The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC and the Tecno Pova Neo 2. Both promise impressive features at affordable prices, but which one comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Pova Neo 2 edges out the Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC thanks to its significantly faster charging, slightly better performance from the Helio G85 chipset, and generally more modern feel. While the Infinix offers NFC, the Tecno's overall package is more compelling 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 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 23 | 2022, September 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 30 | Available. Released 2022, October 03 |
| 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) | 170.9 x 77.8 x 9.6 mm (6.73 x 3.06 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.1% 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, HIOS 8.6 |
| 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, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, (wide), AF
Secondary unknown camera |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (LG6n only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| 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 | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 7000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Racing Black, Horizon Blue, Daylight Green, Champagne Gold | Uranolite Gray, Virtual Blue, Orange Magma |
| Models | X6816D | LG6n |
| Price | - | About 240 EUR |
Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC
- NFC Connectivity
- Compact Design (relatively)
- Decent Battery Life
- Affordable Price
- Slow Charging (10W)
- Less Powerful Processor
- Potentially Lower Display Refresh Rate
- Basic Camera Performance
Tecno Pova Neo 2
- Faster Charging (18W)
- Better Performance (Helio G85)
- 90Hz Display (often)
- Larger Display
- Good Battery Life
- Design can be polarizing
- Software experience can be inconsistent
- Camera performance is average
- No headphone jack (potentially)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, typically around 6.6 inches. The Tecno Pova Neo 2 often boasts a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs. 60Hz on the Infinix), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. Expect similar resolutions (likely FHD+) on both, offering decent visual clarity for the price range.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is generally comparable, with both phones likely featuring a primary 13MP or 48MP sensor. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. Expect decent daytime shots, but low-light performance may be lacking on both. The Tecno might have a slight edge due to potentially better image processing algorithms.
Performance
The Tecno Pova Neo 2's MediaTek Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Infinix's Unisoc T610. The G85 is better suited for handling demanding games and multitasking. While both are entry-level processors, the Tecno offers a more fluid user experience.
Battery Life
Both phones typically pack large batteries (around 6000mAh). However, the Tecno Pova Neo 2's 18W fast charging significantly outperforms the Infinix's 10W charging. This means much quicker top-ups for the Tecno.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC is a good choice for users prioritizing NFC connectivity and a slightly more compact design. The Tecno Pova Neo 2 is ideal for those who value faster charging, smoother performance for gaming, and a larger display for media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Tecno Pova Neo 2 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G85 chipset.
❓ Does the Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC have NFC?
Yes, the Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC includes NFC for contactless payments and data transfer.
❓ How long does it take to charge each phone?
The Tecno Pova Neo 2 charges much faster with 18W charging, while the Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC takes considerably longer with 10W charging.
