Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G. These two phones are positioned in the competitive mid-range market, but they cater to slightly different user needs. I'll break down the specifications, analyze their practical implications, and help you figure out which one might be right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on real-world impact:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Samsung Galaxy A15 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm | The Infinix is taller but slightly thinner, while the Samsung is more compact but a tad thicker. Both have a similar width so should have the same in-hand feel. |
| Weight | 185g | 200g | The Infinix feels lighter in hand, which might be preferable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | Infinix offers a slightly larger screen which might be more immersive for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp and clear visuals, but with a marginal difference, will have similar performance. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 396 PPI | Both phones have similar pixel density, so you won't notice any significant differences in clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant AMOLED screens, offering deep blacks and rich colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Samsung provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the interface feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 800 nits | Samsung is noticeably brighter, which improves visibility under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | The Samsung's 6nm chip is more efficient and powerful, translating to smoother multitasking and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 442,500 | The Samsung has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating faster performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both phones use the same GPU, thus similar graphic performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same capacity so will offer very similar battery life performance. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 25W fast charging | The Infinix charges faster, allowing for quicker top-ups and less time tethered to an outlet. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer tend to have better longevity and safety over Li-Ion. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.6 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The Infinix has a wider aperture lens, which should perform slightly better in low-light conditions, while the samsung is more standard. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.0 | The Infinix offers higher resolution for selfies, meaning better detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 5MP, f/2.2 | The Samsung includes a wide-angle lens, offering versatility when capturing landscapes or group photos. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The Infinix has a portrait lens, giving a slight edge when capturing portraits. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Samsung includes a macro lens, which gives it the capability to take close-up pictures. |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps with EIS | The Infinix has a higher video resolution, while the Samsung has EIS for stabilized video footage. |
| Slow Motion | 120 fps | 240 fps | Samsung offer higher frame rate in slow motion videos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The Samsung ships with a newer Android version, which means longer software support and newer features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | 802.11ac | The Samsung supports more advanced Wi-Fi standards, offering better speed and reliability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | The Samsung has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, which means better range and connection. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The Samsung offers more satellite support, meaning better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | Unspecified | The Infinix offers more storage, giving you more space for media and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | Unspecified | The Infinix comes with more ram options, which means better performance in multi-tasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, you're limited to internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | 2 microphones | The Infinix has stereo speakers for more immersive audio, while the Samsung includes 2 mics. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have a fingerprint sensor for convenience and security. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The Infinix includes Proximity sensors. The Samsung includes Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths:
- Slightly larger display for a more immersive experience.
- Faster 33W charging.
- Higher resolution front-facing camera for sharper selfies.
- DTS / DTS X and Stereo speakers for a richer audio experience.
- More internal storage and ram options.
- Trade-offs:
- Older chipset, lower benchmark performance.
- Older Android version.
- Lacks wide-angle lens and macro camera.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G:
- Strengths:
- More powerful and efficient chipset.
- Higher refresh rate for smoother visuals.
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility.
- Newer Android version with potentially longer software support.
- Includes a wide-angle and macro camera.
- More advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Better GPS accuracy.
- More advanced battery technology.
- Trade-offs:
- Slightly heavier and thicker design.
- Slower 25W charging.
- Lower resolution front camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96 is ideal for:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who watch a lot of videos and want a larger display and great audio experience for movies or gaming.
- Social Media Sharers: People who prioritize high-quality selfies.
- Users on a Budget: Those looking for solid features without breaking the bank.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who need consistent and reliable performance for multitasking and demanding applications.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: People who use their phones in bright sunlight and require good outdoor visibility.
- Tech-Forward Users: Individuals who want the latest software, connectivity standards and camera features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:
- Performance vs. Media: Do you prioritize a smoother and faster phone overall (Samsung), or a slightly better screen and audio experience (Infinix)?
- Software Longevity: Do you value having the latest Android updates and longer software support (Samsung), or is a good experience with older software acceptable (Infinix)?
- Camera Versatility: Do you need a wide-angle and macro lens (Samsung), or is better selfie quality more important (Infinix)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you're a student who uses their phone for browsing, streaming, and some gaming, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is a better choice for performance and longer-term updates.
- Scenario 2: If you’re a casual user who loves watching movies, taking selfies, and prefers a slightly larger display, the Infinix Note 12 G96 will satisfy your needs and will be budget friendly.
- Scenario 3: If you need a work phone for location services, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G would be better for its GPS capabilities.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally opt for the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G. Although the Infinix has some compelling features, the Samsung's more powerful chipset, brighter and smoother display, and longer software support align better with my needs as a tech journalist. While it does not have better internal storage and ram capacity, for my use case of general day to day use, the chipset upgrade would make the difference. The inclusion of a wide-angle and macro lens is also a big plus. I can compromise with a slightly lower quality selfie camera and slower charging speed as I want the better overall experience of the two. The improved GPS accuracy is also a great added bonus.
