Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Motorola Edge (2022). I've got my engineering hat on and am ready to break down these specs into real-world benefits. Buckle up!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key technical specifications of each phone, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | The Motorola Edge is slightly smaller and more pocketable, while the Infinix is a bit larger, potentially feeling bulkier. Both have similar thicknesses. |
| Weight | 185g | 170g | The Motorola Edge is noticeably lighter making it more comfortable to hold for longer periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | The Infinix Note 12 G96 has a slightly bigger screen, which could be preferred for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals with the same pixel count for the display. |
| PPI | 393 | 399 | Both have nearly identical pixel densities, meaning the display sharpness would be indistinguishable to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use similar quality displays, ensuring deep blacks and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | The Motorola Edge has a much smoother screen refresh rate, which enhances the experience of scrolling, gaming, and watching videos. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits | The Infinix Note 12 G96 is notably brighter, making it easier to use outdoors in sunny conditions. The Motorola Edge's lack of brightness info is concerning. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | The Dimensity 1050 is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 522,375 | The Motorola Edge benchmarks significantly higher, indicating superior overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | The Arm Mali-G610 MC3 in the Motorola is a more capable GPU, crucial for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacities, suggesting similar battery life on a full charge. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | The Infinix Note 12 G96 charges slightly faster, though both offer speedy refuelling compared to standard charging. |
| Features | Non-removable | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging, Non-removable | The Motorola Edge offers the convenience of wireless charging, as well as reverse charging, making it versatile for on-the-go power needs. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | |||
| Resolution | 50MP | 50MP | Both have the same main sensor resolution; however, Motorola has better hardware. |
| Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.8 | The wider aperture on the Infinix may allow slightly more light into the lens, useful in low-light conditions, but not significant difference. |
| Sensor Size | 1/2.76" | 1/1.55" | The Motorola Edge boasts a larger sensor that typically captures more detail and light, resulting in better image quality. |
| Pixel Size | 0.64 µm | 1.00 µm | The Motorola Edge features larger pixel sizes resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | |||
| Resolution | 16MP | 32MP | The Motorola Edge has a higher resolution front camera, leading to more detailed selfies. |
| Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.45 | The wider aperture on the Infinix allows more light into the sensor and may be better for low light selfies. |
| Additional Lenses | |||
| Wide Angle | No | 13MP | The Motorola Edge has a wide-angle lens, providing more versatility for landscapes and group photos, while the Infinix lacks this. |
| Depth | 2MP | No | The Infinix Note 12 G96 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, though the Motorola relies on software algorithms for depth effects, which may be more effective. |
| Macro | No | 20MP | The Motorola Edge includes a macro lens for close-up shots, a capability missing on the Infinix. |
| Video | |||
| Resolution | 1440p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@120fps | The Motorola Edge can record in higher resolution and frame rate which enhances video quality. |
| Stabilization | No | EIS | Motorola has video image stabilization which produces clearer footage. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | The Motorola Edge receives one more Android update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6, 6e | The Motorola Edge supports faster Wi-Fi standards, providing better download/upload speeds and network stability. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Motorola edge has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | The Motorola Edge provides more robust GPS features with better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | The Motorola Edge has eSIM functionality, making it convenient to add a new mobile plan. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | The Motorola Edge offers larger storage options, which is beneficial for users with a lot of media or apps. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | The Motorola Edge provides a better minimum RAM option, ensuring smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither of these phones supports SD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS/DTS X, Stereo speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation, 3 Microphones, Stereo speakers | The Motorola Edge provides enhanced audio quality with Dolby Atmos and 3 microphones for better quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | The side-mounted fingerprint of the Infinix is faster, while the Motorola offers a more basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Motorola Edge offers screen protection against scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer, Fingerprint, Proximity | The Motorola Edge offers a more comprehensive sensor suite for advanced features and better gaming experiences. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths: The Infinix Note 12 G96 shines with its bright AMOLED display, slightly faster charging, and a wider aperture selfie camera. These features would make it good for media consumption and occasional selfies in various lighting conditions.
- Competitive Advantages: Its main selling points are its display brightness and slightly faster charging. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is generally faster than a basic one and the inclusion of a depth camera is something that the Motorola does not have.
- Trade-offs: The Infinix lags in performance, camera sensor quality, video capabilities, and connectivity. It lacks a wide-angle camera and wireless charging which would be expected in phones in its price range.
Motorola Edge (2022):
- Strengths: The Motorola Edge stands out with its superior performance (thanks to the Dimensity 1050 chipset and better GPU), much smoother 144Hz display, better main camera sensor, 4K video recording, a versatile triple-lens setup, wireless charging, and more comprehensive connectivity options.
- Competitive Advantages: The Motorola has the edge in almost every performance category, featuring a superior chipset, better screen quality with smoother motion, better main, wide, and macro camera sensors.
- Trade-offs: It has a potentially worse display brightness and slightly slower charging compared to the Infinix and the Motorola lacks a dedicated depth sensor. The fingerprint sensor is also more basic.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Infinix Note 12 G96: Best suited for users who primarily prioritize media consumption and don't push the phone for intensive tasks. It’s a good option for those who need a bright display and faster charging. Ideal for casual users who are not too concerned with photography or gaming.
- Motorola Edge (2022): Best suited for users who want a powerful, versatile phone that excels in gaming, photography, and video. It's ideal for those who need fast performance, a smooth display, and advanced features like wireless charging, a wide-angle lens, and 4K video recording.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- Performance Needs: How important is smooth performance for gaming, multitasking, and app loading? If you demand high performance, the Motorola Edge is the clear choice.
- Camera Versatility: How important are features like a wide-angle lens and high-quality video recording? If you prioritize photography, especially wide shots and high-res video, the Motorola Edge is better.
- Display Brightness vs Smoothness: Do you value higher display brightness over a high refresh rate? The Infinix excels in brightness while the Motorola shines in smoothness.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual User: If you mostly browse social media and watch videos, and a bright screen is your biggest priority, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is suitable and more affordable.
- Mobile Gamer: If you play games often, the Motorola Edge with its better chipset, higher refresh rate, and more comprehensive sensors would be better suited.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you want versatile camera features including a wide-angle lens, a better main sensor, and 4K video, the Motorola Edge is the better option.
- Power User: If you use your phone for many things at once and need a phone that works smoothly and offers a variety of options, the Motorola Edge would serve you best.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Motorola Edge (2022). While the Infinix Note 12 G96 has some strengths, particularly its display brightness and slightly faster charging, the Motorola Edge provides a superior experience across the board. The smoother display, significantly better performance, more versatile camera system, wireless charging, and enhanced connectivity options make it a more future-proof device that would cater better to my tech needs. Even the lack of brightness data makes it worrying for the Motorola. I often work outdoors, and while it is concerning, its superior performance would be worth it. The Motorola Edge delivers a balanced and premium experience that just cannot be matched by the Infinix.
