Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Motorola Moto G85. I've broken it down into a format that should give you a clear picture of how these phones stack up against each other in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Motorola Moto G85 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm, 185g | 161.9 × 73.1 × 7.6 mm, 171g | Moto G85 is more compact and lighter, making it easier to handle, especially for smaller hands. Note 12 is slightly more bulky. |
| Build Quality | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Moto G85 has enhanced durability against scratches and minor impacts. The Note 12’s protection is unknown |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Both displays are nearly identical in size - a negligible 0.03" difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, Full HD visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 395 PPI | Essentially identical sharpness levels – you won't see a difference with the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer great contrast and deep blacks. P-OLED is a variation of OLED and provides similar quality |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Moto G85 will have smoother animations, scrolling and a more responsive feel. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 1600 nits | Moto G85 is significantly better for outdoor use under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm) | Moto G85 has a much more efficient chipset, offering faster processing and better energy efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 475,000 | Moto G85 demonstrates much higher real-world performance capabilities. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 | Moto G85 has a more powerful GPU that is better for graphics intensive tasks such as gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 1.00µm | Moto G85 with the larger sensor and pixels will likely perform better in low light and have better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.70µm | Moto G85 has higher resolution selfies, while the Note 12 offers a slightly wider aperture for potentially brighter images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Moto G85 has an extra wide-angle lens which will allow for more flexibility when shooting. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Note 12 has an extra lens used for portrait mode shots and additional depth sensing abilities. |
| Video | 1440p@30fps; Yes, 120 fps | 1080p@60fps; Yes, 30fps | Note 12 has a better video recording resolution and has higher fps slow-motion ability; Moto G85 offers better video stabilization |
| DxOMark | Not Tested | Main: 88; Photo: 83; Video: 109 | Moto G85 has been tested with great camera scores. Infinix has no scores, making the comparison more difficult. |
| Features | Triple Camera, Manual, Night | Dual Camera, OIS, PDAF, LAF, RAW | Moto G85 has advanced features like OIS, PDAF, and LAF, which offer enhanced image quality and autofocus. The Note 12 offers manual controls and a night mode. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life, lasting a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Note 12 has a slight advantage in charging speed. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Moto G85 comes with the newer Android version and will offer better software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Moto G85 offers faster Wi-Fi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 with A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | 5.1 with A2DP, LE | Both offer great bluetooth connectivity, Note 12 has some additional profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Moto G85 has better navigation capabilities due to additional satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM, eSIM | Moto G85 offers the flexibility of using an eSIM for easier switching of service plans. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Moto G85 offers the option of more storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Moto G85 has much more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither has expandable storage. |
| Audio | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Moto G85 has more advanced audio enhancements due to Dolby Atmos, while Note 12 uses DTS technology for enhanced audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted | Basic | Side-mounted is generally faster and more convenient. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Moto G85 has a digital compass which can be helpful for navigation apps. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96 Strengths:
- Slightly Faster Charging: 33W charging is a bit faster than the 30W on the Moto G85.
- Wider Aperture Main Camera: f/1.6 for potentially brighter photos.
- Portrait Mode (Depth) Camera: An extra 2MP lens for enhanced portrait photos.
- Manual Camera Controls: Offers a manual mode for more control over photography.
- DTS/DTS X Audio: Audio enhancements for immersive sound.
- Additional Bluetooth profiles: Supports EDR and HID bluetooth profiles.
Motorola Moto G85 Strengths:
- More Modern Design: Slimmer, lighter, and more compact.
- Enhanced Durability: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers better screen protection.
- Superior Display: 120Hz refresh rate and dramatically higher brightness, 1600nits.
- Significantly Better Performance: A more efficient, faster chipset (Snapdragon 6s Gen 3) with a higher AnTuTu score.
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: Larger 1/2" sensor and 1.00 µm pixels for improved low-light performance.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 32MP vs 16MP.
- Wide-Angle Lens: An 8MP ultra-wide lens for more versatile photography.
- Advanced Camera Features: OIS, PDAF, LAF, and RAW support for better image quality.
- Newer OS: Android 14 vs Android 12 on the Infinix.
- More advanced connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi with Wi-Fi 6
- More accurate navigation: Offers more satellite systems for better GPS.
- More RAM/Storage options: More RAM for better performance, and greater storage capacity options.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Immersive sound with 2 microphones.
- eSIM Support: Flexible digital carrier switching.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Infinix Note 12 G96: Lacks a high refresh rate screen, weaker performance, and has a dated version of Android. The camera is more basic and does not offer OIS or wide angle.
- Motorola Moto G85: Lacks a dedicated depth sensor and 1440p video recording. Slower charging than the Infinix.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking an affordable device with decent camera capabilities and charging speeds.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who value a good audio experience via DTS/DTS X.
- Basic Users: Those who value the basic functions of a smartphone and don't need demanding features.
- Motorola Moto G85:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Those who value a smooth experience, fast app loading, and reliable gaming capabilities.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want a better camera setup, featuring OIS, a wide-angle lens, and larger sensors, particularly in low-light.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need excellent screen visibility under bright sunlight.
- Tech-Savvy Users: Those who appreciate a more modern experience with a newer OS, Wi-Fi 6, and eSIM support.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide:
- Performance vs. Price: Do you need smooth performance and a modern experience or prioritize saving money?
- Camera Needs: Are you looking for the best image quality and features, or is a standard shooter sufficient?
- Display Requirements: Do you need a high refresh rate and maximum screen brightness?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget User): If your budget is tight and you prioritize affordability and fast charging, the Infinix Note 12 G96 will suffice.
- Scenario 2 (Photography Enthusiast): If you want the best camera quality, you would benefit much more from the Motorola Moto G85.
- Scenario 3 (Power User): If you want the best performance, a high refresh rate screen, and great outdoor visibility, you would benefit greatly from the Motorola Moto G85.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would definitively go with the Motorola Moto G85. Here's why:
- Performance Matters: The Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset, combined with 8/12GB of RAM, makes it a far better choice for smooth, lag-free performance. I value that snappy experience and the ability to multitask efficiently. The higher AnTuTu score is a big indicator of what it would be like in real-world scenarios.
- Better Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and 1600 nits brightness are essential for a premium feel and great visibility outdoors. It makes a huge difference in everyday usage.
- Camera Advantages: As someone who enjoys mobile photography, the Moto G85's larger camera sensor, OIS, and wide-angle lens provide greater flexibility and better low-light performance. The addition of RAW capture gives more freedom for image editing.
- Future-Proofing: The newer OS and advanced connectivity options make it a more future-proof choice, ensuring I won't need to upgrade again anytime soon.
- Overall User Experience: While the Note 12 G96 has some perks, the Moto G85 offers the full package and would offer a better overall user experience for my needs and desires.
While the Infinix Note 12 G96 may be a more cost-effective option, the Motorola Moto G85's improvements in performance, display, camera, and overall user experience are well worth the extra cost for me. It provides a more reliable, smoother, and enjoyable experience.
