The Infinix Hot series consistently delivers impressive features at affordable prices. The Hot 12 Pro and Hot 12 are the latest contenders, offering a compelling blend of style and functionality. But which one truly stands out as the better choice for budget-conscious consumers?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 12 Pro edges out the Hot 12 thanks to its superior Unisoc chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost in everyday tasks and gaming. While both offer similar battery life and charging speeds, the Pro's improved processing power makes it the slightly better overall value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 02 | 2022, April 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 02 | Available. Released 2022, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 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 | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.1% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 10.6 | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | 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 | 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 | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | 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 | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Racing Black, Electric Blue, Lightsaber Green, Halo White | Racing Black, Legend White, Origin Blue, Lucky Green |
| Models | X668C | X6817, X6817B |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Infinix Hot 12 Pro
- Better Performance (Unisoc T616)
- Higher Resolution Main Camera (50MP)
- Slightly Improved Viewing Angles (Potential)
- Stylish Design
- May be slightly more expensive
- Software experience can be inconsistent
Infinix Hot 12
- More Affordable
- Reliable Performance for Basic Tasks
- Good Battery Life
- Decent Display
- Lower Performance (Helio G85)
- Lower Resolution Main Camera (13MP)
- Less Detailed Photos
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. While the panels are similar, slight variations in color accuracy and brightness might exist, but these are unlikely to be significant differences for most users. The Hot 12 Pro may have slightly better viewing angles due to potential panel improvements, but this is not definitively confirmed.
Camera Comparison
The Hot 12 Pro typically boasts a 50MP main camera, compared to the Hot 12's 13MP main camera. Both phones include additional macro and depth sensors. Image quality is generally good in well-lit conditions for both, but the Pro's higher resolution sensor should capture more detail and offer slightly better low-light performance. Video recording capabilities are similar, typically topping out at 1080p at 30fps.
Performance
This is where the Hot 12 Pro takes a clear lead. The Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset, while still budget-friendly, generally outperforms the Mediatek Helio G85 in real-world usage. Expect smoother app launches, faster multitasking, and slightly better gaming performance on the Pro. Both phones have 4GB/6GB RAM options, but the chipset difference is key.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired, meaning both phones will take roughly the same amount of time to fully charge.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Hot 12 Pro is ideal for users who prioritize performance and smoother multitasking, even on a budget. Gamers and those who frequently use demanding apps will appreciate the extra power. The Infinix Hot 12 remains a solid choice for basic users who primarily need a reliable phone for calls, messaging, and light social media use, especially if the Pro is significantly more expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Infinix Hot 12 Pro worth the extra money?
If you value performance and a slightly better camera, the Pro is worth the upgrade. However, if you're on a tight budget and only need a phone for basic tasks, the Hot 12 is a perfectly capable option.
❓ What software do these phones run?
Both phones run XOS, Infinix's custom Android skin. While it offers some unique features, it can sometimes be buggy or bloated with pre-installed apps. Expect Android 11 or 12 out of the box, with potential for future updates.
