Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Realme 12 Pro+. We'll break down the specs, talk about what they mean for you, and figure out which phone fits different kinds of users.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a side-by-side look at the key specifications, focusing on how they translate to your daily experience:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-16 | 2024-01-29 | Realme is much newer, with more modern features. |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8mm | Infinix is slightly taller and wider, Realme a bit thicker. Differences are minor, most won’t notice. |
| Weight | 185g | 196g | Infinix is slightly lighter, making it a bit more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Same screen size for both. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Practically identical sharpness. |
| PPI | 393 | 394 | Same pixel density; both are sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme is significantly smoother with scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits | Infinix is better for outdoor use. Realme data seems incorrect, needs to be verified, in practice, most AMOLED screen have decent brightness |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G96 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Realme will be more responsive, faster app loading, and better for gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 603,400 | Realme delivers significantly higher performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 710 | Realme has a better GPU for graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Realme has a larger sensor for better low-light performance, the Infinix has a wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" | Realme should capture more detailed selfies with better resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2" | Realme has an extra telephoto lens for zooming capabilities. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Infinix has a depth sensor. |
| Wide Angle/Macro Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | Realme has an ultra-wide and macro lens |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Realme offers higher quality video capture and better stabilisation. |
| Camera Features | Basic Features | 4K, OIS, PDAF, RAW, Optical Zoom | Realme has optical zoom, image stabilization and other advanced features |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Same battery size, expected similar daily usage. |
| Charging | 33W | 67W | Realme will charge significantly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Realme is running a newer OS version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11n, Dual Band | 802.11ax, Dual Band | Realme has Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Newer Bluetooth Version in Realme |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme has more satellite system support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256/512GB | Realme offers higher storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Realme has higher RAM options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No expandable storage in either phone |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | DTS, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Realme offers enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio support |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Infinix side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more advanced |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96 Strengths:
- Brighter Screen: The Infinix boasts a 650 nit display, which should offer better outdoor visibility under direct sunlight.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more advanced than basic fingerprint sensor.
- Price: The older Infinix phone should be available for a better price.
- Good Enough Performance for Most: The MediaTek Helio G96 is a reliable processor that will handle everyday tasks well.
Realme 12 Pro+ Strengths:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset offers nearly double the performance of the G96.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother experience when navigating and gaming.
- Better Camera System: Larger sensor on main camera, telephoto lens, and higher-resolution selfie camera will deliver improved photos, especially in low light.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging will get your phone juiced up much faster than the Infinix’s 33W.
- Newer Software: Android 14 will offer the latest software features and security updates.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and noise-cancelling microphone will enhance the listening experience and voice calls.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Infinix: The Infinix has an older chipset and slower screen.
- Realme: The Realme doesn't specify brightness, the data seems incorrect here. The side-mounted sensor in the Infinix could be preferred by some.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Budget-Conscious Users: If you need a good phone for basic daily tasks without spending too much, this is a reasonable choice.
- Outdoor Use: If you frequently use your phone in direct sunlight, its higher brightness will be beneficial.
- Basic Gaming: The G96 will handle light to moderate games, but demanding games might not perform optimally.
Realme 12 Pro+:
- Performance Enthusiasts: If you need a fast and responsive phone for multitasking, heavy apps, and gaming, the Realme 12 Pro+ is much better.
- Photography Lovers: The better camera system (including the telephoto lens) makes this a compelling option for mobile photography.
- Multimedia Consumers: The 120Hz display and Dolby Atmos audio make this phone an excellent option for watching videos and listening to music.
- Users Who Value Latest Features: Android 14, 67W fast charging, and advanced connectivity options appeal to those seeking cutting-edge technology.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you choose:
- How important is performance and gaming to you? If these are your main focus, the Realme 12 Pro+ is a clear choice.
- What is your budget and price sensitivity? If you are on a tight budget and do not need the added performance, the Infinix will be a better pick.
- Do you prioritize camera quality and video recording? For higher quality photos, video and zoom capabilities, the Realme is a much better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: If gaming is your main focus, the Realme 12 Pro+ will provide the smoothest experience with its higher refresh rate screen, superior chipset, and better GPU.
- The Photographer: If mobile photography matters to you, the Realme with its telephoto lens, better sensors, and video recording features is the way to go.
- The Budget User: If the price is the most important factor, the Infinix Note 12 G96 offers excellent value at a lower price point and will perform most basic tasks well.
- The Multitasker: The Realme's stronger chipset and higher RAM options would handle multitasking and heavy apps with ease.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely choose the Realme 12 Pro+. The faster Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, the 120Hz refresh rate display, the significantly better camera system, and the faster charging are all crucial upgrades that I value highly. I'd also prefer having the latest version of Android and additional features like Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and an optical zoom. Even with the slightly reduced screen brightness compared to the Infinix, these advantages make the Realme 12 Pro+ the far superior phone for a much better overall user experience. The additional price increase would be justified by the better features and performance.
