Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Motorola Moto G35. I'm aiming to make this not just a spec sheet rundown, but a practical guide that helps you understand how these phones stack up in real life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a deep dive into the key specifications, highlighting what they mean for you as a user:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 166.3 x 76 x 7.8 mm | Similar size; Moto G35 slightly taller and thinner, potentially more ergonomic |
| Weight | 185g | 188g | Almost identical weight, comfortable to hold for extended periods |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.72" | Very similar screen size; negligible difference in practice |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; both provide clear, crisp visuals |
| PPI | 393 | 392 | Virtually the same pixel density; no practical difference in clarity |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, especially noticeable in darker environments |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Moto G35 provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 1000 nits | Moto G35 significantly brighter for better outdoor visibility |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G96 (12nm) | Unisoc T760 (6nm) | Moto G35's 6nm chipset is more efficient, potentially offering better performance and battery optimization. |
| Antutu Score | 307,000 | 423,297 | Moto G35 demonstrates noticeably better performance in benchmarks, smoother app loading. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP4 | Moto G35 should handle games slightly better due to a more powerful GPU configuration. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.6 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Infinix has slightly wider aperture for better low-light, but the sensor is the same |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Infinix offers a wider aperture selfie lens, potentially capturing slightly brighter photos |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP | Moto G35 provides additional shooting flexibility with a wide angle lens. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP | No | Infinix Note 12 G96 has dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 4K@30fps | Moto G35 supports superior 4K video recording. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar all-day battery life |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Infinix Note 12 G96 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Minor difference in battery chemistry; no major impact on user experience |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Moto G35 ships with the latest Android version, offering newer features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | 802.11ac | Moto G35 supports faster Wi-Fi, 802.11ac compared to 802.11n standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Infinix offers slightly newer Bluetooth version with better transfer speeds and stability. |
| GPS | A-GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | Moto G35 offers more precise positioning with support for multiple satellite systems |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Moto G35 offers eSIM support for convenient switching between carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Moto G35 offers larger storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/8 GB | Both phones offer multiple RAM configurations, ensuring smooth multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, a potential limitation |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS/DTS X | Dolby Atmos | Both feature stereo speakers. Moto G35's Dolby Atmos enhances audio immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer fast and reliable fingerprint recognition on the side. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | Moto G35 offers superior screen protection against scratches. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Motorola has more sensors compared to Infinix |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96 Strengths:
- Superior Display Tech: The AMOLED panel offers a visually richer experience with deeper blacks and vibrant colors compared to the Moto G35’s IPS LCD.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging significantly reduces downtime, a critical advantage for users on the go.
- Wider Aperture Cameras: The main and selfie camera have slightly wider apertures for potentially better low-light performance.
Motorola Moto G35 Strengths:
- Smoother Display: A 120Hz refresh rate provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations, making the phone feel more responsive.
- Brighter Screen: The 1000 nits display is notably brighter, offering better outdoor visibility, particularly in direct sunlight.
- Superior Performance: The Unisoc T760 chipset delivers better overall performance and efficiency compared to the Helio G96, resulting in faster app loading.
- More Versatile Camera: The wide-angle lens is great for capturing landscapes or group shots, adding more flexibility compared to the Infinix.
- Up-to-date OS: Runs the newer Android 14 version.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos provides better audio immersion.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- The Infinix has a slightly better main camera aperture and faster charging, but the Moto G35 offers a much smoother display experience, faster overall performance, and better outdoor visibility.
- Neither phone offers expandable storage, which may limit users with large media libraries or those who download a lot of games and videos.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96 is best for users:
- Who prioritize vibrant, contrasty displays and deeper blacks and who often consume media indoors or in low-light environments.
- Who are often on the go and need quick charging to minimize downtime.
- Who often take selfies and want the best possible image quality with slightly more light.
Motorola Moto G35 is best for users:
- Who need a responsive device with smoother scrolling and faster transitions.
- Who frequently use their phone outdoors or in bright sunlight.
- Who want a reliable performer for everyday tasks and mobile gaming with better optimization.
- Who want up-to-date software and need the benefits of the latest Android version.
- Who need the extra versatility of a wide-angle camera.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is display technology to you?
- If you value deep blacks and vibrant colors, the Infinix’s AMOLED screen might be more appealing. If a smoother and brighter experience is more important, choose Motorola.
- Do you often need to charge your phone quickly, or are you more concerned with longevity?
- If fast charging is a must-have, the Infinix Note 12 G96 wins. Otherwise, the Moto G35 balances performance and battery life effectively.
- How much do you care about performance, OS version, and camera versatility?
- If these are critical factors, then the Moto G35 is the best option
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Media Buff: If you're a movie and TV show enthusiast, the Infinix Note 12 G96’s AMOLED display could provide a superior viewing experience.
- The Mobile Gamer: If you are a mobile gamer, Moto G35 is a better option due to its better performance and smoother display.
- The Outdoor Enthusiast: The Motorola Moto G35’s brighter screen is a better fit for someone who often uses their phone outdoors.
- The Casual User: The Moto G35 offers a balanced experience with a smoother display and the latest OS, making it a more future-proof choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd lean towards the Motorola Moto G35. Here's why:
- Overall Performance: The combination of the Unisoc T760 chipset and 120Hz refresh rate would result in a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience in everyday use and also with demanding applications.
- Brightness: The brighter display is a game-changer for outdoor use, where the Infinix would struggle in direct sunlight.
- Software: The fact that the Moto G35 runs on Android 14 means it's going to have better security, features, and be better supported than the Infinix in the long run.
- Versatility: The inclusion of a wide-angle camera and the ability to record 4K video offers more flexibility in my photography and videography.
While the Infinix Note 12 G96 has its strengths with the AMOLED screen and faster charging, the Moto G35’s overall balance of performance, display quality, software and camera versatility makes it the more practical, well-rounded device for my needs.
