Alright, let's dive deep into this head-to-head comparison between the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the realme 8. It's fascinating to see how these two mid-range contenders stack up, and I'm eager to translate these specs into real-world experiences. Buckle up; we're about to get technical!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones measure up, broken down into key categories that matter to you:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | realme 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 162 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm | Slightly larger footprint for the Infinix, the Realme being slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 185g | 191g | Infinix will feel slightly lighter in hand, a potential plus for extended usage. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, not foldables. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Practically identical in size; negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1264x2780 | The realme 8 will have a noticeably sharper and more detailed image due to a higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 393 | 450 | Sharper text and images are clearly visible on the realme 8. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both deliver vivid colors and deep blacks associated with AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Smoother scrolling and animations with the realme 8, more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits | The Infinix has a significantly brighter display, much better visibility in bright sunlight. The Realme specs don't seem to be correct. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | Qualcomm's chipset is more modern, offering higher performance and efficiency, while the Mediatek chip is good for mid-range use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | N/A | Infinix provides a benchmark score of 307,000, performance of realme not available. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 (ARM Mali-G57 MC2) | Adreno 732 | Different GPU configurations. realme 8 has the superior GPU, ideal for intensive graphics. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 0mAh | Infinix has a large battery for all day usage. realme 8 specs don't seem correct. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Standard Charging | Infinix has quick charging for a shorter time to full power. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Standard Features | Infinix Note 12 G96 offers a non removable battery, this is standard practice now. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Res. | 50MP | N/A | Infinix offers a Standard 50MP Camera while the Realme doesn't. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | N/A | Infinix offers a Standard f/1.6 Aperture while the Realme doesn't. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.76" | N/A | Infinix offers a Standard 1/2.76" Sensor size while the Realme doesn't. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Model | Samsung S5KJN1 | N/A | Infinix offers a Standard Samsung S5KJN1 Sensor while the Realme doesn't. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.64µm | N/A | Infinix offers a Standard 0.64µm pixel size while the Realme doesn't. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | N/A | Infinix offers a Selfie 16MP Camera while the Realme doesn't. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | N/A | Infinix offers a Selfie f/2.0 Aperture while the Realme doesn't. |
| Portrait Camera Resolution | 2MP | N/A | Infinix offers a Portrait 2MP Camera while the Realme doesn't. |
| Portrait Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | N/A | Infinix offers a Portrait f/2.4 Aperture while the Realme doesn't. |
| Video | 1440p@30fps; Slow-motion: 120fps | 4K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@30fps/60fps/120fps, OIS/EIS | Realme has a significantly higher video recording capabilities, but Infinix offers video stabilization and slow motion. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | N/A | Infinix has the more complete camera feature set. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Realme 8 ships with a newer version of Android, meaning it will be supported for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n, Dual band | N/A | Infinix has more features like dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | N/A | Infinix has more Bluetooth features and newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | N/A | Infinix offers more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | N/A | Infinix offers dual sim functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | N/A | Infinix provides greater storage capacity. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | N/A | Infinix offers more RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Infinix has superior audio quality with enhanced features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Infinix has a better and more easily accessible fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones are equal when it comes to screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Light sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity | Basic sensors | Infinix offers additional sensors for better functionality. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96: Strengths
- Display Brightness: Its 650 nits display will cut through sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor use.
- Battery Powerhouse: A 5000mAh battery coupled with 33W fast charging is a great combination for all day usage.
- Camera: Comprehensive feature set, although lower video recording specs.
- Audio: Superior audio quality with stereo speakers and DTS audio enhancements.
- Features: The addition of dual sim, dual standby, side fingerprint sensor, extra sensors, wifi features, and bluetooth features offer a great all-round experience.
realme 8: Strengths
- Display Sharpness: Its higher resolution and pixel density offers noticeably sharper and more detailed visuals.
- Display Fluidity: The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel significantly smoother and more responsive.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset should offer superior performance and efficiency compared to the Mediatek G96.
- Video: Superior video recording quality and higher frame rates.
- Software: Newer version of Android meaning long term support.
Trade-Offs and Limitations
- realme 8 Missing Data: The provided specs for realme 8 are incomplete which makes a complete comparison difficult.
- Infinix G96 outdated chipset: The G96 is an older chipset compared to the realme 8's Snapdragon.
- realme 8 missing data: crucial specs for the camera, battery and features are missing.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Best for: Users who prioritize battery life, outdoor visibility, and a robust all round experience with good audio features.
- Ideal for: Daily users who need a long lasting device with a good camera setup, great sound quality and a bright display for outdoor use.
- realme 8:
- Best for: Users looking for a smoother display, better performance, more updated software, and superior video recording capabilities.
- Ideal for: Mobile gamers, video content creators, and anyone wanting a fast and fluid phone experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is outdoor visibility to you? If you frequently use your phone in bright sunlight, the Infinix is your winner.
- What kind of performance do you need? If it's raw processing and video capabilities, the realme is likely the better choice, if data is to be believed.
- How long do you want to use this phone? If longer software support is important, the realme is the one to go with.
Personal Choice:
If I were making this choice, I'd lean towards the realme 8 despite the data being incomplete. The significantly better chipset is the deciding factor for me, as is the higher resolution and smoother refresh rate. While the Infinix has its strengths like a brighter display and impressive battery life, it looks like the Realme 8 would offer a noticeably smoother and faster experience with its newer chipset and higher refresh rate display. Also the newer version of Android is a plus. However the lack of data for the camera and battery does make it a difficult decision, if we knew the camera and battery specs of the Realme 8 then the decision would be a lot easier.
