The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Hot 20 and Nokia G42 represent compelling options for users seeking 5G connectivity without breaking the bank. While both aim for affordability, they take different approaches to achieving it, primarily through chipset selection and charging technology. This comparison dissects those choices to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing 5G connectivity and a more efficient processor, the Nokia G42 emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 480+ 5G, built on an 8nm process, offers superior power efficiency and a slight performance edge over the Infinix Hot 20’s Helio G85, despite the latter’s higher clock speeds.
| 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, 12, 17, 13, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 13 | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 13 | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 170.7 x 77.4 x 8.3 mm (6.72 x 3.05 x 0.33 in) | 165 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm (6.50 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 193.8 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 12 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (except 128/4 option) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 20W wired, PD3.0, QC3 |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sonic Black, Legend White, Tempo Blue, Fantasy Purple | Gray, Purple, Red |
| Models | X6826, X6826B, X6826C | - |
| Price | About 190 EUR | $ 545.00 / £ 124.99 |
Infinix Hot 20
- Potentially higher CPU clock speeds for basic tasks.
- Reverse wired charging for emergency power sharing.
- Likely more affordable upfront cost.
- Less power-efficient chipset (12nm process).
- Slower charging speed (18W).
- No integrated 5G modem.
Nokia G42
- More power-efficient chipset (8nm process).
- Faster charging with PD3.0 and QC3 (20W).
- Integrated 5G modem for faster data speeds.
- Slightly lower CPU clock speeds.
- Potentially higher upfront cost.
- May lack reverse wireless charging.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. However, details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are missing. The Nokia G42’s advantage lies in its potential for better image processing due to the more capable chipset, which could translate to slightly more accurate colors. Bezels are expected to be similar on both, prioritizing screen real estate over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature a primary camera and supporting lenses. The Nokia G42’s Snapdragon ISP (Image Signal Processor) is likely more advanced than the Helio G85’s, potentially leading to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Image processing algorithms on the Nokia G42 could offer superior noise reduction and dynamic range. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia G42’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) is a clear architectural advantage over the Infinix Hot 20’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). While the Helio G85 features slightly higher clocked Cortex-A75 cores (2.0 GHz vs 2.2 GHz on the Kryo 460), the Snapdragon 480+ benefits from a smaller fabrication process, resulting in improved power efficiency and sustained performance. This means less thermal throttling during extended gaming or demanding applications. The Snapdragon’s integrated 5G modem is also a significant benefit, offering faster data speeds where available. Both devices utilize an octa-core configuration with similar low-power Cortex-A55 cores for background tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both phones likely feature batteries in the 5000mAh range, typical for this price point. The Nokia G42’s 20W charging with Power Delivery (PD3.0) and Quick Charge (QC3) support is a significant advantage. This allows for faster charging times and compatibility with a wider range of chargers. The Infinix Hot 20’s 18W charging is slower, and the inclusion of 5W reverse wired charging is a niche feature unlikely to be heavily utilized by most users. The Snapdragon 480+’s efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life on the Nokia G42.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 20 if you prioritize maximizing CPU performance for basic multitasking and light gaming, and are comfortable with potentially shorter battery life. Its 18W charging is adequate for casual users. Buy the Nokia G42 if you value 5G connectivity, a more power-efficient processor for sustained tasks, and faster 20W charging with Power Delivery and Quick Charge support, making it ideal for users who stream video or use their phone heavily throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 480+ in the Nokia G42 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 480+ is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but it offers a playable experience, especially considering the price point. The Helio G85 in the Infinix Hot 20 might offer slightly higher frame rates at lower settings, but will likely throttle more quickly under sustained load.
❓ Does the Nokia G42 support VoLTE and VoWiFi for improved call quality?
The Snapdragon 480+ typically supports VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), providing clearer call quality and improved network coverage. Whether these features are enabled depends on the carrier and region. The Infinix Hot 20’s support for these features is less certain and may vary.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Nokia G42 with a compatible 20W charger?
With a compatible 20W PD or QC charger, the Nokia G42 should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on usage during charging. The Infinix Hot 20’s 18W charging will likely take closer to 2.5 to 3 hours.
