The Infinix Hot 12 is a budget-friendly smartphone that aims to deliver a solid user experience without breaking the bank. As the latest addition to Infinix's Hot series, it promises a blend of decent performance, long battery life, and a large display—all at an affordable price point. But does it live up to the expectations of a budget-conscious buyer? Let’s dive into the details.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Infinix Hot 12 doesn’t stray far from the design language of its predecessors. It features a plastic back with a glossy finish that catches the light, giving it a somewhat premium look. However, the plastic construction means it’s prone to fingerprints and smudges. The phone feels lightweight and comfortable to hold, thanks to its ergonomic design. The rear-mounted fingerprint sensor is conveniently placed, and the camera module is arranged in a rectangular fashion, which is fairly common in this price segment.

The front is dominated by a 6.82-inch IPS LCD display with a waterdrop notch for the selfie camera. The bezels are relatively thin for a budget device, though the chin is noticeably thicker. The power and volume buttons are tactile and responsive, while the inclusion of a dedicated microSD slot alongside dual SIM support is a welcome feature for expandable storage.

Display

The Infinix Hot 12 boasts a 6.82-inch HD+ display with a resolution of 1640 x 720 pixels. While it’s not the sharpest panel out there, it gets the job done for everyday tasks like browsing, watching videos, and casual gaming. Colors are decently vibrant, and brightness levels are adequate for indoor use, though outdoor visibility can be a struggle under direct sunlight. The 90Hz refresh rate is a standout feature at this price point, making scrolling and animations feel smoother compared to standard 60Hz displays.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Infinix Hot 12 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, paired with up to 6GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth performance for day-to-day tasks like social media browsing, messaging, and light multitasking. However, heavy gaming or demanding apps may cause occasional stutters. The device runs on Android 12 with Infinix’s XOS 10.6 skin on top. While XOS offers a slew of customization options, it does come with pre-installed bloatware, which can be a nuisance for some users.

Storage options include 64GB or 128GB, expandable via microSD. The inclusion of a dedicated slot for expandable storage is a plus, as it doesn’t force users to choose between a second SIM or additional storage.

Camera Performance

The Infinix Hot 12 features a triple-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 13MP primary sensor, a 2MP depth sensor, and an AI lens. The primary camera captures decent photos in good lighting conditions, with acceptable detail and color accuracy. However, low-light performance is underwhelming, with noticeable noise and lack of sharpness. The 8MP front-facing camera does an okay job for selfies and video calls, but don’t expect flagship-level results.

Video recording maxes out at 1080p at 30fps, and the lack of stabilization means footage can be shaky. The camera app offers various modes like Portrait, Night, and HDR, but these are more gimmicky than genuinely useful.

Battery Life

One of the strongest aspects of the Infinix Hot 12 is its massive 6000mAh battery. This ensures the phone can easily last a full day, even with heavy usage. Casual users might stretch it to two days on a single charge. The downside? The phone only supports 18W fast charging, and the included charger takes a while to top up the large battery. A full charge can take over two hours, which is a trade-off for the extended battery life.

Audio and Connectivity

The Infinix Hot 12 comes with a single bottom-firing speaker that delivers average sound quality—loud enough for media consumption but lacking in depth. A 3.5mm headphone jack is present, which is always appreciated. Connectivity options include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS. Call quality is clear, and the phone retains a strong signal in most areas.

Final Verdict

The Infinix Hot 12 is a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize battery life and a large display. While it has its shortcomings—such as mediocre low-light camera performance and bloatware—it delivers where it counts for its price range. If you’re looking for a reliable daily driver that won’t drain your wallet, the Hot 12 is worth considering.

Infinix Hot 12 Specifications:

Display: 6.82-inch IPS LCD, HD+ (1640 x 720), 90Hz refresh rate

Processor: MediaTek Helio G85

RAM: 4GB/6GB

Storage: 64GB/128GB, expandable via microSD

Rear Cameras: 13MP primary, 2MP depth, AI lens

Front Camera: 8MP

Battery: 6000mAh, 18W fast charging

OS: Android 12, XOS 10.6

Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS

Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, 3.5mm headphone jack