An unexpected and intriguing guest joined our editorial desk—the Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC in a vivid blue-green finish, powered by a formidable 6000 mAh battery. The Power Marathon technology extends usable time when the charge runs low. This affordable device impressed us not only with its oversized battery but also with a range of features we cover in this review.
You might not be familiar with Infinix. Yet the brand has operated since 2013 and has established strong positions in Africa, Pakistan, and India. It arrived in our market about a year ago and, according to official data, is among the fastest-growing smartphone brands in Russia. The Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC illustrates why a buyers should consider this brand in the budget segment.
At a relatively modest price, this model includes NFC support for contactless payments, a bright and stylish back, a large display, Type-C charging, and a traditional 3.5 mm audio jack. It supports dual SIM cards and MicroSD expansion as well.
See price of Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC
Standard package: smartphone, cable, charger, ejector and documents
Design and Features
The Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC sports a 6.82-inch display with options for 60 Hz or 90 Hz refresh rates. In real-world use, games feel smooth in either mode, so cranking up to 90 Hz isn’t a must.
The screen resolves at HD+ (720 × 1612 pixels). While not the sharpest on a wide screen, the display is perfectly adequate and does not feel intentionally pixelated. Colors show a slight blue tint, with eye-protect mode as the primary color setting and no adjustable white balance. When watching videos, brightness often needs to be maxed for the best viewing experience.
The brightness level drops somewhat in daylight conditions.
The phone is powered by an octa-core Unisoc T610 processor running at 1800 MHz. It comes with 4 GB of RAM and can virtual-expand up to 7 GB. The device runs its own XOS skin on top of Android 11. The shell may appear dense at first glance, but it reveals itself as intuitive, with widgets and apps neatly organized and a two-level layout for quick settings and notifications. The gaming mode boosts performance when needed.
On the right edge lie the volume and power buttons, while the left houses slots for two SIM cards and a microSD card simultaneously. This arrangement means you get 64 GB of internal storage plus expansion without sacrificing a SIM slot.
Bottom ports include USB Type-C, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and a built-in speaker with DTS technology to enhance the perceived surround sound. The top edge remains featureless, contributing to a clean silhouette.
While the AI mode can help the camera identify scenes such as the sky, flowers, or trees, it only offers a limited boost in photo quality. Daylight and twilight shots can be decent, but nighttime photography often lacks detail. Video capture tops out at 1080p, and results are generally underwhelming in terms of sharpness and vibrancy.
Photo examples provide a sense of the camera’s capabilities.
There are four LED indicators for flash and backlight. The fingerprint sensor sits on the back panel rather than on the side, and it works reliably for unlocking the device.
Performance. Synthetic Testing
Performance was evaluated with typical benchmarks, including AnTuTu, Androbench, and a CPU throttling test. The results, shown in the accompanying screenshots, were produced at default settings. Despite the model’s name, the device stays relatively cool during extended use, and after two hours of intensive testing, it remains comfortable to hold.
Performance. Game Tests
Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC handles games well at medium to some high settings in many popular titles, delivering stable frame rates in optimized scenarios.
While some demanding scenes may cause frame dips, sticking to medium settings often achieves a smooth 60 FPS without excessive strain on the hardware.
PUBG:
World of Tanks:
In summary, the Hot 12 Play NFC sits in the budget-friendly category and excels at delivering a capable gaming experience. It combines a respectable display, solid audio, distinct design, and a notably large battery that supports lengthy, uninterrupted use.
One could wish for faster charging and a more capable camera, and a simple silicone case would be a practical accessory to protect the large battery’s chassis. Still, the overall value remains strong for those not chasing the latest trends but seeking a reliable workhorse that can also handle casual gaming without a premium price tag.
Keeper of the Treasury. The Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC represents a strong value option in its price range, featuring a big battery and essential features for everyday use without unnecessary extras.
Does a gaming smartphone truly need such a powerful battery as the Infinix Hot 12 Play NFC?