Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra. This is going to be fun!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specs, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Motorola Edge 50 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 161.1 x 72.4 x 8.6 mm | The Infinix is slightly taller and wider, while the Motorola is a bit thicker. The differences might feel noticeable in hand. |
| Weight | 185g | 197g | The Infinix is a bit lighter, which could matter over extended use, reducing hand strain. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both offer a large screen, excellent for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1220 x 2712 | The Motorola has a significantly sharper display with noticeably more detail. |
| Pixel Density | 393 ppi | 446 ppi | The Motorola's higher ppi translates to crisper text and images, reducing pixel visibility. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both technologies offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but P-OLED is known for flexible applications. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | The Motorola's high refresh rate results in a much smoother user interface, especially during scrolling and fast-paced games. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 2500 nits | The Motorola's significantly higher brightness means better visibility in outdoor, bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) | The Motorola’s chipset is dramatically more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and higher gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 1,523,879 | The Motorola's higher score demonstrates its significantly superior processing capabilities, handling demanding tasks with ease. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 735 | The Adreno 735 GPU in the Motorola is vastly superior, offering a much better graphics performance for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | The Infinix has a slightly larger battery, suggesting potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 125W Fast Charging | The Motorola charges much faster, quickly getting you back to a full battery. |
| Features | Non-removable | 50W Wireless, Reverse, 10W Reverse Wireless, Non-removable | The Motorola offers wireless charging, and reverse charging features, for added convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/1.3", 2.00µm | The Motorola features a larger sensor and pixel size for better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | The Motorola has a higher-resolution selfie camera and slightly wider aperture for improved selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.4, 1/2", 0.70µm | The Motorola features a dedicated telephoto lens for enhanced zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | The Motorola has an ultrawide lens, capturing a wider field of view. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP Depth Sensor | None | The Infinix has a dedicated depth sensor, aiding in bokeh effect, however the Motorola is likely using its more powerful sensor to get better results through software. |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | The Motorola offers superior video recording with 4K at 60fps, as well as impressive slow-motion capabilities. |
| DxoMark Score | None | 146 | The Motorola has a Mobile score of 146, highlighting its strong performance, while the Infinix is untested. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Time-Lapse, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Dual capture, RAW, Night Mode | The Motorola has additional features such as time-lapse, optical zoom, OIS, RAW, and PDAF. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The Motorola has a more up-to-date operating system, offering the latest features and better security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/n 5GHz | 802.11 a/b/g/n/n 5GHz/ac/ax/6E/7 | The Motorola offers superior WiFi with the latest standards, for fast and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.4 LE | The Motorola's newer Bluetooth standard offers better power efficiency and advanced audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | The Motorola has vastly superior GPS system, using many different satellites for more accurate location. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The Motorola offers eSIM support, enabling dual sim and digital sim profiles, while the Infinix requires two physical nano sims. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 512 GB or 1024 GB | The Motorola offers significantly more storage, which is essential for large media libraries and app collections. |
| RAM | 4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB | 12 GB / 16 GB | The Motorola has significantly more RAM, resulting in smoother multitasking and more responsive app usage. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage, so storage options will be crucial for decision making. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | The Motorola offers enhanced spatial audio and 3 microphones for better sound capture, while the Infinix has DTS / DTS X. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | The Infinix has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor, while the Motorola uses basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Motorola has a superior screen protection, offering better resistance to scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Motorola has a more complete sensor package with additional support for a digital compass. |
| ## 2. Key Insights |
Infinix Note 12 G96
- Strengths:
- Slightly lighter design, may be more comfortable for extended use
- Larger battery capacity, may offer better endurance,
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Potentially more affordable option, catering to budget-conscious buyers
- Trade-Offs/Limitations:
- Significantly less powerful processor
- Lower resolution and brightness display
- Limited camera system, both in hardware and features
- Older operating system
- Lower storage and ram options
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra
- Strengths:
- Cutting-edge processor with significantly higher benchmark scores
- High refresh rate, super bright, high-resolution display
- Advanced camera system, including telephoto and ultrawide lens, along with better image quality
- Much faster charging
- Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging
- More RAM and Storage
- Latest Android version
- Superior build quality and better screen protection
- Competitive Advantages:
- Flagship-level performance in display, camera, and processing power
- More modern features and higher quality user experience
- Trade-Offs/Limitations:
- Heavier than the Infinix Note 12 G96
- Smaller battery capacity, however charging speeds are much higher
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96
- User Profile: Budget-conscious users who primarily use their phones for basic tasks, media consumption, and light gaming. Good for users who prioritize battery life over high-end performance or camera capabilities.
- Use Cases: Everyday browsing, social media, watching videos, light gaming. A practical choice for students or those seeking a reliable, affordable smartphone.
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra
- User Profile: Users who demand high performance, excellent camera capabilities, and a premium experience. Suited for mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, and users who need a device for productivity and multimedia creation.
- Use Cases: Heavy multitasking, advanced mobile gaming, high-quality photography and videography, professional use cases requiring fast and responsive devices, and those who want the latest technology at their fingertips.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Performance Needs: How important is cutting-edge performance for you? Do you require high frame rates in gaming, snappy responsiveness when using intensive applications, or are your needs more moderate?
- Camera Requirements: What kind of photos and videos do you prioritize? Do you want advanced zooming capabilities, low-light performance, or high quality video options? Do you need RAW image support?
- Budget: How important is the price difference between these two devices? Are you seeking the best possible experience regardless of budget, or are you looking for a more budget-friendly option?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Focused): If your budget is tight and you need a basic, functional smartphone with a big screen and a decent battery, the Infinix Note 12 G96 can be a viable choice.
- Scenario 2 (Performance & Features Focused): If you want top-tier performance, a cutting-edge camera system, a high refresh rate display, wireless charging, and the latest Android version, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is the clear winner, as long as budget allows.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Use): If you want a device with decent everyday performance and camera, but also need something very affordable, and battery is important, the Infinix Note 12 G96 would be the only reasonable choice, considering the Motorola has flagship tier performance.
What I would choose and why:
If I were choosing between these two, I would unequivocally go with the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who deeply appreciates cutting-edge engineering, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is the far more compelling device. The massive performance leap offered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, combined with the 144Hz display, superior camera system (telephoto, ultrawide!), and super fast charging are all game changers in the smartphone world. While the Infinix does have its merits, specifically the battery life, and lower weight, these are just not as critical for my needs when I can charge the Motorola quickly.
The sheer processing power of the Motorola ensures a buttery-smooth user experience, not just during everyday tasks but also during demanding gaming and content creation. The camera setup is significantly more versatile, offering a full range of lenses for different scenarios. It is also the more future-proof option, since it has the newest connectivity standards, and the latest version of android. Finally, the build quality and screen protection of the Motorola are also a huge plus for someone like me who is constantly using and handling the phone.
While the Motorola will likely cost significantly more, it represents a much better long term value for someone seeking high-end performance and an enhanced mobile experience, and it is clearly the winner for me.
