Infinix Hot 50 vs Nokia G42: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Performance

The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Infinix Hot 50 and Nokia G42 both aim to deliver connectivity and functionality without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Hot 50 leverages MediaTek’s Dimensity 6300, while the G42 opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 480+ 5G. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Infinix Hot 50 emerges as the stronger contender. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6300, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Snapdragon 480+ in the Nokia G42, making it better suited for multitasking and light gaming. While the Nokia G42 offers slightly faster 20W charging, the Hot 50’s overall performance advantage is more impactful.

PHONES
Phone Names Infinix Hot 50 Nokia G42
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 42, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 13, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, September 052023, June 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, OctoberAvailable. Released 2023, June 28
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions165.7 x 77.1 x 7.8 mm (6.52 x 3.04 x 0.31 in)165 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm (6.50 x 2.98 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight188 g (6.63 oz)193.8 g (6.84 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density)720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 480 nits (typ)IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 560 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 619
OSAndroid 14, XOS 14.5Android 13, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, AF Auxiliary lenses-
FeaturesDual-LED flashLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1440p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesLED flash-
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0"8 MP
VideoYesYes
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired Reverse wired20W wired, PD3.0, QC3
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsVibrant Blue, Sleek Black, Sage Green, Dreamy PurpleGray, Purple, Red
ModelsX6720-
Price$ 192.96 / £ 184.93 / ₹ 10,999$ 545.00 / £ 124.99

Infinix Hot 50

  • More powerful processor (Dimensity 6300)
  • More efficient 6nm process
  • Potentially better thermal management

  • Slower charging speed (18W)
  • Software update commitment may be shorter than Nokia

Nokia G42

  • Faster charging (20W with PD3.0/QC3)
  • Stronger software update guarantee from Nokia
  • Cleaner Android experience

  • Less powerful processor (Snapdragon 480+)
  • Less efficient 8nm process

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. While specific display specs are missing, the focus should be on real-world usability. Expect 60Hz refresh rates on both. The absence of high refresh rates isn’t unusual at this price point, but impacts smoothness during scrolling. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be adequate for general consumption, but not professional work.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones targeting the budget segment. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both will feature a primary sensor paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility. Image processing will be the differentiating factor, and Nokia generally offers more natural-looking images, while Infinix tends towards more saturated colors. Expect decent performance in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device will exacerbate low-light issues.

Performance

The core battleground is the chipset. The Infinix Hot 50’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) holds a significant advantage over the Nokia G42’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ (8nm). The 6nm process node translates to better power efficiency and thermal management, meaning the Hot 50 is less likely to throttle under sustained load. The Dimensity 6300’s CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – offers a higher peak clock speed and more powerful core architecture compared to the Snapdragon 480+'s 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460. This will result in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both are octa-core, the architectural differences favor the Infinix.

Battery Life

The Nokia G42’s 20W charging with PD3.0 and QC3 support is a slight advantage over the Infinix Hot 50’s 18W charging. This translates to potentially faster 0-100% charge times, though the difference won’t be dramatic. However, the Dimensity 6300’s superior power efficiency could offset the charging speed difference, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. Both phones will likely offer a full day of moderate use, but heavy gaming or video streaming will drain the battery faster.

Buying Guide

Buy the Infinix Hot 50 if you prioritize performance for everyday tasks and occasional gaming, and value a more modern chipset architecture. Buy the Nokia G42 if you specifically need a phone with guaranteed software updates (a Nokia strength) and prefer a slightly faster charging solution, even if it means sacrificing some processing power. The Nokia G42 also appeals to users who prefer a cleaner Android experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 6300 in the Infinix Hot 50 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Dimensity 6300 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. The 6nm process helps mitigate throttling, but extended gaming sessions may still result in some performance dips. The Snapdragon 480+ in the Nokia G42 will likely offer a slightly less smooth experience.
❓ How reliable are software updates on the Infinix Hot 50 compared to the Nokia G42?
Nokia is known for its commitment to software updates, particularly security patches, even on its budget devices. Infinix’s update track record is less consistent. If timely updates and long-term software support are crucial, the Nokia G42 is the safer choice. Expect at least 2 years of security updates on the Nokia, while Infinix’s commitment is less defined.
❓ Does the Nokia G42's 20W charging significantly reduce charging time compared to the Infinix Hot 50's 18W?
The difference in charging speed is noticeable, but not dramatic. Expect the Nokia G42 to charge approximately 10-15% faster from 0-100%. However, the Dimensity 6300's power efficiency in the Infinix Hot 50 could mean both phones reach similar battery levels within a comparable timeframe during typical usage.