Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. The Infinix Note 12 (2023) and Hot 20S are both compelling choices in the budget-friendly segment, but which one offers the best value? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Note 12 (2023) takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster chipset, quicker charging, and likely a brighter display. While the Hot 20S offers reverse charging and a slightly more compact design, the Note 12's performance advantage makes it the better overall pick for most users.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28A, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 06 | 2022, October 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 06 | Available. Released 2022, October 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.5 x 7.8 mm (6.47 x 3.01 x 0.31 in) | 168.7 x 76.8 x 8.5 mm (6.64 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 202 g (7.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 10.6 | Android 12, XOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Volcanic Grey, Tuscany Blue, Alpine White | Sonic Black, Tempo Blue, Fantasy Purple, Light-rider White (Neon Edition) |
| Models | X676C | X6827 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | - |
Infinix Note 12 (2023)
- Faster Processor (Helio G99)
- 33W Fast Charging
- Likely Higher Refresh Rate Display
- Potentially Better Camera Processing
- Sleek Design
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potentially larger size
Infinix Hot 20S
- More Affordable
- Compact Design
- 5W Reverse Charging
- Decent Battery Life
- Slower Processor (Helio G96)
- 18W Slow Charging
- Likely 60Hz Display
- Less Powerful Camera
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar AMOLED displays, but the Note 12 (2023) may have a slightly higher peak brightness and potentially a higher refresh rate (likely 90Hz or 120Hz) for smoother scrolling. The Hot 20S likely has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Expect similar resolutions (likely FHD+).
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup with a primary 50MP sensor, the Note 12 (2023) might have slightly better image processing due to its more powerful chipset. Low-light performance and video recording capabilities could also be improved on the Note 12. Expect similar ultrawide and macro lenses on both.
Performance
The Mediatek Helio G99 in the Note 12 (2023) is a clear winner here. Its 6nm process and faster clock speeds (especially the Cortex-A76 cores) provide a noticeable performance boost over the Hot 20S's Helio G96 (12nm). Expect smoother app launches, better gaming performance, and improved multitasking on the Note 12.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life. However, the Note 12 (2023)'s 33W charging is significantly faster than the Hot 20S's 18W charging. The Hot 20S's 5W reverse charging is a unique feature, allowing it to charge other devices, but it's a niche use case.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Note 12 (2023) is ideal for users who prioritize performance, smooth multitasking, and faster charging. It's great for gaming and demanding apps. The Infinix Hot 20S is a good option for those on a tighter budget who value a smaller form factor and the added convenience of reverse charging, but are less concerned about raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Infinix Note 12 (2023) good for gaming?
Yes, the Helio G99 chipset makes the Note 12 (2023) a capable gaming phone, handling most games smoothly at medium to high settings.
❓ Can the Infinix Hot 20S charge other phones?
Yes, the Hot 20S features 5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge other devices with a USB cable.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer excellent battery life thanks to their 5000mAh batteries. However, the Note 12 (2023) charges much faster.
❓ What is the difference between the Helio G99 and Helio G96?
The Helio G99 is built on a more efficient 6nm process and has faster clock speeds, resulting in significantly better performance compared to the 12nm Helio G96.
