The Infinix Hot series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with features. The Hot 20i 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 comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 12 Play generally edges out the Hot 20i thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and potentially better camera performance. However, the Hot 20i's reverse charging capability and potentially more refined software experience could sway some buyers. It's a close call!
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 28 | 2022, May 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 28 | 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 | 195 g (6.88 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, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) / 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 MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) / 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 12 or Android 12 (Go edition), XOS 10.6 | Android 11, XOS 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | 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, 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Wilderness Black, Luna Blue, Energy Green, Sunset Gold | Racing Black, Horizon Blue, Daylight Green, Champagne Gold |
| Models | X665C, X665E | X6816C, X6816 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 60 EUR |
Infinix Hot 20i
- Reverse wired charging
- Potentially cleaner software experience
- Large battery (6000mAh)
- Affordable price
- Weaker chipset compared to Hot 12 Play
- Average camera performance
- 10W charging is slow
Infinix Hot 12 Play
- More powerful chipset (Helio G37 or Unisoc T610)
- Potentially better camera performance
- Large battery (6000mAh)
- Possible 90Hz display
- Software might be more bloated
- 10W charging is slow
- Design may be less appealing to some
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar large, HD+ displays, probably around 6.6 inches. Expect decent viewing angles and brightness for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level color accuracy or sharpness. The Hot 12 Play might have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz) depending on the variant, offering smoother scrolling.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is a bit tricky. The Hot 12 Play's Helio G37 variant *potentially* offers better image processing. Both phones likely feature a primary 50MP camera, but image quality will depend heavily on software optimization. Expect decent daytime shots, but low-light performance will be average on both.
Performance
The Hot 12 Play, particularly the Unisoc T610 variant, holds a performance advantage. The Helio G37 is also a step up from the Helio G25/A22 in the Hot 20i. Expect snappier app loading and smoother multitasking on the Hot 12 Play. Gaming performance will be noticeably better on the Hot 12 Play, though both are best suited for casual titles.
Battery Life
Both phones boast large 6000mAh batteries, promising excellent battery life. Expect a full day of moderate to heavy use easily. The Hot 20i's reverse charging is a unique feature, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Hot 20i is ideal for users prioritizing reverse charging and a potentially cleaner software experience. The Hot 12 Play is a better choice for those seeking a bit more processing power and potentially improved camera quality, especially if the Unisoc variant is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Infinix Hot 12 Play, especially with the Unisoc T610 chipset, offers noticeably better gaming performance than the Hot 20i.
❓ Can the Infinix Hot 20i charge other devices?
Yes, the Infinix Hot 20i features reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices.
❓ What is the screen resolution on both phones?
Both phones typically feature an HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels) on a 6.6-inch display.