Infinix Hot 20S vs. Hot 20 Play: A Detailed Comparison

The Infinix Hot series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with features. The Hot 20S and Hot 20 Play are two recent additions, both targeting budget-conscious consumers. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Infinix Hot 20S clearly takes the lead thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G96 chipset. While the Hot 20 Play offers impressive battery life, the Hot 20S's superior performance makes it the better choice for most users seeking a smoother experience.

PHONES
Phone Names	Infinix Hot 20S	Infinix Hot 20 Play

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, 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	1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41

Launch
Announced	2022, October 13	2022, October 13
Status	Available. Released 2022, October 13	Available. Released 2022, October 13

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	168.7 x 76.8 x 8.5 mm (6.64 x 3.02 x 0.33 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	202 g (7.13 oz)	209.6 g (7.41 oz)

Display
Resolution	1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density)	720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density)
Size	6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio)	6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)	Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MC2	PowerVR GE8320
OS	Android 12, XOS 12	Android 12, XOS 10.6

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM

Main Camera
Dual	-	13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF Auxiliary lens
Features	Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama	Quad-LED flash
Single	8 MP	8 MP
Triple	50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	-
Video	1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	Dual-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, with stereo speakers	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	Yes	Yes
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS	GPS
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, dual-band

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	18W wired 5W reverse wired	18W wired 5W reverse wired
Type	5000 mAh	6000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Sonic Black, Tempo Blue, Fantasy Purple, Light-rider White (Neon Edition)	Racing Black, Luna Blue, Aurora Green, Fantasy Purple
Models	X6827	X6825
Price	-	About 130 EUR

Infinix Hot 20S

Superior Performance (Helio G96)
Better Camera System
Potentially Better Display Quality
Sleeker Design (often)

Slightly Shorter Battery Life
May be slightly more expensive

Infinix Hot 20 Play

Exceptional Battery Life
More Affordable
Decent Display for the Price

Lower Performance (Helio G37)
Less Capable Camera
Slower App Loading Times

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.6-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. The Hot 20S *may* have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its higher-tier chipset, but both offer a decent viewing experience for everyday use. Expect similar screen-to-body ratios and bezels.

Camera Comparison

The Hot 20S typically boasts a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially additional lenses like a macro or depth sensor. While both phones likely offer decent image quality in good lighting, the Hot 20S should provide better low-light performance and more detail. Expect the Hot 20 Play to offer acceptable, but not exceptional, camera capabilities.

Performance

This is where the Hot 20S shines. The Helio G96 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G37. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Hot 20S. The Hot 20 Play will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding applications.

Battery Life

The Hot 20 Play often features a larger battery capacity (potentially 6000mAh) compared to the Hot 20S (likely around 5000mAh). This translates to longer battery life on the Hot 20 Play, potentially lasting a full day or more with moderate usage. Both support 18W charging, but the Hot 20 Play's larger battery will take longer to fully charge.

Buying Guide

The Infinix Hot 20S is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a smoother user experience, even on a budget. It's great for light gaming and multitasking. The Hot 20 Play is a solid choice for those primarily focused on long battery life and basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and social media, and who are extremely budget-constrained.