Infinix Hot 12 Pro vs Hot 20S: The Ultimate Budget Showdown

The Infinix Hot series consistently delivers impressive features at affordable prices. The Hot 12 Pro and Hot 20S are two of the latest contenders, each vying for the title of best budget smartphone. But which one truly comes out on top?
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Infinix Hot 20S edges out the Hot 12 Pro thanks to its superior Helio G96 chipset, offering noticeably better performance for gaming and multitasking. While both offer decent battery life and cameras, the 20S's reverse charging adds extra utility. It's a slight win for the 20S.

PHONES
Phone Names Infinix Hot 12 Pro Infinix Hot 20S
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28A, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41
Launch
Announced2022, August 022022, October 13
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, August 02Available. Released 2022, October 13
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.2 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)168.7 x 76.8 x 8.5 mm (6.64 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight191 g (6.74 oz)202 g (7.13 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MP1Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 12, XOS 10.6Android 12, XOS 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), AF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesDual-LED flashQuad-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP8 MP
Triple-50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash
Single8 MP8 MP
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
BluetoothYesYes
NFCYesNo
PositioningGPSGPS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBYesUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired 5W reverse wired
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsRacing Black, Electric Blue, Lightsaber Green, Halo WhiteSonic Black, Tempo Blue, Fantasy Purple, Light-rider White (Neon Edition)
ModelsX668CX6827
PriceAbout 180 EUR-

Infinix Hot 12 Pro

  • More compact design
  • Potentially slightly lower price
  • Vibrant display

  • Weaker chipset
  • Lower performance
  • No reverse charging

Infinix Hot 20S

  • Superior performance (Helio G96)
  • Reverse charging capability
  • Potentially higher refresh rate display

  • Slightly larger size
  • Potentially higher price

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.6-inch display, likely with an FHD+ resolution. While specific panel types (AMOLED vs IPS) aren't explicitly stated, expect decent color reproduction and viewing angles on both. The Hot 20S might have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs 60Hz on the 12 Pro) leading to smoother scrolling and animations.

Camera Comparison

Both phones typically feature a 50MP main camera, along with ultrawide and depth sensors. Image quality will likely be comparable in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance might be slightly better on the Hot 20S due to the more powerful processor assisting with image processing. Video recording capabilities are likely similar, offering 1080p at 30fps.

Performance

This is where the Hot 20S shines. The MediaTek Helio G96 is a significantly more powerful chipset than the Unisoc Tiger T616. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Hot 20S. The 12 Pro will handle everyday tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding games.

Battery Life

Both devices are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. The Hot 20S's 5W reverse charging capability is a notable advantage, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices.

Buying Guide

The Infinix Hot 12 Pro is a good choice for users prioritizing a vibrant display and a slightly more compact design, and those on a tighter budget. The Infinix Hot 20S is ideal for users who want a smoother experience, especially for gaming and demanding apps, and appreciate the added convenience of reverse charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Infinix Hot 20S worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance and want a smoother experience, especially for gaming, the Hot 20S is worth the investment. The reverse charging is a nice bonus too.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day. Neither has a significant advantage in this area.