Infinix Zero 30

Infinix, a brand that has been steadily gaining recognition beyond its traditional markets, is making waves with its value-packed midrange offerings. Among its standout models is the Infinix Zero 30 5G, a device that punches above its price range. This smartphone boasts a premium feel, featuring a sleek 144Hz curved AMOLED display. Inside, it's powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8020, a capable chipset that offers strong performance.

The camera setup on the Zero 30 5G is impressive, with a 108MP OIS-enabled primary camera and a 50MP selfie camera capable of 4K video recording, which is a focal point of its marketing campaign. Stereo speakers, an FM radio receiver, and NFC add to its appeal.

However, there are some downsides to consider. The display, while boasting a high refresh rate, falls short of brightness compared to top competitors. It's not HDR-capable, and there's minor light bleed at lower brightness levels. The out-of-the-box color accuracy leaves room for improvement, although this can be adjusted with the color temperature slider.

In terms of software, the Infinix Zero 30 runs on XOS 13 layered over Android 13. While it offers a smooth experience, it comes with a fair amount of pre-installed apps that might not be to everyone's liking. Software updates might also be a concern, as Infinix typically offers one major Android update and two years of security patches, falling behind industry standards.

Performance-wise, the MediaTek Dimensity 8020 chip performs well in daily tasks, but it does exhibit thermal throttling during prolonged stress tests. Despite this, the device remains relatively cool.

The camera system produces good results in various lighting conditions, with the primary and ultrawide cameras performing admirably. The standout feature is the selfie camera, which captures clean and sharp selfies and selfie videos, even in low light, thanks to its autofocus and LED flash.

In the competitive landscape of smartphones in the $340 price range, several alternatives vie for attention. Samsung's Galaxy A54 offers expandable storage, IP67 protection, and a 120 Hz AMOLED display with HDR10+ support. The Poco F5 from Xiaomi boasts stereo speakers, fast charging, and a versatile camera setup. For a budget-friendly choice, the Redmi Note 12 Pro provides stereo speakers, a high-refresh-rate HDR AMOLED display, and efficient charging. Realme's 11 Pro features a large AMOLED display, stereo speakers, fast charging, and an impressive 100MP main camera. Finally, the Google Pixel 6a stands out with a smaller HDR-capable display, IP67 protection, stereo speakers, and a top-tier camera system, all bundled with pure Android and extensive software support. Each alternative offers distinct features and trade-offs, catering to various user preferences.