Choosing a budget smartphone can be tricky. Infinix offers several compelling options, and the Note 12i and Hot 12i are two popular contenders. This comprehensive comparison will break down their key differences to help you decide which one best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Note 12i is the clear winner, offering significantly better performance thanks to its Helio G85 chipset and faster 33W charging. While the Hot 12i is more affordable, the Note 12i provides a much smoother user experience and quicker charging speeds, justifying the price difference.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 11 | 2022, April 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 11 | Available. Released 2022, April 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 170.7 x 77.4 x 8.3 mm (6.72 x 3.05 x 0.33 in) | 164.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 480 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 10.6 | Android 11, XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Force Black, Snowfall | Racing Black, Horizon Blue, Haze Green, Champagne Gold |
| Models | X6819 | X665B, X665 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Infinix Note 12i
- Superior Performance (Helio G85)
- Faster 33W Charging
- Likely Better Camera
- Potentially Higher Refresh Rate Display
- More RAM/Storage Options (likely)
- Higher Price
- May have slightly less battery life due to faster charging
Infinix Hot 12i
- More Affordable
- Decent Battery Life
- Functional for Basic Tasks
- Weak Performance (Helio A22)
- Slow 10W Charging
- Less Capable Camera
- Lower Refresh Rate Display
- Limited RAM/Storage
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely an IPS LCD) and resolution (likely FHD+). However, the Note 12i may have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz is common in the Note series) compared to the Hot 12i (likely 60Hz), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. Screen size is likely around 6.6 inches for both.
Camera Comparison
The Note 12i likely boasts a more capable camera system, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor and additional features like macro and depth sensors. While both phones will likely offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, the Note 12i should perform better in low light and offer more versatility.
Performance
This is where the Note 12i shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio A22. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Note 12i. The Hot 12i will struggle with more demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh). However, the Note 12i's 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the Hot 12i's 10W charging. Expect the Note 12i to charge much faster.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Note 12i is ideal for users who prioritize performance, smoother multitasking, and faster charging. It's a good choice for light gaming and everyday tasks. The Infinix Hot 12i is best suited for users on a very tight budget who primarily need a phone for basic calling, texting, and light social media use. It's a functional device but lacks the power of its sibling.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Infinix Note 12i worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance and charging speed are important to you. The Note 12i offers a much better user experience.
❓ Can the Infinix Hot 12i handle gaming?
It can handle very basic games, but don't expect smooth performance in demanding titles. The Note 12i is a better choice for gaming.
