Alright, let's dive deep into a comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Google Pixel 9. We have a clear underdog story here—a budget-friendly Infinix taking on Google's latest flagship. It's not a fight of equals, but it's a fantastic opportunity to understand where each phone excels and who it's really for.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the core specs and what they mean for daily usage:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Google Pixel 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm, 185g | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, 198g | Infinix is larger, lighter; Pixel 9 is more compact and feels denser. |
| Build | Plastic | Glass with Metal Frame | Pixel 9 is going to feel far more premium in the hand |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.3" | Infinix offers a larger viewing area, great for media consumption. Pixel 9 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2424 | Both are sharp, but the Pixel has a slightly higher vertical resolution |
| PPI | 393 | 422 | Pixel 9 has sharper text and images |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent colors and contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Pixel 9 is significantly smoother for scrolling, animations, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits | Infinix is better in bright sunlight. The Pixel 9's 0 nit brightness needs double checking. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G96 (12nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) | Pixel 9 offers vastly superior speed, performance, and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 1,071,616 | Pixel 9 is significantly faster for apps, multitasking, and heavy gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G715 MC7 | Pixel 9 has a more powerful GPU for graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.6, 1/2.76" | 50MP f/1.69, 1/1.3" | Pixel 9 has a much larger sensor which means better low light performance, despite narrower aperature |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.0 | 10.5MP f/2.2 | Infinix has a higher resolution selfie cam, but this doesnt necessarily mean better quality. |
| Extra Cameras | 2MP Depth | 48MP Wide/Macro | Pixel 9 offers a much more useful ultrawide/macro combination lens |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 4K@60fps w/ HDR, OIS, EIS | Pixel 9 allows you to capture far more detailed and stable video. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 154 (Mobile) | Pixel 9 is tested and performs extremely well, Infinix N/A. |
| Features | Triple, Digital Stabilisation | Dual, OIS, EIS, NPU | Pixel 9 offers more advanced stabilization, processing, and AI enhancements. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | Infinix has a slightly larger battery but might not equate to longer battery time |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 27W Fast, 15W Wireless | Infinix is slightly faster wired charging, but the Pixel has wireless charging capabilities |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Wireless, Reverse, Non-removable | Pixel 9 offers extra usability features with wireless and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Pixel 9 has a newer OS with the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11n | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | Pixel 9 supports the latest WiFi, offering faster, more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Pixel 9 has a newer version for better audio and connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, GLONASS, etc. | Pixel 9 has more GPS systems, offering higher accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Pixel 9 offers eSIM for digital carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Pixel 9 has double the storage options |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 12GB | Pixel 9 has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | DTS/DTS X | 3 Microphones, Noise Cancellation | Pixel 9 is better for phone calls, Infinix offers richer audio |
| Security | |||
| Biometrics | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Infinix is more advanced fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Pixel 9 is significantly more protected from scratches and drops |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Pixel 9 has an additional Barometer Sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96: Strengths
- Large, Bright Display: A big AMOLED screen with great visibility in sunlight, perfect for media consumption.
- Decent Battery Life: A 5000mAh battery combined with 33W fast charging.
- Lower Price Point: This phone wins on affordability. This is a good budget friendly phone that doesn't sacrifice too much.
Infinix Note 12 G96: Competitive Disadvantages
- Dated Chipset: The MediaTek Helio G96 is not very powerful and is based on older 12nm manufacturing process.
- Outdated OS: Ships with Android 12.
- Average Camera: While its primary camera is decent, it lacks versatility, low-light capability, and advanced features.
Google Pixel 9: Strengths
- Top-Tier Performance: Powered by Google's Tensor G4, making it incredibly fast and efficient.
- Exceptional Camera: Offers excellent image quality with superior features like OIS, EIS, HDR, and an ultrawide lens.
- Smooth Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a fluid and responsive experience.
- Latest Software: Ships with Android 14, and will receive major updates for years.
- Premium Features: Wireless charging, better audio recording, more precise GPS, more advanced sensors, and better build quality.
Google Pixel 9: Competitive Disadvantages
- Higher Price: The Pixel 9 is a flagship device, and it carries a premium price tag.
- Less Battery life: The Pixel 9 has a slightly smaller battery.
- Possible Lower Brightness: Brightness of zero nits is concerning and needs to be double checked.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a large screen for media consumption and a long battery life without breaking the bank.
- Casual Gamers: It is a perfectly acceptable phone for casual gaming, but don't expect high-end graphics performance.
- Everyday Users: Good for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Google Pixel 9:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize camera quality and advanced features.
- Power Users: People who need the best performance for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest and greatest software and connectivity features.
- Professional Users: The extra sensors, better audio recording and camera features mean it is far more suitable for any sort of professional use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What’s Your Budget? If you're on a strict budget, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is the more sensible choice. If budget isn't your main concern, the Pixel 9 is worth considering.
- What's Your Priority: Performance or Display? If you prioritize smooth performance and the best camera quality, go for the Pixel 9. If you just need a large, bright screen at a good price, the Infinix might be for you.
- How Important are Software Updates? If having the latest OS and consistent updates is crucial, the Pixel 9 is the clear winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
Scenario 1: Budget Filmmaker.
- Recommendation: Google Pixel 9. The significantly better video features, ultrawide and macro camera, better microphones and sensor make it the ideal tool. The Infinix is not suitable in any way.
Scenario 2: Casual User On A Budget.
- Recommendation: Infinix Note 12 G96. For browsing, social media and basic video consumption, the Infinix does a good job at a far cheaper price.
Scenario 3: Hardcore Mobile Gamer.
- Recommendation: Google Pixel 9. It has significantly better CPU and GPU performance, meaning better frame rates and smoother gameplay.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I'd personally go for the Google Pixel 9, without any hesitation. Yes, it's significantly more expensive, but you're getting a vastly superior device. The Pixel 9 has almost everything you could want: the incredibly powerful Tensor G4 chipset, a phenomenal camera with advanced features, a smoother 120Hz display, the latest Android OS, a better build quality and much more. It's worth the extra money to have a phone that performs flawlessly with premium features.
