Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the OnePlus Nord 4. I'll break down the specs, highlight what matters, and help you figure out which phone might be right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key specs of each phone, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | OnePlus Nord 4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 162.6 x 75 x 8 mm | Nord 4 is slightly smaller, may be more comfortable for some |
| Weight | 185g | 199.5g | Note 12 G96 is lighter, easier to hold for longer periods |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.74" | Negligible size difference, both provide ample screen real estate |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1240x2772 | Nord 4's display will be noticeably sharper due to the higher resolution |
| PPI | 393 | 450 | Nord 4 will have crisper, more detailed visuals |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nord 4 will feel much smoother during daily usage and gaming |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 2200 nits | Nord 4 will be significantly better for outdoor use in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4nm) | Nord 4 will be much faster and more power-efficient |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 1,366,982 | Nord 4 offers significantly better performance in apps and games |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 732 | Nord 4's GPU is much more powerful, smoother gaming experience |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | Nord 4 will likely have a longer battery life |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Nord 4 can charge much faster, reducing downtime |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.6, 1/2.76" | 50MP f/1.8, 1/2" | Nord 4 has larger sensor for better low-light performance. Note 12 has wider aperture which lets in more light |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.0 | 16MP f/2.4, 1/3.13" | Note 12 has wider aperture for better low-light selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Nord 4 can capture wider scenes |
| Depth Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | No | Note 12 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portraits |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 4K@60fps | Nord 4 offers much higher video quality |
| Camera Features | Triple cam, Digital Stabilization, Night Mode | Dual cam, OIS, PDAF | Nord 4 offers better image stabilization and focusing features |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Nord 4 has a more recent Android version, with more features and updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Nord 4 has Wi-Fi 6, offering faster wireless connection |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.4 | Nord 4 has a newer version for better stability |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc | Nord 4 offers more precise location services |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256/512GB | Nord 4 has more storage options and larger max capacity |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 8/12/16GB | Nord 4 offers much more RAM for better multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Speakers | Stereo Speakers, DTS/X | Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Note 12 has DTS for enhanced sound. Nord 4 has 2 microphones for better call quality |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Note 12 has a more advanced side mounted fingerprint |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Nord 4 offers more sensor coverage |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths: Lighter design, wider aperture on main and selfie cameras, dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, DTS/DTS X audio, and side-mounted fingerprint sensor. It aims to be a budget-friendly option focusing on media consumption.
- Competitive Advantages: Its price point will likely make it appealing to budget-conscious consumers. The wider camera apertures can provide better low-light performance on main and selfie cameras.
- Trade-offs: It lags significantly in performance, display quality, battery charging speed and video recording capabilities compared to the OnePlus Nord 4. The older Android version and limited RAM are also important downsides.
OnePlus Nord 4:
- Strengths: Superior performance, higher resolution and refresh rate display, much brighter screen, larger battery with significantly faster charging, better main camera sensor, 4K video recording with OIS, Wide Angle lens, newer Android version, more RAM and internal storage. It focuses on performance, high-quality media, and future-proofing.
- Competitive Advantages: It offers a flagship-like experience in the mid-range category. The vastly superior chipset and display put it in a different league than the Infinix Note 12 G96.
- Trade-offs: It's heavier and lacks a depth sensor for portrait mode. Additionally the selfie camera has a smaller aperture than that of the Infinix Note 12 G96, which can impact low-light performance.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96 is best suited for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize affordability and are not demanding high performance, gaming or professional media usage.
- Casual Media Consumers: Users who primarily browse social media, watch videos and listen to music and are looking for a phone with decent enough main camera performance.
- First-Time Smartphone Buyers: People who are looking for an entry-level phone with a large display and a basic set of features.
OnePlus Nord 4 is best suited for:
- Power Users: Those who need smooth multitasking, fast app loading, and high-end gaming performance.
- Mobile Photographers/Videographers: Users who want a high-quality main camera with OIS, Wide Angle lens, good 4K video recording and a high-quality display.
- Tech Enthusiasts: People who appreciate cutting-edge tech, fast performance, and want a future-proof device.
- Users needing a brighter display: If you are someone who finds their phone display difficult to see under direct sunlight.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- Performance Priorities:
- Are you a demanding user who plays graphics-intensive games or requires fast app loading? If yes, the OnePlus Nord 4 is the clear choice.
- Do you only need basic functionality for social media and light tasks? The Infinix Note 12 G96 might suffice, given its lower price point.
- Display Quality Importance:
- Do you value a sharp and vibrant display? If yes, go for the OnePlus Nord 4 due to its higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness.
- Do you find yourself using your phone outdoors in direct sunlight? If yes, the OnePlus Nord 4 will be much more usable.
- Is a basic display sufficient for your needs? Then the Infinix Note 12 G96 is sufficient.
- Budget Constraints:
- Are you on a very tight budget? The Infinix Note 12 G96 is probably your go to option.
- Can you invest more for better performance, display, and camera features? If so, the OnePlus Nord 4 is worth the investment.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming: If gaming is your priority, the OnePlus Nord 4 is much more suitable.
- Photography/Videography: For quality photography and video, the OnePlus Nord 4 is the clear winner.
- Everyday Use: If you mainly use your phone for browsing, social media, and calls, the Infinix Note 12 G96 will be sufficient on a budget. If you do not mind paying a bit more, the OnePlus Nord 4 would still be a better choice because it provides a much more smoother experience due to its significantly improved specs.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would definitely pick the OnePlus Nord 4. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I value performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. The OnePlus Nord 4 simply offers a much better overall experience with its far superior chipset, smoother 120Hz display, brighter screen, better camera, and significantly faster charging. While the Infinix Note 12 G96 might be a solid option for extremely budget-conscious buyers, the sheer disparity in performance makes the OnePlus Nord 4 the better all-around choice for my needs. For me, the increase in price is well justified by the level of performance gain and overall user experience. It would be the phone that I would use every day without any compromises.
