The Infinix Hot 12 Play series offers incredible value for budget-conscious consumers. But with two variations – the standard Hot 12 Play and the NFC-enabled Hot 12 Play NFC – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC edges out the standard model thanks to its NFC capabilities for contactless payments and data transfer. While performance is largely similar, the NFC feature adds a layer of convenience that justifies the slight price difference. Both are solid budget contenders.
| 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 | 2022, May 23 | 2022, May 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 30 | Available. Released 2022, May 30 |
| 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) | 171 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.73 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 209 g (7.37 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 (~83.8% 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - X6816Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - X6816C |
| Chipset | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) - X6816Unisoc T610 (12 nm) - X6816C |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | PowerVR GE8320 - X6816Mali-G52 MP2 - X6816C |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 10 | Android 11, XOS 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Racing Black, Horizon Blue, Daylight Green, Champagne Gold | Racing Black, Horizon Blue, Daylight Green, Champagne Gold |
| Models | X6816D | X6816C, X6816 |
| Price | - | About 60 EUR |
Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC
- NFC functionality
- Large 6000mAh battery
- Large display
- Affordable price
- Slow 10W charging
- Entry-level performance
- Mediocre camera quality
- HD+ display resolution
Infinix Hot 12 Play
- Large 6000mAh battery
- Large display
- Affordable price
- Slightly lower price than NFC variant
- Slow 10W charging
- Entry-level performance
- Mediocre camera quality
- HD+ display resolution
- No NFC
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a large 6.8-inch HD+ display, offering ample screen real estate for media consumption and gaming. Expect similar viewing experiences in terms of color accuracy and brightness, though neither excels in this area. The resolution is adequate for the price point, but don't expect flagship-level sharpness.
Camera Comparison
Both devices typically feature a triple-camera setup, often including a 13MP main sensor, a depth sensor, and a macro lens. Image quality is decent in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. Expect saturated colors and a lack of detail. Video recording capabilities are limited to 1080p at 30fps. The front-facing camera is usually an 8MP sensor, suitable for basic selfies.
Performance
The chipset difference is subtle. The standard Hot 12 Play uses a Mediatek Helio G37, while the NFC variant uses a Unisoc T610. Both are entry-level processors, so expect adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Demanding games will require lower graphics settings. The Unisoc T610's Cortex-A75 cores *might* offer a slight edge in single-core performance, but real-world difference is minimal.
Battery Life
Both phones boast a large 6000mAh battery, promising excellent battery life. Expect a full day of moderate usage, and potentially two days with lighter use. The 10W charging is a significant drawback, as it will take several hours to fully charge the battery. Fast charging is absent in both models.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC? Users who frequently use contactless payments, need quick file sharing via NFC, or value the added security. Who should buy the Infinix Hot 12 Play? Those prioritizing the absolute lowest price and don't require NFC functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What does NFC do?
NFC (Near Field Communication) allows for contactless payments, quick data transfer between devices, and pairing with accessories like headphones.
❓ Is the Infinix Hot 12 Play good for gaming?
It's adequate for casual gaming, but don't expect high frame rates or detailed graphics in demanding games. Lowering graphics settings is recommended.
❓ How long does the battery last?
The 6000mAh battery typically lasts a full day with moderate use, and potentially two days with lighter usage.
❓ What is the charging speed like?
Charging is slow, with a 10W wired charging speed. A full charge can take several hours.
