Alright, let's break down the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Realme 11 Pro+, two contenders in the competitive mid-range smartphone arena. I'll get under the hood of these devices, focusing on how their specs translate into real-world usage, and help you figure out which one might be the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Realme 11 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 161.6 x 73.9 x 8.2 mm | Note 12 G96 is slightly larger but both are similar in size and thickness; both comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 185g | 183g | Essentially the same weight, both feel equally light. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size: good for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Similar sharpness; both look crisp and clear for everyday use. |
| PPI | 393 | 394 | Very similar pixel density, virtually indistinguishable in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 11 Pro+ provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 950 nits | Realme 11 Pro+ excels in bright sunlight, much easier to view outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G96 (12 nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Realme 11 Pro+ has a newer, more efficient chip, offering faster performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 540,800 | Realme 11 Pro+ is significantly faster; better for demanding apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Realme 11 Pro+ provides superior graphics performance for smoother gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 50MP f/1.6 | 200MP f/1.69 | Realme 11 Pro+ captures much more detail; better overall picture quality. |
| Front Standard | 16MP f/2.0 | 32MP f/2.45 | Realme 11 Pro+ has higher-resolution selfies, will be more detailed. |
| Wide Angle lens | N/A | 8MP f/2.2 | Realme 11 Pro+ can take wide-angle shots, capturing more of the scene. |
| Portrait (depth) | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | Note 12 G96 has dedicated depth camera, which is missing on the 11 Pro+. |
| Macro lens | N/A | 2MP f/2.3 | Realme 11 Pro+ offers dedicated macro shots for detailed close-ups. |
| Video | 1440p@30fps; no EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS | Realme 11 Pro+ shoots higher-quality videos with EIS for stability. |
| Camera Features | Basic | UIS, OIS, 4K Video, continuous shooting | Realme 11 Pro+ has features like 4k Video recording, OIS for stable images, while the Note 12 G96 has a basic camera. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, likely lasting a full day on moderate use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Realme 11 Pro+ charges much faster, great if you often need a quick top-up. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 2x2500mAh | The Realme has a dual-cell battery which can improve charging performance |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | The Realme 11 Pro+ has a newer OS, with the potential for more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | 802.11ax | The Realme supports WiFi 6 for faster wireless connection |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | The Realme 11 Pro+ has the latest bluetooth version |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | Multiple | The Realme 11 Pro+ offers faster and more precise GPS due to the added satellite support |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | Realme 11 Pro+ offers significantly more storage, catering to users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme 11 Pro+ has more RAM, which translates to smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device offers external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Realme 11 Pro+ offers clearer audio due to noise cancelling mics and better immersion with Dolby Atmos |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Infinix has a side-mounted sensor which can be more ergonomic to use |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones use similar screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Both devices share similar set of sensors, but the Realme 11 Pro+ includes Geomagnetic sensors for more advanced positional awareness. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96
Strengths:
- Affordable Price: The Infinix Note 12 G96 will be the more budget friendly option, focusing on value for your money.
- Good Display: AMOLED display will give vibrant colors.
- Side-mounted fingerprint: Arguably more ergonomic than traditional in-display sensors.
Competitive Advantages:
- It provides a solid baseline smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
- Sufficient for daily tasks, social media, and basic multimedia.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Performance: Noticeably slower than the Realme 11 Pro+ in CPU and graphics performance.
- Camera: Basic camera setup, lacking advanced features.
- Display: 60Hz display is less smooth than the 120Hz on the Realme.
- Storage: Limited internal storage, and no expandable option.
Realme 11 Pro+
Strengths:
- Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU for smoother operation.
- Camera: High-resolution main camera with OIS, more features, and high quality video.
- Display: 120Hz refresh rate and much brighter display.
- Charging: Blazing-fast 100W charging.
- Software: Newer OS, likely more consistent updates.
- Storage: significantly more storage is available on the Realme.
- Audio: Noise canceling microphones and Dolby Atmos provide good audio.
- Connectivity: Newer versions of WiFi and Bluetooth for faster speeds and better reliability.
Competitive Advantages:
- Offers a premium experience in the mid-range segment, excellent for media consumption and content creation.
- A great all-rounder, suitable for demanding users.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Price: Likely more expensive than the Infinix.
- No headphone jack for audiophiles.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96: Ideal for users who prioritize budget and want a reliable phone for daily use. Good for basic tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and social media. Suitable for users who do not prioritize gaming and don't use a camera too much.
Realme 11 Pro+: Great for users who need fast performance and a high-quality display, are into photography/videography, and enjoy demanding games and media. Suitable for users who want a premium feel and a future-proof device. It is best suited for those who want a better camera and faster charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your decision:
- What is your budget? If budget is your primary concern, the Infinix Note 12 G96 will be a more pocket-friendly option. The Realme 11 Pro+ will be more expensive, but comes with significant advantages.
- How important is performance and speed for you? If you do a lot of gaming or multitasking, the Realme 11 Pro+ with its superior chipset is essential.
- How much do you care about camera quality and battery life? For photography enthusiasts and users who hate waiting for charging, the Realme 11 Pro+ is the clear winner due to its camera performance and charging speeds.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual User: If you primarily use your phone for calls, messages, and light social media, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is a solid choice, and you can save some money.
- Mobile Gamer/Power User: If you want a better gaming experience with smoother graphics, multitasking, and overall speed, the Realme 11 Pro+ is the superior option.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you love capturing detailed photos and videos, then the Realme 11 Pro+ is the obvious choice, thanks to its camera.
- Media Consumption: The Realme 11 Pro+ has a smoother and brighter display, making it great for watching videos and browsing.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd go with the Realme 11 Pro+. While I appreciate the budget-friendly nature of the Infinix Note 12 G96, the Realme 11 Pro+ hits the sweet spot for me in terms of performance, camera quality, display, and fast charging. As someone who values responsiveness and image quality in a smartphone, I'm willing to pay a bit extra for those premium features. The faster processor, better display, significantly more storage, and higher-quality camera make the Realme 11 Pro+ the clear winner in this comparison. The higher refresh rate makes the device feel significantly better during use. It's the more future-proof device, and I'd prefer the better video and photo quality, especially for capturing my adventures and family memories!
