The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Infinix Hot 60i and Nokia G42 both aim to deliver connectivity and functionality without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Hot 60i prioritizes raw processing power with a newer Mediatek Dimensity chipset, while the Nokia G42 leans on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 480+ and a focus on software experience and repairability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Infinix Hot 60i emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6400 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 60i’s overall value proposition is more compelling.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 13, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 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, August 16 | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August 21 | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167.4 x 77.7 x 8.1 mm (6.59 x 3.06 x 0.32 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 | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 193.8 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 560 nits (typ), 670 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6400 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 15, XOS 15.1 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Yes | 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 | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Shadow Blue, Sleek Black, Monsoon Green, Plum Red | Gray, Purple, Red |
| Models | X6730 | - |
| Price | About 90 EUR | $ 545.00 / £ 124.99 |
Infinix Hot 60i
- Superior processing power with Dimensity 6400
- More efficient 6nm chipset for better battery life
- 10W reverse wired charging for accessory top-ups
- Potentially less refined software experience
- Slower charging speed (18W) compared to Nokia
Nokia G42
- Faster 20W charging with PD3.0 and QC3
- Clean Android experience with potentially longer software support
- Excellent repairability and parts availability
- Less powerful Snapdragon 480+ chipset
- Potentially lower performance in demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. The key difference lies under the hood: display driver efficiency. Without specific display specs (resolution, brightness), it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. However, the Nokia G42’s support for PD3.0 and QC3 charging suggests a more sophisticated power management system, which *could* translate to slightly better display efficiency, though this is speculative.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature modest camera setups geared towards everyday photography. Without detailed sensor information beyond the presence of a main sensor, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Nokia G42’s emphasis on repairability suggests a potentially more durable camera module. The inclusion of 2MP macro lenses on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to their small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). Image processing will likely be the differentiating factor, with Nokia traditionally favoring a more natural look, while Infinix often boosts saturation.
Performance
The Infinix Hot 60i’s Mediatek Dimensity 6400 (6nm) is the clear performance champion. Its octa-core configuration, featuring two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.5 GHz, significantly outperforms the Nokia G42’s Snapdragon 480+ (8nm). The Snapdragon 480+’s Kryo 460 cores, while efficient, are clocked lower at 2.2 GHz. The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 6400 also contributes to better power efficiency and sustained performance, reducing the likelihood of thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. This translates to a smoother experience for demanding tasks and a more responsive user interface on the Infinix.
Battery Life
The Nokia G42’s 20W wired charging with PD3.0 and QC3 support offers a slight advantage over the Infinix Hot 60i’s 18W charging. PD3.0 and QC3 are universal standards, ensuring compatibility with a wider range of chargers. The Hot 60i does offer 10W reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories. However, the difference in charging speed is unlikely to be dramatic in real-world usage. Battery capacity is not specified, but the Dimensity 6400’s superior power efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery in the Infinix, resulting in comparable all-day battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 60i if you need a phone that can handle demanding apps and light gaming without stuttering. It’s ideal for users who prioritize performance and don’t mind a less refined software experience. Buy the Nokia G42 if you value a clean Android experience, longer software support, and the convenience of readily available replacement parts – a key benefit for those concerned about device longevity and repair costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Hot 60i struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a dedicated gaming phone, the Dimensity 6400 in the Hot 60i is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some frame drops during intense firefights, but the overall experience should be playable. The Snapdragon 480+ in the Nokia G42 will likely require lower settings for a similar experience.
❓ How important is the repairability of the Nokia G42 for the average user?
Nokia’s focus on repairability means that replacing components like the screen or battery is significantly easier and cheaper than on most smartphones. This is particularly beneficial for users who are prone to accidents or prefer to avoid expensive repair bills. It also extends the lifespan of the device, reducing electronic waste.
❓ Does the Infinix Hot 60i support 5G on all networks?
The Infinix Hot 60i supports 5G connectivity, but the specific bands supported will vary depending on the region. It's crucial to check with your carrier to ensure compatibility with their 5G network before purchasing.
❓ What kind of software updates can I expect on the Nokia G42?
Nokia typically provides a commitment of 2 years of software updates and 3 years of security patches for its G-series devices. This is a significant advantage over many other budget smartphones, ensuring your device remains secure and up-to-date for a longer period.
