Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Huawei Pura 70 Pro. On paper, they're in different leagues, but let's unpack what that actually means for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side comparison with a focus on how these specs translate to real-world experiences:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Huawei Pura 70 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8mm | 162.6 x 75.1 x 8.4mm | The Infinix is slightly taller and wider; the Huawei is a tad thicker. Both are comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 185g | 220g | The Infinix is noticeably lighter, which makes it more comfortable for extended use, especially one-handed. The Huawei is more hefty. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Essentially the same size, negligibly different viewing areas. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2844 | Huawei's display is significantly sharper with more detail due to a much higher pixel count. |
| PPI | 393 | 460 | The Huawei's higher pixel density translates to a much crisper image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use excellent display tech, producing vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Huawei's 120Hz refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and animations, especially while gaming or browsing. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 2500 nits | The Huawei's significantly higher brightness makes it far more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G96 (12nm) | Kirin 9010 (7nm) | Huawei's chip is significantly more powerful (and uses a more advanced manufacturing process) making it much faster and more efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 869,707 | The Huawei is dramatically faster, meaning quicker app loading, smoother multitasking, and much better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Maleoon 910 (8 cores) | The Huawei’s GPU is significantly more capable, allowing for more detailed graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | |||
| Resolution | 50MP | 50MP | Resolution alone doesn't tell the full story, but both offer high-detail. |
| Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.4 | Huawei's wider aperture should perform better in low light and have slightly shallower depth of field. |
| Sensor Size | 1/2.76" | 1/1.3" | The Huawei’s much larger sensor will allow for better low light performance and dynamic range. |
| Pixel Size | 0.64µm | 1.20µm | The Huawei’s larger individual pixels are better at capturing light, meaning less noise in lower light photos. |
| Front Camera | |||
| Resolution | 16MP | 13MP | The Infinix boasts a higher resolution selfie camera, but resolution is not the only factor. |
| Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.4 | The Infinix has a wider aperture on its selfie camera, meaning better low light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 48MP (f/2.1) | Huawei has dedicated telephoto lens with optical zoom that Infinix completely lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 12.5MP (f/2.2) | Huawei has a dedicated ultrawide lens that the Infinix lacks. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP Depth | N/A | Infinix features a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 4K Video | Huawei captures higher quality videos. |
| Slow-motion | 120fps | 960fps | The Huawei can capture much faster slow-motion. |
| OIS | No | Yes | The Huawei has optical image stabilization, making videos and photos much clearer |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Similar capacity, indicating roughly the same potential battery life if both phones were performing at the same efficiency. |
| Charging | 33W Fast | 100W Fast | Huawei's much faster charging will get you back up and running significantly quicker. |
| Wireless Charge | N/A | 80W | The Huawei has wireless charging that the Infinix lacks |
| Reverse Wireless Charge | N/A | 20W | The Huawei has reverse wireless charging that the Infinix lacks |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 256/512/1024 GB | The Huawei has more base storage and options going up to 1TB, compared to the Infinix. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 12GB | The Huawei has more RAM, meaning it will handle multitasking and heavy apps much better. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither of these phones can have their storage expanded. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | The Huawei supports the newest Wi-Fi standards, offering faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Newer Bluetooth standard on the Huawei means slightly improved performance and stability |
| GPS | A-GPS, GPS | A-GPS, GPS, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5), Galileo (E1+E5a+E5b) | The Huawei is better with location services, offering more constellations for better accuracy. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Unspecified | The Infinix runs Android, but the operating system of the Huawei isn't specified. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96 Strengths:
- Lightweight Design: It is significantly lighter and comfortable for extended use.
- Affordable: The Infinix targets the budget-conscious market and should be cheaper than the Huawei.
- Wider Selfie Aperture: Takes slightly better low-light selfies.
- Portrait Mode: Dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos.
Huawei Pura 70 Pro Strengths:
- Display Superiority: Much higher resolution, brightness, and a 120Hz refresh rate provide a vastly better visual experience.
- Powerful Performance: The Kirin chipset offers dramatically better overall performance for all types of tasks.
- Professional Camera System: The main camera, as well as the presence of dedicated Telephoto and wide angle cameras, coupled with a bigger sensor and better aperture and OIS means much better photo and video quality.
- Faster Charging and Wireless: The 100W wired charging and 80W wireless charging are a game changer.
- Extensive Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi standards, making it more future-proof.
- Much higher base storage: A much higher base storage, and further higher options make it suitable for those who store large files on their phone.
- More RAM: Significantly more RAM for smooth multitasking.
Significant Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Infinix Note 12 G96: Its biggest limitation is its weaker processor and display. It simply cannot compete with the Pura 70 Pro in performance or visuals. It also lacks more advanced features like OIS and Telephoto lenses.
- Huawei Pura 70 Pro: The main trade-off is likely its price, which will be far more expensive than the Infinix. The missing operating system data is also a bit concerning, as that is a critical component of a phone's user experience.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Perfect for those who need a decent phone at a lower cost.
- Casual Users: Ideal for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and casual photography.
- Users Who Value Lightweight Devices: Those who want a phone that's easy to hold and carry.
Huawei Pura 70 Pro:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the best available performance, camera quality, and display technology.
- Power Users: Professionals who multitask heavily or rely on their phone for demanding tasks.
- Photography Lovers: Those who require a top-tier camera with all the bells and whistles.
- Those who need fast charging and wireless charging: For people who are always on the go.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To decide which phone is right for you, ask yourself these three questions:
- How much am I willing to spend? If your budget is very tight, the Infinix will be the better option. If you can spend more, the Huawei is a worthwhile upgrade.
- What do I prioritize most? If display quality and performance are your top priorities, the Huawei wins. If you just need a basic, affordable smartphone that is comfortable to hold, the Infinix is sufficient.
- How much do I need high-end features? If you plan on gaming a lot, or use your phone for serious photography or video work, then the Huawei Pura 70 Pro is a much better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Casual User: Get the Infinix. It’s a good device for everyday use if you do not need the absolute best in class performance.
- Photography Enthusiast: Get the Huawei. Its camera system is far superior and worth the investment.
- Performance Seeker: Get the Huawei. It blows the Infinix out of the water with its chipset and RAM.
- Everyday user that values comfort: Get the Infinix. It will be more comfortable to hold and use for a long period of time.
What I Would Choose and Why
Personally, I would choose the Huawei Pura 70 Pro. While the price is higher, the improvements in display, performance, camera and battery charging are too significant to ignore. As someone who values a smooth user experience, a great camera and quick charging, these upgrades are worth the investment. I also like the idea of having a more future proof device, so the superior connectivity and fast charging options make the Huawei a great choice for me. The missing OS data is a bit concerning, but hopefully that is not an issue, and it does not affect the overall experience of the phone.
While the Infinix is more budget friendly, I’d only recommend it to those who are very limited in budget, or need a device for only the most basic of tasks.
