Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't compromise on essential features? Infinix's Hot series consistently delivers value, and the Hot 12 Play NFC and Hot 20 5G are two compelling contenders. But which one is right for you?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 20 5G is the clear winner, offering 5G connectivity, a significantly faster chipset, and faster charging. While the Hot 12 Play NFC is more affordable, the Hot 20 5G's performance and future-proofing make it the better long-term investment.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 23 | 2022, October 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 30 | Available. Released 2022, October 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 171 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.73 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) | 166.3 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.55 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 204 g (7.20 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | Mali-G57 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (except 64/4 option) |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Racing Black, Horizon Blue, Daylight Green, Champagne Gold | Racing Black, Space Blue, Blaster Green |
| Models | X6816D | X666, X666B |
| Price | - | About 240 EUR |
Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC
- More affordable
- NFC support
- Large battery (6000mAh)
- Decent display
- Slower processor
- Slow charging (10W)
- Limited 4G connectivity
- Less future-proof
Infinix Hot 20 5G
- 5G connectivity
- Faster processor (Dimensity 810)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Reverse wired charging
- Improved performance
- Slightly more expensive
- May have slightly less RAM/storage options depending on configuration
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.6-inch displays, likely with an HD+ resolution. The Hot 20 5G might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more modern panel, but both are adequate for everyday use. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup (likely a 50MP main sensor on both), the Hot 20 5G's more powerful processor should allow for better image processing and improved low-light performance. Expect slightly more detailed and vibrant photos from the Hot 20 5G.
Performance
This is where the Hot 20 5G shines. The Dimensity 810 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Unisoc T610. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Hot 20 5G. The Hot 12 Play NFC will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones boast large 6000mAh batteries, promising all-day battery life. However, the Hot 20 5G's 18W charging is significantly faster than the Hot 12 Play NFC's 10W charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC is ideal for users prioritizing affordability and NFC functionality, who don't need 5G or demanding performance. The Infinix Hot 20 5G is perfect for those wanting 5G connectivity, a smoother user experience, and faster charging, even on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Infinix Hot 20 5G worth the extra cost?
Yes, if 5G connectivity and improved performance are important to you. The Dimensity 810 chipset offers a significant upgrade over the Hot 12 Play NFC's processor.
❓ Does the Hot 12 Play NFC support NFC?
Yes, the 'NFC' in its name confirms it supports NFC for contactless payments and other NFC-enabled features.
❓ What is reverse wired charging?
Reverse wired charging allows you to use your phone to charge other devices, like earbuds or smartwatches, using a USB cable.
