The Infinix Hot 30 is a budget smartphone that packs a punch in the RM500 to RM600 price range.
One of its most interesting features is it is particularly optimized for Garena’s Free Fire, making it a great choice for budget mobile gamers.
The phone comes with Free Fire gaming theme packaging and a cool protective case that enhances its overall user experience.
Infinix Hot 30 Specifications
| Design |  |
| Size | 168.7 x 76.6 x 8.4 mm |
| Weight | 196 g |
| IP rating | No |
| Display | Punch-hole 6.78 inches IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (1080p) |
| SIM slot | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| OS | Android 13, XOS 12.6 |
| Chipsets | Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm) |
| Memory | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Card slot | microSD (dedicated) |
| Main Camera | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.55″, AF |
| Selfie Camera | 8 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Sound | Stereo speakers, 3.5mm jack |
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted |
| Battery | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 33W wired |
| 5G | No |
| Price | Check Best Deal Shopee Check Best Deal Lazada |
Design
The design of the Infinix Hot 30 smartphone is quite impressive. It comes with a glass-like holographic back and a full HD plus a 6.78-inch LCD display that offers a 90Hz refresh rate.
With its RM550 price, this LCD display is considered the upper middle tier among smartphones in Malaysia with similar prices.
The 90Hz refresh rate can provide a smooth and responsive experience when scrolling and browsing for information.
It is also Widevine L1 certified which means users can stream full HD content from services like Netflix on this gaming smartphone.
The Infinix Hot 30 also has stereo speakers with DTS surround sound and a 3.5mm headphone jack. So, it is really well-suited for mobile gamers.
Because it uses a Z-AXIS linear vibration motor, the vibration feedback is ok, but not great.
Performance
The Infinix Hot 30’s performance is impressive for its price range, thanks to its MediaTek Helio G88 chipset and 8GB RAM.
For information, the MediaTek Helio G88 chipset is a 2-year-old chip which uses a 12nm process. It is a medium-range SoC featuring Octa-core processors designed for gaming.
During gaming, the heat generated will be noticeable and the battery consumption will be higher than other latest premium SoCs like Snapdragon 8.
It has a dedicated microSD card slot that supports up to 1TB of expandable storage.
The Infinix smartphone runs on Android 13 with the XOS skin running on top, which unfortunately comes with quite a fair amount of bloatware.
The phone’s everyday performance is decent for a mid-range phone, do expect some occasional stutters if you’re frequently switching between different apps and games.
Camera
When it comes to camera performance, the Infinix Hot 30 does okay for its price.
The main camera at the back features a 50MP Hynix Hi5021Q, 1/2.55” SENSOR.
As with many 2023 budget smartphones, camera performance is generally acceptable with enough lighting. Therefore, taking photos and videos during the day and in well-lit conditions usually will turn out great and with details.
However, the camera struggles in low light, resulting in noticeable noise and grain.
The 8-megapixel front camera is sufficient for casual shots, but definitely not the best.
Battery Life
In terms of battery life, the Infinix Hot 30 is equipped with a 5000mAh battery and supports faster 33W charging wattage compared to its predecessor’s 18W.
This feature allows the phone to charge quickly, making it convenient for users who are always on the go.
Video Review
Check out a detailed review of Infinix Hot30 in the video below.
Competition
As for the closest competitor to Infinix Hot 30, it would be Realme C55, launched in March 2023.
As a starting point, the Realme C55 is currently going for about RM600+ on Shopee and the Inifinix Hot 30 is starting at about RM530+. Therefore, Inifinix Hot 30 has a price advantage.
Both Realme C55 and Infinix Hot 30 use Mediatek Helios G88 SoC which makes both of them very similar in terms of raw performance.
Two of the main differences between these two budget smartphones are that the Realme C55 is thinner and comes with a slightly higher megapixel main camera.
As we all know, camera performance depends not only on megapixels but depending on the sensor as well. As a result, the Realme C55’s camera does not blow away the Infinix Hot 30 by much.
Realme C55’s slightly thinner design makes it easier to hold in your hand.
In my opinion, the choice really comes down to personal preferences. It’s worth paying a little more for Realme C55 if you’re worried about the phone’s thickness and want a slightly better camera.
Conclusion
Overall, the Infinix Hot 30 is a great budget phone for those who prioritize gaming and need a phone with impressive performance and battery life.
Its design is modern and colourful, making it well-suited for the younger generation. Furthermore, it features various Free Fire Theme accessories that are sure to please the fans and hardcore players of Free Fire.
Even though it may have some drawbacks, such as bloatware, it is still an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers who want a phone that offers great value.
