Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Motorola Moto G72. Both phones are vying for attention in the competitive mid-range market, and on paper, they look like compelling contenders. But as always, the devil is in the details and the practical application of those details. Here’s how they stack up:
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Motorola Moto G72 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | 160.5 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm | The Infinix is noticeably larger, which can be a plus for those who like a big screen, but the Moto is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 185g | 166g | The Moto is lighter, making it potentially more comfortable for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | The Infinix offers a slightly larger display, beneficial for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a sharp Full HD+ display, meaning great visual clarity for everyday use. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 402 PPI | Practically identical sharpness, not really any visible differences. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both displays are vibrant and offer good contrast ratios, but the Moto has a slight edge in viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Moto’s 120Hz refresh rate is visibly smoother when scrolling, gaming, and navigating the UI. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits | The Infinix has significantly higher brightness, making the screen much more readable outdoors in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G96 (12 nm) | Helio G99 (6 nm) | The Moto's newer chip is more efficient and faster in real-world use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 415,300 | The Moto offers noticeably superior performance, making it faster in apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both use the same GPU, with similar performance in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 50MP | 108MP | The Moto has a substantially higher resolution sensor, allowing for more detailed pictures. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.7 | The Infinix has a slightly wider aperture, which may perform slightly better in low-light. |
| Wide Angle Camera | None | 8MP | The Moto offers a wide-angle lens for capturing more of a scene. |
| Macro Camera | None | 2MP | The Moto offers a dedicated macro lens, beneficial for close-up photography. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP | None | The Infinix offers a dedicated depth sensor for bokeh effects in portrait shots. |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@60fps | The Infinix can record higher-resolution video at 1440p, but the Moto offers smoother 60fps 1080p. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both devices should provide all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 33W | 33W | Both phones offer the same fast charging speed, getting you up and running faster. |
| Other | |||
| Software | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both phones ship with Android 12. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | 802.11ac | The Moto supports a newer Wi-Fi standard, which may offer faster and more stable Wi-Fi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | The Infinix uses a slightly newer version, which could mean better device connectivity. |
| Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | The Moto offers a larger storage option, better for users who need space for lots of media. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 6/8GB | Both phones come with plenty of RAM for daily use, the 6GB and 8GB options providing very solid multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so plan your storage accordingly. |
| Audio Features | DTS/DTS X | Dolby Atmos | Both offer good quality stereo speakers with distinct spatial audio technologies. |
| Security Features | side-mounted fingerprint | basic fingerprint | Infinix’s fingerprint is mounted on the power button, providing a more seamless experience. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G72 - The Performance & Camera Champ: The Moto G72 edges out the Infinix Note 12 G96 in several critical areas. Its Helio G99 chipset, made with a more efficient 6nm process, translates to snappier performance and improved energy efficiency. This means faster app loading, smoother gameplay, and better battery management. The 120Hz refresh rate adds another layer of smoothness to the experience, making it feel more premium. It also sports a significantly higher resolution 108MP main camera and offers dedicated wide and macro lenses, giving more creative control and versatility in photography.
Infinix Note 12 G96 - The Outdoor Viewability King: The Infinix Note 12 G96 has some significant plus points as well, its AMOLED display shines with vibrant colors and a crucial advantage: a very high 650 nits brightness. This is a game-changer for anyone who uses their phone in bright sunlight, ensuring the screen is easily visible, a massive advantage in practical use. Also, the 1440p video recording is a plus for video enthusiasts.
Trade-Offs:
- The Infinix's higher display brightness comes at the cost of a lower refresh rate, meaning less smooth scrolling and animations.
- While the Infinix has a slightly wider aperture on its main camera, it lacks the added versatility of the wide and macro lenses found on the Moto.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G72: This is for the user who values performance above all else. Gamers, heavy app users, and those who simply want a responsive, smooth experience will benefit from the G72's more powerful processor and higher refresh rate. The inclusion of wide and macro lenses also makes it ideal for people who enjoy mobile photography and want more creative options. The higher storage options cater well to users who need a lot of space for videos, photos, or other media.
- Infinix Note 12 G96: The Infinix Note 12 G96 is perfect for those who prioritize screen visibility and an immersive media consumption experience. The higher brightness is invaluable for users who are frequently outdoors. It’s a great option if you take a lot of selfies or if you want a phone that can record higher-resolution videos.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
Where do you use your phone the most?
- Mostly outdoors or under bright light? Go for the Infinix Note 12 G96 for its significantly brighter screen.
- Mostly indoors or in controlled lighting? The Moto G72’s smoother 120Hz screen will be much more impactful.
How do you use your phone?
- Gaming, heavy app use, or multitasking? The Moto G72’s superior processor and faster refresh rate will give you a much better experience.
- For social media, video viewing, and general daily tasks? The Infinix Note 12 G96 will serve you well, especially if you need to use it outside.
What do you value in your phone's camera?
- Do you prefer a versatile camera with multiple lenses? The Moto G72’s setup (with wide and macro) will give you more flexibility and creative options.
- Do you like taking selfies, or videos? The Infinix Note 12 G96 has a good selfie camera and is able to record 1440p.
Final Thoughts and My Pick
If I had to choose, I'd lean towards the Motorola Moto G72. While the brighter screen on the Infinix is tempting, the overall experience of the Moto G72—its snappier performance, smoother display, and more versatile camera—makes it the better choice for my daily needs. As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I like a device that is fast and responsive, and the Moto delivers on that. Its processor is better, the screen is smoother, and I like the options that the added wide and macro lenses give to the user. Also, the fact that the Moto provides more storage, up to 256GB, would be great for someone like me that tends to shoot and record a lot of content. In summary, despite the Infinix's brighter screen, the Moto's improvements elsewhere makes it a more compelling option for most people.
