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?
🏆 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.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28A, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 02 | 2022, October 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 02 | Available. Released 2022, October 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.2 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) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 202 g (7.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 10.6 | Android 12, XOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@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 stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | Yes | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Racing Black, Electric Blue, Lightsaber Green, Halo White | Sonic Black, Tempo Blue, Fantasy Purple, Light-rider White (Neon Edition) |
| Models | X668C | X6827 |
| Price | About 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.