If you are looking for a new budget smartphone in India right now, you might have noticed the Infinix Hot 30i trending on Flipkart and Google Search again. Even though this phone was launched a while ago, it refuses to leave the popularity charts.
Why is an older 4G phone still generating so much buzz in 2026? The answer is simple: massive storage for a cheap price.
In a market where most phones under ₹10,000 offer only 4GB RAM, the Infinix Hot 30i promises “16GB RAM” (8GB physical + 8GB virtual) and 128GB storage. But is that enough to buy it today? Or should you skip it for a 5G phone? Here is our complete, honest breakdown for Indian buyers.
Why the Infinix Hot 30i is Still Trending
The main reason this phone stays famous is its “specs-on-paper.” For a price tag of around ₹8,399 to ₹9,499, it offers features that look very premium.
Key Highlights:
- Huge RAM & Storage: It comes with 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage. This is rare in this price segment. Plus, the “MemFusion” technology allows you to expand RAM up to 16GB.
- Premium Look: The phone has a diamond-cut pattern on the back (especially the Diamond White and Glacier Blue colors) which makes it look like a ₹15,000 device.
- 90Hz Display: It features a 6.6-inch HD+ IPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate, making scrolling smoother than standard budget phones.
The Performance Reality: Helio G37 in 2026
Here is where we need to be honest. The phone runs on the MediaTek Helio G37 processor. In 2026, this is considered an entry-level chip.
If your usage is basic—like using WhatsApp, watching YouTube, scrolling Instagram reels, and calling—this phone will work fine. The 90Hz screen helps keep things smooth.
However, if you are planning to play games like BGMI, Free Fire, or COD Mobile, this phone will struggle. The G37 chipset is not designed for heavy gaming or heavy multitasking, despite the high RAM. The “16GB RAM” is great for keeping apps open in the background, but it does not make the processor faster.
Read More: Oppo K13 Turbo 5G
The 5G Question: A Big Miss?
The biggest drawback of buying the Infinix Hot 30i in 2026 is that it is a 4G-only smartphone.
With Jio and Airtel providing 5G services across almost every city in India, buying a 4G phone now might feel outdated in a year. If you plan to keep your phone for 2–3 years, you might miss out on the high-speed internet that 5G offers.
Current Price in India (February 2026)
As of now, the price on major platforms like Flipkart and offline retail stores is fluctuating based on offers:
- 4GB RAM + 64GB Storage: Approx ₹7,999 – ₹8,399
- 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage: Approx ₹8,999 – ₹9,499
Note: Prices change frequently during sales.
Better Alternatives You Should Consider
Before you hit the “Buy Now” button, look at these competitors. For just ₹1,000 or ₹2,000 more, you can get significantly better performance or even 5G connectivity.
- POCO M6 Pro 5G / M7 5G: Often available under ₹10,000 during bank offers, giving you 5G speed and a much faster Snapdragon processor.
- Infinix Hot 50i / 40i: The newer versions of this same series often have better cameras and updated software (Android 13/14) compared to the older software on the Hot 30i.
- Moto g24 Power: If you want a clean Android experience without ads (bloatware) and a massive battery, Motorola is a strong choice.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
Buy the Infinix Hot 30i if:
- You have a strict budget under ₹9,000.
- You need 128GB storage to store lots of photos and videos.
- You care about design and want a phone that looks stylish.
- You are a light user (no heavy gaming).
Skip it if:
- You want 5G connectivity.
- You play heavy mobile games.
- You want the latest Android software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Infinix Hot 30i support 5G sim?
No, the Infinix Hot 30i is a 4G smartphone. It does not support 5G networks like Jio True 5G or Airtel 5G Plus.
2. Is the Infinix Hot 30i good for gaming?
It is okay for basic casual games like Candy Crush or Ludo. However, it is not good for heavy games like BGMI or Call of Duty because the Helio G37 processor is not powerful enough for high graphics.
3. What is the actual RAM of this phone?
The physical RAM is 8GB. The company advertises “16GB RAM” because it uses 8GB of your internal storage as “Virtual RAM.” This helps with multitasking but is not the same as real hardware RAM.
4. Does it have a good camera?
It has a 50MP primary dual camera which takes decent photos in daylight. The 5MP front camera is average for selfies but includes a dual LED flash for low-light shots.
5. How is the battery life?
The battery is excellent. The 5000mAh battery easily lasts for 1.5 days on normal usage. It supports 18W charging, which takes over 2 hours to fully charge.
