Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Motorola Moto G82. Both phones are vying for attention in the mid-range market, and on paper, they offer a compelling mix of features. As a tech journalist, I'm not just going to regurgitate specs, though. My goal is to translate those numbers into real-world experiences and help you choose the device that best fits your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side breakdown of their key specifications, including their implications for everyday use:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Motorola Moto G82 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 160.9 x 74.5 x 8 mm | Infinix is slightly larger, which might feel less comfortable in the hand for some. |
| Weight | 185g | 173g | Motorola is lighter by 12 grams, a small difference that might be noticeable during long usage. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | Infinix offers a slightly larger viewing area, good for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer the same FHD+ sharpness, so image clarity will be similar. |
| PPI | 393 | 402 | Negligible difference in pixel density - both displays will look sharp to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant and color-rich AMOLED panels. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Motorola's 120Hz screen provides a smoother and more responsive experience, especially noticeable when scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits | The Infinix screen can get much brighter, which significantly improves visibility in direct sunlight. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 | Snapdragon 695 5G | Snapdragon 695, manufactured on a more efficient 6nm process, offers better overall performance, thermal control and 5G connectivity. |
| Antutu Score | 307,000 | 390,000 | Motorola's Snapdragon chipset significantly outperforms the Infinix, with a 27% higher score suggesting smoother performance and faster app loading. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 is known to perform better in gaming and graphics intensive tasks compared to Mali-G57 MC2 |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.6 | 50MP f/1.8 | Infinix main camera will perform slightly better in low-light situations due to a wider aperture. Both share the same sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.0 | 16MP f/2.2 | Infinix offers a slightly wider aperture on the selfie camera, which might help in low-light conditions |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP f/2.2 | Motorola offers more versatile photography with an additional wide angle lens, enabling wider perspectives |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | No | Infinix has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait effects, which may result in more nuanced depth of field |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP f/2.4 | Motorola has an additional macro lens, enabling close up photos |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@60fps | Motorola offers smoother 60fps video recording and stabilization, making it better for casual videos. Infinix offers higher resolution (1440p), but without stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Digital image stabilization, Manual focus, Night Mode | Optical Stabilization (OIS), Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting | Motorola offers superior stabilization and faster focusing, while Infinix offers features like manual focus and Night Mode for creative control |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life for most usage patterns. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Infinix has a slightly faster charging, reducing the time spent tethered to an outlet. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Motorola offers a more updated Android version and future support for version 13. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| WiFi | 802.11n | 802.11ac | Motorola has better WiFi support (802.11ac) and faster connection speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE | Both have Bluetooth 5.1, which is good for connections to headphones, wearables and other accessories. Infinix has additional EDR and HID profiles |
| GPS | A-GPS, GPS | A-GPS, GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Motorola has better GPS support with more satellite systems, resulting in higher positioning accuracy. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB | Motorola is limited to the 128GB model while the Infinix also has a lower cost 64GB model |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 6GB | Infinix has a more generous 8GB RAM option, better for multitasking and demanding applications |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage via microSD cards. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Motorola offers slightly better spatial audio and voice capture for calls and recordings. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Side fingerprint | Side fingerprint | Both devices have a convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths: The Infinix Note 12 G96 shines with a larger AMOLED display with very good outdoor brightness, slightly faster charging, and the option for 8GB of RAM. Its slightly wider aperture on both main and selfie cameras can offer better low-light performance. It also offers a 1440p video recording mode, albeit without image stabilization. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is a standard and expected feature, as well as the 2MP depth sensor.
- Trade-offs: The Infinix uses a less performant MediaTek chipset and does not support 5G connectivity. It also lacks a wide-angle lens, which can be useful in many situations.
Motorola Moto G82:
- Strengths: The Motorola G82 boasts a smoother 120Hz display, a more powerful Snapdragon processor, better video stabilization, and 5G support. The inclusion of the wide-angle and macro cameras offers a more versatile photography experience. Furthermore, the G82 provides enhanced GPS support with more satellite navigation systems and Dolby Atmos audio.
- Trade-offs: The Motorola G82 is slightly smaller and less bright display and has slightly slower charging. The absence of a portrait sensor means that portrait mode might not be as detailed.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Infinix Note 12 G96
- Best For: Users who prioritize a large, bright display for media consumption and don't need the extra speed of the Snapdragon processor or 5G connectivity. If you enjoy mobile photography at night, the main camera of the Infinix is slightly better. It's also suitable for those who want the flexibility of more RAM.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, browsing, social media, casual gaming and low light photography.
- Motorola Moto G82
- Best For: Users who prioritize performance, a smooth display, and 5G connectivity. It's also a better choice for those who like a more versatile camera setup. The Motorola is also better for videography due to the image stabilization.
- Use Cases: Moderate to heavy gaming, social media, photography with wide-angle and macro, taking high quality videos and users who need advanced location services.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is a fast refresh rate and smooth scrolling? If a 120Hz screen is crucial for you, the Motorola is the clear choice. If not, the Infinix's 60Hz is more than adequate.
- How important is having 5G? If 5G is a must have, then the Motorola is the only choice as the Infinix lacks this capability.
- How important is photography and videography? The Motorola offers better video quality with stabilization, a wide-angle and macro lens, while the Infinix provides a slightly better main camera in low light conditions.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power User: Go with the Motorola Moto G82 for its faster performance and smoother display. The better GPS support and 5G are also a great plus.
- The Media Enthusiast: The Infinix Note 12 G96 is compelling due to its larger and brighter display. However, if you also need smooth scrolling, then the Motorola will be better suited.
- The Photographer: The Motorola Moto G82 is the more versatile choice due to its wide-angle and macro lenses, coupled with video stabilization.
What Would I Choose?
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would personally opt for the Motorola Moto G82.
Here’s why:
- Performance: As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks, I value the faster Snapdragon processor and smoother 120Hz display. It simply makes the phone feel more responsive and enjoyable to use.
- 5G: For me, 5G support is now a must have.
- Camera Versatility: While the Infinix camera may be slightly better in low-light conditions, the Motorola's wide-angle lens is more useful for my photography style. The OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is essential for capturing sharper images and videos and it is a major advantage over the Infinix.
While the Infinix Note 12 G96 has its merits, particularly its larger display and slightly faster charging, the Motorola Moto G82’s superior performance, smoother display, 5G and camera versatility make it a better fit for my daily usage needs.
Remember to carefully evaluate your specific needs and preferences to find the device that fits you best. Hopefully, this detailed analysis helps you do just that.
