The sub-₹15,000 (approximately $180 USD) smartphone market in India is fiercely competitive. The Samsung Galaxy M12, with its established brand recognition, faces a strong challenge from the Infinix Hot 10s NFC, which prioritizes gaming-focused hardware and NFC connectivity. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices to determine which offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a balanced experience and brand reliability, the Samsung Galaxy M12 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset, built on a more efficient 8nm process, offers a smoother overall experience and potentially better long-term performance, despite the Infinix's gaming-centric CPU configuration.
| 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, February 05 | 2021, April 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 18 | 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 |
|---|
| 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, One UI 3.1 | Android 11, XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 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 | Unspecified | 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 | Attractive Black, Elegant Blue, Trendy Emerald Green | Black, Purple, Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | SM-M127F, SM-M127F/DS, SM-F127G, SM-F127G/DS, SM-M127G, SM-M127G/DS | - |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 1.19 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.54 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | - |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 6GB RAM | ₹ 13,999 | - |
Samsung Galaxy M12 (India)
- More efficient Exynos 850 chipset for better battery life.
- Established brand reputation and software support from Samsung.
- Potentially better display color accuracy.
- Slower 15W charging.
- May not offer the same peak gaming performance as the Infinix.
Infinix Hot 10s NFC
- Gaming-focused Helio G85 chipset for potentially higher frame rates.
- NFC connectivity for mobile payments and quick pairing.
- Potentially faster charging (though still not 'fast' by modern standards).
- Less efficient 12nm process may lead to more heat and throttling.
- Infinix’s software support may be less consistent than Samsung’s.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. While specific display specs are missing, the Samsung M12 benefits from Samsung’s display expertise, potentially offering slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles. The Infinix Hot 10s NFC’s display is likely tuned for brighter visuals, catering to gamers, but may lack the color calibration of the Samsung.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices targeting the budget segment. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, the focus should be on the main sensor performance. Both devices likely include multiple cameras, including depth and macro sensors, which offer limited utility. Image processing will be a key differentiator; Samsung’s software typically prioritizes vibrant, shareable images, while Infinix may lean towards a more natural look. The absence of OIS on either device suggests image stabilization will rely heavily on software algorithms.
Performance
The chipset battle is central here. The Infinix Hot 10s NFC’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) features a more aggressive CPU configuration with 2x Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, designed for bursty performance in games. However, the Samsung Galaxy M12’s Exynos 850 (8nm) utilizes a more efficient octa-core setup with Cortex-A55 cores. The 8nm process gives the Exynos an advantage in power efficiency, potentially leading to less thermal throttling during sustained workloads. While the Helio G85 might show a slight edge in raw gaming benchmarks, the Exynos 850’s efficiency translates to a smoother, more consistent experience in daily use. The 6GB of RAM in both devices is adequate for multitasking, but the Exynos’s efficiency could allow it to maintain more apps in memory.
Battery Life
Both phones offer substantial battery capacity, but the charging speeds differ significantly. The Samsung Galaxy M12’s 15W charging is comparatively slow. The Infinix Hot 10s NFC, while also not featuring fast charging, likely offers a slightly quicker charge rate due to its potentially less power-hungry chipset. The larger battery capacity of the M12 (assumed, based on Samsung’s typical battery sizes) will provide longer screen-on time, but the slower charging will require more patience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M12 (India) if you need a reliable all-rounder with a focus on efficient performance and a trusted brand ecosystem. It’s ideal for everyday tasks, media consumption, and light gaming. Buy the Infinix Hot 10s NFC if you prioritize gaming on a tight budget and require NFC functionality for mobile payments or quick pairing, accepting a potential trade-off in overall system smoothness and long-term efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in the Samsung Galaxy M12 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850’s 8nm process is designed for efficiency, meaning it generates less heat than the 12nm Helio G85. While it won’t deliver the absolute highest frame rates, it’s less likely to experience significant thermal throttling during extended gaming, providing a more consistent experience.
❓ Is the NFC functionality on the Infinix Hot 10s NFC compatible with all payment systems in India?
The Infinix Hot 10s NFC supports NFC for contactless payments, but compatibility depends on the specific bank and payment app. Most major Indian banks and payment platforms like Google Pay and PhonePe support NFC payments, but it’s best to check with your bank to confirm compatibility.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging speed between the 15W charging on the Samsung Galaxy M12 and the Infinix Hot 10s NFC?
The difference is noticeable. 15W charging is relatively slow, taking around 2.5-3 hours for a full charge. While the Infinix Hot 10s NFC doesn't have 'fast charging', its chipset's efficiency may allow it to charge slightly faster, potentially shaving off 30-60 minutes.
