Okay, let's break down these two contenders, the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro, and see how they stack up in the real world. I'll put on my tech journalist hat and approach this as if I'm talking to a friend, explaining the nitty-gritty and what it all really means for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones compare, focusing on what matters in daily use:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Motorola Edge 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 161.2 x 72.4 x 8.2 mm | The Infinix is a bit taller and wider, while the Motorola is slightly thicker. Overall, both are similar in size but the Infinix will feel slightly larger in the hand. |
| Weight | 185g | 186g | Virtually identical weights; both feel reasonably light. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both offer a spacious screen for media consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1220 x 2712 | Motorola has a significantly sharper screen, making text and images noticeably clearer. |
| PPI | 393 | 446 | The higher pixel density on the Motorola Edge 50 Pro translates to finer details and crisper visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both are high-quality display types, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. P-OLED is a flexible version of AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Motorola offers much smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable while gaming and browsing. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 2000 nits | Motorola has far better visibility in bright sunlight; the Infinix screen may struggle outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm) | Motorola's chipset is significantly more powerful and efficient. Expect snappier performance and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 866,863 | Motorola provides a much more powerful experience; the Infinix is likely to show noticeable slowdowns with heavy use or graphically intensive applications. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 720 | The Adreno GPU in the Motorola is more powerful, leading to better gaming performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh | Infinix has a slightly larger battery that should provide longer battery life, but the differences may be marginal due to the differences in chipset efficiencies. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 125W Fast Charging | Motorola charges much faster – a huge benefit if you are in a hurry. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | Motorola offers versatility with wireless and reverse charging, a modern convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 50MP f/1.6, 0.64µm | 50MP f/1.4, 2.00µm | Motorola has a wider aperture and larger pixel size, which should lead to better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 16MP f/2.0 | 50MP f/1.9, 0.64µm | Motorola has a significantly higher resolution selfie camera with a wider aperture, resulting in better detail and low-light capabilities. |
| Telephoto lens | None | 10MP f/2.0, 1.00µm | Motorola offers extra zoom capabilities that the Infinix can't match. |
| Wide Angle lens | None | 13MP f/2.2, 1.12µm | Motorola has a wide-angle lens for capturing more of a scene. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Infinix uses a dedicated depth lens for portraits, but these are generally a weaker point for phone cameras. |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps | 4K@30fps with HDR and EIS, 1080p at 30, 60 and 120fps | Motorola offers much higher quality video recording capabilities, with image stabilization |
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom, DIS, etc. | Time-Lapse, OIS, PDAF, RAW, etc. | Motorola has significantly more advanced video and photo features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Motorola has a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11n, Dual Band | WiFi 7, MIMO, Dual Band | Motorola provides the most modern WiFi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.4 | Motorola offers a more modern bluetooth connection. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | Motorola has much better GPS support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Motorola supports eSIM for more flexible cellular options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Motorola offers significantly more storage space. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 12/16 GB | Motorola has more RAM for smoother performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage via microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Mics | Motorola has better audio quality with more spatial audio features and better microphone quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | side-mounted | basic fingerpring sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensors are generally more convenient and faster, however, Motorola features a more modern fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Motorola has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Motorola has a compass sensor while the Infinix has gravity. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 50 Pro - The Powerhouse:
- Strengths: The Motorola Edge 50 Pro is the clear winner in several areas:
- Display: A significantly sharper, brighter, and smoother display thanks to its higher resolution, pixel density, and a 144Hz refresh rate.
- Performance: A much more powerful processor and GPU, resulting in vastly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall speed.
- Camera: Superior main and selfie cameras with wider apertures, along with the addition of telephoto and wide-angle lenses. It also records much higher quality video.
- Charging: Lightning-fast 125W charging, wireless and reverse charging.
- Storage and RAM: Far more storage and RAM for better performance and more room for all your files.
- Connectivity: Advanced Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.
- Audio Improved audio with Dolby Atmos and better microphones.
- Build: Gorilla Glass Victus provides better durability.
- Competitive Advantages: This phone is all about delivering a premium experience with top-tier performance.
- Trade-Offs: The Motorola's main weakness when compared to the Infinix is the slightly smaller battery capacity.
Infinix Note 12 G96 - The Value Play:
- Strengths: The Infinix focuses on providing good basic functionality at a lower price point:
- Battery Life: A slightly larger battery offers potentially longer usage between charges (though real-world usage depends).
- Audio: DTS sound features for enhanced audio.
- Price: Likely to be significantly more affordable than the Motorola.
- Competitive Advantages: It offers a decent display, good enough performance for basic tasks and gaming, and a larger battery, all at a more budget-friendly price.
- Trade-Offs: The Infinix has a significantly inferior display, performance, camera capabilities, and charging speeds. It also lacks modern connectivity features and additional lenses for the camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 50 Pro is ideal for:
- Power Users: Gamers, multitaskers, and those who need a phone that can handle demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want versatile camera options and high-quality images and videos.
- Media Consumers: People who watch a lot of videos or play games and want a top-notch visual experience.
- Tech Lovers: Users who appreciate the latest technology and high-end features.
- Users who value fast charging: The 125W charging is a major time saver.
Infinix Note 12 G96 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: People who need a decent smartphone but don't want to spend a lot of money.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Users who prefer longer battery life: People that need their phone to last the entire day without needing to recharge.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is performance to you? If you're doing anything more than casual use, the Motorola is the better pick.
- Do you value camera quality and features? The Motorola's versatile camera system offers much better image and video quality.
- What's your budget? If money is tight, the Infinix is the more affordable choice, but you'll make some substantial compromises.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I want the best possible performance, no matter the price." Choose the Motorola Edge 50 Pro.
- Scenario 2: "I'm a casual user on a tight budget." The Infinix Note 12 G96 is the more budget-friendly option and will be fine for day-to-day use.
- Scenario 3: "I want a good balance of features and performance, but I don't want to spend a fortune." You'll have to consider what's more important to you. If you value a good camera, smooth experience, and premium features, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro is the better pick. If you're primarily interested in battery life and a large screen, the Infinix Note 12 G96 might be enough for you.
What Would I Choose?
Okay, if I were making the choice, I'd go for the Motorola Edge 50 Pro, and it wouldn't even be a close call. As someone who appreciates the details and values a smooth experience, the Motorola's superior display, significantly more powerful performance, and excellent camera system make it the clear winner. I also value fast charging and the extra features like wireless charging, so that's a big plus for me. While the price will be higher, I believe the improvements across the board justify the higher cost. The Infinix is a decent budget phone, but the Motorola is in a completely different league in terms of user experience. I think it's a no brainer for anyone who values performance and wants the best experience.
