Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Huawei P60 Pro. These two phones sit at very different ends of the spectrum, targeting distinct users with their unique feature sets. As a tech journalist who likes to get down to the nitty-gritty, I'll dissect what these differences mean for your daily life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Let's get straight to the heart of the matter – the specs. I've compiled a table that breaks down the key differences, and more importantly, what they mean for you.
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Huawei P60 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-16 | 2023-03-31 | P60 Pro is a newer device with potentially more modern features. |
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | 161 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | Note 12 is taller and wider, P60 Pro is slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 185g | 200g | Note 12 is lighter for easier handling. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Both have similar display size |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2700 | P60 Pro offers a sharper, clearer display. |
| PPI | 393 | 444 | P60 Pro has a higher pixel density, resulting in finer details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar display tech for deep blacks and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | P60 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits | Note 12 G96 should have better outdoor visibility |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4nm) | P60 Pro has a much more powerful and efficient processor for faster apps, better gaming, and future proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 1,228,811 | The P60 Pro is significantly faster and more capable. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 730 | P60 Pro offers much more capable graphics for gaming and GPU-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76" | 48MP, f/1.4, 1/1.4" | P60 Pro's main camera has a wider aperture and a larger sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 31MP, f/2.4 | P60 Pro's selfie cam captures more detailed self-portraits, |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/2.1 | P60 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | P60 Pro's includes a wide-angle lens for landscape and group photos. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Infinix allows for some depth sensing in images |
| Video | 1440p@30fps; No | 4K@60fps with EIS | P60 Pro offers superior video quality and image stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | 156 (Mobile) | P60 Pro camera is independently tested and rated as excellent. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4815mAh | Both offer similar battery capacities. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charge | 88W Fast Charge | P60 Pro charges significantly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | None | 50W | P60 Pro offers convenient wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | None | 7.5W | P60 Pro can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | None | |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11n | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | P60 Pro has newer, faster Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | P60 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, Beidou, NavIC, QZSS | P60 Pro has more robust GPS capabilities for navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 256/512GB | P60 Pro offers much more storage for apps, media and files |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 8/12GB | P60 Pro has more RAM for better multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | None | None | Neither phone supports external storage expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Infinix Note 12 G96 provides better audio quality |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Infinix Note 12 G96 provides a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity | Huawei P60 Pro offers additional sensor capabilities, potentially for more advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96: This phone is all about delivering a good enough experience at a more budget-friendly price. It has a respectable AMOLED screen, decent battery life, and a capable main camera. The Helio G96 is a decent processor for everyday tasks, but not for heavy gaming.
Strengths:
- Brighter Display: 650 Nits display could provide better screen visibility in outdoor lighting.
- Budget-Friendly: It is clearly designed to be an affordable phone.
- Good Audio Features: DTS/DTS X provides for a better audio experience.
- More Advanced Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is a more advanced version.
Weaknesses:
- Performance: The Helio G96 chipset is nowhere near the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G, impacting speed and gaming.
- Camera: Lacks versatility compared to the P60 Pro, with no telephoto or wide-angle lens.
- Display: Lacks 120Hz refresh rate and sharper resolution.
- Build Quality: Does not mention any screen protection.
- Limited Storage: Lower storage options and no expandable storage.
- Slow Charging: Slower charging speed compared to the P60 Pro.
Huawei P60 Pro: This phone is a premium powerhouse, designed to deliver the best possible user experience. It boasts a high-end display, top-tier performance, an exceptional camera system, and a suite of premium features.
Strengths:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G ensures top-tier speed and responsiveness.
- Display: Higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate create a smoother, more immersive visual experience.
- Camera: Versatile camera system with excellent image quality, especially in low light.
- Fast Charging: 88W wired and 50W wireless charging.
- Premium Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and a full suite of sensors.
- Connectivity: Has a newer Bluetooth and WiFi versions.
- Storage: Higher storage and RAM options for more performance.
- More Comprehensive GPS Capabilities: Has better navigation support and location accuracy.
- Better Sensor Suite: Additional sensors like Barometer and Compass.
- Advanced Camera Features: OIS, PDAF, CDAF, LAF, and RAW support,
- Better Video Recording Capabilities: Ability to record video at 4K at 60fps with image stabilization.
Weaknesses:
- Cost: It's a premium phone, so it comes with a premium price tag.
- Brighter Display: Lacks display brightness compared to the Infinix Note 12.
- No OS: Does not mention what operating system it is using.
- Lacks Expandable Storage: No option to add external storage.
- Basic Fingerprint Sensor: Only a basic fingerprint sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Target User: Budget-conscious users who need a reliable device for everyday use such as browsing, social media, and general tasks.
- Use Cases: Ideal for students, first-time smartphone buyers, or users who want a secondary phone without breaking the bank.
- Recommendation: A solid choice for those who prioritize value over cutting-edge features.
Huawei P60 Pro:
- Target User: Tech enthusiasts, professionals, content creators, and avid mobile gamers who demand the best performance and camera capabilities.
- Use Cases: Perfect for professional photography, video editing, graphics-intensive games, and multitasking.
- Recommendation: The phone is ideal for anyone who wants a premium device and is willing to pay for the best in class performance and user experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself before choosing:
Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone? This is the biggest factor in deciding between these two.
Performance Needs: Do you need a phone for basic daily tasks, or do you require top-tier performance for gaming and heavy multitasking?
Camera Requirements: Are you a casual photographer, or do you need a versatile camera system with advanced features like optical zoom and exceptional low-light performance?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: "Value is King": If you need a phone for everyday tasks, and your budget is a primary constraint, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is a good choice.
Scenario 2: "I Want Top-Tier Performance": If you are a power user or a mobile gamer, the Huawei P60 Pro is the better choice. It's worth the investment for its raw power and premium features.
Scenario 3: "I'm a Photography Enthusiast": If you want a versatile camera and an excellent image quality, the Huawei P60 Pro is the clear winner with its impressive zoom, low-light performance, and high quality video recording.
My Choice and Why:
If I were choosing between these two for my daily driver, I'd go with the Huawei P60 Pro. While the Infinix Note 12 G96 offers a good experience for the price, the P60 Pro's sheer performance, camera prowess, and overall premium feel make it a clear winner for my usage needs.
As a tech journalist, I constantly run multiple apps, edit photos and videos, and rely on my phone for its camera. The P60 Pro's top-tier Snapdragon processor, versatile camera system, and fast charging capabilities align with my demands. The smoother display and better quality of images in low light also provide for better experience. While I acknowledge the price difference is substantial, the P60 Pro's capabilities make it worth the extra cost for me. The more capable sensors also make the phone more adaptable to multiple environments and applications.
That being said, if my budget was very limited, I would be comfortable using the Note 12 G96 as a secondary phone, especially for its screen brightness and good audio features. But for my needs, the Huawei P60 Pro wins.
