The Infinix Hot 12 and Tecno Spark 9 Pro occupy a fiercely competitive segment: the ultra-budget smartphone market. Both devices are powered by the MediaTek Helio G85, making a direct hardware comparison less about raw power and more about software optimization, brand reputation, and subtle design choices. This deep dive will dissect these nuances to help you choose the right phone.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing value, the Tecno Spark 9 Pro edges out the Infinix Hot 12. While both share the same Helio G85 chipset and 18W charging, Tecno’s generally more refined software experience and slightly better camera processing give it a marginal advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 26 | 2022, June 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 26 | Available. Released 2022, July |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm (6.71 x 3.06 x 0.33 in) | 164.2 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| 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 | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 10.6 | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.6, 27mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 32 MP, (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 | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (KH7n only) |
| 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 | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Racing Black, Legend White, Origin Blue, Lucky Green | Quantum Black, Burano Blue, Glacier White, Hacker Storm, Sport Edition, Kyanite Blue |
| Models | X6817, X6817B | KH7, KH7n |
| Price | About 150 EUR | - |
Infinix Hot 12
- Potentially lower price point
- Identical Helio G85 performance
- Standard 18W charging
- Software experience may be less refined
- Camera processing potentially inferior
Tecno Spark 9 Pro
- Potentially better software optimization
- Slightly improved camera processing
- Identical Helio G85 performance
- May be slightly more expensive
- Standard 18W charging
Display Comparison
Both the Infinix Hot 12 and Tecno Spark 9 Pro likely utilize IPS LCD panels, typical for this price range. Given the identical target market, expect similar resolutions (likely 720p+) and refresh rates (standard 60Hz). Without specific brightness data, it's reasonable to assume both displays will perform adequately indoors but struggle in direct sunlight. The absence of features like higher PWM dimming rates or color calibration data suggests neither phone is optimized for prolonged viewing or color-critical work.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is where subtle differences *could* emerge, despite likely using similar sensor configurations. While both phones likely feature a primary camera, the image signal processor (ISP) tuning by Infinix and Tecno will dictate the final image quality. Without sensor size or aperture data, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. The inclusion of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices is largely marketing fluff; their impact on image quality is minimal. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light.
Performance
The core of both devices is the MediaTek Helio G85 (MT6769Z), a 12nm chipset featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. This means CPU performance will be virtually identical between the two phones. Gaming performance will also be comparable, capable of handling less demanding titles at medium settings. Thermal management will be a key factor; the 12nm process isn't the most efficient, and sustained gaming could lead to throttling. RAM configurations (not specified) will significantly impact multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Both the Infinix Hot 12 and Tecno Spark 9 Pro support 18W wired charging. While this isn't particularly fast by modern standards, it's adequate for this price segment. Battery capacity (not specified) will be a crucial factor. A larger battery capacity, even with the same charging wattage, will translate to longer screen-on time. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours with a compatible charger. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both phones should comfortably last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 12 if you need a phone primarily for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media, and are looking for the absolute lowest price point. Buy the Tecno Spark 9 Pro if you prefer a slightly more polished user experience, potentially better camera results, and a brand with a growing reputation for software updates within this price bracket.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G85 in either phone handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G85 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you'll need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low and potentially reduce the frame rate to achieve a smooth experience. Expect some frame drops during intense action sequences. Neither phone is designed for high-end gaming.
❓ How important is the 2MP macro camera on these phones?
The 2MP macro camera is largely a marketing feature. The low resolution and fixed focus result in images that lack detail and sharpness. It's best to rely on the main camera for most of your photography needs.
❓ Do either of these phones support any form of fast charging beyond 18W?
No, both the Infinix Hot 12 and Tecno Spark 9 Pro are limited to 18W wired charging. While not the fastest charging available, it's sufficient for this price range. Using a higher wattage charger won't result in faster charging speeds due to the phone's limitations.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates?
Tecno has been demonstrating a commitment to providing more frequent software updates and security patches for its Spark series compared to Infinix. While neither brand is known for extensive long-term support, Tecno is the slightly safer bet for receiving updates.
