Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Blackview A96. I'll break down the specs, highlight what they mean for you in the real world, and help you decide which phone might be the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a deep dive into the technical specs, presented in a way that's actually useful:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Blackview A96 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | 161.8 × 74.2 × 8.6 mm | Infinix is slightly taller and wider, while Blackview is a bit thicker. Impact: Small differences, mostly aesthetic preference. |
| Weight | 185g | 193.9g | Infinix is lighter by 8.9g, which might be noticeable over extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | Infinix offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same crisp 1080p resolution, excellent for daily viewing. |
| PPI | 393 | 405 | Very similar pixel density; both offer sharp visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED on Infinix provides deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. Great for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Blackview offers smoother scrolling and animations with a 120Hz display. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits | Infinix's 650 nits brightness will be much better for viewing in direct sunlight, Blackview's display brightness is not available |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Blackview's 6nm chipset is more power-efficient and offers better performance compared to the 12nm chip of the Infinix. |
| Antutu Score | 307,000 | 423,393 | Blackview offers significantly faster overall performance, for smoother app loading and operation. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both use the same GPU. Expect similar graphical performance in games, with slight better optimization on the Blackview. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP f/1.6 (1/2.76") | 48MP f/1.6 (1/2") | Similar aperture; The Blackview has a physically larger sensor, which helps with light sensitivity, the Infinix captures slightly higher resolution images. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.0 | 16MP f/2.0 | Both phones have a similar front-facing camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP f/2.4 | Blackview has a dedicated ultrawide camera, allowing wider perspective shots, not present on Infinix. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Infinix has a depth sensor for enhanced portrait mode; not available in the Blackview. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Blackview has a dedicated macro camera, enabling close-up photography, not present on the Infinix. |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps, Slow-mo: 120fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo: 30fps | Both shoot at 1440p, but the Infinix slows down at 120fps, whereas Blackview has 1080p as an alternative recording mode with its slow-motion being limited to 30fps. |
| Features | Digital stabilization, Manual focus, Night Mode | PDAF, Continuous Shooting, Front Flash | The Infinix provides features for low light photography and manual control, where Blackview prioritizes speed and extra shooting options. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4380mAh | Infinix has a larger battery for potentially longer use between charges. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Infinix offers significantly faster charging, getting you back in action faster. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Blackview comes with the newer version of Android, with up-to-date features and improved security. |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz/ac | Blackview supports a slightly newer WiFi standard for more stable and faster internet connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 | Infinix has a more recent Bluetooth version, providing better connectivity and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Blackview offers more robust and precise positioning through added satellite support. |
| Storage | 64/128 GB | 256 GB | Blackview offers a much larger internal storage for all your files and apps. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Blackview's 12GB RAM offers more processing power, ensuring smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither of them supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Infinix's DTS/DTS X audio provides slightly better surround sound immersion. |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both have the same biometric fingerprint sensor for convenient unlocking. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Blackview has an additional compass, useful for direction and navigation. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen provides better colors, deeper blacks, and is brighter than the IPS LCD on Blackview, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
- Battery and Charging: A larger battery combined with faster charging ensures more screen time and less downtime.
- Audio: DTS/DTS X support on top of stereo speakers delivers a more immersive audio experience.
- Camera: Digital stabilization, manual focus, and night mode support provides a more versatile camera experience
Blackview A96 Strengths:
- Performance: The Helio G99 chipset offers faster speeds and smoother multitasking, and the higher Antutu score demonstrates this.
- Display: The 120Hz refresh rate offers a visibly smoother experience in apps, and on the operating system itself.
- Versatile Camera: The presence of ultrawide and macro lens allows greater creative flexibility.
- Storage and RAM: Offers much larger storage and more RAM, making the phone much more capable for serious multi-tasking and long-term storage.
- Software: Newer Android version, bringing security updates and new features.
- Connectivity: Supports more robust and precise positioning using more satellite systems and newer Wi-Fi standards.
Trade-offs:
- The Infinix sacrifices some performance for a better display and faster charging.
- The Blackview opts for better performance, connectivity and camera versatility at the expense of the display technology and the battery life.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Media Consumers: Ideal for those who watch a lot of videos, enjoy vibrant colors, and value excellent display quality.
- Casual Users: Great for everyday tasks, browsing, and moderate gaming, while offering a large display and a strong battery for a more premium experience.
- Price-Conscious Buyers: If you want excellent display technology without breaking the bank, this may be your pick.
Blackview A96:
- Power Users: Perfect for users who demand fast and smooth performance for multitasking and running more demanding applications.
- Mobile Photographers: Those who value versatility in their camera setup and want ultrawide and macro lens options will favor the Blackview.
- Gamers: The 120Hz refresh rate and better performing chipset are much more suited for mobile gaming.
- Long-Term Users: Those who want the most long-term storage available and do not want to worry about file management.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself:
- How much do I value display quality over raw performance? If a vivid, high-contrast screen is a must, the Infinix is your choice. If you prioritize speed and smooth operation above all else, the Blackview is more suitable.
- Do I need extensive onboard storage and multitasking capability? If you need plenty of storage, and tend to multitask between several applications, the Blackview will satisfy your needs much better than the Infinix, which only goes up to 128GB.
- What are my most common use cases? If you watch a lot of movies and videos, the Infinix with the AMOLED display and great audio will be your go-to. If you take many pictures with a variety of creative options, game often, and want the latest Android version, the Blackview is the more logical choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Media Enthusiast: If you want great screen quality while still being on a tighter budget, the Infinix Note 12 G96 provides the best display tech and a solid battery with fast charging at a lower price.
- Performance and Versatility Focused User: For the person who wants a fast and well-rounded phone, with the newest Android version, a better camera setup for more creative options, and all-day battery life, the Blackview A96 is an ideal match.
- Mobile Gamer: The Blackview is a clear winner for those who prioritize speed, smooth gameplay, better responsiveness, and higher refresh rates.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two, I would go for the Blackview A96. As someone who values performance, versatility, and longer-term usage, the slightly faster processor, the ultrawide and macro cameras, and the much larger storage and RAM are too good to pass up. While the AMOLED display of the Infinix is attractive, the performance, storage space, and additional functionality of the Blackview, along with the newer operating system, are more important to me and fit better with my daily needs.
