Alright, let's dive deep into this head-to-head battle between the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Motorola Edge 40. We’re not just looking at specs; we’re figuring out which phone fits your life better, and that means getting into the nitty-gritty of real-world performance.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Motorola Edge 40 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | 158.4 × 72 × 7.6 mm | The Motorola Edge 40 is noticeably more compact, making it easier to handle one-handed. |
| Weight | 185g | 167g | The Edge 40 feels lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended periods. |
| Build | Plastic | Plastic | Both phones use a plastic build |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.55" | The Infinix has a slightly larger screen, which might be better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both displays offer the same sharpness. |
| PPI | 393 | 402 | Pixel density is negligibly different. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the difference is subtle in real world use |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | The Edge 40 provides a much smoother experience with scrolling, animations, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 1200 nits | The Edge 40 will be significantly more readable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8020 (6 nm) | The Edge 40 has a much more powerful and efficient chipset, leading to snappier performance and better multitasking |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 762,526 | The Edge 40 offers drastically better overall performance, suitable for demanding games and applications. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G77 MC9 | The Edge 40's more powerful GPU handles graphically intensive tasks much better. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76", 0.64µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.55", 1.00µm pixel size | The Edge 40's larger sensor and wider aperture should result in better low-light photos and a more natural depth of field. |
| Rear Ultra-wide + Macro Camera | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | The Edge 40 offers more versatility with an ultra-wide and macro lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.70µm pixel size | The Edge 40 provides higher resolution selfies with wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps | 4K@30fps with HDR, EIS; 1080@ up to 120fps with EIS, 720@960fps with EIS | The Edge 40 offers more recording options, including 4K and better stabilization, making it ideal for videos. |
| Stabilization | Digital Stabilization | OIS, EIS | The Edge 40 offers a significant advantage in stability due to OIS, while both feature EIS. |
| Additional Features | Triple Camera, Manual Focus | Dual Camera, OIS, PDAF, LAF, Continuous shooting, RAW | The Motorola Edge 40 has more advanced features for capturing photos, the Infinix includes manual focus, which could be of interest to some. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | The Infinix Note 12 G96 has a larger battery, which should, in theory, last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless Charging | The Edge 40 offers significantly faster wired charging and the convenience of wireless charging. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 13, upgrade to 15 planned | The Edge 40 offers a newer OS and is positioned to have continued support with updates. |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | The Edge 40 offers faster and more reliable WiFi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | The Edge 40 has a newer Bluetooth version, offering better power efficiency and performance. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1) | The Edge 40 offers more satellite systems for increased accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The Edge 40's e-SIM capability adds flexibility in choosing carriers, while the Infinix supports a traditional dual-SIM setup. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 or 128 GB | 256 GB | The Edge 40 offers significantly more built-in storage. |
| RAM | 4, 6, or 8 GB | 8 GB | The Motorola Edge 40 features 8GB of RAM, excellent for heavy users. |
| Audio Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | The Edge 40 has a more advanced audio processing, for better spatial audio and clearer voice capture |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Edge 40's Strengths: The Edge 40 comes out swinging with a far superior processor, a smoother 144Hz display, a much brighter screen for outdoor visibility, and a more versatile camera setup with OIS and a wide-angle lens. The faster charging, newer OS, and more advanced connectivity are also significant advantages.
- Infinix Note 12 G96's Advantages: The Infinix tries to counter with a larger battery and a slightly bigger screen. It's more affordable, offering a basic AMOLED display and a decent main camera for the price.
- Trade-offs: The Infinix compromises on processing power, camera features, and display smoothness to keep the cost down. The Motorola Edge 40 sacrifices battery capacity, but makes up for it with faster charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Power User (Motorola Edge 40): This phone is perfect for those who demand high performance, excellent display quality, and a versatile camera system. Gamers, content creators, and anyone who needs a snappy, responsive device will appreciate the edge 40. It is great for users that need quick charging and do not mind that battery size is not the largest.
- For the Budget-Conscious User (Infinix Note 12 G96): If you're on a tight budget, the Infinix provides a decent smartphone experience with an AMOLED display for media consumption and is excellent for users who would like an larger battery. This phone is suitable for general day-to-day use.
- Real World Use Cases
- Edge 40: If you need a phone for work that is fast and responsive, you should choose the Edge 40. If you take a lot of photos and video that need stabilization, you should choose the Edge 40. If you game on your phone, the Edge 40 has a better GPU that will result in a more smooth gaming experience.
- Note 12 G96: If you mostly watch media on your phone, the AMOLED screen and larger battery make the Note 12 a good choice. If you do not need the performance of the Edge 40, the Note 12 is a good budget option.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your decision:
- How important is performance and gaming to you? If you want a smooth experience with demanding apps and games, the Edge 40 is the clear winner. The Note 12 G96 can handle casual gaming but it will struggle with more demanding titles.
- Do you need a high-quality camera experience? The Edge 40 provides better low-light performance, more recording features, and more versatile lenses. The Note 12 provides a decent experience, but will not be suitable for users that are looking to capture professional photos.
- Are you concerned about battery life and charging speed? The Note 12 G96 will likely last longer, however the Edge 40 charges much faster and offers wireless charging for convenience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Mobile Gamer: If you’re a serious gamer, the Motorola Edge 40 is a better option with its higher refresh rate, more powerful chipset, and superior GPU.
- Scenario 2: The Everyday User: For most people, the Motorola Edge 40 will provide a better experience, offering a good all-rounder with a great display, camera, and performance.
- Scenario 3: The Budget Buyer: If your budget is the primary concern, the Infinix Note 12 G96 provides good value. The Edge 40 may be a better purchase to future-proof and have more long-term value, however.
My Choice
If it were my money, I’d choose the Motorola Edge 40. It offers a significant leap in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. Although the Infinix Note 12 G96 has its strengths (like a slightly larger battery), the overall experience offered by the Edge 40 makes it the superior device. The smoother 144Hz display alone is a game-changer for everyday use. The better camera is ideal for those who want a phone that can capture a wide range of photos and video. While it comes at a higher price point, it's the kind of device that you would be happier with over time, and the price is worth the additional value that you will gain.
