Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. These two phones occupy very different spaces in the market, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial for any potential buyer.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-16 | 2024-01-18 | The ROG Phone 8 Pro is a much newer device, benefiting from the latest tech advancements. |
| Dimensions | 164.6x76.8x8 mm | 163.8x76.8x8.9 mm | Both phones are similarly sized, but the ROG Phone is slightly thicker and heavier. The Note 12 G96 is likely more comfortable for long use. |
| Weight | 185g | 225g | The ROG Phone 8 Pro is noticeably heavier, which might impact comfort during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Both offer large, immersive screens, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is slightly bigger. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have a sharp FHD+ display, which is great for media consumption. |
| PPI | 393 | 388 | The pixel density is practically identical, meaning both screens will appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both utilize vibrant AMOLED technology, known for excellent contrast and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | The ROG Phone 8 Pro offers a significantly smoother viewing experience, particularly when gaming or scrolling. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 2500 nits | The ROG Phone 8 Pro provides superior outdoor visibility, especially in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | The ROG Phone 8 Pro has a cutting-edge processor, offering superior speed and efficiency compared to the G96, significantly better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 2,020,000 | The ROG Phone 8 Pro delivers drastically higher performance, making it better for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 750 | The ROG Phone 8 Pro has a significantly more powerful GPU for graphically intensive applications and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.6 1/2.76" | 50MP f/1.9 1/1.56" | The ROG Phone 8 Pro has a larger sensor, likely capturing more detail and performing better in low light, despite the smaller aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.0 | 32MP 1/3.2" | The ROG Phone 8 Pro has higher resolution and slightly better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 32MP f/2.4 1/3.2" | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities and optical zoom. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | Infinix Note 12 G96 includes a depth sensor to improve portrait photos while the ROG Phone does not include one. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP f/2.2 1/3" | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers the added versatility of wide angle and macro photography. |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers superior video recording capabilities with higher resolutions and frame rates and advanced stabilization. |
| Stabilization | No | Yes | ROG Phone 8 Pro has electronic and optical stabilization which enhances video quality. |
| Camera Features | Basic | Advanced | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers features such as Optical zoom, Gimbal, Continuous autofocus, Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | The ROG Phone 8 Pro has a larger battery for extended use, although battery consumption of its powerfull chipset will make a difference. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | The ROG Phone 8 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both phones have non-removable batteries |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers a more modern experience and better software update support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | ROG Phone 8 Pro has much faster Wi-Fi offering better throughput and coverage for faster browsing, downloading and streaming. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a newer and faster Bluetooth version with improved power efficiency and better codecs for audio transmission. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a more accurate and reliable location tracking with more satellite options. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both have the same capability |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 512/1024 GB | ROG Phone 8 Pro has drastically more storage space for apps, media, and games. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 16/24 GB | ROG Phone 8 Pro has much more RAM for running more apps at once and multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both phones feature stereo speakers and surround sound but ROG Phone 8 Pro offers three microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Infinix Note 12 G96 features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor compared to ROG Phone 8 Pro basic fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | ROG Phone 8 Pro has better screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | ROG Phone 8 Pro has an additional compass for direction sensing. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths: Affordability, lighter weight, decent display for the price, and a decent main camera for everyday photos.
- Competitive Advantages: Cost-effective for budget-conscious users, side mounted fingerprint.
- Trade-offs: Lacks the power for demanding tasks, lower refresh rate, limited storage and older software.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro:
- Strengths: Top-tier performance, a stunning high refresh rate display, vastly superior camera system, and significantly better battery charging.
- Competitive Advantages: Best for hardcore gamers, power users, or anyone seeking top-of-the-line performance, comprehensive suite of camera features.
- Trade-offs: Higher cost, heavier build, limited software support duration for long-term users and a basic fingerprint sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Infinix Note 12 G96: Ideal for casual users on a tight budget, such as students or first-time smartphone owners. This phone works best for basic web browsing, social media, and light multimedia consumption.
- Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: Best for hardcore gamers, tech enthusiasts, and anyone who demands the best mobile performance, camera capabilities, and the latest features. This device shines in demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and photography.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is my budget? If you are on a strict budget, the Infinix is the more affordable choice. If budget is less of a concern, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is the superior device.
- What are my primary use cases? If your usage is primarily for basic tasks, the Note 12 G96 will suffice. If you are a gamer or need high-performance for demanding apps, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is the way to go.
- How important are the advanced features? The ROG Phone 8 Pro offers significantly more features in almost every area compared to the Infinix Note 12 G96.
Scenario-based recommendations:
- Casual User: If you are mainly browsing, using social media, and making calls, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is a reasonable choice.
- Mobile Gamer: If you play graphically intensive games, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is the clear winner.
- Photography Enthusiast: If camera quality is a top priority, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro's versatile camera system and advanced video capabilities make it a much better pick.
- Performance User: For heavy multitasking, video editing, or running resource-intensive apps, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is the top choice.
My Choice
Personally, I'd choose the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. While the price is considerably higher, the performance gains are staggering. As someone who values a smooth, responsive experience for both work and play, along with advanced camera features for content creation, it’s worth the extra investment for the longevity of the device. The faster refresh rate, powerful processor, better camera system and future-proofed features make it the better overall choice for someone who is willing to invest more for cutting-edge mobile technology. The Infinix is a great budget choice, but the performance and features of the ROG Phone are just too good to pass up for someone who uses their device as a daily workhorse.
