The Infinix Hot series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with features. The Hot 20i and Hot 20S are two popular contenders in this space, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 20S is the clear winner. Its significantly more powerful Helio G96 chipset, faster charging, and improved camera system provide a noticeably better user experience despite a slightly higher price. The Hot 20i remains a budget option, but the 20S offers more for the money.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 28 | 2022, October 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 28 | Available. Released 2022, October 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.01 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 | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 202 g (7.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) / Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) / Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 or Android 12 (Go edition), XOS 10.6 | Android 12, XOS 12 |
| 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 | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lenses | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@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, with stereo speakers |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Wilderness Black, Luna Blue, Energy Green, Sunset Gold | Sonic Black, Tempo Blue, Fantasy Purple, Light-rider White (Neon Edition) |
| Models | X665C, X665E | X6827 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | - |
Infinix Hot 20i
- Very affordable
- Long battery life
- Large display
- Weak performance
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
Infinix Hot 20S
- Improved performance
- Faster charging
- Better camera
- Sleek design
- Slightly more expensive
- Still a budget phone (compromises exist)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. While both offer a large screen for media consumption, the Hot 20S might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more advanced chipset allowing for better display drivers. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The Hot 20S boasts a more capable camera system. While both likely have a similar main sensor (around 50MP), the G96 chipset in the Hot 20S allows for better image processing, resulting in sharper images, better dynamic range, and improved low-light performance. The Hot 20i's camera is serviceable but lacks the refinement of the 20S.
Performance
This is where the Hot 20S shines. The Helio G96 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the G25/A22 in the Hot 20i. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Hot 20S. The Hot 20i will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, offering excellent battery life. However, the Hot 20S's 18W fast charging is a significant advantage over the Hot 20i's 10W charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Infinix Hot 20i? Users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and long battery life. Who should buy the Infinix Hot 20S? Anyone seeking a smoother performance, better camera quality, and faster charging without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Infinix Hot 20i good for gaming?
The Hot 20i can handle basic games, but don't expect smooth performance on demanding titles. The Hot 20S is a much better choice for gaming.
❓ How much faster is the Hot 20S compared to the Hot 20i?
The Hot 20S is significantly faster, roughly 2-3 times faster in benchmark tests and noticeably smoother in everyday use due to the superior chipset.
❓ Does the Hot 20S support 5G?
No, neither the Infinix Hot 20i nor the Hot 20S support 5G connectivity. They both rely on 4G LTE.
