1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | Infinix is slightly taller but nearly the same width and thickness. |
| Weight | 226g | 185g | Infinix is significantly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-folding phones. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Infinix has a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1242 x 2688 | 1080 x 2400 | iPhone has a much sharper display with higher pixel density for crisper text and images. |
| PPI | 458 | 393 | iPhone's display appears noticeably sharper due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use similar display tech, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both offer standard smoothness, not ideal for fast-paced gaming. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 650 nits | iPhone has superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | iPhone's chip is significantly more powerful, for smoother performance in demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 916,151 | 307,000 | iPhone offers drastically faster app loading and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Mali-G57 MC2 | iPhone's GPU is significantly better, enhancing graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Infinix has higher resolution, good for detailed shots but doesn't guarantee better photo quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.6 | Infinix has a wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/2.76" | iPhone has a slightly larger sensor, potentially better light gathering in main camera. |
| Telephoto Camera | 12MP, f/2.0 | Not available | iPhone allows optical zoom without detail loss. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | Not available | iPhone captures wider scenes. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 16MP | Infinix selfie camera captures slightly more detail. |
| Portrait Camera | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Infinix can take portrait shots, though its quality may vary. |
| Video Resolution | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 1440p@30fps | iPhone captures higher quality videos with wider options. |
| Video Stabilization | Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) | Digital Image Stabilization | iPhone is better at producing stable videos |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | Overall: 122; Photo: 126; Video: 124 | Not tested | iPhone has a reputable score in overall mobile camera performance |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | Overall: 122; Photo: 115; Video: 134 | Not tested | iPhone has a reputable score in overall selfie camera performance |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 3969 mAh | 5000 mAh | Infinix has a much larger battery, potentially leading to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Infinix charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | No | iPhone supports wireless charging convenience. |
Software
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | iOS 13 (upgradable to iOS 18) | Android 12 | iOS is known for its seamless user experience and ecosystem, Android for customization and open nature. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | 802.11a/b/g/n | iPhone supports faster and more stable WiFi with Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | Infinix uses a slightly more modern version |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS | iPhone has better geolocation accuracy due to more systems supported |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | iPhone supports more versatile SIM configuration, eSIM support is convenient for travels |
Storage
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 64/256/512 GB | 64/128 GB | iPhone offers significantly more storage options to choose from |
| RAM | 4GB | 4/6/8 GB | Infinix Note 12 G96 has better multitasking capabilities with higher RAM |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
Audio
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | iPhone provides more immersive and clearer audio, however, Infinix offers more sound modes |
Security
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Features | Basic security features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Infinix provides faster and more accessible biometric unlocking via fingerprint. |
Sensors
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Both devices have most essential sensors; iPhone has barometer for altimeter readings, Infinix offers quicker biometric unlock via fingerprint |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A13 Bionic chip provides significantly faster processing and graphics performance.
- Higher Quality Display: Sharper, brighter display with better outdoor visibility.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a telephoto lens, a wide angle lens, and overall superior image quality based on DXOMark score and OIS for video
- Premium Build and Features: Supports wireless charging, and a broader range of WiFi standards for faster speeds
- Software Ecosystem: Seamless user experience and access to Apple's ecosystem and longer software support
Infinix Note 12 G96 Advantages:
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity leads to extended usage time.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging reduces downtime.
- More RAM options: Higher RAM improves multitasking and gaming capabilities
- Fingerprint sensor: Provides quick and easy unlocking
- Lower price point: Provides good value for money for budget conscious users.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Higher cost, heavier, and potentially shorter battery life.
- Infinix Note 12 G96: Lower performance, less sharp display, inferior camera system compared to the iPhone and no expandable storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Ideal Users:
- Professionals: Demanding users who need reliable performance, a high-quality camera, and a seamless software experience.
- Content Creators: Those who value high-quality video recording and editing capabilities
- Apple Ecosystem Enthusiasts: Users who want to integrate into Apple's services and products.
- Users valuing long term software support : Users who want a phone that keeps receiving updates for longer
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Heavy multitasking and resource-intensive apps.
- Gaming with high graphics settings.
- Reliable performance for day-to-day use
Infinix Note 12 G96 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Users who prioritize value and battery life over top-tier performance and camera.
- Casual Smartphone Users: Those who primarily browse the web, use social media, and stream media.
- Users who want more RAM: Gamers or multitaskers that need more memory
- Android Customization Fans: Users who enjoy tweaking their phone to their liking.
- Users who want fingerprint access: Users who find fingerprint scanners convenient
Specific Use Cases:
- Extended browsing and social media use
- Everyday communication and media consumption
- Mobile gaming at lower graphics settings.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The iPhone 11 Pro Max is significantly more expensive than the Infinix Note 12 G96.
- Do you need the best possible performance and camera quality? If yes, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is a clear winner.
- Is battery life and fingerprint sensor a priority? If yes, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast: Choose the iPhone 11 Pro Max for superior camera quality and video recording capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Budget Gamer: Choose the Infinix Note 12 G96 for better battery life and lower price although performance might not be as good.
- Scenario 3: Frequent traveler: Choose the iPhone 11 Pro Max due to superior GPS and esim support.
- Scenario 4: Heavy User on a Budget: Choose the Infinix Note 12 G96 for longer battery life and more RAM, as long as you don't mind the performance tradeoffs
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would go for the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max. Despite its older age, the phone offers a significantly better user experience across several critical areas that are very important to me. The superior performance of the A13 Bionic chip is not to be understated. The camera system's quality is very important for my everyday use due to its versatile and consistent image quality, especially in video. Finally, I am a big fan of the ecosystem which provides a very convenient and seamless software experience. Although it's older and has a smaller battery than the Infinix, the overall package including the build, screen, software and performance are more aligned to my needs and usage pattern. However, if I were on a tight budget, I would consider the Infinix due to its great value for the money, and its amazing battery.
