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.
🏆 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!
| 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 | 2023, February 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 30 | Available. Released 2023, February 22 |
| 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) | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 188 g (6.63 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 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 500 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 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| 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 |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Racing Black, Horizon Blue, Daylight Green, Champagne Gold | Polar Black, Coastal Green, Iceland White, Peacock Blue |
| Models | X6816C, X6816 | X6515 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 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.