Infinix Hot 20 Play vs Hot 20i: The Ultimate Budget Showdown

The Infinix Hot series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with features. The Hot 20 Play and Hot 20i are two contenders vying for the budget crown. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Infinix Hot 20 Play emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G37 chipset, faster charging, and generally smoother performance. While the Hot 20i is a budget option, the Play offers a noticeable upgrade for a small price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names Infinix Hot 20 Play Infinix Hot 20i
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28A, 28, 38, 40, 411, 3, 7, 8, 20
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41-
Launch
Announced2022, October 132022, September 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, October 13Available. Released 2022, September 28
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions171 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.73 x 3.07 x 0.35 in)164.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight209.6 g (7.41 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density)720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)
Size6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak)IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) / Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
ChipsetMediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) / Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 12, XOS 10.6Android 12 or Android 12 (Go edition), XOS 10.6
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesQuad-LED flashDual-LED flash
Single8 MP8 MP
Triple-13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF Auxiliary lenses
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesDual-LED flashLED flash
Single8 MP8 MP
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
BluetoothYesYes
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGmicroUSB 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging18W wired 5W reverse wired10W wired 5W reverse wired
Type6000 mAhLi-Ion 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsRacing Black, Luna Blue, Aurora Green, Fantasy PurpleWilderness Black, Luna Blue, Energy Green, Sunset Gold
ModelsX6825X665C, X665E
PriceAbout 130 EURAbout 120 EUR

Infinix Hot 20 Play

  • More powerful Helio G37 chipset
  • Faster 18W charging
  • Better performance for multitasking and gaming
  • Likely slightly better camera processing

  • Potentially slightly higher price than the Hot 20i
  • Design may be similar to other Infinix phones

Infinix Hot 20i

  • More affordable
  • Large 6000mAh battery
  • Decent display for the price

  • Weaker Helio G25/A22 chipset
  • Slower 10W charging
  • Less responsive performance
  • Potential for lag with demanding apps

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature similar 6.6-inch HD+ displays, offering decent viewing angles for the price. Expect vibrant colors but limited brightness. The Hot 20 Play might have slightly better color accuracy due to its more powerful processor handling display processing.

Camera Comparison

Both phones likely feature a similar camera setup, potentially a 50MP main sensor and a depth sensor. However, the Hot 20 Play's more powerful processor should allow for better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. Expect decent photos in good lighting conditions from both.

Performance

This is where the Hot 20 Play shines. The Helio G37 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G25/A22 in the Hot 20i. Expect smoother app loading, better multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Play. The Hot 20i will struggle with demanding apps and games.

Battery Life

Both phones likely have a large 6000mAh battery, offering excellent battery life. However, the Hot 20 Play's 18W charging is significantly faster than the Hot 20i's 10W charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.

Buying Guide

The Infinix Hot 20 Play is ideal for users who prioritize performance and faster charging. It's a good choice for light gaming and multitasking. The Infinix Hot 20i is best suited for users on the tightest budget who primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Infinix Hot 20 Play worth the extra money?
Yes, the performance boost from the Helio G37 makes the Hot 20 Play a worthwhile upgrade if your budget allows. The faster charging is also a significant benefit.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer excellent battery life thanks to their 6000mAh batteries. However, the Hot 20 Play charges significantly faster.
❓ Can I play games on the Infinix Hot 20i?
You can play basic games on the Hot 20i, but don't expect smooth performance with demanding titles. The Hot 20 Play is a better choice for gaming.