. However, considering its price point, it is a good option for users who want a phone with a capable camera without breaking the bank.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The Infinix Hot 30 comes with a range of connectivity and networking options that are designed to keep you connected with the world. The device is compatible with various cellular networks, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring that you can connect to the internet and make calls wherever you are.

In terms of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, the Infinix Hot 30 comes with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac dual-band support and Bluetooth technology, which allows you to connect to other devices wirelessly. You can also use the device's NFC support to make wireless payments and transfer data quickly and easily.

The Infinix Hot 30 also comes with GPS and navigation accuracy, making it easy for you to find directions and navigate unfamiliar territory. In addition, the device features a range of sensors, including a fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, which enhance its usability and convenience.

Overall, the Infinix Hot 30 offers a solid range of connectivity and networking features, making it a great device for those who need to stay connected and productive on the go. Whether you need to make calls, send messages, or access the internet, this device has you covered.

Additional Features

The Infinix Hot 30 comes with a range of additional features that help set it apart from other smartphones in its price range. For starters, it boasts water and dust resistance, which is a convenient feature for those who often find themselves in wet or dusty environments.

In addition, the phone offers expandable storage options via a dedicated microSDXC slot, allowing users to store more files, photos, and videos. Audio quality is also noteworthy, with a 24-bit/192kHz audio output that delivers high-fidelity sound even when using wired headphones.

The Hot 30's speaker performance is also impressive, with stereo speakers that produce clear and detailed audio even at high volumes. Other unique features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is conveniently located for easy access, and support for NFC and wireless payments.

Overall, the Infinix Hot 30's additional features make it a well-rounded device that offers great value for its price. Whether you're a music lover, a frequent traveler, or just someone who wants a phone that can withstand the elements, the Hot 30 has something to offer.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the Infinix Hot 30 to other related phones, two devices that come to mind are the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and the Realme 8i.

Both the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and the Infinix Hot 30 feature a 6.78-inch display with FHD+ resolution. However, the Redmi Note 11 has a faster 120Hz refresh rate and a better 2400 x 1080 resolution. In comparison, the Infinix Hot 30 has a slightly lower refresh rate of 90Hz and a resolution of 1080 x 2460 pixels.

The Realme 8i, on the other hand, features a 6.5-inch LCD display with a 1080 x 2400 resolution. It also has a 90Hz refresh rate, making it similar to the Infinix Hot 30 in terms of display performance.

In terms of performance, both the Redmi Note 11 and Realme 8i are powered by the MediaTek Helio G96 chipset, which is slightly more powerful than the Infinix Hot 30's Helio G88 chipset. However, the Infinix Hot 30 offers more RAM and storage options with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage compared to the Redmi Note 11's 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, and the Realme 8i's 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage.

When it comes to cameras, the Redmi Note 11 and Infinix Hot 30 both feature a 50MP primary camera, but the Redmi Note 11 has a better overall camera setup with a better depth sensor and macro lens. The Realme 8i, however, has a triple camera setup with a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP macro camera.

Overall, while the Infinix Hot 30 may not be the most powerful device in its price range, it offers a great balance of performance, display, and camera capabilities. It also has more RAM and storage options than some of its competitors, making it a great option for those who prioritize storage and multitasking.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Infinix Hot 30 is a budget-friendly smartphone with some impressive features, but also some notable limitations. Its sleek design and comfortable build make it a pleasure to hold, and the large, high-resolution display is perfect for gaming and media consumption. The powerful processor and ample RAM ensure smooth multitasking and speedy app performance, while the camera produces decent images in good lighting conditions.

However, the phone's battery life is average at best, and the lack of water and dust resistance may deter some users. The software can be improved, with some pre-installed apps and bloatware that may not be necessary for some users.

Overall, the Infinix Hot 30 is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable device with a large screen and decent performance. However, there are other phones in the same price range that offer better battery life and software optimization. If these factors are important to you, it may be worth considering other options before making a final decision.