Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Nokia G100. I'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and help you figure out which phone might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specifications, focusing on their real-world impact:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Nokia G100 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | 166.6 × 76.7 × 8.9 mm | Infinix is slightly shorter and thinner. Nokia is a bit taller and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier. |
| Weight | 185g | 195.1g | The Infinix is 10 grams lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both phones have standard designs, no foldable features here |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.52" | Infinix has a slightly larger display, better for media and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | The Infinix screen is much sharper, providing crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 269 PPI | Infinix has a higher pixel density resulting in a sharper image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Infinix display offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both displays refresh at 60Hz, standard for budget phones. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits | Infinix offers dramatically better outdoor visibility, while Nokia's brightness is unavailable. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 | Snapdragon 662 | The Infinix chip generally offers better raw performance, particularly for gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 201,615 | Infinix has a significantly higher benchmark score. Expected faster apps loading and smoother multi-tasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 | Different GPU configurations, expect higher graphic performance on Infinix |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.6 | 13MP, f/2.0 | Infinix captures more detailed images, with better low-light performance, thanks to its wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.4 | Infinix selfies are sharper and perform better in low light due to a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Camera | Not Available | 5MP, f/2.2 | Nokia has a dedicated wide-angle camera; Infinix doesn't. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar depth sensors for portrait mode. |
| Video Resolution | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Infinix offers slightly higher video recording resolution. |
| Camera Features | Manual Focus, Night Mode, etc | Continuous Shooting, Night Mode etc | Both cameras come packed with different set of features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacities, expect comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Infinix charges much faster. |
| Removable | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both batteries are not removable |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both phones run on Android 12 |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 | Both phones support similar Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Infinix has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | Nokia offers slightly better location accuracy using GLONASS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones offer dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB / 128GB | 32 GB / 128GB | Both have a 128 GB variant, the Infinix offers the base 64GB version while the Nokia offers 32 GB. |
| RAM | 4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB | 3 GB / 4GB | Infinix offers more RAM options, especially with the 8 GB variant. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Available | Not Available | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | 2 microphones | Infinix offers better surround sound quality, while Nokia focuses on clearer audio capturing for calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones have the same fingerprint sensor location |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Nokia has better protection on their display. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Nokia has extra environmental sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths: The Infinix Note 12 G96 is a performance-focused phone. It boasts a superior display with a vibrant AMOLED panel, higher resolution, and better brightness, making it ideal for media consumption. Its chipset provides better raw power, making it suitable for gaming and heavy multitasking. The faster 33W charging is a major plus. The better main camera and selfie camera offer more details and perform better in low light.
- Competitive Advantages: The clear advantage here is the display quality and its performance. It offers a premium viewing experience on a budget and is a significantly faster device overall. The fast charging is a major plus for on the go users.
- Limitations: It lacks a dedicated wide-angle camera and screen protection.
Nokia G100:
- Strengths: The Nokia G100 shines in its build quality with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection and better location accuracy with GLONASS. It also has a dedicated wide-angle camera, which is missing in Infinix.
- Competitive Advantages: The inclusion of a dedicated wide-angle camera and better screen protection makes it a good option for those who take a lot of outdoor photos or prioritize screen durability. It has an extra sensor - the Barometer.
- Limitations: It has a lower resolution IPS LCD, and its performance is noticeably behind Infinix. It also has slow charging speeds and a lower resolution camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Ideal User: This phone is ideal for tech enthusiasts, gamers, and media consumers who value display quality, speed, and fast charging.
- Use Cases: Perfect for binge-watching videos, gaming, social media, and everyday multitasking.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for the price, given its strong performance and display.
Nokia G100:
- Ideal User: This phone is best suited for users who value durability, photography, and battery life over top-tier performance.
- Use Cases: Suitable for photography in various conditions, outdoor activities, and users who prioritize durability.
- Price-to-Value: A decent value proposition for those who need the specific features it offers like screen durability and wide angle camera but there are compromises in other areas.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide:
- Do you value display quality and performance above all else? If yes, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is the clear winner.
- Is durability and screen protection a priority for you? If yes, the Nokia G100 is the better choice.
- How important is photography with a wide-angle camera? The Nokia G100 has a dedicated wide angle camera which the Infinix doesn't have, so for users looking for this option, it will be a better fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: Go for the Infinix Note 12 G96 for its superior processor, RAM, and smoother display.
- The Casual Photographer: The Nokia G100’s wide-angle lens provides more versatility, but the Infinix will be better at taking regular and selfie photos
- The On-the-Go User: The Infinix's fast charging and better performance is ideal for people on the go
- The Outdoor Enthusiast: The Nokia G100 would be a better option with a dedicated wide angle lens and Gorilla glass screen protection.
- The Daily User: The Infinix Note 12 G96 strikes the best balance between performance, display quality, and fast charging, making it a better phone for most users.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Infinix Note 12 G96.
Here’s why:
- Superior Display: As someone who spends a lot of time reading and watching videos on my phone, the vibrant AMOLED display with higher resolution and better brightness of the Infinix would greatly enhance my experience. The difference in display quality is significant enough to make the choice for me.
- Better Performance: I often juggle multiple apps and appreciate a phone that can handle multitasking with ease. The Infinix's more powerful chipset and greater RAM options would provide a smoother, more responsive experience.
- Faster Charging: With my fast-paced life, the 33W fast charging is a huge advantage. I wouldn't want to wait a long time to have my device ready again.
While the Nokia G100's screen protection and wide-angle camera are good, I prioritize display quality, performance and charging speed which are areas where Infinix wins outright. For most of my daily activities, the Infinix Note 12 G96 would be a more satisfying device. The Infinix is undoubtedly the more compelling phone overall, offering a better user experience where it matters most.
