Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Motorola Edge 40 Pro. We've got two very different phones here, each with its own strengths and ideal user. Buckle up, let’s break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Motorola Edge 40 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | 161.2 × 74 × 8.6 mm | The Infinix is a bit larger, the Motorola is slightly thicker. Might affect one-handed use and pocket comfort. |
| Weight | 185g | 199g | The Infinix is lighter by 14g, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | - | Gorilla Glass Victus | The Motorola boasts much more durable screen, offers protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Practically identical screen size; negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp, detailed images on both phones. |
| PPI | 393 | 394 | Pixel density is nearly identical, very sharp screens. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | The Motorola's 165Hz offers vastly smoother scrolling and animations. Big difference for visual fluidity. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 1100 nits | The Motorola will be much more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | The Motorola has a significantly more powerful and efficient processor. This translates to faster performance in all tasks, from browsing to gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 1,532,500 | The Motorola blows the Infinix out of the water in performance, expect much smoother, faster, and future-proof performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 740 | The Adreno 740 is a high-end mobile GPU, capable of handling intensive graphics for high-end gaming, whereas the Mali-G57 is a good mid-range gaming option. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.6 | 50MP f/1.8 | The Motorola has a larger sensor with bigger pixels, meaning better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.0 | 60MP f/2.2 | The Motorola captures significantly higher resolution selfies and has a larger sensor for better low-light results. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP f/1.6 | The Motorola has a dedicated telephoto lens for superior zoomed photos. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | None | 50MP f/2.2 | The Motorola offers a wide-angle camera for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Infinix uses a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, but the Motorola can achieve portrait mode using other lens information. |
| Video Resolution | 1440p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | The Motorola offers professional level video recording capabilities. |
| Camera DXOMARK | - | 130 Mobile, 133 Photo, 135 Video | Only Motorola has been tested by DXOMark and shows great camera performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4600mAh | The Infinix has a slightly larger battery, which might give it a bit more endurance, but the difference is small. |
| Charging | 33W | 125W | The Motorola charges significantly faster; a huge advantage for quick top-ups. |
| Charging Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, 15W wireless charging, 5W reverse wired charging, Non-removable | The Motorola offers much more charging flexibility and options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | The Motorola has a newer Android version, and also guarantees upgrades to version 16. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Up to Wi-Fi 5 | Up to Wi-Fi 7 | The Motorola supports much faster and more modern Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | The Motorola has a newer version of Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | The Motorola offers more accurate GPS location due to more supported satellite constellations. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | The Motorola offers the more modern e-SIM support for ease of carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | The Motorola offers significantly more storage capacity. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 12 GB | The Motorola has ample RAM for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; a significant limitation. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 4 microphones | The Motorola offers better overall audio quality and clearer voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Infinix features a faster side mounted fingerprint sensor, while the Motorola provides basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Motorola features a more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths: The Infinix is a budget-friendly device with a decent AMOLED display and a reasonably sized battery. It's a solid option for those who primarily need basic smartphone functions and multimedia consumption. The inclusion of DTS audio is also a good plus for those who enjoy music.
- Advantages: It has a lightweight design, slightly larger battery, a dedicated depth sensor, and DTS audio, which are all good additions for the price.
- Trade-offs: It lacks a high refresh rate, has significantly lower processing power, no wide-angle or telephoto cameras, and slower charging.
Motorola Edge 40 Pro:
- Strengths: The Motorola is a performance powerhouse with a top-tier processor, an incredibly smooth 165Hz display, and a very capable camera system, including wide-angle and telephoto lenses. It's a device built for speed and photography.
- Advantages: It offers flagship-level performance, significantly faster charging, a higher quality display, more advanced cameras, great speakers, and more connectivity options.
- Trade-offs: It's heavier, slightly thicker, has a smaller battery than the Infinix, and it costs much more.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming. It would suit someone who isn't into high-end mobile gaming or heavy photography.
- Use Cases: Casual social media browsing, watching YouTube videos, listening to music, and light productivity tasks.
Motorola Edge 40 Pro:
- Ideal For: Power users, mobile gamers, and photography enthusiasts who demand the best performance, screen quality, and camera capabilities. It’s for someone who uses their phone extensively for content creation, high-end gaming, and intensive multitasking.
- Use Cases: High-end mobile gaming, creating multimedia content, video recording, advanced photography, and any type of power use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide:
- What's your primary use case? If you're mostly doing basic tasks, the Infinix might suffice. If you need heavy performance, the Motorola is the only option.
- How important is the camera? If you prioritize photography with more lens options, the Motorola is far superior. If basic social media snaps are sufficient, the Infinix is ok.
- What's your budget? The Infinix is a more affordable option, while the Motorola is a high-end device with a higher price tag.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual User: If you only need the basics, the Infinix Note 12 G96 can handle the daily tasks with ease and is very affordable.
- The Mobile Gamer/Power User: If you want to play demanding games, create content, and generally push your phone to the limits, the Motorola Edge 40 Pro is the only way to go.
- The Photography Enthusiast: If you are passionate about photography, the Motorola Edge 40 Pro is much more versatile and powerful than the Infinix Note 12 G96.
Personal Choice
If it were my money, I would choose the Motorola Edge 40 Pro, hands down. I'm the type of user that prioritizes performance and capabilities over saving a few bucks. The 165Hz display is a game changer for daily usage, making everything so much smoother, and I need the best processor and GPU for my mobile gaming. I value good cameras, so the ability to zoom, take ultra-wide photos, and shoot great video content in high resolution makes it a no brainer. The fast charging is a huge plus for me since I tend to leave my phone plugged in only for short periods of time. Sure, the Motorola is a bit heavier and more expensive, but for me, those trade-offs are worth it for the huge leap in performance and capabilities.
