Infinix Zero 30 5G vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro: Which One Is Worth Your Money?
Both phones technically fall into the budget phone range, but which is better for you?
Remember when buying a decent smartphone in Nigeria meant either draining your entire salary or ending up with a phone that would start hanging after a few months? Those days are fading fast. With brands like Infinix and Xiaomi fighting for dominance in the mid-range space, Nigerians now have more powerful and stylish options without completely breaking the bank.
Two major contenders right now are the Infinix Zero 30 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro, and both bring a lot to the table. But which one really gives you the better value for your hard-earned cash? Let’s dive deep into the comparison.
Oyinebiladou Omemu
1. Display and Screen Quality
Your phone’s screen is where you experience everything — whether you're hustling on WhatsApp, catching up on YouTube, or trying to read under the blazing Lagos sun. The Infinix Zero 30 5G comes with a large 6.78-inch AMOLED display that refreshes at a super-smooth 144Hz. It's great for gaming and general scrolling because it feels fluid and responsive. However, its peak brightness is around 950 nits, which, while decent, can struggle under harsh outdoor lighting common in Nigerian cities.
Meanwhile, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro isn’t playing games. It offers a slightly smaller 6.67-inch AMOLED screen, but it shines brighter — literally — with a peak brightness of up to 1800 nits. Plus, it supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, meaning your Netflix and Amazon Prime shows will look a lot better, with richer colours and deeper blacks. Watching a movie or football match on this screen just feels more premium.
Which Wins: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro. It delivers better brightness, HDR support, and a richer media experience — perfect for Nigerian outdoor life and Netflix lovers.
2. Camera Performance
In Nigeria, whether you're flexing at a wedding, shooting product pictures for your side hustle, or just vibing on Instagram, a solid camera setup is non-negotiable. The Infinix Zero 30 5G goes all-in with a massive 108MP rear camera and a standout 50MP front camera that can shoot crisp 4K videos. For content creators and selfie lovers, this setup is almost unbeatable at this price point. The photos come out sharp, detailed, and vibrant — especially in good lighting.
Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 13 Pro, on the other hand, packs a beastly 200MP main camera with OIS (optical image stabilisation), which helps a lot when you're trying to take clear shots while moving or in low light. The front camera is a more modest 16MP sensor — decent, but not as impressive as the Infinix for selfies and vlogging. Still, that 200MP sensor captures insane detail, especially if you like zooming into your pictures or printing them.
Which Wins: Tie. Infinix wins for selfie and video content creators, while Xiaomi wins for rear-camera photography lovers.
3. Performance and Speed
No one likes a slow phone, especially in a country where multitasking between banking apps, social media, and work is daily life. The Infinix Zero 30 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8020 chipset, paired with up to 12GB of RAM (plus an extra 9GB of virtual RAM). Everyday tasks, gaming, and even light video editing feel smooth and fast, although the Dimensity 8020 isn't exactly a flagship chip.
Meanwhile, the Redmi Note 13 Pro uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, built on a 4nm process. It’s more efficient, delivers better thermal management, and generally handles heavy gaming a little better. App launches are quick, multitasking is snappy, and battery drain is more controlled. It’s the kind of phone that feels fast today and will still feel fast two years from now.
Which Wins: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro. It’s simply a faster, more efficient performer thanks to the Snapdragon advantage.
4. Battery Life and Charging
With the kind of electricity issues we face here, a strong battery life isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. The Infinix Zero 30 5G comes packed with a 5000mAh battery that comfortably powers through a full day's heavy use, and when you need to top up, its 68W fast charging gets you from 0 to 80% in just around 30 minutes.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro matches the battery size with a 5100mAh unit, slightly larger on paper, but the real magic is in efficiency. Thanks to its 4nm processor and software optimisations, the Xiaomi sips power more slowly, giving you a bit more endurance. It also supports 67W fast charging, almost identical to Infinix in real-world usage.
Which Wins: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro. Slightly better battery management, though both charge impressively fast.
5. Software and User Experience
Nobody wants a bloated phone stuffed with unnecessary apps you can’t uninstall. The Infinix Zero 30 5G ships with XOS 13 based on Android 13. While it's feature-rich and heavily customizable (with themes, smart panels, etc.), it can feel a little overwhelming and heavy if you prefer a cleaner experience.
Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 13 Pro runs MIUI 14 based on Android 13, with a planned upgrade path to HyperOS. MIUI is still heavy compared to stock Android, but it’s more polished and smoother than previous versions. Plus, Xiaomi has a slightly better track record of software updates, which is important if you’re planning to hold onto your phone for a few years.
Which Wins: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro. MIUI isn’t perfect, but it’s a cleaner, smoother experience than XOS.
6. Build Quality and Design
Phones are fashion statements in Nigeria now — you can’t be pulling out an ugly device in public! Infinix Zero 30 5G definitely brings the looks. It features a slim, curved AMOLED design that feels flagship-like, with Gorilla Glass 5 protection front and back. It looks way more expensive than it costs.
Meanwhile, the Redmi Note 13 Pro goes for a more sturdy, practical design. It's slightly chunkier, flatter, and more solid. Xiaomi also uses Gorilla Glass Victus on the front for better scratch and drop resistance, and the IP54 rating gives it basic dust and splash protection, which is handy when that sudden rainstorm hits.
Which Wins: Tie. Infinix wins for flashy, stylish design; Xiaomi wins for durability and toughness.
7. Price and Value for Money in Nigeria
The Infinix Zero 30 5G usually goes for around ₦320,000 to ₦350,000, depending on where you buy it. It’s slightly cheaper and often comes with promos like free earphones or data bundles.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro (5G version) typically lands around ₦380,000 to ₦410,000. It’s more expensive, but you’re getting a brighter display, a 200MP camera, slightly better performance, and longer software support.
Which Wins: Infinix Zero 30 5G. If you're looking strictly at naira-for-naira value, Infinix gives you more flagship-like features for less.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a content creator, selfie addict, or just someone who loves a stylish, premium-looking phone without spending too much, the Infinix Zero 30 5G is a killer choice. You’ll get amazing video quality, fast charging, and great design at a lower price point.
However, if you want a more balanced all-rounder — better rear camera, stronger battery efficiency, brighter screen, and longer-term software support — and you don’t mind paying a little extra, then the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro is the smarter buy for the future.
At the end of the day, both phones punch above their weight — it just depends on what you value most.
