Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Infinix Smart 7 and Hot 12 Play are both contenders in the budget segment, offering a range of features at attractive price points. But which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Hot 12 Play generally edges out the Smart 7 thanks to its more efficient chipset and slightly better performance. While both offer decent battery life, the Hot 12 Play's superior processor makes it the more compelling choice for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 22 | 2022, May 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 27 | Available. Released 2022, May 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.6 x 9.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) | 171 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.73 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - X6816Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - X6816C |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) - X6816Unisoc T610 (12 nm) - X6816C |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 - X6816Mali-G52 MP2 - X6816C |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 12 | Android 11, XOS 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Azure Blue, Emerald Green, Night Black | Racing Black, Horizon Blue, Daylight Green, Champagne Gold |
| Models | X6517 | X6816C, X6816 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 60 EUR |
Infinix Smart 7 (India)
- Large Display
- Affordable Price
- Long Battery Life
- Weak Processor
- Slow Performance
- Basic Camera
Infinix Hot 12 Play
- Better Performance
- 90Hz Display (often)
- Good Battery Life
- More Features
- Design can be basic
- Camera not exceptional
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, typically around 6.6 inches, with HD+ resolution. The Smart 7 might have slightly better color accuracy, but the Hot 12 Play often boasts a higher refresh rate (90Hz) for smoother scrolling and animations, providing a more responsive feel. Viewing angles are generally acceptable on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is comparable, with both phones typically featuring a 13MP main camera and an AI depth sensor. Image quality in good lighting is decent, but low-light performance is where both struggle. The Hot 12 Play might offer slightly better image processing and more features.
Performance
Here's where the Hot 12 Play shines. The Mediatek Helio G37 (or Unisoc T610) is significantly more powerful than the Unisoc SC9863A1 in the Smart 7. Expect smoother app launches, faster multitasking, and better overall responsiveness on the Hot 12 Play. The Smart 7 can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones boast large 6000mAh batteries, promising all-day battery life. However, the Hot 12 Play's more efficient chipset allows it to stretch that battery life even further, especially under load. Expect similar usage times for basic tasks like calls and browsing.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Smart 7 (India) is ideal for users prioritizing a large display and basic functionality on a very tight budget. The Infinix Hot 12 Play is a better choice for those needing a bit more performance for multitasking, social media, and occasional gaming, without spending too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Infinix Hot 12 Play is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Hot 12 Play can handle lighter games more smoothly.
❓ Do both phones support 4G LTE?
Yes, both the Infinix Smart 7 and Hot 12 Play support 4G LTE connectivity.
❓ What is the storage capacity of each phone?
Both phones typically come in configurations with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
