The Samsung Galaxy F12 and Infinix Hot 10s NFC represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they take different approaches to achieving this. The F12 leverages Samsung’s Exynos 850, while the Hot 10s NFC opts for MediaTek’s Helio G85. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and brand reliability, the Samsung Galaxy F12 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Exynos 850, built on a more efficient 8nm process, offers a smoother experience in sustained tasks, despite the Hot 10s NFC’s faster CPU cores. However, the Hot 10s NFC’s NFC functionality and potentially lower price point make it a strong contender for specific needs.
| 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, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 05 | 2021, April 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 12 | Available. Released 2021, May 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.38 in) | 171.5 x 77.5 x 9.2 mm (6.75 x 3.05 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 221 g (7.80 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 | Android 11, XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0, 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | NFC |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sea Green, Sky Blue, Celestial Black | Black, Purple, Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | SM-F127G, SM-F127G/DS, SM-F127F, SM-F127F/DS | - |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 1.19 W/kg (head) | - |
Samsung Galaxy F12
- More efficient processor (Exynos 850, 8nm)
- Samsung’s software optimization
- Potentially better sustained performance
- Slower charging speed (15W)
- May be slightly more expensive
Infinix Hot 10s NFC
- NFC support for contactless payments
- Potentially lower price point
- Faster CPU cores (Cortex-A75)
- Less efficient processor (Helio G85, 12nm)
- Potential for more throttling under load
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the core difference lies in the chipsets driving them. The Exynos 850 in the F12, while not a display powerhouse, benefits from Samsung’s image processing, potentially offering slightly more accurate color reproduction. The Hot 10s NFC’s display performance will be heavily reliant on the Helio G85’s graphics capabilities, but without specific display specs, it’s difficult to assess its brightness or viewing angles relative to the F12.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones targeting the budget segment. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both rely on primary sensors around the 13-20MP range. The image processing algorithms will be key differentiators. Samsung’s typically prioritizes vibrant, saturated colors, while Infinix may lean towards a more natural look. The presence of NFC on the Hot 10s NFC doesn’t impact camera performance, and the inclusion of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices is largely marketing fluff, offering minimal real-world benefit.
Performance
The performance disparity is intriguing. The Infinix Hot 10s NFC’s Helio G85 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, offering a burst of speed for app launches and quick tasks. However, the Samsung Galaxy F12’s Exynos 850, built on a more efficient 8nm process versus the Helio G85’s 12nm, utilizes eight Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. This architectural difference means the Exynos 850 is likely to maintain performance for longer periods without significant throttling, particularly in gaming or video editing. The 8nm node translates to better thermal efficiency, a crucial factor in sustained performance.
Battery Life
Both devices likely house batteries in the 5000-6000 mAh range, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. The Samsung Galaxy F12 is limited to 15W wired charging, which will result in a longer charge time. The Infinix Hot 10s NFC’s charging speed isn’t specified, but it’s likely to be similar or slightly faster. The Exynos 850’s 8nm efficiency could contribute to slightly better battery life during intensive tasks, offsetting the potential charging speed advantage of the Hot 10s NFC.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy F12 if you need a phone with a more refined software experience, a slightly more efficient processor for prolonged use, and the backing of a well-established brand. Buy the Infinix Hot 10s NFC if you prioritize NFC for mobile payments and quick data transfer, and are looking for the absolute lowest possible price point, accepting potential trade-offs in sustained performance and software polish.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy F12 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850’s 8nm process is designed for efficiency, minimizing heat generation. While it won’t deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it’s less prone to overheating and throttling compared to the Helio G85, especially during extended gaming sessions. Expect playable frame rates in most popular titles, but don't anticipate maximum settings.
❓ Is the NFC functionality on the Infinix Hot 10s NFC reliable for mobile payments?
Yes, the Infinix Hot 10s NFC includes NFC, enabling contactless payments via services like Google Pay. The reliability will depend on the specific payment provider and your region’s NFC infrastructure, but the hardware itself is fully capable of secure transactions.
❓ How significant is the difference in CPU architecture between the Helio G85 and Exynos 850?
The Helio G85 utilizes two high-performance Cortex-A75 cores for quick tasks, while the Exynos 850 relies on eight efficiency-focused Cortex-A55 cores. While the A75 cores offer a burst of speed, the A55 cores, combined with the 8nm process, provide more consistent performance over time, especially in multi-threaded applications and sustained workloads.
