The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is heating up, and the Infinix Hot 60 and Nokia G42 are two compelling options. While both aim to deliver affordable connectivity, they take different approaches to performance and features. The Hot 60 prioritizes raw processing power with a Mediatek Dimensity 7020, while the Nokia G42 focuses on a balance of efficiency and software experience with a Snapdragon 480+.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Infinix Hot 60 is the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 7020 chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Snapdragon 480+ in the Nokia G42, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. While the Nokia G42 boasts slightly faster 20W charging, the Hot 60’s bypass charging is a unique benefit.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 13, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, July 11 | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, July 15 | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166 x 76.8 x 7.8 mm (6.54 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) | 165 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm (6.50 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 193.8 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 560 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7020 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | IMG BXM-8-256 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, XOS 15.1 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), AF
other unspecified cameras | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0" | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | 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/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
10W reverse wired
Bypass charging | 20W wired, PD3.0, QC3 |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sleek Black, Tundra Green, Shadow Blue, Caramel Glow | Gray, Purple, Red |
| Models | X6726 | - |
| Price | About 110 EUR | $ 545.00 / £ 124.99 |
Infinix Hot 60
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 7020 chipset
- Bypass charging for cooler operation during use
- Potentially superior image processing
- Slower 18W charging (without PD/QC)
- Software experience may not be as refined as Nokia
Nokia G42
- Faster 20W charging with PD3.0 and QC3
- Cleaner, more stock-Android-like software experience
- Qualcomm’s reputation for stable performance
- Less powerful Snapdragon 480+ chipset
- Less efficient 8nm process
- Lacks bypass charging
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details are missing, but assuming typical LCD panels for this price bracket, the focus shifts to processing power. The absence of high refresh rates or AMOLED technology means display quality won't be a deciding factor. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be standard for budget phones.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) plays a crucial role. The Dimensity 7020 generally offers more advanced image processing capabilities than the Snapdragon 480+. Expect the Hot 60 to produce more detailed and vibrant photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The inclusion of a dedicated ISP in the Dimensity 7020 allows for faster image processing and better noise reduction. The Nokia G42’s camera performance will likely be adequate for social media, but won’t match the potential of the Infinix.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Hot 60’s Mediatek Dimensity 7020, built on a 6nm process, features a more modern CPU architecture – specifically, two Cortex-A78 cores alongside six Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the Nokia G42’s Snapdragon 480+ with its Kryo 460 cores. This translates to a significant advantage in CPU-intensive tasks. While both have 2x2.2 GHz peak clock speeds, the A78 cores in the Dimensity 7020 offer superior single-core performance. The Snapdragon 480+’s 8nm process is less efficient, potentially leading to more heat under sustained load. The Hot 60 will likely handle demanding games and multitasking with greater ease.
Battery Life
The Nokia G42’s 20W wired charging with PD3.0 and QC3 support is a slight advantage on paper, potentially offering faster 0-100% times than the Hot 60’s 18W charging. However, the Hot 60 introduces 'bypass charging,' allowing you to use the phone while it's charging, minimizing heat buildup and extending battery lifespan. This is a significant benefit for gamers or those who frequently use their phone while plugged in. The actual battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the efficiency of the Dimensity 7020 could offset any capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 60 if you prioritize performance for gaming and demanding apps, and value the convenience of bypass charging. This phone is ideal for users who frequently multitask or enjoy mobile gaming. Buy the Nokia G42 if you prefer a cleaner software experience, prioritize Qualcomm’s reputation for stable performance, and appreciate the inclusion of Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge (QC) compatibility for wider charger support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 7020 in the Infinix Hot 60 get hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 7020 is a powerful chip, the 6nm process helps with thermal efficiency. The Infinix Hot 60 also features bypass charging, which allows you to play while charging without significant heat buildup, mitigating potential throttling during long gaming sessions.
❓ Is the 20W charging on the Nokia G42 significantly faster than the 18W charging on the Infinix Hot 60?
The difference in charging speed is likely to be moderate. The Nokia G42’s support for Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge (QC) ensures compatibility with a wider range of chargers, potentially maximizing charging speed. However, the Infinix Hot 60’s bypass charging offers a unique benefit that can extend battery lifespan.
❓ Which phone is better for running multiple apps simultaneously?
The Infinix Hot 60 is better suited for multitasking. The Dimensity 7020’s CPU architecture, with its Cortex-A78 cores, provides a significant performance boost over the Snapdragon 480+ in the Nokia G42, resulting in smoother app switching and reduced lag.
❓ Does the Nokia G42 receive guaranteed software updates and security patches?
Nokia is known for providing relatively consistent software updates and security patches, even for its budget devices. While the exact update schedule isn't guaranteed, users can generally expect a reasonable level of support. Infinix's update track record is less consistent.
