Infinix Hot 12 vs Hot 30i: The Ultimate Budget Showdown

The Infinix Hot series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Hot 12 and Hot 30i are the latest contenders, offering a blend of features and affordability. But which one truly comes out on top? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Infinix Hot 12 edges out the Hot 30i thanks to its more powerful Helio G85 chipset, resulting in noticeably smoother performance for gaming and demanding apps. While the Hot 30i offers some improvements in other areas, the Hot 12's processing power makes it the better overall choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Infinix Hot 12 Infinix Hot 30i
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 3, 7, 8, 20-
Launch
Announced2022, April 262023, March 31
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 26Available. Released 2023, March 31
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions170.5 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm (6.71 x 3.06 x 0.33 in)164 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)191 g (6.74 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~259 ppi density)720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.82 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm)Unisoc T606 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G57 MP1
OSAndroid 12, XOS 10.6Android 12, XOS 10.6
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.2
Main Camera
Dual-13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF 0.08 MP, (depth)
FeaturesDual-LED flashDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/3.07", AF Auxiliary lens
Triple13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF 2 MP Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesDual-LED flashDual-LED flash
Single8 MP8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.94"
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes
Comms
BluetoothYesYes
NFCNoYes (Hot 30i NFC only)
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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsRacing Black, Legend White, Origin Blue, Lucky GreenMirror Black, Glacier Blue, Diamond White, Marigold
ModelsX6817, X6817BX669, X669D
PriceAbout 150 EUR-

Infinix Hot 12

  • More powerful chipset (Helio G85)
  • Better gaming performance
  • Likely better image processing
  • Generally smoother user experience

  • Potentially lower refresh rate display (60Hz)
  • Design might be less modern than Hot 30i

Infinix Hot 30i

  • Potentially higher refresh rate display (90Hz - unconfirmed)
  • Modern design
  • Competitive price (potentially)

  • Weaker chipset (Unisoc T606)
  • Slower performance
  • Less capable for demanding tasks

Display Comparison

Both phones feature large 6.6-inch displays, likely with an HD+ resolution. While specific panel technology (IPS vs AMOLED) isn't explicitly stated, expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction. The Hot 30i might have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs 60Hz on the Hot 12), leading to smoother scrolling and animations, but this is unconfirmed.

Camera Comparison

The Hot 12 typically features a triple camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, while the Hot 30i often has a 50MP main sensor as well, but potentially with different secondary lenses (depth/macro). Image quality will likely be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Hot 12's more powerful processor might offer slightly better image processing. Low-light performance is likely similar on both.

Performance

This is where the Hot 12 shines. The Mediatek Helio G85 is a significantly more powerful chipset than the Unisoc T606 in the Hot 30i. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Hot 12. The Hot 30i will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding applications.

Battery Life

Both phones boast large 5000mAh batteries, promising all-day battery life. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired, so expect similar charging times. Battery optimization will play a crucial role in real-world performance, and this can vary based on software updates and usage patterns.

Buying Guide

The Infinix Hot 12 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and gaming on a budget. If you're a casual user who primarily uses their phone for social media, browsing, and light tasks, the Hot 30i could be a viable option, especially if it's available at a significantly lower price. Consider your usage patterns and budget carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Infinix Hot 12 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G85 chipset. It will handle games with higher graphics settings and frame rates more smoothly.
❓ Does the Hot 30i have a faster refresh rate?
The Hot 30i *may* have a 90Hz refresh rate display, but this is not definitively confirmed. The Hot 12 typically has a 60Hz display.