Infinix ZERO 30 5G Unboxing, First Impressions, Camera Samples - Best vlogging phone under PHP 15K?

Dubbed the "ultimate vlogging phone", the Infinix ZERO 30 5G is officially coming to the Philippine market.

Infinix ZERO 30 5G back

As a quick recap, the Infinix ZERO 30 5G highlights a massive 50MP front-facing camera with PDAF focus. Infinix emphasizes that this camera enables the phone to shoot up to 4K UHD videos at 60 frames per second.

4K at 60fps for selfies is a feature that is rare for mid-rangers. Even some high-end devices don't have it. 

Apart from its 50MP camera, the device also appears to be solid overall on paper. It features a sleek-looking body, a 6.78-inch 10-bit AMOLED 144Hz FHD+ screen, a 6nm MediaTek Dimensity 8020 octa-core processor, 

These specs were previously unheard of in its expected under PHP 15K price segment.

Ahead of the launch, we were able to grab a quick hold of it. Here's what we think.

Unboxing/Accessories

The box

As expected, the device arrived in a familiar-looking box with the print of the phone's model name and key features.

Inside the box

Inside, you get the phone itself along with the clear case, SIM ejector tool, paper docs, USB-C 68W power brick, and the data/charging cable.

Upon close inspection, the curved screen of the device has a pre-installed plastic screen protector.

This is not bad even if it doesn't have FREE buds with a mic.

Build Quality/Design

The back design

The new Infinix ZERO 30 5G is undeniably aesthetically pleasing to the eyes.

Impressive materials for the price!

It arrived in a 3D curved real glass back, a metallic-looking frame, and a 3D curved glass front. Both the back and front panels are said to be protected against scratches and light drops by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The whole phone even has an IP53 water splash and dust resistance.

With the case on, I feel that it is well-built enough to last for a few years and that's impressive in its class.

Another look at its back

Checking its back again, the device features a frosted finish with cool-looking patterns. There is also a thin rectangular-shaped camera island featuring its cameras and the circular LED flash. The unit I have is the Golden Hour version with "X" or "diamond" subtle patterns that change depending on where you look at it. This is also available in Rome Green with a vegan leather finish and Fantasy Purple with a dreamy-like effect.

It's arguably the most beautiful-looking in its class!

I liked that it isn't prone to fingerprint smudges, but the version with a frosted finish is a bit slippery to hold.

The curved front panel

In front, the device features a 3D curved 6.78-inch FHD+ 10-bit AMOLED screen with 144Hz refresh rate, 360Hz touch sampling rate, 1920Hz PWM dimming, and FHD+ 2400 x 1080 resolution.

This nice-looking display also has an impressive 92.7 percent thanks to its very slim bezels, especially at this price point. On the top center of the screen is the mentioned 50MP selfie camera that can record up to 4K 60fps videos.

Its screen should make the phone immersive enough even for watching some HD YouTube, Netflix, or Disney+ content while on the go.

There is also an In-Display fingerprint reader at the bottom part of the handset which works just fine and keeps its back design clean.

Top, bottom

On top, you will find the first speaker and a microphone. Below, it has the SIM tray slot pin, another mic, a USB-C reversible port, and another speaker to complete its stereo sound experience.

Volume rocker and power key

On the right, you will find the power key and the volume keys. All of the keys and ports are easy to reach and find.

SIM tray

The handset measures 164.5 x 75 x 7.9 mm and weighs 185 grams. For its screen size and overall specs, it is one of the smallest, slimmest, and lightest in its class. Two-handed operation is recommended here.

The camera layout behind

For cameras, the handset boasts a 108MP f/1.75 Samsung HM6 sensor with PDAF focus It's a camera sensor commonly found on higher-end smartphones. Moreover, it has OIS for improved stabilization when taking photos and videos. It is paired with an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide-angle shooter and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor.

For selfies, it has a 50MP front-facing camera with PDAF focus and Dual Micro-slit Flash.

Here are the first shots we took.

First Camera Samples

1x daylight against the light

Ultra-wide daylight against the light

Indoor close-up

Indoor Portrait mode

1x low light

Ultra-wide low light (Night mode)

50MP indoor selfie

Infinix ZERO 30 5G Specs

Display: 6.78-inch Gorilla Glass 5 protected 3D curved 10-bit AMOLED screen w/ 144Hz refresh rate, 360Hz touch sampling rate, 1920Hz PWM dimming, FHD+ 2400 x 1080 resolution at 388 ppi

CPU: 2.6GHz 6nm MediaTek Dimensity 8020 octa-core processor

GPU: Mali-G77 MC9

RAM: 12GB

ROM: 256GB

Back Camera: 108MP f/1.75 HM6 sensor w/ PDAF, OIS + 8MP ultra-wide-angle + 2MP f/2.4 depth + LED flash

Selfie: 50MP f/2.4 w/ PDAF + Dual Micro-slit Flash 

Battery: 5,000mAh w/ 68W Super Charge

OS: Android 13 w/ XOS

Connectivity: WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (5GHz/2.4GHz), 5G, 4G LTE, Bluetooth, FM Radio, NFC, GPS, dual SIM

Sensors: Accelerometer, light, orientation, proximity, gyroscope, sound, magnetic

Others: In-Display fingerprint sensor, face unlock, IP53 water splash and dust resistance, stereo speakers, Vacuum Chamber Liquid Cooling system, USB-C, Colors: Golden Hour, Rome Green, Fantasy Purple

Dimensions: 164.5 x 75 x 7.9 mm

Weight: 185 g

Price: PHP 14,999

As of the moment

The Infinix ZERO 30 5G ultra impressive so far!

More than vlogging?

It has a superb balance of design, specs, cameras, and more at this price point. Its sibling NOTE 30 VIP is still a bit faster thanks to its use of the stronger Dimensity 8050 compared with the Dimensity 8020 of this ZERO 30 5G. But, it appears to be better in the looks department due to its curved screen. It is also the phone with stronger camera specs due to its 108MP OIS main cam and the 50MP PDAF selfie camera with 4K capabilities.

As I've said above, 4K shooting for videos especially at 60fps is rare even on some expensive devices. Note: Will share samples using its 4K video shooting mode soon.

In general, this is easily one of the most exciting phones we've seen right off the bat in its class. It has the specs to be one of the best "content creator" or vlogger-ready smartphones in the affordable mid-range smartphone market today that could be a good all-arounder as well.

The ChatGPT integration of its Folax voice assistant is also interesting.

I can't personally wait to fully explore its capabilities and get back to you guys with a full review.

By the way, the handset will be available at all Infinix kiosks and concept stores nationwide starting September 30.

It will also come with a discounted price starting at PHP 13,999 at Lazada and TikTok Shop on September 27. There is a WinMe Price of PHP 11,999 via Shopee (claim both shop and platform vouchers to avail of discount).

Those who will get the ZERO 30 5G in any of their online or offline stores might also be one of the lucky winners of an Infinix Smartwatch Ultra, Infinix 43" TV, Infinix Zero Ultra, or an Infinix Laptop X2 Plus!

What do you guys think?