Okay, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. These two phones sit at very different ends of the spectrum, and understanding their differences is key to choosing the right one for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of key specifications, translating the tech talk into real-world implications:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 162.6 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | Infinix is slightly taller and wider, while Huawei is a bit thicker; affects pocketability and one-handed use. |
| Weight | 185g | 226g | Infinix is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use, while the Pura 70 is more premium-feeling. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Negligible difference; both are large enough for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2844 | Huawei has a significantly sharper display, offering crisper visuals for text, images, and videos. |
| PPI | 393 | 460 | Huawei's higher pixel density results in a more detailed and less pixelated screen. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; minor differences in tech don't hugely impact user experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Huawei provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the visual fluidity. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 2500 nits | Huawei offers superior visibility in bright sunlight; a significant advantage for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | Huawei's chip is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app launches and smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 869,707 | Huawei is dramatically faster, making it suitable for demanding apps and heavy use. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Maleoon 910 | Huawei's GPU offers superior graphics performance, allowing for smoother gameplay and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5200mAh | Huawei has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering marginally longer usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Huawei charges dramatically faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse, 80W Wireless, 20W Reverse | Huawei is loaded with extra features for versatility; reverse wireless charging is perfect for accessories. |
| Camera | |||
| Primary Sensor | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.6, 1”, 1.60µm | Huawei has a much larger sensor with much larger pixels, capturing more light and detail, especially in low light. |
| Selfie | 16MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.4 | Infinix has a higher resolution selfie camera, but Huawei's has the better sensor. |
| Telephoto lens | None | 50MP, f/2.1 | Huawei offers optical zoom for capturing distant subjects with clarity; a significant advantage for photography enthusiasts. |
| Wide Angle lens | None | 40MP, f/2.2, 1/1.7", 1.00µm | Huawei offers wide-angle capability for creative photography; another key benefit. |
| Portrait mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Infinix has a basic depth sensor; Huawei has much better image processing to handle portrait mode. |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 120fps Slow-mo | Yes, 960fps Slow-mo | Huawei has better video stabilization, recording quality, and better slow motion capabilities. |
| DxOMark | None | 163 | Huawei has much better camera capabilities. |
| Features | Digital, triple cam, D Image stabilization, Autofocus, etc | 4K Video, Optical Zoom, OIS, Triple cam, Ultra stable, Autofocus, etc | Huawei's camera has optical zoom, OIS, 4K video and many more features that the Infinix does not. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Significant difference as Infinix is using Android and the Huawei doesn't specify. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Huawei supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi; a notable advantage for heavy users. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Minor version upgrade, more reliable connections on the Huawei. |
| GPS | Basic GPS/A-GPS | Advanced GPS | Huawei offers more accurate and reliable location tracking with support for additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Similar dual SIM capabilities on both. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 512/1024 GB | Huawei offers substantially more storage for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 16 GB | Huawei offers significantly more RAM, allowing for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both offer stereo speakers; Huawei offers a more immersive audio experience due to Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Infinix has more advanced fingerprint sensor technologies. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Huawei offers the most sensor features. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96
Strengths:
- Affordability: This is its primary advantage. The Note 12 G96 is designed to be budget-friendly, offering a large AMOLED screen and a decent processor for everyday tasks.
- Lightweight: At 185g, it's more comfortable for extended use than the Pura 70 Ultra.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint: The fingerprint sensor is conveniently integrated into the power button.
Competitive Advantages:
- Lower price point makes it accessible to more consumers.
Limitations:
- Performance: The Helio G96 chipset struggles with demanding games and heavy multitasking.
- Camera: While the main camera is decent, it lacks the advanced features and image quality of the Pura 70 Ultra.
- Display: The 60Hz refresh rate isn't as smooth as the competition.
- Software: The Infinix comes with Android 12, which could be outdated relative to other options in the market
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra
Strengths:
- Exceptional Camera: The 1-inch sensor, telephoto lens, and advanced features make it a top contender in mobile photography.
- High-End Performance: The Kirin 9010 chipset and 16GB of RAM offer a smooth and responsive experience for any task.
- Superior Display: The 120Hz refresh rate, high resolution, and impressive brightness make for a vibrant and smooth viewing experience.
- Fast Charging: 100W fast charging and wireless charging capabilities make it a champion in battery management.
- Advanced Connectivity: Newer WiFi and Bluetooth offer faster connections and better efficiency
Competitive Advantages:
- Industry-leading camera performance with a large sensor and optical zoom.
- Flagship-level performance, display, and charging speed.
Limitations:
- Price: The Pura 70 Ultra is significantly more expensive.
- Weight: Heavier and thicker than the Infinix, which may be less comfortable for some users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a large screen for media consumption, social media, and basic tasks.
- Use Cases: Students, casual users who value a lightweight design and longer battery life.
- Recommendation: A great choice if your budget is tight and you need a large screen for everyday use, without demanding gaming and photography needs.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra:
- Ideal User: Photography enthusiasts and power users who want the best mobile experience.
- Use Cases: Professional photographers, gamers, individuals who value top-tier performance, display, and camera capabilities.
- Recommendation: If you’re willing to spend more, this phone offers best-in-class camera performance and a premium user experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your choice:
- What's Your Budget? If you need a budget-friendly phone, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is the better option. If you’re willing to spend significantly more, the Pura 70 Ultra is a premium device.
- How Important Is the Camera? If camera quality is a primary concern, the Pura 70 Ultra is the clear winner due to its large sensor, optical zoom and multitude of features. However, if a basic but usable camera is sufficient, the Infinix will suffice.
- What are your performance needs? If you need a phone for light-medium usage, the Infinix is okay. However, if you need more performance due to heavy usage, heavy multitasking, and high-end games, the Huawei wins in this category.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual Everyday Use: If you need a phone for basic tasks, media consumption, and light social media browsing, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is the more affordable option.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: If you prioritize camera performance, and want to take amazing photos and video, the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is the ultimate choice, with its advanced sensor, optical zoom, and features.
- Scenario 3: Power User and Gamer: If you need the best possible performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps, the Pura 70 Ultra is the best option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I would go with the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. Despite its higher price, the sheer superiority in camera technology, processing power, display quality, and features makes it a compelling choice for me. As a tech journalist who often needs to capture high-quality photos and videos, and needs an efficient device to run all my apps smoothly, the Pura 70 Ultra would be the clear winner. The Infinix Note 12 G96 is a good phone at its price point, but the Huawei is in a completely different league. It's a phone that will be a capable companion for any task I need to do, and I value that versatility.
