The Infinix Hot series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Hot 20 Play and Hot 20S are two popular contenders, but which one offers the best bang for your buck? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 20S takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster Helio G96 chipset and improved camera capabilities. While the Hot 20 Play offers a slightly larger battery, the 20S's performance boost makes it the better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28A, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28A, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 13 | 2022, October 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 13 | Available. Released 2022, October 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 171 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.73 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) | 168.7 x 76.8 x 8.5 mm (6.64 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209.6 g (7.41 oz) | 202 g (7.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 10.6 | Android 12, XOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Quad-LED flash | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-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, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Racing Black, Luna Blue, Aurora Green, Fantasy Purple | Sonic Black, Tempo Blue, Fantasy Purple, Light-rider White (Neon Edition) |
| Models | X6825 | X6827 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | - |
Infinix Hot 20 Play
- Excellent battery life
- Affordable price
- Large display
- Reverse charging capability
- Slower performance
- Less capable camera
- Basic features
Infinix Hot 20S
- Faster performance (Helio G96)
- Better camera quality
- Smoother multitasking
- Improved gaming experience
- Slightly smaller battery
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. The Hot 20S might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more advanced chipset, but the difference will be minimal for everyday use. Expect similar viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
The Hot 20S generally boasts a more capable camera system. While both likely feature a 50MP main sensor, the G96's image signal processor (ISP) allows for better image processing, resulting in improved dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance. Expect better video recording capabilities as well.
Performance
This is where the Hot 20S shines. The Helio G96 is a substantial upgrade over the G37. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 20S. The Hot 20 Play will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Hot 20 Play typically has a larger battery capacity (likely 6000mAh) compared to the Hot 20S (likely 5000mAh). This translates to potentially longer battery life on the Play, especially for light users. However, the 20S's more efficient chipset may mitigate the battery difference somewhat.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Hot 20 Play is ideal for users prioritizing battery life and basic functionality on a tight budget. The Infinix Hot 20S is a better fit for those who want smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, and a more capable camera system.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Infinix Hot 20S worth the extra money?
If performance and camera quality are important to you, then yes. The Helio G96 chipset provides a significant upgrade over the G37, making the 20S a more enjoyable device to use.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Infinix Hot 20 Play generally offers slightly better battery life due to its larger battery capacity, but the 20S's efficiency can close the gap.
❓ Can the Hot 20 Play handle gaming?
The Hot 20 Play can handle basic games, but you'll likely experience lag and stuttering in more demanding titles. The Hot 20S is a much better choice for gaming.
