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The Infinix Note 30 was released a couple of months ago, just before the Infinix Note 30 VIP came out. This review got delayed as my review sample came through late, and I prioritised getting the review of the excellent Note 30 VIP.
Inifix phones are generally not sold in the UK, but my phone came with a UK BS 1363 plug. However, I can’t find this on sale in the UK anyway. This plug is also used in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore, which may be the target markets.
Specification
- Display:
- 6.78 inches
- 1080 x 2460 pixels
- IPS LCD, 120Hz, 580 nits (peak)
- Chipset: Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm)
- RAM: 8GB RAM
- Memory: 128GB / 256GB + microSDXC (dedicated slot)
- Rear Camera:
- 64 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2″, 0.7µm, PDAF
- 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
- QVGA
- Front Camera:
- 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
- Audio:
- Dual Speakers
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Fingerprint: Side-mounted sensor
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- Charging: 45W
Design and Display
The Note 30 has the same basic design as the VIP model and the Infinix Zero 20 before it.
I have mixed feelings towards the overall appearance, but there is nothing specifically bad about it, and the build quality is good. You have a plastic back which may feel a bit cheap, but this is understandable at this price point, and it is more durable than other materials.
The display on this is IPS with 580 nits peak brightness and a refresh rate of 120Hz. The display is generally good, in most scenarios, I can’t tell that much difference between IPS and AMOLED. However, once you go outdoors in bright light, the UI can be a bit difficult to see.
The high refresh rate makes the phone feel nice and snappy to use. Scrolling around the UI is fast and smooth.
Due to the IPS display, the fingerprint scanner is side mounted on the power button. These tend to be more accurate and quicker at unlocking than an in-display scanner, but I have become so accustomed to in-display fingerprint scanners I much prefer them.
One thing that’s good about budget phones like this is that they have kept both the 3.5mm headphone jack and the ability to expand storage using a microSD card.
Camera
Similar to the VIP, this may be advertised as having a triple camera, but you only have one usable camera.
The 64MP camera uses the OmniVision OV64B40 sensor, which is a 1/2″ sensor with 0.7µm individual pixels.
The phone can take decent enough photos in good light, and it has a good dynamic range. The big thing that differentiates cameras nowadays is their performance in less-than-ideal situations. In low light conditions, this will start to struggle.
Photo Gallery
Performance and Thermal Throttling
This is a budget phone running the Mediatek Helio G99, which is the same chipset that was used on the Infinix Zero 20.
The Mediatek Helio G99 is based on dated technology, the CPU specification is almost the same as the Helio G90T, which was launched four years ago. The fabrication process has been improved to 6nm, and the GPU has changed from the Mali-G76 MC4 to the Mali-G57 MC2. Therefore there is not much improvement in benchmarks with this phone and a phone that’s four years old running the G90T.
For day-to-day use, performance is acceptable, it runs all my apps without issue, and the UI is fast and responsive. My partner has been using this phone full-time for the past couple of weeks while her phone gets repaired, and she has been perfectly happy with the performance.
You can certainly play games on this, and I had no problem getting Mobile Legends to run OK on this, but if gaming is something that is important to you, you’d be better off spending a little extra on the VIP.
If you just want a phone for basic functions like the Internet, social media, and messaging, then this phone is certainly powerful enough, and I would say the performance reflects the price point.
However, I think MediaTek need to stop rehashing these old chipsets.
Battery
The Note 30 has the same 5000mAh battery as the VIP and the lower-powered MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, and the result is a superb battery life with over 13 hours on the PCMark battery test.
This has slower charging than the VIP at 45W, but I still think this is superb, considering that this is a budget phone (my Pixel 6 is 30W!). Infinix says that it can go from 0-50% in less than 30 mins with a full charge in under 80 mins.
Oddly, the VIP uses power delivery for charging, but this uses a proprietary 11V@4.1A charge, so you are restricted to using the stock charger if you want fast charging. As I pointed out in the VIP review, I’d sooner have slower power delivery charging than a proprietary standard, so it is a bit disappointing that this lacks PD.
Price and Alternative Options
The Infinix Note 30 has an official MSRP of $230, which works out at £175.
This is sold on eBay for £205, but I assume this will be a grey import.
I think that is an excellent price for what you are getting, but the Infinix Note 30 VIP has an RRP of $299, and I think that extra $69 is well worth it as you get a significantly better chipset, AMOLED display, better camera and 50W wireless charging. If you can justify that extra cost, it would be madness not to get the VIP.
The Zero 20, which launched last year, had an RRP of $270. It used the same chipset but had a superior AMOLED display, better camera and faster charging. Though the battery was smaller. Flipkart currently sells this for around $200.
Looking at what you can get in the UK for around £175, you have the Samsung Galaxy M13, which is priced at £170 and is poor in comparison, with a significantly worse chipset, camera, display and slower charging.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is likely the best alternative, but in the UK, it costs more at £200. It has a significantly better chipset and AMOLED display. However, it has half the RAM and slower charging.
Overall
The Infinix Note 30 is a bit of a mixed bag. Looking at it by itself, I’d say it is an excellent phone, you get great specs for a bargain price, and there are few other brands that can compete for this value for money.
The main problem I have is that I think that the Infinix Note 30 VIP is significantly better value for money. That extra $70 takes you from a budget phone up to a good mid-range phone. Alternatively, the Zero 20 is marginally better, and if you shop around, you can probably get it cheaper.
If you are severely restricted by budget, and this is the best you can afford, then I would still say the Note 30 is a good buy.
Infinix Note 30 Review Rating
Summary
The Infinix Note 30 is a good phone that is great value for money when you compare it to competing brands.
Overall
75%-
Overall - 75%75%
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
