Alright, let's dive deep into the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Realme 12+. It's always exciting to see how different manufacturers approach similar price points, and these two phones offer some compelling contrasts. Let’s break it down, focusing on what truly matters for daily use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the specifications, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Realme 12+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | 163 × 75.5 × 7.9 mm | Realme 12+ is slightly more compact, potentially easier to handle. |
| Weight | 185g | 190g | Infinix Note 12 G96 is a touch lighter, which might be more comfortable for long sessions. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Minimal difference in size; both offer a large screen experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp and clear visuals on both devices. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 393 | 395 | Very similar sharpness on both displays. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Rich colors and deep blacks are provided by both devices. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12+ will have significantly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ is much better suited for outdoor use in bright sunlight due to its higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Realme 12+ uses a newer, more efficient chip offering better performance and battery management. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 601,000 | Realme 12+ is expected to be significantly faster and more responsive, handling demanding tasks better. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Realme 12+ has a superior GPU for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP | 50MP | Both offer similar resolution; image quality depends on other factors. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.88 | Infinix Note 12 G96's wider aperture may help in low-light, but sensor size also factors in. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.76" | 1/2" | Realme 12+ has a physically larger sensor, which should result in better light capture. |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Samsung S5KJN1 | Sony LYT-600 | Different sensors; Realme's Sony is a strong performer. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.64µm | 0.61µm | Very similar pixel size |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.45 | Infinix Note 12 G96 might perform slightly better in low light conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP | Realme 12+ has an additional wide angle lens for more versatile shots. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP | N/A | Infinix Note 12 G96 has an additional depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP | Realme 12+ has an additional macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | Realme 12+ offers higher resolution recording with EIS for better video quality. |
| Camera Features | Manual Focus, Night Mode | 4K Video, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) | Realme 12+ offers OIS and PDAF, while Infinix Note 12 G96 has features such as manual focus and night mode |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life on paper; real world usage may vary based on the chipset. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12+ charges much faster, potentially a significant time-saver. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 14 | Realme 12+ has a more up-to-date software experience. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz, 802.11ac, WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Realme 12+ has newer Wi-Fi technologies, potentially faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | Realme 12+ has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Realme 12+ supports more satellite navigation systems for better accuracy. |
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB or 512 GB | Realme 12+ has larger storage capacity options. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Realme 12+ has better RAM options, especially for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12+ offers more advanced audio enhancements; Infinix Note 12 G96 offers DTS. |
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Infinix Note 12 G96 has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor; Provides basic biometric security |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths: It has a slightly lighter build and a potentially better selfie camera aperture (though sensor details are missing).
- Competitive Advantages: Its main camera aperture may offer slight low-light advantages, though the sensor size is smaller. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is a plus.
- Trade-offs: The older chipset and slower refresh rate means it is less responsive and the display is not as fluid. It also has a less bright screen.
Realme 12+:
- Strengths: The superior display with 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness, coupled with a significantly faster chipset. It also has the larger main camera sensor, additional wide-angle lens, and better video recording. Faster charging is a major convenience. The most recent Android OS is a plus.
- Competitive Advantages: A superior display, significantly better performance, faster charging and more up-to-date software, plus more versatile camera options.
- Trade-offs: Slightly heavier and lacks a dedicated portrait lens.
General Observations:
- The Realme 12+ is clearly the superior device in most areas, especially in display quality, performance, and camera versatility. The larger storage options and faster charging are huge advantages.
- The Infinix Note 12 G96 is more of an entry-level device, perhaps appealing to users with very basic needs, especially given its potentially lower cost.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Best Suited For: Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic smartphone functions (calls, texts, social media) and have limited gaming or heavy app usage.
- Specific Use Cases: Casual browsing, social media, media consumption, and basic mobile photography. It might suit older users.
- Price-to-Value: If the price is significantly lower than the Realme 12+, it could be a good option for people looking for an affordable phone with a large AMOLED display.
Realme 12+:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize performance, responsiveness, and a better display experience. This includes casual gamers, social media power users, and anyone who uses their phone for multitasking.
- Specific Use Cases: Mobile gaming, content creation, streaming video, and photography. Its faster charging is a great help for people who use their phone a lot.
- Price-to-Value: This phone justifies its value with its performance, better screen, superior camera, and much faster charging speed.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help users decide:
- Do you value performance and speed over everything else?
- If yes, the Realme 12+ is the clear winner with a faster chipset, more RAM, and a smoother display.
- Do you prioritize outdoor visibility and display quality?
- If yes, the Realme 12+ with its higher brightness screen is the better option.
- Is your budget extremely limited?
- If yes, the Infinix Note 12 G96 might be an acceptable option, but it requires you to compromise significantly in terms of features and performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The "Tech Enthusiast": Opt for the Realme 12+. Its performance, display, and camera features are all superior.
- The "Budget-Conscious User": If the price difference is substantial, the Infinix Note 12 G96 might suffice for very basic use. However, the trade-offs are considerable.
- The "Casual User": The Realme 12+ is the ideal choice for most, with its combination of features and performance, offering a smoother user experience all round.
My Choice
If I had to pick one, I'd go with the Realme 12+. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who uses my phone extensively, I value performance and responsiveness. The jump in chipset capabilities, the 120Hz refresh rate, and the much brighter display on the Realme 12+ are significant upgrades that make the user experience significantly better.
While the Infinix Note 12 G96 has some merits, the older chipset and the less advanced features mean it won't provide as smooth and versatile experience. I also find the Realme 12+'s more up-to-date OS, larger storage options, better camera setup (including OIS), and faster charging invaluable. For the kind of tasks I regularly perform on my smartphone – multitasking, photo and video editing, occasional gaming, and consuming media – the Realme 12+ is much better equipped and has better features that enhance my user experience. The slight increase in weight is a trade-off I'm willing to make for the performance and features it brings to the table.
The Realme 12+ provides a much better overall package, giving a more versatile and future-proof device. It represents better value for money, especially for users who spend significant time on their phones.
