Infinix Hot 12 Play vs Infinix Smart 7: The Ultimate Budget Showdown

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? Infinix offers several compelling options, and today we're pitting two of their most popular budget contenders against each other: the Hot 12 Play and the Smart 7. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which one comes out on top.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Infinix Hot 12 Play generally edges out the Smart 7 thanks to its more powerful chipset options (Helio G37 or Unisoc T610) and potentially better display. However, the Smart 7 might offer slightly better value depending on pricing and specific regional availability. It's a close call!

PHONES
Phone Names Infinix Hot 12 Play Infinix Smart 7
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 232023, February 09
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, May 30Available. Released 2023, February 22
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)163.8 x 75.6 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight209 g (7.37 oz)188 g (6.63 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~259 ppi density)720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)
Size6.82 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 500 nits
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) - X6816CQuad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
ChipsetMediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) - X6816Unisoc T610 (12 nm) - X6816CMediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320 - X6816Mali-G52 MP2 - X6816CPowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 11, XOS 10Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF Auxiliary lens13 MP, AF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesDual-LED flash, panorama, HDRDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP5 MP
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesDual-LED flashLED flash
Single8 MP5 MP
Video1080p@30fps720p@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, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging10W wired10W wired
Type6000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsRacing Black, Horizon Blue, Daylight Green, Champagne GoldPolar Black, Coastal Green, Iceland White, Peacock Blue
ModelsX6816C, X6816X6515
PriceAbout 60 EURAbout 90 EUR

Infinix Hot 12 Play

  • More powerful chipset (Helio G37/Unisoc T610)
  • Potentially higher refresh rate display (90Hz)
  • Slightly better image processing
  • Larger display

  • 10W charging is slow
  • Build quality may be plastic-heavy
  • Software experience can be a bit bloated

Infinix Smart 7

  • Very affordable
  • Large battery for all-day use
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Potentially longer software support (depending on Infinix's update policy)

  • Less powerful chipset (Helio A22)
  • Standard 60Hz display
  • Slower performance
  • Basic camera capabilities

Display Comparison

The Hot 12 Play typically features a larger 6.6-inch display, often with a 90Hz refresh rate (depending on the variant), offering a smoother visual experience compared to the Smart 7's likely standard 6.6-inch display. Both likely use an HD+ resolution, but the Hot 12 Play's higher refresh rate gives it an edge.

Camera Comparison

Both phones likely feature a multi-lens rear camera setup, probably including a primary sensor, depth sensor, and potentially a macro lens. The Hot 12 Play's chipset might offer slightly better image processing capabilities, resulting in marginally better photo quality, especially in low light. Expect both to produce decent photos in good lighting conditions.

Performance

This is where the Hot 12 Play has a significant advantage. The Helio G37 or Unisoc T610 chipsets are noticeably more powerful than the Smart 7's Helio A22. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the Hot 12 Play. The Smart 7 will handle basic tasks adequately, but struggles with demanding apps.

Battery Life

Both devices are expected to have large batteries (likely 6000mAh), providing all-day battery life. Charging speeds are similar at 10W wired, so battery endurance is likely comparable.

Buying Guide

The Infinix Hot 12 Play is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a slightly better display experience for media consumption and light gaming. The Infinix Smart 7 is a great choice for those seeking a very affordable device primarily for basic communication and essential tasks, prioritizing simplicity and potentially longer software support.

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. The Smart 7 will struggle with even moderately demanding games.
❓ How much RAM do these phones typically have?
Both phones are usually available with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, and 32GB or 64GB of storage. Check the specific variant you're considering.