Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Huawei nova 11. We'll break down the specs, translate them into real-world experiences, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, focusing on the key differences and their real-world implications:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Huawei nova 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 161.3 x 75 x 6.9 mm | The nova 11 is more compact and notably thinner, making it potentially more comfortable to hold and pocket. The Note 12 G96 is a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 185g | 168g | The nova 11 feels significantly lighter, which could make a big difference during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have identical screen sizes, offering a large canvas for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1084x2412 | The difference is negligible; both offer sharp, clear displays. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 391 PPI | Both phones offer very similar sharpness of images displayed on their screens. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use vibrant OLED panels with excellent contrast and color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The nova 11 has a much smoother visual experience, with more fluid scrolling and animations. This will be noticeable for gaming and daily navigation. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 950 nits | The nova 11's screen is significantly brighter, making it much more usable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 778G 4G (6nm) | The Snapdragon 778G in the nova 11 is a much more powerful and efficient chipset. It translates into faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better overall performance, especially when gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 587,561 | The nova 11 benchmarks over 91% higher than the Infinix, highlighting a significant performance difference. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 642L | The Adreno GPU in the nova 11 is more capable for graphically intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.9 | The Infinix has a wider aperture (f/1.6) which should theoretically allow more light and better low-light performance in the main camera. However, the image sensor size is not as large. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 60MP, f/2.4, 1/2.8" | The nova 11 boasts a much higher-resolution selfie camera, with the benefit of a larger sensor, although a smaller aperture. This results in sharper and more detailed selfies. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP Depth Sensor | None | The Infinix offers a dedicated depth sensor for more enhanced bokeh effects. |
| Wide/Macro | None | 8MP f/2.2 | The nova 11 includes a versatile wide-angle/macro lens, enabling more shooting options. |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 120fps Slow Mo | 720p@960fps, 960fps Slow Mo | The Infinix can record higher resolution video than the Huawei's 720p main camera, but the Huawei offers higher slow-motion framerates. |
| Features | Triple Cam, Night Mode, etc. | 4K Video, Dual Cam, RAW etc. | The Huawei offers advanced video features, while the Infinix offers better triple camera functionality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | The Infinix has a slightly larger battery, which might mean longer battery life on a single charge (However, consider that more efficient chipsets may last longer even with smaller batteries). |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | The Huawei charges much faster and will reach 100% faster than the Infinix. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | The Huawei offers the convenience of reverse charging, for example, to wirelessly charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | - | The Infinix runs on Android 12 while the Huawei uses its own custom interface with HarmonyOS (or Android Open Source Project). |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The Huawei has newer WiFi standards, offering much better connection speeds and stability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | The Huawei has a slightly better bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | A-GPS, GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The Huawei supports more satellite systems, offering more accurate GPS location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | The Huawei offers larger internal storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | The Huawei offers significantly more RAM on higher end models for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so users have to choose their model capacity wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | The Infinix might offer a slightly more immersive audio experience with its DTS enhancements. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | The Infinix features the more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor while the Huawei has a more traditional fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96
- Strengths: Larger battery, theoretically wider aperture main camera, a 2MP depth sensor, side mounted fingerprint sensor, better audio quality thanks to DTS/DTS X support, more budget-friendly.
- Advantages: Potentially longer battery life and a more immersive audio experience.
- Limitations: Lower performance chipset and a less bright display. Less future proof Wi-Fi and bluetooth capabilities, less internal and RAM memory.
- Trade-Offs: Sacrifices performance and display quality for a lower price.
Huawei nova 11
- Strengths: Much more powerful chipset, significantly brighter 120Hz refresh rate display, superior selfie camera, faster charging, better connectivity (WiFi 6), larger storage and RAM options, and a more versatile camera system with macro and ultra wide angle lens.
- Advantages: Offers a better overall user experience with smoother performance and a brighter, more fluid display.
- Limitations: Smaller battery, does not have a depth sensor.
- Trade-Offs: Higher price and smaller battery for better performance and a more advanced display and camera system.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96
- Best For: Users who prioritize battery life, are on a tighter budget, and do not need top tier performance for gaming or heavy multitasking.
- Use Cases: Everyday tasks, media consumption, casual gaming, users who require enhanced audio quality, and long battery life.
- Value: Offers a more budget-friendly option with decent battery life and audio capabilities.
Huawei nova 11
- Best For: Users who value performance, display quality, and photography, as well as those who want faster charging and better connectivity.
- Use Cases: Heavy multitasking, gaming, social media, users who take a lot of selfies or general photography, anyone who want a more advanced camera and a smoother, brighter display.
- Value: A premium experience for a higher price, better user experience overall.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance for me? (If you are a heavy gamer or multitasker, the Huawei wins.)
- How important is screen brightness, refresh rate, and display quality for me? (If a brighter display and smooth experience is essential, the Huawei is much better.)
- How much am I willing to spend? (The Infinix is the more budget-friendly choice, though it may be lacking in a few areas.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you just need a reliable smartphone for basic tasks, the Infinix will suffice, but the Huawei offers better features at a higher price.
- Power User/Gamer: The Huawei is the clear winner here due to its superior chipset, display refresh rate, and graphics capability.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Huawei has more versatile cameras, and a better sensor on the front facing camera.
- Traveler/On-The-Go User: Both should last a full day of moderate use, but the Huawei has much faster charging speeds and a more robust GPS for navigation.
My Choice:
If I were choosing, I'd go with the Huawei nova 11. While the Infinix Note 12 G96 is a solid budget-friendly option, the nova 11's superior performance, significantly brighter 120Hz display, more powerful camera, faster charging, better connectivity, and overall experience make it the clear winner in my book. As a tech journalist and analyst who regularly uses and tests phones in demanding conditions, these advantages would be worth the additional investment. While the larger battery on the Infinix is tempting, the efficiency of the 6nm chip on the Huawei is likely to yield comparable battery life under heavy use conditions, and the faster charging means I wouldn't have to worry about being without a phone. Ultimately, the nova 11's combination of performance and features aligns with my own use patterns and priorities.
