Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Realme 12x. I've structured this analysis to focus on what really matters: how these specs translate into real-world experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Realme 12x | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 165.6 x 76.1 x 7.9 mm | Very similar size and thickness; the Realme 12x is marginally thinner, might feel slightly better in the hand. |
| Weight | 185g | 190g | Infinix is lighter by 5g, which could be a slight advantage during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Very similar screen size; negligible difference in the viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1604 | Infinix has a much sharper display due to its significantly higher resolution, making text and images look crisper. |
| PPI | 393 | 264 | Infinix has a noticeably sharper screen with significantly higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Infinix offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors due to the AMOLED display, leading to a superior viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12x has a smoother display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations look more fluid. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits | Infinix is significantly brighter for better outdoor visibility in sunlight. The Realme 12x's brightness specification is missing, so this is a major point for the Infinix. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) | Realme 12x's newer chipset should offer better power efficiency and slightly faster processing speeds. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 442,599 | Realme 12x's benchmark scores show significantly improved overall performance and faster app loading. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both phones use the same GPU, suggesting similar graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP (f/1.6) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Infinix's wider aperture (f/1.6) might capture slightly more light, potentially better in low-light situations. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP (f/2.0) | 8MP (f/2.1) | Infinix has higher resolution for selfie photos, providing potentially more detail. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both have depth sensors for portrait mode, but the Realme 12x has a larger pixel size which can be beneficial to low-light capture |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Infinix offers higher video recording resolution. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have similar battery capacities, which should lead to comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Infinix's 33W charging is much faster, reducing the time needed to recharge the phone. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Realme 12x comes with a newer Android version, providing access to the latest features and improvements. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | 802.11ac | Realme 12x supports the newer Wi-Fi ac standard, which may provide faster Wi-Fi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Realme 12x has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Realme 12x has better GPS support for more accurate navigation. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | Realme 12x offers much more internal storage. |
| RAM | 4 GB, 6 GB or 8 GB | 12 GB | Realme 12x has more RAM, which is beneficial for multitasking and heavy usage. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen offers vibrant colors and true blacks, enhancing the visual experience significantly over the Realme 12x's IPS LCD.
- Brighter Display: At 650 nits, the screen offers much better readability under sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging is a major convenience, allowing you to juice up the phone much quicker than with the Realme's 15W charging.
- Better Front Camera: The 16MP front camera provides more detailed selfies than the 8MP camera of the Realme 12x.
- Higher Video Recording Resolution: 1440p recording allows for sharper videos than the Realme 12x.
Realme 12x Strengths:
- Newer Android: Comes with Android 14 out of the box, ensuring the latest software features and security updates.
- Better Performance: Its newer Dimensity 6100+ chipset and 44% higher AnTuTu score translates to smoother performance in daily tasks.
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother experience when scrolling and gaming.
- More Storage: With options for 256GB or 512GB internal storage, it easily outpaces the Infinix's 64GB or 128GB.
- More RAM: The 12GB of RAM on the Realme 12x handles multitasking and demanding apps much better than the Infinix models, especially the 4GB variant.
- More Connectivity: Newer Wifi and Bluetooth versions.
- Better GPS: More satellite systems provide better location accuracy.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The Realme 12x has a weaker main camera aperture than the Infinix, which might impact low light performance and an IPS LCD panel.
- The Infinix lacks expandable storage, and its storage capacity is limited.
- The Infinix Note 12 G96 runs on an older version of Android, and its chipset is less powerful.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Best for: Users who prioritize display quality, better front camera selfies, better screen brightness, and fast charging in budget-friendly phone.
- Use Cases: Consuming multimedia content, casual mobile gaming and content creation.
Realme 12x:
- Best for: Users who want a phone with smooth performance, multitasking capabilities, more storage, and an updated software experience.
- Use Cases: Heavy app usage, mobile gaming, and users who need a reliable device for productivity.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these two phones:
- How important is display quality to you? If you value a vibrant display with true blacks and better outdoor visibility, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is a clear winner with its AMOLED display. If a smooth display and performance is a priority, the Realme 12x with it's 120hz refresh rate is a good choice.
- Do you prioritize storage and software updates? If you need more internal storage for your files and the latest Android features, the Realme 12x offers more storage and newer software.
- How important is performance vs. fast charging? If performance is key, the Realme 12x offers a faster chipset and better benchmark scores, but if you want fast charging, the Infinix is a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the casual user who consumes a lot of videos and media: The Infinix Note 12 G96 is a better choice because of its AMOLED screen and faster charging.
- For a power user or gamer who needs smooth performance and a lot of storage: The Realme 12x with its newer chipset, larger RAM and storage would be the better option.
- For the budget-conscious user who also needs a quality display for everyday use: The Infinix Note 12 G96 would be the better option
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Realme 12x. While the AMOLED display of the Infinix is tempting, the Realme 12x's superior performance, latest software, higher storage and RAM, along with its smoother 120Hz refresh rate, make it a more well-rounded and future-proof device in my opinion. I value smooth daily operation, and having more storage is critical for my needs. The brighter screen of the Infinix is a nice-to-have, but the Realme's improvements elsewhere make it my go-to pick, especially if performance and software updates are top of mind.
