The sub-$200 4G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Infinix Hot 50 4G and Realme 12 4G both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Infinix prioritizes a more powerful CPU core configuration, while the Realme focuses on significantly faster charging speeds. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing quick top-ups and consistent performance, the Realme 12 4G emerges as the better choice. Its 67W charging dramatically reduces downtime, and the Snapdragon 685 offers a well-rounded experience. However, the Infinix Hot 50 4G is a strong contender for those who value raw CPU power for specific tasks.
| 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, 41, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 30 | 2024, June 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2024, July 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 167.9 x 75.6 x 7.7 mm (6.61 x 2.98 x 0.30 in) | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm (6.42 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 800 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 600 nits (typ), 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G100 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 14, XOS 14.5 | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.95", PDAF, OIS
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", AF
other unspecified cameras | - |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0" | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes, 360˚ |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
Reverse wired
Bypass charging | 67W wired, 50% in 19 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sleek Black, Sage Green, Titanium Grey | Skyline Silver, Pioneer Green |
| Models | X6882, X6882B | RMX3871 |
| Price | - | About 180 EUR |
Infinix Hot 50 4G
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance due to Cortex-A76 cores.
- Reverse wired charging for topping up other devices.
- Bypass charging allows use while charging.
- Significantly slower 18W charging.
- Potentially less refined software optimization compared to Qualcomm.
Realme 12 4G
- Ultra-fast 67W charging for minimal downtime.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 offers a balanced and efficient experience.
- Likely better software optimization and modem reliability.
- CPU core architecture is older generation (A73 vs A76).
- May prioritize image processing over natural color accuracy.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on practicality. Without specific display specs, it's difficult to differentiate, but Realme often employs slightly better color calibration in its budget offerings. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is challenging. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and multiple auxiliary lenses, with the latter often being low-resolution macro or depth sensors. The Realme 12 4G, based on Realme’s typical strategy, may prioritize image processing algorithms for more vibrant and social media-ready photos. The sensor size will be a critical factor, and any information on aperture would be valuable. We can assume both will struggle in low-light conditions without significant software intervention.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Hot 50 4G’s MediaTek Helio G100 features a 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration. This suggests a focus on peak CPU performance, potentially beneficial for single-threaded tasks. Conversely, the Realme 12 4G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 utilizes a 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53 setup. While the A73 cores are clocked higher, the G100’s A76 cores are architecturally more advanced, offering better IPC (Instructions Per Clock). However, the Snapdragon 685 benefits from Qualcomm’s optimized software and potentially better GPU performance. Both are built on a 6nm process, ensuring reasonable efficiency, but the Snapdragon's integrated modem is generally considered more reliable.
Battery Life
The Realme 12 4G’s 67W charging is the clear winner here. A 50% charge in 19 minutes is a significant advantage over the Infinix Hot 50 4G’s 18W charging. While the Infinix offers reverse wired charging and bypass charging (allowing charging while in use), these features don't compensate for the substantial charging speed difference. The actual battery capacity isn't specified, but the faster charging of the Realme 12 4G mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 50 4G if you frequently engage in CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or emulation, and don't mind slower charging. Its Helio G100, with its Cortex-A76 cores, provides a performance edge in these scenarios. Buy the Realme 12 4G if you prioritize battery convenience and a smoother, more consistent user experience. The 67W charging is a game-changer, and the Snapdragon 685 offers excellent efficiency for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G100 in the Infinix Hot 50 4G struggle with graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G100 is capable, the Snapdragon 685 in the Realme 12 4G is generally better optimized for gaming. You'll likely need to lower graphics settings on the Infinix Hot 50 4G to maintain a stable frame rate, while the Realme 12 4G should offer a smoother experience at medium settings.
❓ How much faster is the 67W charging on the Realme 12 4G compared to the 18W charging on the Infinix Hot 50 4G in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The Realme 12 4G can go from 0-50% in under 20 minutes, while the Infinix Hot 50 4G will take well over an hour to reach the same level. This means you can quickly top up the Realme 12 4G during short breaks, whereas the Infinix requires a longer charging period.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 685 in the Realme 12 4G support VoLTE and VoWiFi on all carriers?
Qualcomm chipsets generally have broader carrier compatibility than MediaTek. The Snapdragon 685 is highly likely to support VoLTE and VoWiFi on most major carriers, but it's always best to check with your specific provider to confirm compatibility.
