The Infinix Hot series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with features. The Hot 12 Play and Hot 12i are two contenders vying for the budget crown. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 12 Play generally edges out the Hot 12i thanks to its more powerful chipset options (Helio G37 or Unisoc T610) and potentially better overall performance. However, the Hot 12i might appeal to users prioritizing a slightly more streamlined experience and potentially better software optimization.
| 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, April 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 30 | Available. Released 2022, April 12 |
| 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) | 164.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 480 nits |
| 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 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) - X6816Unisoc T610 (12 nm) - X6816C | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 - X6816Mali-G52 MP2 - X6816C | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 10 | Android 11, XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | 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
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | 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 | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Racing Black, Horizon Blue, Daylight Green, Champagne Gold | Racing Black, Horizon Blue, Haze Green, Champagne Gold |
| Models | X6816C, X6816 | X665B, X665 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Infinix Hot 12 Play
- More powerful chipset options (Helio G37/Unisoc T610)
- Potentially higher refresh rate display (90Hz)
- Better gaming performance
- Large 6000mAh battery
- 10W charging is slow
- Camera performance is average
- Build quality may feel plasticky
Infinix Hot 12i
- Large 6000mAh battery
- Simple and reliable performance for basic tasks
- Potentially better software optimization
- Less powerful chipset (Helio A22)
- Slower performance
- Camera performance is average
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar 6.6-inch HD+ displays. Expect decent viewing angles and brightness for the price point, but don't anticipate flagship-level color accuracy or sharpness. The Hot 12 Play might have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz) depending on the specific variant, offering smoother scrolling.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup with a primary sensor around 13MP. Image quality will be decent in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Hot 12 Play might offer slightly better image processing due to its more powerful chipset.
Performance
This is where the Hot 12 Play has a significant advantage. The Helio G37 or Unisoc T610 chipsets offer noticeably better performance than the Helio A22 in the Hot 12i. Expect smoother app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming capabilities on the Play. The Hot 12i will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones boast large 6000mAh batteries, promising excellent battery life. Expect a full day of usage, and potentially even two days with moderate use. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, which is relatively slow by today's standards.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Hot 12 Play is ideal for users who need a bit more processing power for gaming or multitasking. The Hot 12i is a good choice for those seeking a simple, reliable phone for everyday tasks like calls, texts, and basic social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Infinix Hot 12 Play is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day or even two with moderate use.
❓ What is the difference between the Helio G37 and Helio A22 chipsets?
The Helio G37 and Unisoc T610 are considerably more powerful than the Helio A22, offering better performance in all areas.
