Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs. Infinix Note 12 G96
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | iPhone 12 Pro is more pocketable, Note 12 G96 offers a larger screen but is less convenient to carry. |
| Weight | 189g | 185g | Negligible difference in weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | Note 12 G96 provides a more immersive viewing experience for videos and gaming. iPhone 12 Pro is more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2400 | iPhone 12 Pro has a sharper, more detailed display. |
| PPI | 460 | 393 | iPhone 12 Pro: Text and images appear crisper. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. Practically very similar. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard smoothness, not ideal for fast-paced gaming. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 650 nits | iPhone 12 Pro is significantly more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | iPhone 12 Pro: Faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,082,644 | 307,000 | iPhone 12 Pro offers significantly better performance across all tasks. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G57 MC2 | iPhone 12 Pro: Superior graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55" | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76" | Note 12 G96: Higher resolution for more detail, especially in good lighting. iPhone 12 Pro: Larger sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12MP | None | iPhone 12 Pro: wider field of view for group shots and landscapes. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.0 | None | iPhone 12 Pro: Optical zoom for closer shots without quality loss. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0 | Infinix Note 12 G96: Better low-light performance for selfies because of the wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 1440p@30fps | iPhone 12 Pro: Higher resolution, smoother video recording. |
| Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) | Yes | No | iPhone 12 Pro: Stabilized videos, especially in low light. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 5000mAh | Note 12 G96: Likely significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Note 12 G96: Faster charging speeds. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (MagSafe, Qi) | No | iPhone 12 Pro: Convenient wireless charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 (upgradable) | Android 12 | Different user experience and app ecosystems. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | iPhone 12 Pro: Faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | Infinix Note 12 G96: More convenient dual SIM support for some users |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 64/128 GB | iPhone 12 Pro: Offers larger storage options for users with extensive media libraries. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both: Limited by internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | DTS, Stereo Speakers | iPhone 12 Pro: Better audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Face ID | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Face ID is more convenient, fingerprint sensor may be preferred in certain situations (e.g., wearing a mask). |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:
- Performance: A14 Bionic chipset offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Display Quality: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness result in a sharper, more vibrant, and easily visible display, especially outdoors.
- Camera System: Superior camera system with a telephoto lens, optical zoom, OIS, and 4K video recording capabilities.
- Software & Ecosystem: Access to the iOS ecosystem, known for its smooth performance, timely updates, and strong app support.
- Build Quality & Features: Premium build quality, wireless charging, and water resistance.
- Audio quality: Better audio quality due to the use of Dolby Atmos.
Infinix Note 12 G96 Advantages:
- Battery Life: Larger battery capacity provides significantly longer battery life.
- Charging Speed: Faster-charging speeds with the 33W charger.
- Display Size: Larger display for more immersive media consumption.
- Price: Likely a much more affordable option.
- Fingerprint Sensor: A physical fingerprint sensor to quickly and easily unlock your phone.
Significant Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 Pro: Significantly shorter battery life compared to the Note 12 G96. Higher price point.
- Infinix Note 12 G96: Much lower performance, less capable camera system, and lacks premium features like water resistance and wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro - Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand high performance for gaming, video editing, and other resource-intensive tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, versatility, and advanced features.
- iOS Ecosystem Users: Those already invested in the Apple ecosystem and prefer iOS.
- Users who value display quality: Users who consume media in bright sunlight or generally love sharp and vibrant colors.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Mobile gaming at high settings.
- Seamless multitasking with demanding apps.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight.
Infinix Note 12 G96 - Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Individuals seeking a large display and long battery life at an affordable price.
- Media Consumers: Users who primarily use their phone for watching videos and browsing the web.
- Everyday Users: Those who need a reliable phone for basic communication, social media, and light usage.
Use Cases:
- All-day battery life for travel or work.
- Watching movies and videos on the go.
- Basic gaming and social media.
- Users who prefer physical fingerprint sensor.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The price difference between these phones is substantial.
- How important is performance to you? Do you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks smoothly?
- How much do you value battery life? Are you willing to sacrifice performance and camera quality for longer battery life?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you need a powerful phone for gaming and professional use, and budget is not a major concern, the iPhone 12 Pro is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: If you prioritize battery life and a large screen for media consumption and are on a tight budget, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is a more suitable option.
- Scenario 3: If camera quality and display are important, but battery life is also a concern, consider other options that strike a better balance. The iPhone 12 Pro remains the better pick for display and camera, if you can live with the smaller battery.
My Choice:
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally pick the Apple iPhone 12 Pro. Although the battery life is significantly smaller, the superior performance, display quality, and camera capabilities offer a much better user experience for my typical usage. As a tech enthusiast who appreciates photography, gaming, and smooth multitasking, the iPhone 12 Pro aligns better with my needs, despite the higher price point.
