Okay, let's break down the Infinix Hot 12 Play and Samsung Galaxy A04s. I'll be looking at this through the lens of a tech journalist, focusing on real-world performance and user experience.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison of the key specs, along with the real-world implications for each feature.
| Feature | Infinix Hot 12 Play | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 171 x 78 x 8.9 mm | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | Hot 12 Play is larger and slightly less thick; A04s is more compact, slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 209g | 195g | A04s is lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Type | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones; no foldable tech. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.82" | 6.5" | Hot 12 Play offers a more immersive viewing experience due to larger screen. |
| Resolution | 720x1612 | 720x1600 | Similar visual clarity; both are 720p displays, suitable for social media & casual gaming. |
| PPI | 259 | 270 | Near identical pixel density. Sharpness won't be drastically different in daily use. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | IPS LCD on Hot 12 Play has wider viewing angles and better color accuracy vs PLS LCD on A04s. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz, an overall better experience |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness; outdoor visibility might be limited in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G37 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Helio G37 has more benchmark strength, while the 8 nm process on A04s's Exynos 850 chip should be more power-efficient. |
| Antutu Score | 168,500 | 117,300 | Hot 12 Play has a clear performance edge for app loading and multitasking. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 (ARM Mali-G52 MP2) | Mali-G52 (ARM Mali-G52) | Hot 12 Play has slightly better GPU performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A04s offers much higher detail with its 50MP sensor, but real world image results can depend on processing. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP | 5MP, f/2.2 | Hot 12 Play takes higher detail selfies. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar quality in portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A04s allows for close-up shots of small objects. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No Slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, Yes Slow-mo | A04s supports slow motion video. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, PDAF, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, Scene mode, Self-timer | Hot 12 Play has more manual control, while A04s leans on automatic features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Hot 12 Play has significantly larger battery, promising longer usage without needing to charge. |
| Charging | 10W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 15W fast charging, Li-Ion | A04s charges faster, although both have different technologies for battery cells. |
| Removable | Non-removable | Non-removable | Batteries cannot be user-replaced on either phone. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradeable to 14 | A04s has a newer Android version which will get longer software and security updates. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual band | 802.11ac, Single band | Hot 12 Play supports dual-band WiFi for faster speeds on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both have similar, standard Bluetooth features for audio and peripheral connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A04s offers more satellite support for precise location tracking, suitable for navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both can use two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 32GB/64GB/128GB | Both have options for larger storage; Both have the same maximum storage capacity of 128GB. |
| RAM | 4GB | 3GB/4GB | 4GB RAM should be sufficient for most users on both phones. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | Basic Audio | Basic Audio | Both offer basic audio capabilities, suited for everyday use like calls and media. |
| Security & Sensors | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side-mounted sensors on A04s generally offer faster access. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection is similar on both; use a screen protector for best results. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Compass | Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Hot 12 Play offers more diverse sensor options for enhanced functionality. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Hot 12 Play:
- Strengths: The standout feature is the larger 6.82" display with a 90Hz refresh rate. It's got more processing power with a better Antutu score, and a significantly larger 6000mAh battery. A more diverse set of sensors including a compass.
- Competitive Advantages: Better gaming performance, longer battery life, a more immersive display and superior front camera quality.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: It runs on an older Android 11 OS out of the box, and has the rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. Larger and heavier body.
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Strengths: Its primary strength lies in its newer Android 12 OS, which will get longer security updates. It has an impressive 50MP main camera and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a macro lens.
- Competitive Advantages: Newer OS with future updates, better main camera, faster charging and is more compact.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: It has a smaller battery, lower benchmark score, and a more limited set of sensors. PLS LCD screen tech vs IPS LCD.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Hot 12 Play is best for:
- Media consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos or play games due to the larger display and longer battery life.
- Budget gamers: Those seeking affordable gaming performance with a smooth refresh rate.
- Power users: People who want a phone that can go the whole day without needing a charge and don't need premium features.
Samsung Galaxy A04s is best for:
- Casual users: Individuals who prioritize a reliable smartphone experience with a good camera.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who prioritize camera quality and want good photos without needing to edit.
- Users who like software updates: Users who prefer the newest software version and will get more updates down the line.
- Users who want compact designs: Those who prefer a lightweight phone that fits well in the hand.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help decide:
- Do you prioritize battery life and performance or a good primary camera? If you choose the former, the Hot 12 Play is the better choice due to its larger battery and higher Antutu score. If you choose the latter, A04s has the better 50MP camera and will get software updates for longer.
- Is a larger screen with smoother scrolling more important than a slightly more compact design with slightly faster charging? If a larger, more immersive screen is more important, the Infinix Hot 12 Play is ideal. If you prefer a smaller, more pocketable device with slightly faster charging, the Galaxy A04s is better.
- How important is future software updates? The A04s comes with a newer Android OS with more future software updates. If you want the phone with the latest software, choose the A04s.
Scenario-based Recommendations:
- For the avid gamer on a budget: Go with the Infinix Hot 12 Play due to its superior performance and larger battery, plus the smoother 90Hz refresh rate.
- For the casual photographer and social media user: The Samsung Galaxy A04s will provide a better, crisper image due to the 50MP camera with more software support.
- For the on-the-go professional: The Hot 12 Play will be better due to its larger battery capacity.
- For the general user: The A04s provides a well-rounded experience with future-proof software.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I'd personally lean towards the Infinix Hot 12 Play. While the A04s has its merits, particularly the main camera, the Hot 12 Play offers a more well-rounded package for my specific needs. I value the larger screen and smoother refresh rate because I frequently consume media, and the better performance will benefit me when multitasking. The significantly larger 6000 mAh battery makes a big difference to me. The older version of Android is a bummer, but the benefits outweigh the negatives for me.
