Infinix Hot 12 Play vs Hot 11 Play: The Ultimate Budget Showdown

Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't compromise on essential features? The Infinix Hot series has consistently delivered value, and the Hot 12 Play and Hot 11 Play are prime examples. But which one offers the better bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Infinix Hot 12 Play generally edges out the Hot 11 Play thanks to its potentially more powerful chipset options (Helio G37 or Unisoc T610) and slight improvements in overall performance. However, the Hot 11 Play remains a solid choice if you find it at a significantly lower price.

PHONES
Phone Names Infinix Hot 12 Play Infinix Hot 11 Play
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 411, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
Launch
Announced2022, May 232021, November 15
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, May 30Available. Released 2021, November 15
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions171 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.73 x 3.07 x 0.35 in)171.8 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.76 x 3.07 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight209 g (7.37 oz)-
Display
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~259 ppi density)720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density)
Size6.82 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 440 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - X6816Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - X6816COcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) - X6816Unisoc T610 (12 nm) - X6816CMediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320 - X6816Mali-G52 MP2 - X6816CPowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 11, XOS 10Android 11, XOS 7.6
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF Auxiliary lens13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesDual-LED flash, panorama, HDRQuad-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single8 MP8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesDual-LED flashLED flash
Single8 MP8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
BluetoothYes5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGmicroUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired10W wired
Type6000 mAh6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsRacing Black, Horizon Blue, Daylight Green, Champagne GoldGreen, Gold, Blue, Black
ModelsX6816C, X6816-
PriceAbout 60 EURAbout 120 EUR

Infinix Hot 12 Play

  • Potentially more powerful chipset (Helio G37/Unisoc T610)
  • Slightly improved performance
  • Large 6000mAh battery
  • Large display

  • 10W charging is slow
  • Camera improvements are marginal
  • Build quality may be plastic

Infinix Hot 11 Play

  • Excellent battery life
  • Large display
  • Affordable price
  • Reliable for basic tasks

  • Less powerful chipset
  • Slower performance
  • 10W charging is slow
  • Camera quality is average

Display Comparison

Both phones typically feature a large 6.6-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. While the Hot 12 Play *might* have slightly improved color accuracy or brightness, the difference is unlikely to be substantial. Expect similar viewing experiences for general use.

Camera Comparison

Both phones likely feature a similar camera setup, typically a 13MP main camera and a depth sensor. The Hot 12 Play's potentially more powerful chipset *could* translate to slightly better image processing and improved low-light performance, but don't expect a dramatic difference. Both are adequate for casual photography.

Performance

This is where the Hot 12 Play has a potential advantage. The Helio G37 and Unisoc T610 chipsets in the Hot 12 Play offer a noticeable performance boost over the Helio G35 in the Hot 11 Play. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and slightly better gaming performance on the Hot 12 Play. The Hot 11 Play is adequate for basic tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications.

Battery Life

Both phones boast a large 6000mAh battery, promising excellent battery life. Expect all-day usage from either device under moderate use. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, so charging times will be comparable.

Buying Guide

The Infinix Hot 12 Play is ideal for users prioritizing a smoother experience for everyday tasks, light gaming, and potentially better camera performance. The Hot 11 Play is a great option for those on a tight budget who need a reliable phone for basic communication and media consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Infinix Hot 12 Play worth the upgrade from the Hot 11 Play?
If you prioritize performance and a slightly smoother experience, the Hot 12 Play is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you're happy with the Hot 11 Play's performance and find the Hot 12 Play significantly more expensive, it might not be worth it.
❓ What is the battery life like on both phones?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day on a single charge with moderate usage. The 6000mAh battery is a major selling point for both devices.