Infinix Hot 20i vs Hot 12 Play: A Detailed Comparison

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.
Phones Images

🏆 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!

PHONES
Phone Names Infinix Hot 20i Infinix Hot 12 Play
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 201, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
Launch
Announced2022, September 282022, May 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, September 28Available. Released 2022, May 30
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions164.8 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)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)209 g (7.37 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~259 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.82 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 500 nits (peak)IPS LCD, 90Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) / Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - X6816Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - X6816C
ChipsetMediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) / Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) - X6816Unisoc T610 (12 nm) - X6816C
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320 - X6816Mali-G52 MP2 - X6816C
OSAndroid 12 or Android 12 (Go edition), XOS 10.6Android 11, XOS 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM64GB 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
FeaturesDual-LED flashDual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single8 MP8 MP
Triple13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF Auxiliary lenses-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash
Single8 MP8 MP
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
BluetoothYesYes
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired 5W reverse wired10W wired
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAh6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsWilderness Black, Luna Blue, Energy Green, Sunset GoldRacing Black, Horizon Blue, Daylight Green, Champagne Gold
ModelsX665C, X665EX6816C, X6816
PriceAbout 120 EURAbout 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.