The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Hot 12 and Realme 9i 5G represent compelling options for budget-conscious consumers. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality, they diverge significantly in their core processing power and efficiency, making the choice dependent on your primary use case. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to reveal which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing with 5G connectivity, the Realme 9i 5G is the better choice. Its Dimensity 810 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Infinix Hot 12’s Helio G85, despite both featuring 18W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 26 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 26 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm (6.71 x 3.06 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 10.6 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Unspecified MP, 46mm (telephoto)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Racing Black, Legend White, Origin Blue, Lucky Green | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | X6817, X6817B | RMX3612 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Infinix Hot 12
- Potentially lower price point
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- 18W fast charging
- Less powerful Helio G85 chipset
- Less efficient 12nm process
- Potentially slower app loading times
Realme 9i 5G
- More powerful and efficient Dimensity 810 chipset
- 6nm process for better battery life
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Slightly higher price
- 18W charging is standard, not exceptional
- May not be significantly better in basic tasks
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are missing. The Realme 9i 5G’s advantage lies in its potential for better image processing due to the more powerful chipset, which could translate to slightly more vibrant colors. Bezels are expected to be similar on both, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within the budget constraints.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature a primary camera and multiple auxiliary lenses (likely including a depth and macro sensor). The Realme 9i 5G’s image signal processor (ISP), integrated within the Dimensity 810, will likely offer more advanced image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The Infinix Hot 12 will likely rely on more basic image processing algorithms. The 18W charging is identical on both, suggesting similar battery capacities, but the Dimensity 810’s efficiency could lead to slightly longer real-world usage on the Realme 9i 5G.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 9i 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Infinix Hot 12’s Helio G85 (12nm). The 6nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, leading to less heat generation and potentially sustained performance during demanding tasks. The Dimensity 810’s CPU, with 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, outperforms the Helio G85’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores in single-core and multi-core benchmarks. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user experience. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the Dimensity 810’s superior memory controller will further enhance performance.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds – expect around 2-3 hours for a full charge. The actual battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the Realme 9i 5G’s more efficient Dimensity 810 chipset will likely result in longer screen-on time, even with a similar battery capacity. The 6nm process reduces power consumption during both active use and standby, giving the 9i 5G an edge in longevity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 12 if you prioritize a slightly lower upfront cost and primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Realme 9i 5G if you value smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and the benefits of 5G connectivity, even if it means a slightly higher initial investment. The 9i 5G is the better option for users who anticipate keeping their phone for more than two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 9i 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 810’s 6nm process is designed for improved thermal efficiency compared to the Helio G85. While some heat generation is inevitable during gaming, the 9i 5G is less likely to experience significant throttling, allowing for more sustained performance. However, demanding titles at maximum settings will still generate heat.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Realme 9i 5G actually useful?
The usefulness of 5G depends on your location and carrier coverage. If 5G is available in your area, you’ll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G. Even if 5G isn’t immediately available, having a 5G-enabled phone future-proofs your investment as 5G networks continue to expand.
❓ How much of a performance difference will I notice between the Helio G85 and Dimensity 810 in everyday use?
In everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the difference might not be immediately noticeable. However, when multitasking, opening demanding apps, or playing graphically intensive games, the Dimensity 810’s superior processing power will result in a smoother and more responsive experience.
