Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? Infinix offers compelling options in the budget segment, and today we're pitting the Hot 20 Play against the Smart 7. Both promise value, but which one delivers the better experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 20 Play is the clear winner, offering a significantly faster processor, faster charging, and likely a better overall user experience. While the Smart 7 is cheaper, the Hot 20 Play's performance advantage makes it the more worthwhile investment 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28A, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 13 | 2023, February 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 13 | Available. Released 2023, February 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 171 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.73 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209.6 g (7.41 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 10.6 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Racing Black, Luna Blue, Aurora Green, Fantasy Purple | Polar Black, Coastal Green, Iceland White, Peacock Blue |
| Models | X6825 | X6515 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Infinix Hot 20 Play
- Faster Processor (Helio G37)
- Faster Charging (18W)
- Likely better gaming performance
- Reverse Wired Charging
- Potentially slightly higher price
- Design may be less refined than Smart 7
Infinix Smart 7
- Lower Price
- Decent Battery Life
- Simple and User-Friendly
- Slow Processor (Helio A22)
- Slow Charging (10W)
- Limited Performance
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely HD+). The Hot 20 Play may have a slightly larger display or a higher refresh rate, potentially offering a more immersive viewing experience. Expect adequate, but not exceptional, display quality on both.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are often similar across Infinix's budget lines (likely a 13MP main camera), the Hot 20 Play's more powerful processor may allow for better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. Expect decent, but not flagship-level, camera quality on both.
Performance
The Hot 20 Play's Helio G37 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Smart 7's Helio A22. The G37 boasts an octa-core CPU versus the A22's quad-core, and a more modern architecture. This translates to noticeably smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Hot 20 Play. The Smart 7 will struggle with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature large batteries (5000mAh or greater). However, the Hot 20 Play's 18W wired charging is significantly faster than the Smart 7'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, even on a budget. The Infinix Smart 7 is best suited for those on the absolute tightest budget who primarily need a phone for basic calling, texting, and light social media use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Infinix Hot 20 Play is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G37 chipset.
❓ Is the Infinix Smart 7 worth buying if I'm on a very tight budget?
If your budget is extremely limited and you only need basic functionality, the Smart 7 can suffice. However, the Hot 20 Play offers much better value for a slightly higher price.