Looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank? The Infinix Hot 30i and Xiaomi Redmi 12C are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one reigns supreme? This detailed comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 12C edges out the Hot 30i thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and generally better software optimization. However, the Hot 30i boasts faster charging and a potentially more appealing design for some. Ultimately, the Redmi 12C offers a more polished experience.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 31 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 31 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 10.6 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/3.07", AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.94" | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (Hot 30i NFC only) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mirror Black, Glacier Blue, Diamond White, Marigold | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | X669, X669D | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | - | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | - | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Infinix Hot 30i
- Faster Charging (18W)
- Modern Design
- Large Display
- Decent Battery Life
- Weaker Processor
- Potentially Less Optimized Software
- Lower Camera Quality
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Better Performance (Helio G85)
- Improved Camera Quality
- Generally Smoother Software
- Good Value
- Slower Charging (10W)
- Less Modern Design (subjective)
- Display might be slightly less bright
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.6-inch displays, likely with HD+ resolution. While specific panel types aren't always detailed, expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for the price. The Redmi 12C might have slightly better brightness due to Xiaomi's generally more refined display calibration.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C typically features a 50MP main camera, often with improved image processing compared to the Hot 30i's likely lower-resolution sensor. Expect better detail and dynamic range in the Redmi 12C's photos, especially in good lighting conditions. Both phones likely offer decent selfie cameras.
Performance
The Redmi 12C's Helio G85 chipset holds a clear advantage over the Hot 30i's Unisoc T606. The G85 offers better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother multitasking, app loading, and gaming. The Hot 30i will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones pack large 5000mAh batteries, promising all-day battery life. However, the Hot 30i's 18W charging significantly outperforms the Redmi 12C's 10W charging, allowing for much faster top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Hot 30i is ideal for users prioritizing fast charging and a modern aesthetic. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is a better choice for those seeking a smoother overall experience and slightly better performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G85 chipset. It will handle games more smoothly and with better graphics performance.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day with moderate usage. However, the Infinix Hot 30i charges significantly faster.
❓ Which phone has a better camera?
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C generally produces better photos with more detail and dynamic range, thanks to its improved image processing and likely a higher-resolution sensor.
