The Infinix Hot series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Hot 12 Play NFC and the Hot 12. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 12 edges out the Hot 12 Play NFC thanks to its faster processor, significantly quicker charging, and generally improved performance. While the Play NFC offers NFC connectivity, the Hot 12's overall package makes it the stronger choice for most users.
| 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, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 23 | 2022, April 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 30 | Available. Released 2022, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 171 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.73 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) | 170.5 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm (6.71 x 3.06 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 10 | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | Yes |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Racing Black, Horizon Blue, Daylight Green, Champagne Gold | Racing Black, Legend White, Origin Blue, Lucky Green |
| Models | X6816D | X6817, X6817B |
| Price | - | About 150 EUR |
Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC
- Affordable price
- NFC connectivity
- Large 6000mAh battery
- Decent display
- Slower processor
- Slow 10W charging
- Lower performance compared to Hot 12
Infinix Hot 12
- Faster processor (Helio G85)
- 18W fast charging
- Better overall performance
- Slightly improved camera processing
- Slightly higher price
- No significant display upgrade
Display Comparison
Both phones typically feature a 6.6-inch HD+ display, offering a large viewing area. However, the Hot 12 might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potential panel variations. Expect similar viewing experiences overall, suitable for everyday use and media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Both phones usually feature a triple-camera setup, often headlined by a 50MP main sensor. Image quality is generally decent in good lighting conditions. The Hot 12's more powerful processor might allow for slightly better image processing and low-light performance, but the difference is likely to be marginal.
Performance
The Hot 12's MediaTek Helio G85 chipset is a clear winner here. It offers noticeably better performance than the Unisoc T610 in the Hot 12 Play NFC, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and improved gaming capabilities. The G85 is simply a more powerful and efficient processor.
Battery Life
Both phones typically pack a 6000mAh battery, promising excellent battery life. However, the Hot 12's 18W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the Hot 12 Play NFC's 10W charging. This is a crucial advantage for users who value convenience.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC is ideal for users prioritizing NFC functionality and a slightly more affordable price point, who aren't overly concerned with raw performance. The Infinix Hot 12 is better suited for those seeking a smoother experience, faster charging, and a more capable processor, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the NFC feature on the Hot 12 Play NFC worth it?
If you frequently use NFC for contactless payments or data transfer, then yes. Otherwise, the performance benefits of the Hot 12 might be more valuable.
❓ Can I play demanding games on the Hot 12?
The Hot 12's Helio G85 can handle most popular games at medium settings. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but it's a significant improvement over the Hot 12 Play NFC.
