Okay, let's break down the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Motorola Moto G55. I’ll put my tech journalist hat on and dive deep, translating these specs into real-world user experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Motorola Moto G55 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 161.6 x 73.8 x 8.1 mm | Infinix is slightly taller and wider; Moto G55 is a bit more compact; both are similar in thickness. |
| Weight | 185g | 179g | Moto G55 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.49" | Infinix offers a larger screen, better for media consumption, while Moto G55 might be easier to handle for some. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of detail and sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 405 PPI | Both have very similar sharpness. Negligible difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED provides richer colours, deeper blacks, and better contrast; superior for watching movies or using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Moto G55 provides smoother animations, scrolling, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits | Infinix is drastically brighter, making it easier to see the display in sunlight. Moto G55 has a critical missing value in this category, making it a significant concern. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G96 (12nm) | Dimensity 7025 (6nm) | Moto G55's chipset is more efficient (6nm) and powerful; better for demanding apps, gaming and multitasking. Infinix Note 12's chipset is older and less powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 470,000 | Moto G55 offers significantly better general performance, smoother experience for most tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | IMG BXM-8-256 | Moto G55 has more modern GPU architecture, better graphical performance for gaming and video playback. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable endurance. |
| Charging | 33W Fast | 30W Fast | Infinix charges slightly faster at 33W, though real-world difference is usually negligible. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Moto G55 can act as a power bank, Infinix Note 12 does not have reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Standard) | 50MP f/1.6 | 50MP f/1.8 | Infinix has a slightly wider aperture (f/1.6) to capture slightly more light. |
| Selfie | 16MP f/2.0 | 16MP f/2.4 | Infinix has a slightly wider aperture (f/2.0) to capture slightly more light. |
| Wide Angle | N/A | 8MP f/2.2 | Moto G55 offers a wide angle lens, Infinix does not. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | Infinix has depth sensor; not present on Moto G55. |
| Video | 1440p@30fps; No Stabilisation | 1080p@30/60fps; Yes Stabilisation | Moto G55 offers 1080p@60fps and has video stabilization, Infinix Note 12 doesn't offer video stabilisation. |
| Features | Digital Zoom, Triple Camera, Digital Image Stabilisation, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | 4K Video, Digital Zoom, Dual Camera, Digital Image Stabilisation, Optical Stabilisation (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Front Flash, Night Mode | Moto G55 offers a lot more features, including 4k video and OIS. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Moto G55 comes with the newer Android 14, while the Infinix is stuck on Android 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Moto G55 supports Wi-Fi ac, offering faster speeds and better efficiency with compatible routers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | Moto G55 has a newer version; offers better efficiency and supports more audio codecs like APT-x and LDAC, for better quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1) | Moto G55 has more satellite systems for better location accuracy, especially in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Moto G55 supports eSIM, while Infinix Note 12 does not. Moto G55 can be useful for frequent travellers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Moto G55 offers twice the maximum storage for those who need extra space for media or apps. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8 GB | Moto G55 offers 8GB RAM as standard, better for gaming and app switching. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so choosing a larger internal storage is a good option. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G55 offers better spatial audio with Dolby Atmos and also 2 microphones to improve voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones have the same side-mounted fingerprint sensor, offering similar biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Moto G55 has a more durable glass screen compared to Infinix. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass | Infinix offers Gyroscope, useful for some games, while Motorola offers a compass, which might be useful for navigation. |
2. Key Insights
- Infinix Note 12 G96 Strengths:
- Superior Display Technology: The AMOLED screen offers vibrant colours, deep blacks, and better contrast.
- Brighter Display: At 650 nits, it's significantly better for outdoor visibility.
- Wider Aperture Cameras: The f/1.6 on the main camera and f/2.0 on the selfie camera allows better low-light capture.
- Slightly Faster Charging at 33W.
Motorola Moto G55 Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides noticeably smoother animations.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Dimensity 7025 chipset is considerably more powerful.
- Enhanced Camera Features: It includes a wide-angle lens, OIS, and 4k recording capabilities.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 14 out of the box.
- Better Connectivity: Includes Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 5.3 LE and better GPS support, and e-SIM.
- More Storage: Up to 256 GB of internal storage.
- Reverse Charging
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos and dual microphones offer better spatial audio and voice capture.
Trade-offs:
- Infinix trades display smoothness (60Hz) for a brighter display with AMOLED Technology.
- The Infinix also trades performance for a slightly faster main camera aperture.
- Motorola lacks the AMOLED display technology in favour of performance, camera quality and more.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96 is best for:
- Users who prioritize a vivid and bright display for media consumption, especially in outdoor settings.
- Those on a very tight budget and those who want an AMOLED screen.
Motorola Moto G55 is best for:
- Users who prioritize overall performance, gaming, and a smoother user experience.
- Photography enthusiasts looking for more versatile camera capabilities.
- Users who require the latest version of Android.
- Users who need better audio, reverse charging and e-SIM capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself these questions:
- How important is a vibrant display vs a smoother display? If you value colour and brightness over smoothness, Infinix is the one for you. If you value smoothness, the Motorola is better.
- Do you do a lot of gaming or rely on performance? The Moto G55 significantly outperforms the Infinix in benchmarks.
- Do you need a better camera? Motorola G55 offers a much better set of features in terms of video quality, extra lenses and stabilisation.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Budget User: If budget is your primary concern and you value AMOLED tech and screen brightness, then the Infinix Note 12 G96 may suit your needs, but keep in mind you will be sacrificing better performance and camera capabilities.
Performance User: If you want the smoothest performance with a good camera, the Moto G55 is the far better option.
Mobile Photographer: The Moto G55 with its versatile camera features and OIS is the better choice.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two, I would pick the Motorola Moto G55. Here's why:
- Performance Matters: The Dimensity 7025 chipset and the 120hz screen is a massive upgrade from the Infinix Note 12 G96, offering a smoother and more responsive experience for daily tasks and demanding games.
- Feature Set: The camera features, better video capabilities, Android 14, 4k recording, OIS, reverse charging, and better GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity make it the better overall device.
- Future Proofing: The newer OS, better performance and wider range of features means the G55 would be a better long term phone and future-proof you from having to upgrade as frequently.
While the Infinix has a lovely AMOLED display and better low-light camera aperture, the Motorola's overall package provides far more value and a better experience across various use cases. The critical missing information on the Motorola display brightness concerns me, but the Motorola is still the better device despite this.
