Infinix continues to deliver budget-friendly smartphones packed with features. The Note 12 G96 and Hot 20S are two compelling options, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Note 12 G96 takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster 33W charging and likely superior display (based on typical Note series features). However, the Hot 20S offers reverse charging, potentially making it a better choice for users needing a power bank on the go.
| 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, 41, 40 | 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 16 | 2022, October 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 16 | Available. Released 2022, October 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm (6.48 x 3.02 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 | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 202 g (7.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| 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 (~85.7% 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 (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 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, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, 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 | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | 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 Direct | 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Force Black, Snowfall, Sapphire Blue (Jewel Blue) | Sonic Black, Tempo Blue, Fantasy Purple, Light-rider White (Neon Edition) |
| Models | X670 | X6827 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | - |
Infinix Note 12 G96
- Faster 33W Charging
- Likely Superior Display (AMOLED, Higher Refresh Rate)
- Potentially Better Camera
- Slightly More Premium Design
- Potentially Higher Price
- No Reverse Charging
Infinix Hot 20S
- More Affordable
- 5W Reverse Charging
- Reliable Performance
- Slower 18W Charging
- Likely LCD Display
- Less Advanced Camera
Display Comparison
While both phones feature similar chipsets, the Note 12 G96 typically boasts a higher refresh rate (90Hz or 120Hz) and potentially a brighter, more vibrant AMOLED display compared to the Hot 20S's likely LCD panel. Expect sharper visuals and smoother scrolling on the Note 12 G96.
Camera Comparison
The Note 12 G96 generally features a more advanced camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing algorithms. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the Note 12 G96. The Hot 20S will still deliver decent photos, but won't match the Note 12 G96's capabilities.
Performance
Both devices share the same Helio G96 chipset and CPU configuration, meaning day-to-day performance will be quite similar. Gaming performance will be adequate for most titles at medium settings. However, the Note 12 G96 might have slightly better thermal management due to potentially improved cooling.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life. However, the Note 12 G96's 33W charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the Hot 20S's 18W charging. The Hot 20S's 5W reverse charging is a unique feature, allowing it to charge other devices.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Note 12 G96 is ideal for users prioritizing fast charging, a potentially better display, and a slightly more premium feel. The Infinix Hot 20S is a great pick for those on a tighter budget who appreciate the added convenience of reverse charging and a more basic, reliable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Infinix Note 12 G96 worth the extra money?
If fast charging and a better display are important to you, then yes. The Note 12 G96 offers a noticeable upgrade in these areas.
❓ Can the Infinix Hot 20S charge other devices?
Yes, the Hot 20S features 5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to use it as a power bank for other devices.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones offer adequate gaming performance. The Note 12 G96 might handle demanding games slightly better due to potentially improved thermal management.
