Infinix Hot 12 Play vs Tecno Spark Go 2023 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date May 30, 2022 January 24, 2023
Release Year 2022 2023

Physical

Volume 118.71 cm³ 110.13 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.26 "/g N/A
Weight 209 g 0 g
Height 171 mm 163.9 mm
Width 78 mm 75.5 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Horizon Blue
  • Racing Black
  • Daylight Green
  • Champagne Gold
  • Nebula Purple
  • Endless Black
  • Uyuni Blue
  • Skin Orange

Display

Screen Size 6.82 " 6.6 "
Resolution 720 x 1612 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 83.8 % 85 %
Pixel Density 259 PPI 267 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 129.00 mAh/in² 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 50.54 mAh/cm³ 45.4 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 6000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support No No
Chipset Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) - X6816 Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - X6816 Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
GPU PowerVR GE8320 - X6816 PowerVR GE8320

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 12
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's dive deep into the nitty-gritty of these two budget contenders: the Infinix Hot 12 Play and the Tecno Spark Go 2023. We're not just here to recite specs; we’re here to understand what these numbers mean for you, the everyday user. I’ve got my engineering hat on, but I’ll explain it like we’re just chatting over coffee.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Let’s break down the key specs, and more importantly, what they mean for real-world usage.

FeatureInfinix Hot 12 PlayTecno Spark Go 2023Real-World Implications
DESIGN
Launch Date2022-05-302023-01-24The Tecno is newer, so it might have some software updates and minor improvements based on the latest trends.
Dimensions171 x 78 x 8.9 mm163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mmInfinix is slightly larger and wider, but both are the same thickness. The Tecno is more pocketable due to its smaller size.
Weight209g0g (Likely an error, actual weight around 190-200g)The Tecno is likely a tad lighter, but I'd verify. This makes it slightly more comfortable for extended use.
DISPLAY
Size6.82"6.6"Infinix offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience.
Resolution720x1612720x1600Both offer HD+ resolution. The difference in sharpness will be practically indistinguishable to the human eye.
PPI259267Practically similar pixel density. Expect similar levels of clarity on both phones.
TechnologyIPS LCDIPS LCDStandard LCD panels. Good color accuracy, decent viewing angles, but won’t pop like an OLED.
Refresh Rate90Hz60HzThe Infinix will have noticeably smoother animations and transitions, making daily usage feel more responsive.
Brightness0 nits0 nits(Data Error): Both phones likely have similar typical brightness. This spec is likely incorrect. Check real-world reviews for accurate brightness data.
PERFORMANCE
ChipsetHelio G37Helio A22Infinix's Helio G37 is noticeably more powerful. Expect faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better overall performance.
AnTuTu Score168,50092,140The Infinix outperforms the Tecno by a significant margin in benchmarks. It should feel much snappier in daily use.
GPUPowerVR GE8320 (Mali-G52 MP2)PowerVR GE8320The Infinix likely has better graphical performance thanks to the additional Mali-G52. Better for light gaming.
CAMERA
Rear Camera (Main)13MP, f/1.813MP, f/1.85The Infinix has a slightly wider aperture, meaning it should perform marginally better in low-light conditions.
Selfie Camera8MP5MP, f/2.0Infinix's 8MP front camera should capture more detail than Tecno's 5MP camera.
Depth Camera2MP, f/2.4NoneInfinix offers a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects. Tecno will rely on software processing only.
Video Recording1080p@30fps1080p@30fpsBoth shoot Full HD video at 30fps. Standard for this price range.
BATTERY LIFE
Capacity6000mAh5000mAhInfinix boasts a much larger battery, which translates to significantly longer battery life. Expect a full day of heavy use.
Charging10W10WBoth support basic 10W charging, which means that charging speeds will be slow, expect to wait a while to fully charge either of these devices.
SOFTWARE
OSAndroid 11Android 12Tecno ships with a newer version of Android, potentially offering better performance and features.
CONNECTIVITY
Wi-Fi802.11ac802.11nThe Infinix supports faster Wi-Fi standards which means better throughput and connectivity in general.
Bluetooth5.0 LE4.2 LEInfinix has a newer Bluetooth version, which should mean better connection stability and energy efficiency.
GPSGPS, A-GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoTecno supports more satellite systems, leading to more precise location tracking, especially in dense areas.
SIMDual SIMDual SIMBoth support dual SIM usage.
STORAGE
Internal64GB or 128 GB64GBThe Infinix offers a 128GB version, providing much more space for your files, apps, and media. Tecno's fixed to 64GB.
RAM4GB3GBThe Infinix has more RAM, contributing to better multitasking performance.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone offers expandable storage, making onboard storage a key consideration.

2. Key Insights

Infinix Hot 12 Play

Strengths:

  • Superior Performance: The Helio G37 chipset blows the A22 out of the water, offering a much smoother and faster experience.
  • Longer Battery Life: The 6000mAh battery is a clear winner for users who need to go through the day without worrying about charging.
  • Larger, Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate and larger screen offer an enjoyable experience when browsing and consuming content.
  • More Storage Option: The 128GB option provides ample space for apps, photos, and videos, though only available in some regions.
  • Better Front Camera: The 8MP front camera is superior for selfies and video calls, and has PDAF on the main sensor. Trade-offs:
  • Slightly older OS (Android 11).
  • Larger size may be less pocketable for some.

Tecno Spark Go 2023

Strengths:

  • Newer OS: Android 12 provides a slightly updated software experience.
  • More Precise GPS: Supporting more satellite systems results in better accuracy.
  • Likely Lighter: It appears that the Tecno has a negligibly lighter weight, although this requires verification. Trade-offs:
  • Lower Performance: The Helio A22 is noticeably less powerful, which will impact app loading, multitasking, and gaming.
  • Smaller Battery: The 5000mAh battery is smaller which will result in less battery life.
  • Lower Quality Cameras: Lower quality front-facing camera and no additional depth sensor make the imaging quality less than the Infinix.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

Infinix Hot 12 Play:

  • Ideal For: Power users, mobile gamers (light), media consumers who prioritize performance and battery life.
  • Use Cases: Heavy social media usage, mobile gaming, video streaming, long days away from a charger.
  • Recommendation: If your top priorities are performance, battery life, and display smoothness, the Infinix is the clear choice.

Tecno Spark Go 2023:

  • Ideal For: Casual users, those who value a slightly updated software and good GPS.
  • Use Cases: Basic phone usage, browsing, casual messaging, navigation.
  • Recommendation: If you're on a tight budget and don't need high performance, the Tecno is a functional option. However, be mindful of its limitations.

4. Buying Decision Framework

To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:

  1. How important is performance to you? If you need a phone that can handle multitasking and some light gaming, the Infinix is much better than the Tecno.
  2. Do you value long battery life? The Infinix's larger 6000mAh battery will last significantly longer than the Tecno’s 5000mAh battery.
  3. How much do you value the latest software and more accurate GPS? If you want a newer OS and better GPS, the Tecno has a slight edge.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Power User on a Budget: Choose the Infinix Hot 12 Play. You’ll get the most performance and the best battery life.
  • Scenario 2: Basic User on a Tight Budget: The Tecno Spark Go 2023 will do the job if cost is the only limiting factor.
  • Scenario 3: Media Junkie: The larger, smoother display and better performance of the Infinix Hot 12 Play will provide a better viewing experience.

My Choice

If I were in the market for one of these phones, I would absolutely choose the Infinix Hot 12 Play. Here's why:

As someone who appreciates a smooth, responsive experience, the performance difference between the two is massive. The Helio G37 in the Infinix is significantly more powerful and will provide a better day-to-day user experience. The 90Hz refresh rate is the cherry on top! The bigger battery is also very important for me since I usually spend a lot of time away from a charger.

Sure, the Tecno has a slightly newer version of Android and has better GPS, but those improvements do not overcome the core shortcomings. The Infinix offers significantly better performance, which means it will be a much more enjoyable device to use.

In short, the Infinix isn’t just a phone; it's a device that enhances the user experience, and for that, it's the clear winner in my book.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.