If you’re a first-time smartphone buyer or just someone hunting for a solid budget phone under $200, two names keep popping up in 2025: Infinix Hot 40 and Xiaomi Redmi 12. Both brands have upped their game, bringing premium features to affordable devices. But the big question is—which one actually gives you the most bang for your buck? Let’s break it down.
Global Launch and Pricing: Who Nails Affordability?
Both phones launched globally earlier this year. The Infinix Hot 40 hit shelves in January 2025, while the Redmi 12 rolled out globally in late December 2024 but continues to sell strong.
Global Pricing (USD):
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Infinix Hot 40: Starts around $179 for the 8GB/128GB model.
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Xiaomi Redmi 12: Slightly cheaper, starting at $169 for the same storage variant.
Not a huge price gap, but when you’re on a tight budget, even $10 can matter.
Design & Display: Sleek vs Practical
Both devices sport modern designs, but their personalities differ.
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Infinix Hot 40: Glass-like finish, gradient colors, and a lighter body that feels fresh in hand. Its 6.78-inch FHD+ display with 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling buttery smooth.
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Xiaomi Redmi 12: A bit chunkier but feels sturdy. The 6.79-inch FHD+ panel sticks to 90Hz, still decent but noticeably less fluid.
If you’re into flashy aesthetics and smoother visuals, Infinix takes the edge. But if you like a more classic, no-nonsense build, Redmi feels safer.
Performance & Gaming: Can They Handle the Heat?
Budget phones aren’t gaming beasts, but these two try to punch above their weight.
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Infinix Hot 40: Runs on the MediaTek Helio G99 Ultimate with 8GB RAM, expandable virtually up to 16GB. Gaming feels smoother, and multitasking doesn’t choke.
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Redmi 12: Packs a Snapdragon 685, also with 8GB RAM. Good for day-to-day tasks, but heavy games like PUBG or Genshin Impact show some stutter at higher settings.
Infinix Hot 40 vs Redmi 12 Gaming Test
We tested both on Call of Duty Mobile:
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Hot 40: Held 60 FPS on medium settings with minimal heat buildup.
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Redmi 12: Averaged around 45–50 FPS with occasional frame drops.
For gamers on a budget, Infinix clearly wins.
Camera Battle: Infinix Hot 40 Camera Specs vs Redmi 12 Lenses
This is where Infinix Hot 40 camera specs flex hard:
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Main Camera: 108MP (AI Triple Camera)
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Selfie: 32MP
Redmi 12 keeps it modest:
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Main Camera: 50MP (Triple Camera)
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Selfie: 8MP
In real-world shots:
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Hot 40 delivers sharper photos, better night mode, and surprisingly clean 2K video.
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Redmi 12 struggles in low light but nails natural tones in daylight.
If camera quality matters, Infinix Hot 40 smashes expectations.
Xiaomi vs Infinix Battery Life: Which Lasts Longer?
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Infinix Hot 40: 5,000mAh with 33W fast charging—from 0 to 50% in just 28 minutes.
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Redmi 12: Same 5,000mAh but 18W charging—slower and less efficient.
Both easily last a full day, but if you’re always on the move, the Hot 40 charges faster and keeps up better.
Software & Updates: Future-Proof or Forgettable?
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Infinix Hot 40: Runs XOS 14 (Android 14) with 2 years of promised updates.
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Redmi 12: Runs MIUI 14 (Android 13) with Xiaomi’s usual update cycle—longer support but heavier UI.
If you value longevity, Xiaomi feels safer. But for a fresh and lightweight interface, Infinix wins points.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
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For gamers and camera lovers: Go for Infinix Hot 40.
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For a classic, reliable experience with long-term updates: Stick with Redmi 12.
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For first-time buyers seeking balance: You can’t go wrong with either, but Infinix feels more “2025-ready.”
At Pick The Better, we lean toward the Infinix Hot 40 for its all-around performance and future-focused specs, but Redmi 12 still holds its ground as a solid, dependable choice.
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