The Infinix Hot series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Hot 12 Play and the Hot 12. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 12 edges out the Play thanks to its significantly faster Helio G85 chipset and 18W charging. While the Play offers a larger battery, the Hot 12's performance and charging speed make it the more compelling 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 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~83.8% 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - X6816Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - X6816C | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) - X6816Unisoc T610 (12 nm) - X6816C | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 - X6816Mali-G52 MP2 - X6816C | 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 | No | 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 | X6816C, X6816 | X6817, X6817B |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Infinix Hot 12 Play
- Excellent battery life
- Large display
- Affordable price
- Slower performance
- Slow charging
- Basic camera capabilities
Infinix Hot 12
- Faster performance (Helio G85)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Improved multitasking
- Slightly smaller battery
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
Both phones typically feature a 6.6-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. While both offer a large screen for media consumption, the Hot 12 might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially more advanced panel technology. Expect similar viewing experiences overall, though.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, typically including a primary sensor, depth sensor, and macro lens. The Hot 12's more powerful processor may allow for slightly better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. Expect decent camera quality on both, but don't expect flagship-level results.
Performance
This is where the Hot 12 shines. The Helio G85 chipset in the Hot 12 is a substantial upgrade over the various chipsets found in the Hot 12 Play (MT6765V/CB Helio G37 or Unisoc T610). Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Hot 12. The Play will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Hot 12 Play often boasts a larger battery capacity (typically 6000mAh) compared to the Hot 12 (typically 5000mAh). This translates to potentially longer battery life on the Play, especially for light users. However, the Hot 12's 18W charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the Play's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Hot 12 Play is ideal for users prioritizing battery life and basic functionality on a tight budget. The Infinix Hot 12 is better suited for those who want a smoother experience for gaming and multitasking, and appreciate faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Infinix Hot 12 Play good for gaming?
The Hot 12 Play can handle basic games, but it will struggle with more demanding titles. The Hot 12 offers a significantly better gaming experience.
❓ How long does the battery last on the Infinix Hot 12 Play?
The Hot 12 Play's large battery typically provides 1.5-2 days of battery life with moderate usage.
❓ Which phone has faster charging?
The Infinix Hot 12 charges significantly faster with its 18W charging support compared to the Hot 12 Play's 10W charging.
