Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. I'll break down the specs, analyze their real-world implications, and help you figure out which might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specifications of both phones, with an emphasis on their real-world impact:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 161.9 x 73.1 x 7.9 mm | The Motorola is slightly more compact, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use. The Infinix is a bit larger. |
| Weight | 185g | 174.9g | Motorola is marginally lighter which could feel more comfortable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both offer the same screen size, a good size for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp displays with identical resolutions, resulting in clear and crisp images. |
| PPI | 393 | 393 | Identical pixel densities, offering similar sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer excellent colors and deep blacks. P-OLED is a variation of OLED with slightly different manufacturing techniques. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Motorola's 120Hz refresh rate will deliver significantly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 1600 nits | The Motorola’s much higher brightness means better outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm) | The Motorola's newer, 4nm Snapdragon chip is significantly more powerful and efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 776,541 | The Motorola offers dramatically better performance. This means faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 710 | Motorola's Adreno 710 is considerably more powerful which makes a huge difference in demanding games and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity. Expect similar battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | Motorola charges significantly faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Motorola's reverse charging means you can use the phone to charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera Res | 50MP | 50MP | Resolution is the same, but differences lie in the sensor size and aperture (See below). |
| Rear Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.8 | Infinix offers a slightly wider aperture. |
| Rear Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.76" | 1/1.56" | Motorola's larger sensor will capture more light and detail. |
| Rear Main Camera Sensor Model | Samsung S5KJN1 | Sony LYT-700C | Different sensors from different brands (Sony's sensor is generally better). |
| Rear Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.64µm | 1.00µm | Motorola's larger pixels will capture more light and detail. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 16MP | 32MP | Motorola has higher resolution selfies, resulting in more detail. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.45 | Infinix offers a wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | N/A | 1/3.14" | Motorola has a dedicated sensor and sensor size (Infinix doesn't have listed) |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Model | N/A | Samsung S5KJD1 | Different sensors from different brands (Samsung's sensor is generally better). |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | N/A | 0.70µm | Motorola's larger pixels will capture more light and detail. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP | N/A | Infinix has a depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP | Motorola has a dedicated wide-angle and macro camera. |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | Motorola supports higher quality recording with 4K resolution and higher frame rates at 1080p. |
| OIS | No | Yes | Motorola has OIS for more stable videos and clearer photos in low light. |
| Slow Motion | 120 fps | 960 fps | Motorola supports higher quality slow-motion recordings. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Motorola runs on a newer version of Android, meaning it will have more security updates and modern features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | Wi-Fi 6E | Motorola's newer Wi-Fi offers faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Motorola has newer Bluetooth offering improved speed and connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, etc | Motorola supports more satellite systems resulting in better GPS. |
| SIM Support | Dual Nano-SIM | Dual Nano-SIM, eSIM | Motorola has eSIM support for easier carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Motorola offers much larger storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Motorola provides much more RAM for smoother multitasking and demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither of these phones support expandable storage, something to be aware of when choosing your configuration. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Motorola has more features which provide better audio quality, separation, and noise reduction. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Side-mounted fingerprint sensors are generally considered faster and more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Motorola has Corning Gorilla Glass 5 that provides more screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Motorola offers additional Compass sensors which could be useful for navigation. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96
- Strengths: The Infinix Note 12 G96 has a slightly wider aperture on both its main and selfie cameras. It also features DTS/DTS X audio and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Competitive Advantages: It's slightly wider aperture could make it slightly better for low-light conditions (but only on paper. The sensor is much smaller).
- Trade-offs: Significantly weaker processor and GPU, lower refresh rate display, much lower screen brightness, older Android, less RAM, less storage options, slower charging, no OIS.
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion
- Strengths: The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion boasts a much more powerful processor, a significantly brighter and smoother 120Hz display, faster charging, a much better main camera with a larger sensor and OIS, and a newer Android version. It also has more RAM, storage options, and improved connectivity.
- Competitive Advantages: The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion's main advantages are performance, display, camera quality, and charging speeds. The newer Android version also means you get more security and features.
- Trade-offs: The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion's selfie camera is narrower and a basic fingerprint sensor. It also lacks the depth sensor, instead, it includes a wide-angle + macro camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Infinix Note 12 G96: This phone is best suited for users on a tight budget who primarily focus on basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage. Gamers or heavy multitaskers should avoid this phone.
- Motorola Edge 50 Fusion: This phone is ideal for users who value performance, a great display, good camera quality, and a smooth user experience. It's suitable for gamers, photographers, content creators, and anyone who wants a snappy phone for everyday use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these phones:
- How important is performance for you? If you're a heavy user, gamer, or multitasker, the Motorola's processor will make a massive difference. If your usage is light, the Infinix might suffice.
- How much do you value screen quality? If you often use your phone outdoors or watch a lot of videos, the Motorola's brighter and smoother 120Hz display is a major advantage.
- What are your priorities for camera quality and video? The Motorola offers a much better main camera and a higher quality video recording experience thanks to the larger sensor, OIS, and higher resolution recording. It's a big step up from the Infinix.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is the absolute priority, and you only need a phone for basic tasks, the Infinix Note 12 G96 may be passable. Just keep the limitations in mind.
- Performance Seeker: If you need a fast phone for multitasking, gaming, or other intensive tasks, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is the clear choice.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you want a phone with a quality camera, then the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion will provide a much better user experience and much more pleasing photos.
- Everyday User: For someone who wants a balanced phone for everyday use, with good performance, screen quality and camera, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is the superior choice.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would definitely go with the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. The difference in performance between the processors is massive and this will translate to a much better and smoother user experience, which will be noticeable every time you use it. The much brighter 120Hz display would also be a big draw for me, as well as the significantly improved camera hardware and quality. While the Infinix Note 12 G96 might be cheaper, the compromises in performance and other areas are just too big for me to ignore. I think it is worth investing a bit more in the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion because of the better user experience you'll get every day.
