Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Infinix Hot 12 Play
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Infinix Hot 12 Play | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 171 × 78 × 8.9 mm | S21 5G is significantly smaller and easier to handle one-handed. Hot 12 Play is larger, potentially less pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 209g | S21 5G is lighter, making it more comfortable for long-term use. Hot 12 Play is heavier and may feel more substantial, but can fatigue the hand over time. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.82" | Hot 12 Play offers a larger screen for media consumption and gaming. S21 5G's smaller size is more pocketable and better for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | S21 5G has a sharper, clearer display, resulting in significantly more detail, and crisp text. Hot 12 Play has a noticeably less sharp display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 421 | 259 | S21 5G provides a much sharper viewing experience with clearer text and images. Hot 12 Play's lower PPI can make the screen appear less refined. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 5G’s AMOLED offers superior blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. Hot 12 Play's LCD is less vibrant and may not be as good in direct sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 5G offers a smoother scrolling and animation experience. Hot 12 Play is less smooth but acceptable for most users. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G is much more visible in direct sunlight. Hot 12 Play has an unspecified brightness, implying poor performance in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Helio G37 (12 nm) | S21 5G has a much more powerful and energy-efficient processor. It handles demanding tasks and gaming smoothly. Hot 12 Play has a less powerful chipset for basic use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 168,500 | S21 5G offers significantly superior performance in apps and games. Hot 12 Play is much slower. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | PowerVR GE8320 | S21 5G offers far better graphical performance for gaming. Hot 12 Play will struggle with demanding games. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 13MP, f/1.8 | S21 5G has a larger sensor, resulting in better low-light performance, despite the lower megapixel count. Hot 12 Play has an unknown sensor, but has smaller pixel size so it performs worse in low light. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 5G offers a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoomed photos and portrait mode. Hot 12 Play has no telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | S21 5G offers a slightly higher resolution and better low-light performance due to its sensor quality. Hot 12 Play has a lower resolution selfie camera. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Hot 12 Play has a depth sensor for better portrait effects. S21 5G uses the telephoto for portrait. |
| Wide/Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | None | S21 5G provides more versatility with a dedicated wide-angle camera. Hot 12 Play does not include these capabilities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 5G offers superior video quality with higher resolution and frame rates. Hot 12 Play is limited to standard 1080p quality. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 111 | Not Tested | The S21 5G has a high score in both photo and video, indicating much better camera performance. No such scores for the Infinix Hot 12 Play. |
| DxOMark Selfie | 132 | Not Tested | The S21 5G has a high score in both photo and video, indicating much better selfie camera performance. No such scores for the Infinix Hot 12 Play. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 6000mAh | Hot 12 Play has a larger battery for potentially longer battery life. S21 5G may require more frequent charging under heavy use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | S21 5G charges much faster, reducing downtime. Hot 12 Play has slower charging. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse charging | None | The S21 5G has additional charging features like fast wireless and reverse wireless charging. Hot 12 Play has no such capabilities. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max 15 | Android 11 | Samsung S21 5G will receive up to Android 15 updates, while it's unclear about the Hot 12 Play. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | S21 5G has more modern Wi-Fi, offering better speeds and stability. Hot 12 Play is limited to slightly older Wi-Fi technology. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with many profiles | 5.0 with a few profiles | S21 5G supports more Bluetooth profiles providing wider compatibility. Hot 12 Play has a more limited support. |
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | S21 5G offers higher storage options. Both do not offer expandable storage. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB | S21 5G offers superior multitasking performance. Hot 12 Play may struggle with many apps open at the same time. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | S21 5G has significantly enhanced audio with better quality and noise cancellation. Hot 12 Play offers a basic experience. |
| Screen protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 5G offers great protection. Hot 12 Play has unknown protection. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Gyroscope | None | S21 5G offers better support for motion detection as well as environmental sensors. Hot 12 Play is missing these additional capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, pixel density, brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate provides a significantly better viewing experience.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers dramatically faster performance for all tasks, including gaming and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a versatile camera setup with telephoto, wide-angle, and superior video recording capabilities, including 8K video and better OIS.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging and support for wireless charging make it more convenient.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and more Bluetooth profiles improve connectivity and device compatibility.
- Superior Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support for a more immersive audio experience.
- Robust Build Quality: Has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection on the screen for enhanced durability.
- Better future software updates: Will receive updates up to Android 15.
Practical Implications: The S21 5G is ideal for users who value a premium experience with superior display, performance, and camera quality. It's suitable for heavy users who game, edit videos, and consume multimedia.
Infinix Hot 12 Play Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life, especially for users who spend a lot of time on their phones away from charging.
- Larger Screen: A bigger screen for media consumption and gaming, although at a lower resolution.
- Depth Sensor: Dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode.
- Lower Price: Typically available at a significantly lower price point.
Practical Implications: The Hot 12 Play is ideal for users who prioritize battery life and larger screen size and have a tight budget. It's suitable for basic daily tasks, social media, and casual gaming.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Smaller size, smaller battery capacity, higher cost.
- Hot 12 Play: Inferior screen, significantly lower performance, basic camera, slower charging, and no extra features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a premium smartphone experience with great display, performance and camera.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with smooth graphics.
- Professional-grade photography and video recording.
- Demanding multitasking and productivity tasks.
- Viewing HDR content with maximum fidelity.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a premium experience, but at a significantly higher cost.
Infinix Hot 12 Play:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, those who prioritize long battery life and a big screen for entertainment, basic tasks and social media.
- Use Cases:
- Extended web browsing, social media, and video consumption.
- Basic photography and video recording.
- Simple mobile games.
- Users who don't require high performance or screen clarity.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a good value for its low price point, but has noticeable trade-offs in other specs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: What is your price range? Are you willing to pay a premium for performance and display quality?
- Primary Use Cases: What will you be using the phone for the most? Gaming, photography, media consumption, or basic tasks?
- Priorities: Which features are most important to you? Battery life, performance, display quality, camera, or price?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance and Display are Crucial: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for a top-tier experience in gaming and media consumption.
- Scenario 2: Long Battery Life and Large Screen is Key, and Budget is Strict: Choose the Infinix Hot 12 Play for longer battery life and a larger screen at a lower price. Be ready for lower performance and display quality.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Experience: The Samsung S21 5G is better overall, but consider if the extra cost is worth it, if budget is a key factor.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While it has a smaller battery and is more expensive, the superior display (AMOLED, higher resolution, 120Hz), vastly superior performance (Exynos 2100 chipset), and significantly better camera system are worth it for my needs and provide a much better user experience overall. I also appreciate the enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos and the faster wireless charging capabilities, not to mention more software updates. The Infinix Hot 12 Play's larger battery is attractive, but the drastic trade-offs in display quality and performance are too significant for me personally.
