Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G. These two mid-range contenders bring different strengths to the table, and understanding their nuances is crucial for making the right choice.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side look at the specs, focusing on what they actually mean for you:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 162.1 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm | Similar size and weight, but the Note 12 is slightly taller, A24 thicker and heavier |
| Weight | 185g | 195g | The Note 12 G96 will feel slightly lighter in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | Note 12 offers a bit more screen real estate for viewing content and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both are sharp and detailed, minor difference in vertical pixel count is hardly noticeable. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 396 PPI | Both provide very similar sharpness, which makes both screens excellent in day to day use |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both devices; great for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | A24’s 90Hz display provides a smoother experience with less motion blur while scrolling. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 1000 nits | A24 offers much better visibility in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) | A24's G99 is more efficient and powerful which gives faster app loading times and smoother operation |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 411,900 | A24 has a noticeable advantage in benchmarks, meaning snappier performance in day-to-day tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both have the same GPU, with different configurations. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.6 | 50MP f/1.8 | Note 12 has a slightly wider aperture which captures more light, but A24 has OIS that can provide sharper photos and videos |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.0 | 13MP f/2.2 | Note 12 will likely produce slightly higher-resolution and brighter selfies in low light |
| Wide Angle | N/A | 5MP f/2.2 | A24 has the ability to capture a wider field of view. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | Note 12 has a dedicated portrait mode lens for depth sensing effects |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP f/2.4 | A24 has a dedicated macro lens for extreme closeups. |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps with EIS | Note 12 records higher resolution video, but A24 has Electronic Image Stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Manual Focus, Night Mode | OIS, PDAF, Continuous Shot | Both offer unique feature sets in the camera app, allowing for flexibility |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer a full day of moderate usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Note 12 will charge faster, getting you back up and running quicker. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer batteries are slightly safer and have a longer life span compared to Li-Ion |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | A24 comes with newer version of Android out of the box and is eligible for more updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi AC | A24 can connect to faster Wi-Fi AC networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | A24 has a newer version of Bluetooth that offers better performance and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A24 will be able to use more GPS satellite systems which gives more precise GPS positioning |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128 GB | A24 comes standard with 128 GB storage, Note 12 has a 64 GB option too, both without external SD card slot |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both offer the same RAM options for multitasking and gaming |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | The Note 12 will have a more enhanced and immersive audio experience |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-Mounted Fingerprint sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint sensor | Both have side mounted fingerprint scanners for easy and quick unlocking |
| Other | |||
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both devices do not have expandable storage |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | A24 has Compass, Note 12 is missing Compass |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths:
- Larger Display: Provides more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging gets you powered up faster.
- Enhanced Audio: DTS/DTS X and stereo speakers offer a more immersive audio experience.
- Higher Resolution Selfies: 16MP front camera for detailed selfies.
- Trade-offs:
- Older Chipset: Helio G96 is less efficient and powerful compared to the G99 in the A24.
- Older OS: Android 12 is older version of Android out of the box
- No Wide Angle or Macro Camera The Note 12 has a dedicated portrait lens, but is missing a wide angle and macro lens that the A24 offers.
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G:
- Strengths:
- More Powerful Chipset: Helio G99 offers better overall performance.
- Brighter Display: 1000 nits peak brightness for excellent outdoor visibility.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate for fluid animations and scrolling.
- Optical Image Stabilization: OIS helps in capturing stable photos and videos in shaky environments
- Wider Selection of Cameras With a dedicated wide angle and macro camera, the A24 offers more versatility in the camera department.
- Newer OS: Android 13 out of the box with more OS updates planned
- Better GPS With GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, the A24 is more accurate
- Trade-offs:
- Slower Charging: 25W charging is slower than the Infinix.
- Basic Audio Features: Lacks the advanced audio capabilities of the Note 12.
- Lower Resolution Selfies: 13MP front camera captures slightly less detail compared to the Note 12
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96 is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos and enjoy immersive audio with better speakers.
- Users on a Budget: The Note 12 can be a more affordable option with a focus on media consumption.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who take frequent photos and want a wide aperture to capture more light.
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G is best for:
- Performance Seekers: Users who prioritize smooth and snappy performance.
- Outdoor Users: People who frequently use their phone in bright daylight.
- Social Media Enthusiasts: The A24 has a better wide angle and macro lens for different photography angles, as well as a smoother 90Hz refresh rate.
- Users Looking for Long Term Support: The A24 is shipped with a newer version of Android with more OS updates planned.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize smoother performance and outdoor visibility? If yes, the Samsung A24 is your better bet.
- Do you watch a lot of videos and need good audio? If yes, the Infinix Note 12's enhanced audio might be more appealing.
- How much do you value long-term software support? If you're looking for longer support and future OS updates, the A24 takes the lead with a newer version of Android and more updates planned.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- For a budget gamer: The A24 is better with a slightly more powerful chipset that will give you a better experience and a higher refresh rate for smooth graphics.
- For a student: The A24 provides a smoother experience in scrolling and navigation, longer software support, and a much brighter screen for outdoor use.
- For the everyday user: The A24 has a better chipset, a brighter 90Hz screen, and a more versatile camera setup.
My Choice and Why:
If I had to choose, I'd lean towards the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G. While the Infinix Note 12 G96 has its charms with a larger screen and faster charging, the A24's combination of a more efficient and powerful chipset, brighter and smoother display, and newer software make it a better all-rounder for my needs. The inclusion of OIS in the main camera is a crucial factor that gives the A24 an edge for producing sharp photos and videos.
