The Infinix Hot series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with features. The Hot 12i and Hot 12 Play are two contenders vying for the budget crown. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 12 Play generally edges out the Hot 12i thanks to its more powerful processor (especially the Unisoc variant) and potentially larger battery. While both offer decent value, the Play provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and potentially better gaming performance.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 12 | 2022, May 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 12 | Available. Released 2022, May 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 171 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.73 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - X6816Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - X6816C |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) - X6816Unisoc T610 (12 nm) - X6816C |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 - X6816Mali-G52 MP2 - X6816C |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 7.6 | Android 11, XOS 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Racing Black, Horizon Blue, Haze Green, Champagne Gold | Racing Black, Horizon Blue, Daylight Green, Champagne Gold |
| Models | X665B, X665 | X6816C, X6816 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 60 EUR |
Infinix Hot 12i
- More compact design
- Affordable price point
- Decent basic functionality
- Weaker processor
- Lower performance
- Potentially shorter battery life
Infinix Hot 12 Play
- Better performance (Helio G37/Unisoc T610)
- Potentially larger battery
- Larger display (potentially)
- Smoother multitasking
- Larger size
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar large displays (around 6.6 inches) with HD+ resolution. Expect vibrant colors and decent viewing angles, though don't anticipate flagship-level display quality. The Hot 12 Play might offer a slightly larger screen size, but this needs confirmation based on specific model variations.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones featuring a multi-camera setup (likely a 13MP main sensor and some supporting lenses). Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. The Play's more powerful processor *could* lead to slightly better image processing, but don't expect a dramatic difference.
Performance
This is where the Hot 12 Play has a significant advantage. The Helio G37 (or Unisoc T610) offers a noticeable performance boost over the Helio A22 in the Hot 12i. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Play. The octa-core CPU in the Play is a clear winner here.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have large batteries (likely 5000mAh or greater). The Hot 12 Play *may* have a slightly larger battery capacity, potentially translating to longer battery life. However, real-world battery performance will also depend on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Hot 12i is a good choice for users prioritizing a slightly more compact design and basic functionality. The Hot 12 Play is ideal for those seeking better performance, a larger display, and potentially longer battery life, even if it means a slightly larger device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Infinix Hot 12 Play is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor. The Hot 12i will struggle with more demanding games.
❓ Do both phones support 5G?
No, neither the Infinix Hot 12i nor the Hot 12 Play support 5G connectivity. They both rely on 4G LTE.
❓ What is the storage capacity of each phone?
Both phones typically come in configurations with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
❓ What operating system do these phones run?
Both phones run on Android, likely with Infinix's XOS skin layered on top.
