Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Huawei nova 11 Pro. I'll put on my tech journalist hat and give you the lowdown like we're chatting over coffee.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the specs, focusing on what they mean in the real world:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 164.3 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm | Very similar sizes; the Infinix is a touch wider, while the Huawei is a hair thinner. Both are standard smartphones that are easy to handle and use. |
| Weight | 185g | 188g | Both are lightweight and comfortable to hold; this difference won't be noticeable during daily use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Both have large screens, excellent for media consumption. The slight size difference is unlikely to be noticeable during daily use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1200x2652 | The Huawei has noticeably sharper visuals with more pixels, making text and images crisper. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 429 PPI | The higher pixel density on the Huawei makes the screen slightly clearer. A difference you'll appreciate, particularly for reading or detailed work. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhancing your viewing experience. The difference is subtle but provides a great screen for watching and enjoying content. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Huawei offers much smoother animations, making scrolling and gaming more fluid. This is a huge difference for user perception and fluidity. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 950 nits | Huawei's screen is much brighter, making it significantly better for outdoor use in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G96 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 778G (6 nm) | The Huawei’s chip is much more powerful, offering a smoother and faster experience, especially in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 592,297 | The Huawei benchmark scores are nearly double those of the Infinix, indicating significantly better performance in various applications. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 642L | The Huawei’s GPU is better suited for graphically intensive tasks, like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.6 | 50MP f/1.9 | Infinix’s wider aperture captures more light but the Huawei's sensor will provide more vibrant images. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.0 | 60MP f/2.4 | The Huawei's selfie camera captures much more detail and is generally of a higher quality with its 60MP sensor. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | Not Present | The Infinix offers a dedicated depth sensor which provides enhanced portrait mode capabilities, but the Huawei's software processing is likely better in this scenario. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not Present | 8MP f/2.2 | The Huawei has a versatile lens that allows for wide-angle shots and macro photography which Infinix lacks. |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps | 720p@960fps | Both have good video recording but the higher refresh rate and EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) in the Huawei are a noticeable advantage. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Digital Stabilization, Night Mode | Dual camera, 4K Video, Continuous Autofocus, RAW | Huawei has better and more advanced photo taking features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | The Infinix has a larger battery that provides great battery life, but the Huawei's optimizations may provide good longevity as well. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | The Huawei charges much faster, a massive advantage for those who need to top up their phones quickly. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | The Huawei allows you to charge other devices using your phone which is useful in certain situations. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | The Infinix is running on a previous version of Android. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | WiFi 6 | The Huawei uses a newer WiFi generation, providing faster, more reliable speeds. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | The Huawei is on a newer Bluetooth version, meaning slightly more consistent connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The Huawei has more options for GPS, meaning better location accuracy in a variety of conditions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both are capable of dual sim functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128GB, 256GB or 512GB | The Huawei offers more storage options at much higher capacities. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB or 12 GB | The Huawei comes with more RAM, meaning better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Both offer a stereo speaker configuration with Infinix offering enhanced surround sound for more immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Infinix offers a more advanced sensor with a side-mounted reader. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Huawei has a more comprehensive sensor suite, which will provide more options for the user. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96: Strengths
- Larger Battery: The 5000 mAh battery provides great battery life, perfect for users who need their phone to last all day.
- Wider Camera Aperture: The f/1.6 aperture on the main camera allows it to capture more light, which is advantageous in low-light conditions.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: This offers a more advanced and intuitive way of unlocking the phone
- DTS/DTS X Audio: Provides better surround sound, better audio separation and a more immersive experience
Huawei nova 11 Pro: Strengths
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 778G is significantly more powerful than the Helio G96, providing a smoother experience, especially for demanding tasks.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: The 120Hz display makes animations buttery-smooth, which is a joy to use.
- Faster Charging: 100W fast charging is incredibly fast, meaning less downtime.
- Better Camera Capabilities: The higher-resolution selfie camera, the inclusion of a wide-angle lens and macro photography, combined with features like 4K recording and continuous autofocus give it a huge edge.
- Better Connectivity: The phone has much better wireless connectivity using Wifi 6, newer Bluetooth and more GPS bands.
- More Storage and RAM Options: More options with more storage and RAM allows for more versatility in configuration.
Trade-offs
- Infinix: The phone is less powerful, lacks advanced camera features, and has an outdated operating system.
- Huawei: Has a slightly smaller battery, but the fast charging helps alleviate this.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize battery life and a good display for media consumption on a budget.
- Use Cases: Everyday use, social media, video streaming, casual gaming, and users who are less demanding about performance and cutting-edge camera features.
- Huawei nova 11 Pro:
- Ideal For: Power users who need excellent performance, a great camera, and the smoothest experience possible.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, content creation, photography enthusiasts, video editors, and those who want a future-proof device with all the latest features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance? If you need a fast and responsive device for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking, the Huawei is the better choice. If you're okay with a more basic user experience, the Infinix can work.
- What do you prioritize more: battery life or fast charging? The Infinix has the bigger battery. The Huawei has a smaller battery but significantly faster charging.
- What are your camera needs? For those looking for versatility and quality, the Huawei is better due to its better camera suite. If it's just point and shoot the Infinix will do just fine.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Budget User: If budget is a primary concern, and you're happy with a larger battery and display, and don't mind a bit less performance, the Infinix Note 12 G96 will be a good choice.
- The Performance User: If smooth, powerful performance is the key, the Huawei nova 11 Pro is the clear winner.
- The Camera Enthusiast: If you love taking photos, especially selfies, and want the most versatile camera system, go with the Huawei nova 11 Pro.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Huawei nova 11 Pro. The sheer difference in performance is a big factor. The smoother display, faster charging, superior camera system, and more comprehensive connectivity make it a no-brainer for someone who values a top-tier experience. While the Infinix has a bigger battery, the trade-offs in all other categories make the Huawei a better option. The 100W fast charging on the Huawei also is a game-changer that makes me think the extra battery of the Infinix wouldn't be needed anyway.
In the end, it's about balancing your needs and priorities. I hope this detailed analysis helps you make the right choice!
