Infinix’s new smartphone, the Zero 30 5G, has recently made its debut. Marketed as a ‘flagship killer’ with vlogging in mind, this model seems to be the successor to the Zero Ultra. The device makes some commendable upgrades but also comes with a few concessions. Let’s delve into the details.
How the Zero 30 Stacks up Against the Zero Ultra
Upgrades:
- The MediaTek Dimensity 8020 chipset is an impressive improvement over the Ultra’s Dimensity 920.
- The Zero 30 offers options for a whopping 12GB of RAM, compared to Ultra’s 8GB.
- The selfie camera has been significantly amped up with a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL JN sensor against the Ultra’s 32MP.
- The battery gets a boost too, going up to 5000mAh from the Ultra’s 4500mAh.
Downgrades:
- The charging speed decreases to 68W from Ultra’s 180W, although this could be subjective given the Ultra’s smaller battery and the need for a proprietary charger.
- Although the sensor size is bigger, the primary camera has a reduced resolution, shifting from Ultra’s 200MP to a 1008MP Samsung ISOCELL HM6 sensor.
Design & Display: Bold Choices with Practical Implications
The Infinix Zero 30 comes with a 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, peak brightness of 950 nits, and a screen-to-body ratio of 92.7%. The colour options are eye-catching, but the camera module’s design may not be everyone’s cup of tea. While the display is superior to the Note 30 VIP’s flat panel, some might prefer the latter for fewer accidental touches.
Camera Capabilities: Powerful but Limited in Low Light
The Zero 30 boasts a 50MP front-facing camera and a 108MP rear sensor with both OIS and EIS technologies, offering 4K 60FPS video recording. The camera performance is fairly consistent with its cousins—GT 10 Pro & Note 30 VIP—especially in good lighting. However, it doesn’t shine in low-light conditions due to the absence of a dedicated image processing chip.
Performance & Benchmarks: A Mixed Bag
Running on a MediaTek Dimensity 8020 chipset, the Zero 30 performs seamlessly in day-to-day tasks. Though it’s odd that a lesser chipset powers the more expensive Zero 30 compared to the Note 30 VIP and GT 10 Pro, the performance doesn’t show a significant difference.
Software Experience: Introducing Folax ChatGPT AI Voice Assistant
The device runs on XOS 13 built upon Android 13 and includes a voice assistant powered by ChatGPT. Although not as integrated as Google Assistant, it performs adequately for basic tasks. The phone comes pre-loaded with various native apps that are non-intrusive.
Battery: A Dependable Performer
The device houses a 5000mAh battery, an 11% increase from its predecessor, and trades off the 180W hypercharge for a 68W speed. The battery easily lasts a full day on moderate usage.
Price & Alternatives: Still a Mystery
As of writing, the official RRP hasn’t been disclosed. Considering the similar specs to the Note 30 VIP, the Zero 30’s price should ideally not be considerably higher to justify its minor improvements.
Overall Verdict
The Infinix Zero 30 offers an impressive suite of upgrades from the Note 30 VIP, including a premium AMOLED display and improved cameras. However, the absence of wireless charging and a slightly inferior chipset could be sticking points. Its value proposition remains a bit of a question mark without the official RRP, making it a bit challenging to fully endorse it over its predecessors.