Amir ZulkarnainThe Infinix Hot 30i is a budget-friendly smartphone that brings several noteworthy features to the table, including a smooth 90Hz refresh rate display, 18W fast charging support, and the option for up to 8GB of RAM, which includes 4GB of extended RAM.
Launched in Malaysia on April 10, 2023, this device aims to cater to users seeking an affordable yet capable smartphone. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the various aspects of the Infinix Hot 30i to determine whether it offers a compelling value proposition for potential buyers.
Specification table
| Specs | Detail |
|---|---|
| Processor | Unisoc T606 Octa-core CPU, up to 1.6GHz |
| GPU | ARM Mali-G57 MP1 |
| RAM | 4GB (up to 8GB) |
| Internal Storage | 128GB UFS2.x D4X, LPDDR4X |
| Battery | 5000mAh Li-Po, non-removable |
| Display | 6.56-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1612 pixels, 90Hz |
| Camera | Rear: 13MP+AI Camera; Front: 8MP |
| Connectivity | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, OTG |
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Operating System and Updates | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Additional Features | DTS sound, FM radio, dual-LED flash |
Performance: Smooth and Responsive
The Infinix Hot 30i packs the Unisoc T606 chipset under its hood, boasting a 12nm octa-core processor configuration. This setup includes two Cortex-A75 cores operating at 1.6GHz, complemented by six Cortex-A55 cores running at the same frequency.
The device also features the Mali-G57 MP1 GPU for graphical tasks and comes equipped with 4GB of RAM, expandable to 8GB through the extended RAM functionality. In terms of storage, the Infinix Hot 30i offers 128GB of internal storage, expandable further to a whopping 1TB via a microSD card slot.
In everyday use, the Infinix Hot 30i delivers a smooth and responsive performance for common tasks like web browsing, social media usage, messaging, and video streaming.
It can handle casual gaming without significant lag or stuttering. However, when faced with more demanding games or a heavy multitasking load, the device may exhibit some limitations. On the AnTuTu benchmark, the Infinix Hot 30i achieved a score of approximately 140,000 points, aligning it with other budget smartphones in its category.
One standout feature of the Infinix Hot 30i is its 90Hz refresh rate display. This results in smoother animations and transitions, as the screen can refresh up to 90 times per second. Additionally, the display boasts a touch sampling rate of 180Hz, ensuring faster and more accurate touch inputs.
The device sports a 6.56-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels and a peak brightness of 500 nits. While the display provides good color reproduction and contrast, it may not match the sharpness and vibrancy of higher-resolution or AMOLED screens, which is common in its price range.
Camera: Decent for Daylight Shots
The Infinix Hot 30i boasts a dual-camera arrangement on its rear panel, comprising a 13MP primary camera and an AI camera.
The main camera features an f/1.85 aperture and supports autofocus, backed by dual-LED flash for improved low-light photography. The AI camera plays a role in scene recognition and enhancement. With the rear camera setup, you can capture videos at a maximum resolution of 1080p at 30 frames per second.
Moving to the front, the device is equipped with an 8MP front-facing camera, featuring an f/2.0 aperture and dual-LED flash to assist in low-light conditions. The front camera also supports video recording at up to 1080p resolution and 30fps frame rate.
In well-lit conditions, the Infinix Hot 30i’s camera performance shines, delivering images with good levels of detail and accurate colors. However, in low-light or indoor settings, the camera may face challenges, resulting in images with noticeable noise or blurriness.
It’s important to note that the camera setup lacks certain features like an ultra-wide-angle lens, macro lens, or optical zoom. On the plus side, the portrait mode, available for both front and rear cameras, effectively creates a pleasing bokeh effect around the subject. The selfie camera also offers a beauty mode for enhancing facial features and smoothing the skin.
Battery: Long-lasting and Fast-charging
The Infinix Hot 30i is equipped with a substantial 5000mAh battery, capable of providing extended usage on a single charge, often lasting an entire day or more depending on your usage patterns.
Additionally, the device supports 18W fast charging through a USB Type-C port. With this fast charging capability, the battery can be charged from 0% to 50% in approximately 40 minutes. It’s worth noting that while the device offers fast charging, it does not support wireless charging or reverse charging.
The device’s battery life stands out as one of its notable strengths, demonstrating its ability to handle demanding tasks such as gaming, streaming, or web browsing without quickly depleting the battery.
For those seeking even more extended usage, the device offers a power-saving mode that can further conserve battery life by restricting certain functions and applications. Overall, the fast charging feature adds convenience, ensuring that the device can be quickly replenished when needed.
Durability: Solid and Sturdy
The Infinix Hot 30i boasts a robust and durable build quality, featuring a glass front, a plastic frame, and a plastic back. The device’s rear panel offers a mirror-like finish and is available in three distinct colors: Glacier Blue, Mirror Black, and Diamond White.
Additionally, the smartphone incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that offers both speed and reliability in unlocking the device. Measuring at 164 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm and weighing 191 g, the Infinix Hot 30i provides a comfortable and ergonomic feel during use.
While the device lacks an official IP rating for water or dust resistance, which means it may not be fully resilient to accidental spills or drops, it does come equipped with a protective screen film and includes a transparent case within the packaging. These accessories serve to offer a degree of protection against scratches and minor impacts, enhancing the device’s durability.
Pricelist: Affordable and Competitive
The Infinix Hot 30i is attractively priced at just RM399 for the 4GB+128GB variant in Malaysia, making it an excellent value proposition for budget-conscious consumers.
Additionally, online shoppers may come across special deals and discounts that further reduce the device’s cost, making it an even more cost-effective choice. Here are some of the prevailing online prices for the Infinix Hot 30i in Malaysia as of January 2024:
| Storage / Promo | Price |
|---|---|
| 4GB+128GB | RM349 |
The Infinix Hot 30i stands out as one of Malaysia’s most budget-friendly smartphones, delivering a smooth 90Hz display and 18W fast charging support at an attractive price point.
When compared to other budget smartphones in the market, such as the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus (RM1399), Poco X6 Pro (RM1499), and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (RM2249), the Infinix Hot 30i stands out as a compelling choice for users seeking an affordable smartphone under RM400.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that the Infinix Hot 30i may not offer the same level of features or performance as its competitors. For instance, it may lack higher-resolution or AMOLED screens, advanced camera systems, or faster processors. Consequently, individuals considering a smartphone purchase should assess their specific requirements and preferences to make an informed decision.
Conclusion: A Good Choice for Budget-conscious Users
Prospective buyers interested in a budget-friendly smartphone that delivers a smooth display, extended battery life, and reliable performance should consider the Infinix Hot 30i.
With notable features such as a 90Hz refresh rate screen, support for 18W fast charging, and up to 8GB of RAM (including 4GB of extended RAM), this device offers excellent value in its price range. However, it may not be the ideal choice for users seeking a high-resolution or vibrant display, top-tier camera capabilities, or enhanced processing power.
Pros:
- Smooth and responsive performance
- Extended battery life with fast charging
- Decent display quality featuring a 90Hz refresh rate
- Affordable and competitive pricing
Cons:
- Low-resolution IPS LCD screen
- Average camera performance
- Lack of water or dust resistance
- Absence of features like an ultra-wide-angle lens or optical zoom
If you prioritize a smooth display, long battery life, and reliable performance in a budget-conscious smartphone, the Infinix Hot 30i may be a suitable choice for you.