Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Infinix Hot series consistently delivers impressive value. Today, we're pitting the Infinix Hot 11 Play against the Hot 12i to see which one emerges as the champion in the budget phone arena.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 11 Play edges out the Hot 12i thanks to its more powerful Helio G35 chipset and slightly better overall performance. While both offer decent battery life and basic features, the Hot 11 Play provides a smoother user experience for the price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2022, April 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 15 | Available. Released 2022, April 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 171.8 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.76 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) | 164.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 440 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 480 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 7.6 | Android 11, XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Gold, Blue, Black | Racing Black, Horizon Blue, Haze Green, Champagne Gold |
| Models | - | X665B, X665 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Infinix Hot 11 Play
- More powerful chipset (Helio G35)
- Better multitasking performance
- Slightly better image processing
- Larger RAM options often available
- 10W charging is slow
- Basic camera features
- Plastic build quality
Infinix Hot 12i
- More affordable
- Large battery capacity
- Decent display for the price
- Lightweight design
- Less powerful chipset (Helio A22)
- Slower performance
- 10W charging is slow
- Potentially lower RAM options
Display Comparison
Both phones typically feature a large 6.6-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. Expect similar viewing experiences, though color accuracy and brightness might vary slightly. The Hot 11 Play may have a marginally better panel based on user reports, but it's not a significant difference.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a dual-camera setup on the rear, with a primary sensor around 13MP and a depth sensor. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Hot 11 Play might offer slightly better image processing. Low-light performance will be average on both.
Performance
This is where the Hot 11 Play takes a clear lead. The Helio G35 chipset boasts an octa-core CPU, whereas the Hot 12i has a quad-core Helio A22. This translates to noticeably better multitasking and app loading speeds on the Hot 11 Play. Gaming performance will also be superior on the Hot 11 Play, even with basic titles.
Battery Life
Both devices are expected to have a large 6000mAh battery, providing excellent battery life. Expect a full day of moderate use from either phone. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, which is relatively slow.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Hot 11 Play is ideal for users prioritizing performance and a slightly more responsive experience, even with basic tasks. The Hot 12i is a good choice for those on a tighter budget who primarily need a phone for calls, messaging, and light social media use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Infinix Hot 11 Play is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G35 chipset.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use thanks to their 6000mAh batteries.
❓ What is the difference in performance between the two?
The Hot 11 Play has a noticeable performance advantage thanks to its octa-core processor compared to the Hot 12i's quad-core processor.
