Infinix continues to deliver budget-friendly smartphones packed with features. The Hot 20S and Note 12 G96 both boast the Helio G96 chipset, but offer distinct experiences. This comparison dives deep to help you decide which phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Note 12 G96 edges out the Hot 20S thanks to its significantly faster 33W charging. While both offer similar performance, the Note 12's quicker charging and potentially better display (based on typical Note series upgrades) make it the slightly better overall value.
| 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, 28, 38, 41, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 13 | 2022, May 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 13 | Available. Released 2022, May 16 |
| 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) | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 202 g (7.13 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 12 | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sonic Black, Tempo Blue, Fantasy Purple, Light-rider White (Neon Edition) | Force Black, Snowfall, Sapphire Blue (Jewel Blue) |
| Models | X6827 | X670 |
| Price | - | About 210 EUR |
Infinix Hot 20S
- More affordable
- Decent performance for the price
- 5W reverse charging
- Slower charging (18W)
- Likely IPS LCD display
- Potentially less refined camera system
Infinix Note 12 G96
- Faster charging (33W)
- Likely AMOLED display
- Potentially better camera system
- Slightly more premium design
- More expensive than Hot 20S
- Performance largely similar to Hot 20S
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar 6.7-inch displays, potentially with an FHD+ resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. However, the Note 12 series often includes AMOLED panels, offering better color accuracy and contrast compared to the Hot 20S's likely IPS LCD. We'll assume the Note 12 has an AMOLED display for this comparison.
Camera Comparison
While both likely have a 50MP main camera, the Note 12 G96 often features a more advanced camera system with improved image processing and potentially additional lenses (like a macro or depth sensor). Expect slightly better image quality and more versatile shooting options on the Note 12.
Performance
Sharing the same Helio G96 chipset and CPU configuration, expect comparable performance in most tasks. Gaming performance will be similar, though the Note 12's potentially better cooling system (common in Note series) might allow for slightly more sustained performance during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life. However, the Note 12 G96's 33W charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the Hot 20S's 18W charging and 5W reverse charging.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Hot 20S is ideal for users prioritizing a budget-friendly option with decent performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. The Infinix Note 12 G96 is a better choice for those who value faster charging, potentially a superior display, and a slightly more premium feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Helio G96 chipset good for gaming?
The Helio G96 is a capable chipset for mid-range gaming. You can expect to play most games at medium to high settings, but demanding titles might require lower settings for smooth performance.
❓ What is reverse charging?
Reverse charging allows you to use your phone to charge other devices wirelessly or via a cable, like charging earbuds or another phone with a low battery.
