Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison between the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Nothing CMF Phone 1. I'll break down the specs, dissect the differences, and give you my honest take on which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specs, along with what they mean for your day-to-day usage:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm, 185g | 164 x 77 x 8.2 mm, 197g | Both phones are similar in size, but the Infinix is slightly lighter, which might make a difference during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Very minor difference in screen size, not likely to be noticeable to most users. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a crisp and detailed display for everyday use. |
| PPI | 393 | 395 | Pixel density is essentially identical, resulting in similar sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED technology for great colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Nothing CMF has a significantly smoother display, making scrolling and animations more fluid. A definite plus for a premium feel. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 2000 nits | The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is significantly brighter, making it far better for outdoor visibility in sunlight. A huge advantage for anyone who is outdoors often. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | The Nothing CMF's newer 4nm chipset is considerably more power efficient and much faster than the Infinix’s 12nm chip. Better overall responsiveness and ability to handle demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 673,000 | The Nothing CMF Phone 1 has significantly higher performance, translating into snappier app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming experiences. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Nothing CMF's GPU is more powerful, leading to better graphics performance and faster gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.6, 1/2.76", 0.64µm) | 50MP (f/1.79, 1/2", 0.70µm) | While both are 50MP, the Nothing CMF has a larger sensor and slightly larger pixels, suggesting better low-light performance. Infinix has a wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.00µm) | Both have 16MP selfie cameras, but the CMF has a larger pixel size. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.3, 1/4", 1.12µm) | The Nothing CMF's sensor is slightly better. |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | Nothing CMF can record higher resolution and is more stable with EIS. Infinix has no EIS. |
| Camera Features | Triple cam, Digital zoom, image stabilization, manual focus, Night Mode | Dual cam, Noise reduction, Digital zoom, image stabilization, continuous autofocus | The Nothing CMF offers features that are more suitable for capturing good quality videos like 4K and Noise reduction. The Infinix offers triple camera and night mode, which are good for casual photographers. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, so real-world endurance will likely be similar, depending on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Identical charging speeds for both. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Nothing CMF Phone 1 has a newer version of Android, which will get better updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz, 802.11ac, WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Nothing CMF Phone 1 has WiFi 6 which is better. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Nothing CMF Phone 1 has newer version of Bluetooth |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Nothing CMF Phone 1 has more satellite systems for better location tracking |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual sim usage |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Nothing CMF Phone 1 provides more storage options, which is beneficial for users with lots of media. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both phones offer good amounts of RAM for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Infinix offers better speakers with DTS and stereo. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96: Strengths
- Potentially Lower Price: The Infinix Note 12 G96 was released earlier and may be found at a lower price point, which makes it a solid budget pick.
- Slightly Lighter: Its marginally lighter build could make a difference for prolonged use and portability.
- Enhanced Audio: With DTS and stereo speakers, it offers a more immersive audio experience than the Nothing CMF Phone 1.
Nothing CMF Phone 1: Competitive Advantages
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 7300 chipset blows the Helio G96 out of the water, providing a noticeably faster, smoother experience for everything from app loading to gaming.
- Brighter, Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and significantly brighter display make a huge difference, especially in direct sunlight and when scrolling through content.
- Better Cameras: The Nothing CMF Phone 1 captures 4K videos, has EIS and bigger sensor, meaning it has better overall camera performance, especially in low-light environments and in capturing stable videos.
- Software: The CMF Phone 1 offers a more up to date version of Android than the Infinix.
- Connectivity: The CMF Phone 1 features better connectivity technology with WiFi 6, newer bluetooth and has more satellite tracking systems for better location tracking.
- Higher Storage Options: The Nothing CMF offers more storage space than the Infinix, making it more suitable for users who store more media.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Infinix Note 12 G96: Slower performance, a less vibrant and bright display, and older software may make it feel dated faster.
- Nothing CMF Phone 1: Lacks some advanced audio features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Ideal For: Users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and audio quality over display or processing power. Also suitable as a secondary phone.
- Best Use Cases: Casual use, media consumption, basic gaming.
- Price-to-Value: Good value for its price, but only if your budget is a big limitation.
- Nothing CMF Phone 1:
- Ideal For: Users who want a snappy, smooth experience with better camera performance and display, especially those who are outdoors a lot, value their media consumption or play more intensive games.
- Best Use Cases: Mobile photography, gaming, social media, daily productivity, all kinds of use cases.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent features for a mid-range phone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How much do you value display quality? If you are very outdoorsy or use your phone a lot to consume media or play games, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is going to be much more enjoyable and comfortable.
- What is your budget? If your budget is extremely limited, you might need to sacrifice some specs, and the Infinix might make sense for you.
- Do you care about performance, future-proofing, and newer software? If your phone should handle everything you throw at it and last you for a while, the CMF is the way to go, with its newer chipset, software and better overall features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Infinix Note 12 G96 if your budget is super tight and you only need a basic phone.
- Performance and Display Seeker: The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is the clear winner if you prioritize a smooth, fast experience with a high-quality display and good camera.
- Casual User: If you are not a power user, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is decent for everyday use, but if you care about your video and photo quality then the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is better.
Final Verdict
If I had to choose, I'd go with the Nothing CMF Phone 1. The superior performance, notably brighter and smoother display, better camera system, newer software, and better connectivity, make it a significantly more satisfying daily driver. Yes, the Infinix has enhanced audio and may be more budget-friendly, but the overall experience you'll get with the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is just so much better. It's more future-proofed and will provide better user experience across the board.
I hope that helps in making your decision!
