Alright, let's get into a detailed comparison between the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Nothing Phone (1). I'll break down the specs and translate them into real-world user experiences, aiming to make it clear which phone might be the better fit for different people.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up against each other:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Nothing Phone (1) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-16 | 2022-07-16 | The Nothing Phone (1) is slightly newer by a couple of months, potentially including newer tech. |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm | The Infinix is taller but slightly thinner. The Nothing Phone (1) is more compact and may feel more comfortable in-hand. |
| Weight | 185g | 193.5g | The Infinix is slightly lighter, possibly preferable for those who hold their phones for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.55" | The Infinix offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both screens are sharp and detailed, making for a clear viewing experience. |
| PPI | 393 | 402 | Similar pixel density, expect similar sharpness on both. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use OLED tech, expect vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nothing Phone (1) offers much smoother scrolling and animations. A noticeable difference for daily usage and gamers. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 1200 nits | Nothing Phone (1) is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G96 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ (6 nm) | The Snapdragon in the Nothing Phone (1) is significantly faster and more efficient, offering better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 624,253 | Nothing Phone (1) offers over twice the performance, expect much faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 642L | The Adreno 642L in the Nothing Phone (1) offers significantly better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 50MP, f/1.6 | 50MP, f/1.88 | Slightly wider aperture on the Infinix, potentially better low-light; larger sensor on the Nothing, better detail in good lighting. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/2.76" | 1/1.56" | Larger sensor on Nothing means better light gathering and detail. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 16MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.2 | Wider aperture on the Infinix selfie, potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP depth | None | Infinix can take depth shots, whereas the Nothing Phone relies on software processing for that. |
| Wide/Macro Camera | None | 50MP, f/2.2 | Nothing Phone (1) offers a wide-angle and macro lens adding versatility, whereas Infinix does not. |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 4K@30fps | Nothing Phone (1) can record in 4K resolution, capturing much more detail than the Infinix. |
| Stabilisation | No | OIS + EIS | Nothing Phone (1) offers far superior image and video stabilization (optical and electronic). |
| Features | Triple Camera | Dual Camera | Infinix has a triple camera setup, but lacks OIS; Nothing Phone (1) features OIS, RAW support and many more. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | The Infinix has a larger battery, suggesting potentially longer usage time between charges. |
| Charging | 33W Fast | 33W Fast | Both support 33W fast charging, making it fairly quick to top up. |
| Additional Features | None | Wireless, Reverse Wireless | Nothing Phone (1) offers wireless and reverse wireless charging, a significant advantage for many users. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both run on Android 12 initially, but Nothing Phone (1) gets updates till Android 15, a sign of better software support |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Nothing Phone (1) supports much faster Wi-Fi speeds with newer Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | Nothing Phone (1) features a newer Bluetooth version for better range, and better codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | Advanced GPS | Nothing Phone (1) has much more advanced GPS with more satellite support, better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support dual SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Nothing Phone (1) has more storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 8/12GB | Nothing Phone (1) has more RAM, leading to smoother performance in demanding tasks and multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo + DTS | Stereo + 3 Mics | Infinix Note 12 G96 offers DTS/DTS X enhanced audio, whereas the Nothing Phone (1) has 3 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Infinix uses a side-mounted fingerprint sensor which is faster and easier to use compared to the basic fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (1) has Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection, which offers significant screen protection compared to the Infinix. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, proximity, accelerometer, gyroscope | Fingerprint, proximity, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, RGB | Nothing Phone (1) has more sensors (compass, RGB) adding advanced features and functionalities. |
2. Key Insights
- Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths: Larger display and battery. It also has a slightly wider aperture selfie camera.
- Competitive Advantages: Lower price point.
- Trade-offs: Slower chipset, lower refresh rate display, weaker camera (especially for video), less advanced sensors, and lacks a wide/macro camera.
- Nothing Phone (1):
- Strengths: Significantly better performance, much smoother display with higher refresh rate and brightness, better camera quality with OIS and 4K video, more advanced GPS, more modern connectivity features (Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2), Wireless charging support, and superior software support.
- Competitive Advantages: Unique transparent design with Glyph interface.
- Trade-offs: Slightly smaller display and a smaller battery. No portrait mode (depth) camera
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Ideal For: Users on a very tight budget who prioritize a large screen and battery over performance, camera quality and modern features.
- Use Cases: Basic media consumption (movies, web browsing), social media, users who want long battery life without frequent charging.
- Nothing Phone (1):
- Ideal For: Performance enthusiasts, camera lovers, users who want a smooth and responsive experience, and those who want the latest features and a unique design.
- Use Cases: Gaming, photography, videography, heavy multitasking, users who want a premium experience with an eye-catching design.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help users decide:
- How much do you value performance?
- If you need a phone for gaming, heavy app usage, or long-term use, the Nothing Phone (1)'s significantly better chipset will be a game-changer.
- How important is camera quality and features?
- If you want sharp photos, good low-light performance, 4K video, and advanced video stabilization, the Nothing Phone (1) is the clear choice.
- What is your budget?
- If you are on a tight budget, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is a budget option. However, the Nothing Phone (1) offers much better value and justifies the higher price.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Budget-Conscious: If every dollar counts, the Infinix will get the job done. It's basic, but it works.
- For the Casual User: If you mostly browse social media, watch videos, and do not require the best performance or camera, the Infinix will work well.
- For the Tech Enthusiast: The Nothing Phone (1) provides much better experience across the board. It's better for anyone who values smoothness, performance, camera quality, and unique features.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two, I would definitely go for the Nothing Phone (1). Here's why:
- Performance Matters: As a tech journalist who is always running multiple apps and testing out new software, the Snapdragon 778G+ and its associated performance improvements is a must for me. The Infinix's performance is very noticeably slower by comparison.
- Display and Experience: The 120Hz display and higher brightness on the Nothing Phone (1) will significantly improve my daily use of the phone. I also prefer the smaller, more compact feel.
- Camera: The OIS, 4K recording and the inclusion of a wide-angle/macro lens make the Nothing Phone (1) a more versatile and enjoyable camera for all the photos and videos I might want to take.
- Modern Features: The wireless charging and other advancements of the Nothing Phone (1) is another key factor, along with the fact that it will get better software support over its lifetime, which helps to future-proof the phone.
- Value for Money: Although it’s more expensive than the Infinix, the Nothing Phone (1) delivers a much better and more well-rounded experience which makes it much better value.
The Infinix Note 12 G96 is fine as a basic, budget-friendly device, but it doesn't come close to the overall experience and capabilities of the Nothing Phone (1). If I were choosing, it would be a very easy decision for me.
