Tecno Pop 5 Pro vs Infinix Hot 12i: Which Budget Phone Reigns Supreme?

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Tecno Pop 5 Pro and Infinix Hot 12i are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Infinix Hot 12i edges out the Tecno Pop 5 Pro thanks to its slightly faster charging. Both phones share the same core processor, but the Hot 12i's charging advantage and potentially slightly better software optimization make it the preferred choice for most users seeking a budget-friendly device.

PHONES
Phone Names Tecno Pop 5 Pro Infinix Hot 12i
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
Launch
Announced2022, January 192022, April 12
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, January 19Available. Released 2022, April 12
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions164.9 x 76.1 x 9.5 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.37 in)164.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight-190 g (6.70 oz)
 Splash resistant-
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)
Size6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 480 nits (peak)IPS LCD, 480 nits
Platform
CPUQuad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
ChipsetMediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 11 (Go edition), HiOS 7.6Android 11, XOS 7.6
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual8 MP Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDRDual-LED flash
Single5 MP, f/2.08 MP
Triple-13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF Auxiliary lenses
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash
Single5 MP, f/2.08 MP
Video-1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
BluetoothYesYes
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGmicroUSB 2.0
WLANYesWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometerFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging-10W wired
Type6000 mAhLi-Ion 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsIce Blue, Deepsea Luster, Sky CyanRacing Black, Horizon Blue, Haze Green, Champagne Gold
ModelsBD4j, BD4hX665B, X665
PriceAbout 100 EURAbout 140 EUR

Tecno Pop 5 Pro

  • Clean and simple interface
  • Decent battery life
  • Affordable price

  • Slow charging
  • Basic performance
  • Limited camera capabilities

Infinix Hot 12i

  • Faster charging (10W)
  • Potentially better software optimization
  • Affordable price
  • Decent battery life

  • Basic performance
  • Limited camera capabilities
  • May have more pre-installed apps

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature similar, basic LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with an HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness and color accuracy. The Tecno Pop 5 Pro might have a slightly more vibrant display, but it's unlikely to be a significant difference.

Camera Comparison

Camera quality is likely to be similar, with both phones probably featuring a 13MP main camera and a depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and a lack of detail in low light. The Infinix Hot 12i might have slightly better image processing due to potential software optimizations.

Performance

Performance will be comparable. Both are powered by the Mediatek Helio A22, a very entry-level chipset. Expect sluggishness with demanding apps and games. Multitasking will be limited, and you'll need to be patient when switching between apps. Don't expect flagship-level performance from either device.

Battery Life

Both phones likely pack a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the Infinix Hot 12i's 10W charging gives it a significant advantage over the Tecno Pop 5 Pro, which likely charges at a slower rate (potentially 5W or less).

Buying Guide

The Tecno Pop 5 Pro is ideal for users prioritizing a clean, simple interface and basic functionality. The Infinix Hot 12i is a better choice for those who value faster charging and potentially a more feature-rich software experience, even within the budget constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the difference between the Tecno Pop 5 Pro and Infinix Hot 12i?
The main difference is the charging speed. The Infinix Hot 12i has 10W charging, while the Tecno Pop 5 Pro likely has slower charging. Both have similar processors and cameras.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for gaming. The Mediatek Helio A22 is a very entry-level chipset and struggles with demanding games. Expect low frame rates and lag.