The Infinix Note series has always been synonymous with affordability and performance. With the recent release of the Infinix Note 30 5G, the brand continues its tradition of offering impressive specs at a wallet-friendly price point.

But does this smartphone truly deliver on its promises?

To know the answer, we used the device as our main driver and here’s our experience playing around with it!

Before we get started, here’s a quick glimpse of our review unit’s key specs:

Infinix Note 30 5G Key Specs:

• 6.78-inch IPS LCD, 2460 x 1080 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate
• XOS 13 based on Android 13
• Mediatek Dimensity 6080 processor
• Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
• 8GB RAM (expandable up to 16GB extended RAM)
• 256GB internal storage
• 5G dual-SIM
• Triple rear cameras: 108 MP main camera + 2 MP f/2.4 depth sensor + QVGA camera
• Selfie camera: 16MP
• Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
• Sensors: g-sensor, e-compass, l-sensor, proximity sensor, gyroscope
• Battery: 5,000mAh with 45W fast charging
• Color: Interstellar Blue

Infinix Note 30 5G Design

First impressions matter, and the Infinix Note 30 5G doesn’t disappoint in this regard. Our unit comes in the striking “Interstellar Blue” color variant, providing a captivating hue. Its design makes it hard to deny that the device stands out in its price range due to its eye-catching appearance.

Paired with a Mobile Legends-inspired case, the Note 30 5G transforms into a gaming-centric accessory. While this might appeal to gamers, casual users might prefer to showcase the device’s original design. A transparent case could help in this regard, highlighting the phone’s true aesthetics.

However, like any design, it’s not without its flaws. The plastic back housing the camera module at the upper-left corner might not sit well with design enthusiasts looking for symmetry. We just hoped that Infinix placed it in a way that it would complement the sizes of its sensors and flash.

Meanwhile, the phone’s elongated form, rounded sides for comfortable handling, and 205g weight contribute to its ergonomic design.

The device’s practicality also extends to its physical features. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner and dual SIM tray on the left side, along with the microSD card slot, blend seamlessly with the volume rocker and power button on the right. The latter, doubling as a fingerprint scanner, adds to the convenience.

The 3.5mm audio jack, noise-canceling mic, USB Type-C port, and stereo speakers are housed at the base, ensuring easy access to essential features. Up top, stereo speakers and branding for JBL-tuned audio hardware add to the device’s appeal.

Infinix Note 30 5G Display and Sound Quality

The Infinix Note 30 5G boasts a generous 6.78-inch IPS LCD display with a 1080 x 2460 pixels resolution and an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. This combination creates an immersive platform for multimedia consumption and gaming. In addition, with sufficient brightness levels, the device remains usable even under direct sunlight.

Enough talking about its display, after all, its sound quality is its real standout feature. Equipped with JBL speakers, the Note 30 5G delivers a rich audio experience. The speakers produce loud and solid volume levels, even in larger rooms.

We’re also glad that it still sports a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing us to use our wired headsets, which for us still offer the best sound quality over any wireless earphone.

Infinix Note 30 5G Software

The device operates on Android 13 with Infinix’s XOS 13 skin on top. This overlay brings a unique twist to the interface, although it might not be everyone’s cup of tea at first glance. It’s SO vibrant and dynamic, which might not align with the preferences of all users.

Over time, however, you might find yourself adjusting to it, much like we did. The real value here is the customization options that the XOS 13 overlay brings to the table. You can change themes and widgets to suit your taste, adding a personal touch to the interface. So, while the initial look might not have clicked for us, the ability to personalize it made a significant difference.

When it comes to security, the unit doesn’t hold back. It offers both fingerprint and face unlock options, providing a comprehensive approach to keeping your device safe. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner works seamlessly. This means you can quickly access your device without any hassle. The face unlock feature is equally reliable, performing well even when lighting conditions are less than ideal.

Infinix Note 30 5G Performance

Under the hood, the device bags a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset, accompanied by 8GB of RAM (expandable up to 16GB) and 256GB of internal storage. Promoted as a budget gaming phone, the Note 30 5G aims to cater to the gaming community without breaking the bank.

Here are some of its benchmark scores to give you an overview of its performance:

Benchmark scores provide a glimpse into its capabilities, but the true test lies in real-world usage. Gaming sessions yielded promising results, with the device handling medium settings comfortably for smooth gameplay. With this setup, we didn’t witness any noticeable lag or hiccup.

Meanwhile, continuous gaming sessions might lead to some heating, particularly when the battery is running low. Nevertheless, this aspect of performance remains commendable, especially given the device’s price range.

Infinix Note 30 5G Camera

The Infinix Note 30 5G doesn’t compromise on camera capabilities. It boasts a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 108MP main sensor, a 2MP macro sensor, and a QVGA depth sensor. The camera interface is user-friendly and has features catering to those who love taking pictures.

On the front, there’s a 16MP camera snapper equipped with AI features to enhance its outputs.

Sample Photos:

When it comes to well-lit conditions, the camera system performs admirably, producing photos that are ready for direct sharing on social media platforms. The bokeh effect in portrait mode adds depth to images, while night shots maintain impressive levels of detail.

We also appreciate its AI beauty mode, which enhances facial features effectively. However, some noise becomes noticeable in low-light scenarios using its front camera.

Infinix Note 30 5G Battery

A 5,000 mAh battery powers the Infinix Note 30 5G, promising sufficient juice for a day of moderate to heavy usage. As a mainstay for social media, casual gaming, and multimedia consumption, the device held up well during our tests, delivering nearly 6 hours of battery life before requiring a recharge.

Charging the device is also fast, thanks to its 45W fast charging feature. In fact, we could go from 15% to 100% in just an hour of plugging it.

Infinix Note 30 5G Verdict

The Infinix Note 30 5G is a testament to the brand’s commitment to providing quality smartphones at accessible prices.

Priced under Php10K, this device offers exceptional value for money. When compared to higher-priced alternatives that offer less, the Note 30 5G stands tall as a budget-friendly powerhouse.

So, overall, for consumers looking for a capable smartphone without a hefty price tag, this device deserves serious consideration.

You can get the Infinix Note 30 5G (8GB+256GB) for only Php9,999.