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 20i. 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 Play generally edges out the Hot 20i thanks to its potentially more powerful chipset options (depending on the variant) and slightly better overall performance. However, the Hot 20i's reverse charging capability adds a unique convenience factor.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| 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 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 30 | Available. Released 2022, September 28 |
| 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) | 195 g (6.88 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, 500 nits (peak) |
| 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 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) / Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) - X6816Unisoc T610 (12 nm) - X6816C | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) / Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 - X6816Mali-G52 MP2 - X6816C | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 10 | Android 12 or Android 12 (Go edition), XOS 10.6 |
| 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, 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
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, 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Racing Black, Horizon Blue, Daylight Green, Champagne Gold | Wilderness Black, Luna Blue, Energy Green, Sunset Gold |
| Models | X6816C, X6816 | X665C, X665E |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Infinix Hot 12 Play
- Potentially more powerful chipset (G37 variant)
- Possible 90Hz display
- Generally better performance
- Good battery life
- 10W charging is slow
- Build quality may be plastic-heavy
- Camera performance is average
Infinix Hot 20i
- 5W reverse charging
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Good battery life
- Potentially more streamlined software
- Less powerful chipset
- Lower refresh rate display (likely 60Hz)
- Camera performance is average
- Slower charging
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely an IPS LCD) and resolution (likely HD+). The Hot 12 Play might have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz in some variants) which would result in smoother scrolling and animations. Screen size is likely around 6.6 inches for both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor around 50MP. 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 potentially more powerful chipset.
Performance
This is where the Hot 12 Play has a potential advantage. The Helio G37 chipset (in some variants) is generally more powerful than the Helio G25 or A22 found in the Hot 20i. Expect better app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Hot 12 Play. The Hot 20i will still handle basic tasks adequately.
Battery Life
Both phones boast large batteries (likely around 6000mAh). Battery life should be excellent on both devices, easily lasting a full day of moderate use. The Hot 20i's 5W reverse charging is a unique feature allowing it to charge other devices in a pinch.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Hot 12 Play is ideal for users prioritizing performance and a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. The Hot 20i is a good choice for those seeking a reliable phone with reverse charging and a slightly more streamlined software experience, especially if price is a major concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Infinix Hot 12 Play, particularly the variant with the Helio G37 chipset, is generally better suited for gaming due to its more powerful processor.
❓ Can the Hot 20i charge other devices?
Yes, the Infinix Hot 20i features 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to charge other devices with a USB cable.
❓ What is the display resolution on both phones?
Both phones likely have an HD+ (720 x 1600) resolution display.
❓ How much RAM do these phones typically have?
Both phones are usually available with 4GB or 6GB of RAM, depending on the specific configuration.
