Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Honor 90. I'm approaching this not just as a tech journalist, but as someone who's used countless smartphones and understands what these specs actually mean in your hand.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a deep dive into the technical specifications, presented in a table to give you a clear side-by-side comparison. More importantly, I'll explain what these numbers mean for your daily usage.
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Honor 90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 161.9 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm | Infinix is slightly larger but both are reasonably thin; Honor 90 is a bit more compact. |
| Weight | 185g | 183g | Both are lightweight and comfortable to hold. You won't feel a significant difference in weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size. Both offer an expansive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1200x2664 | Honor 90 has noticeably sharper details; text and images will appear clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 393 | 435 | Honor 90's higher PPI means less noticeable pixelation, contributing to a crisper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones boast vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Ideal for multimedia consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Honor 90 provides much smoother scrolling and animation, making the device feel more responsive and fluid. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 1600 nits | Honor 90 offers dramatically better visibility outdoors in bright sunlight. Significantly enhances usability in outdoor situations. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Honor 90's 4nm chip is significantly more power-efficient and delivers much higher performance. It will feel much faster. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 701,227 | Honor 90 offers a significantly smoother experience, particularly with apps and games. Performance difference is substantial. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 644 | Adreno 644 in the Honor 90 gives much better graphics performance, especially for gaming and GPU intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76" | 200MP, f/1.9, 1/1.4" | Honor 90 captures significantly more detailed images. The larger sensor allows for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/2.4 | Honor 90 provides higher resolution selfies with more detail. Infinix has a slightly wider aperture, which might help in low light. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both are similar in depth sensing capabilities. |
| Wide/Macro Camera | None | 12MP, f/2.2 | Honor 90 can capture wider shots and macro photos, while the Infinix Note 12 G96 lacks this flexibility. |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps | 4K@30fps | Honor 90 offers superior video recording quality with 4K, while Infinix is limited to 1440p. |
| Camera DxOMark | N/A | 122 | Honor 90's camera is rated quite well, whereas we don't have information for the Infinix. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have same battery size, suggesting similar all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Honor 90 can charge significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 13 | Honor 90 offers a newer version of Android, which should provide some performance and security improvements. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Honor 90 has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi, especially in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Honor 90 has a slightly newer version, with wider codec support like APT-X, and LDAC, beneficial for higher quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Honor 90 supports more satellite systems which may improve location accuracy, especially in difficult environments. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 256GB or 512GB | Honor 90 offers significantly more storage, which is great for media lovers. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB | Honor 90 has more RAM, allowing for smoother multi-tasking and faster performance with demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, so consider the options carefully when selecting the storage size. |
| Other | |||
| Audio Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone | Infinix provides a better experience when listening to media through its speakers, while Honor has better microphones for calls. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Infinix features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity, Fingerprint | Infinix has gyroscope for motion sensing, while Honor has a compass for direction. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96
- Strengths:
- Good Display: An AMOLED screen delivers vibrant visuals, which is great for media consumption.
- Decent Battery Life: 5000mAh provides all-day usage.
- Stereo Speakers: Adds to a better media experience with clearer audio.
- Affordable: Likely to be priced lower, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Competitive Advantages: Good value for money if your budget is tight, offering stereo speakers for better media experiences.
- Trade-offs & Limitations:
- Lower Performance: Mediatek Helio G96 is noticeably less powerful than the Snapdragon in the Honor 90.
- Basic Camera: While good, it doesn't match the imaging capabilities of the Honor 90, especially in low-light or for video.
- Slower display: 60Hz refresh rate doesn't feel as smooth as 120Hz.
- No expandable storage: You're stuck with the built-in storage.
Honor 90
- Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 is powerful for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Exceptional Display: High resolution and brightness, alongside 120Hz refresh rate, offers a top-tier viewing experience.
- High-Quality Camera: 200MP main sensor is a significant step up, especially for detail and low-light.
- Faster Charging: 66W significantly reduces charging time.
- More RAM and Storage: Ensures smoother multitasking and ample storage.
- 4K Video: Provides high-quality recordings.
- Competitive Advantages: Top-tier performance, display, camera, and charging speeds. This phone excels in most areas.
- Trade-offs & Limitations:
- Higher Price: Expect to pay more for the advanced features.
- No Headphone Jack: Something to be aware of for those relying on wired headphones.
- Basic fingerprint sensor: Might be slower and less reliable compared to Infinix’s side mounted sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Infinix Note 12 G96 is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizes essential features and good value over top-end performance.
- Media Consumers: If watching videos on the go is your primary use, the AMOLED screen and stereo speakers are great.
- Everyday Users: Those who don't need the absolute best performance for heavy gaming or video editing.
- Honor 90 is best for:
- Power Users: Those who demand top performance for multitasking, gaming, and content creation.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The 200MP camera, combined with its excellent low-light capabilities, will deliver high-quality photos and videos.
- Users who want a premium experience: The superior display and overall performance makes it a device that feels modern and responsive.
- Heavy Mobile Users: Faster charging and a smoother overall experience will make a difference if you spend a lot of time on your phone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Honor 90:
- What is my budget? If budget is a major constraint, the Infinix is the clear choice. If you can afford a higher price, go for the Honor 90.
- How important is performance and camera quality? If you're a gamer, heavy multi-tasker, or someone who prioritizes high-quality photos, the Honor 90 is a significantly better choice.
- What are my most common use cases? If browsing, social media, and watching videos is your typical usage, the Infinix is adequate. If you’re often working with your phone or use it heavily, go for the Honor 90.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Saver: If you need the most affordable phone that still offers a decent experience, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is the right choice.
- Media Maven: If you prioritize media consumption with vibrant visuals and immersive audio, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is good, but the Honor 90 has an even better display.
- Photography Fan: The Honor 90 is the clear winner due to its much higher quality cameras.
- Performance Enthusiast: If smooth performance is vital for your workflow or gaming, the Honor 90 is the only way to go.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two, I would opt for the Honor 90. The significantly better performance, higher-quality display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and the vastly superior camera make it the clear winner for me. As a tech journalist and enthusiast, I often use my phone for photography, video recording, testing apps, and gaming. The Honor 90 offers a smoother and more enjoyable overall experience. While the price difference is a factor, I believe the performance improvements and enhanced features of the Honor 90 justify the investment for my use case.
