Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Motorola ThinkPhone. I'll be breaking down the specs, highlighting the key differences, and giving you the practical implications of each choice. Let's get started!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what these technical specs mean for day-to-day usage:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Motorola ThinkPhone | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 158.8 x 74.4 x 8.3 mm | Infinix is taller and wider; ThinkPhone is slightly thicker, feels more compact |
| Weight | 185g | 188.5g | Both phones are similarly weighted, pocketable. |
| Build | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | Motorola ThinkPhone boasts significantly better scratch and drop protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | Infinix offers slightly more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, crisp visuals; same pixel count. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 393 | 399 | Practically identical sharpness; no noticeable difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks; P-OLED is similar quality technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | ThinkPhone offers much smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 1200 nits | ThinkPhone is significantly more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | ThinkPhone has dramatically faster, more efficient processing power. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 1,232,700 | ThinkPhone is a powerhouse, noticeably quicker in all tasks, superior gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 730 | ThinkPhone's GPU handles demanding graphics much better. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8 GB | ThinkPhone is better for heavier multitasking. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 50MP f/1.6 (1/2.76") | 50MP f/1.8 (1/1.55") | ThinkPhone has a larger sensor for better low-light performance; Infinix has a wider aperture. |
| Front Selfie | 16MP f/2.0 | 32MP f/2.45 | ThinkPhone captures higher-resolution selfies; Infinix has slightly wider aperture. |
| Rear Portrait | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both offer similar depth mapping capabilities for portrait shots. |
| Rear Wide/Macro | None | 13MP f/2.4 | ThinkPhone has extra versatility with a dedicated wide/macro lens. |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60/30fps | ThinkPhone offers significantly higher video recording quality with 8K capabilities. |
| Stabilisation | Digital | OIS | ThinkPhone has optical image stabilisation for smoother video and sharper photos. |
| Features | Basic features | Advanced features | ThinkPhone boasts far superior features like RAW image support. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacities for all-day use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless | ThinkPhone charges much faster with wireless charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | ThinkPhone has a newer operating system. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E | ThinkPhone has newer standard Wi-Fi technology for faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | ThinkPhone's newer Bluetooth offers better performance and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | ThinkPhone has better GPS systems for more accurate positioning. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 256 GB | ThinkPhone comes with more generous internal storage. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | DTS / DTS X | Dolby Atmos, 2 Mics | ThinkPhone has a slightly better spatial audio and enhanced microphone setup; Infinix features DTS. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Infinix features more sophisticated security with a side-mounted sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths:
- Slightly larger display for a more immersive experience.
- Competent main camera with a wider f/1.6 aperture for better shallow depth of field shots.
- DTS/DTS X audio for decent sound quality.
- Affordable price point.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Cost-effective option for those who prioritize a large screen on a budget.
- Trade-offs/Limitations:
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the ThinkPhone.
- Lacks advanced camera features and stabilization.
- Standard 60Hz refresh rate won’t be as smooth as the ThinkPhone's 144Hz display.
- No expandable storage.
Motorola ThinkPhone:
- Strengths:
- Massive performance boost thanks to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset.
- Brighter display with a buttery-smooth 144Hz refresh rate.
- Superior camera system with a larger sensor, OIS, and 8K video capabilities.
- Faster 68W charging and wireless charging.
- More generous 256GB storage.
- Modern Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards.
- Better GPS for more accurate location services.
- Durable Gorilla Glass Victus screen.
- Competitive Advantages:
- A flagship-level experience in performance, display, and camera quality.
- Comprehensive connectivity and advanced features.
- Trade-offs/Limitations:
- Higher price point compared to the Infinix Note 12 G96.
- Slightly smaller display than the Infinix
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96 is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for a large screen and basic smartphone functionality without breaking the bank.
- Casual users: For everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and basic photography.
- Users who prioritize screen size: If you need that extra bit of display for consuming content, the Infinix delivers with 6.7" screen.
Motorola ThinkPhone is best for:
- Power users: Those who need a phone for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts: If you're looking for a reliable camera with great dynamic range, better low-light performance, and advanced video capabilities, the ThinkPhone is superior.
- Professionals: Those who value performance, faster charging, excellent screen visibility, and solid build quality.
- Users who value the latest technology: This phone features cutting-edge processing, display, and connectivity capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your decision:
What is your budget? If price is your biggest concern, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is the more affordable choice.
What is your primary usage? For basic tasks and content consumption, the Infinix is sufficient; for gaming, demanding apps, and photography, the ThinkPhone is a much better choice.
How important are display quality and smooth performance? The ThinkPhone's superior display with 144Hz refresh rate and faster processor makes a big difference for daily usage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual user on a tight budget: The Infinix Note 12 G96 is a suitable option.
- Scenario 2: Mobile gamer or photography enthusiast: The Motorola ThinkPhone is the clear winner due to the faster processing, brighter display, and superior camera.
- Scenario 3: Professional seeking a reliable, high-performance device: The Motorola ThinkPhone is the ideal choice with its robust features, premium build, and fast performance.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones for myself, I would choose the Motorola ThinkPhone. The performance difference is just too big to ignore. The jump from the Helio G96 to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is night and day for my daily use. The smoother 144Hz display, the higher brightness for outdoor visibility, the far superior camera system with OIS, and the much faster charging are all huge advantages that I wouldn't want to pass up. Yes, it's more expensive, but for me, the improvements in performance and quality of life are worth the extra cost. While the Infinix is okay on a budget, the overall user experience you get with the ThinkPhone justifies the extra spend.
I hope this detailed comparison was helpful! Let me know if you have more questions or need further clarification!
