Alright, let's break down the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Samsung Galaxy A35. This is a classic matchup of a budget-friendly contender against a more established mid-ranger, and the differences are quite revealing. Here’s the full analysis, engineered for clarity and real-world understanding:
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | Infinix is slightly taller; Samsung is a bit wider and thicker. Both are relatively large. |
| Weight | 185g | 209g | Infinix is noticeably lighter, better for extended use and pocketability. |
| Build | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | Samsung has significantly better screen protection for everyday bumps and scratches. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | Infinix has a slightly larger screen for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 | Very similar sharpness on both, hardly a noticeable difference. |
| PPI | 393 | 390 | Essentially identical pixel density, both look sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, excellent for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Samsung provides much smoother scrolling and animations, a big plus for gaming and general fluidity. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits | Infinix significantly brighter screen, crucial for outdoor visibility. Samsung brightness data missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Exynos 1380 (5nm) | Samsung’s 5nm chip is much more efficient and powerful, leading to better performance and battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 578,500 | Samsung has significantly faster performance for smoother operation, gaming, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Samsung has a more powerful GPU for better graphics performance, smoother gameplay. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96", 0.8µm | Infinix has wider aperture, Samsung has larger sensor, both good for main shots but with trade-offs |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Infinix has higher resolution selfie camera, Samsung has larger pixel size for better low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP, f/2.2 | Samsung offers versatility with a wide-angle camera, Infinix does not. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | Infinix has a dedicated depth camera for better portraits, Samsung lacks one. |
| Macro Lens | No | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | Samsung allows close-up shots, Infinix lacks this functionality. |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 4K@30fps w/ EIS, 1080@60fps w/ EIS | Samsung captures much higher quality video and has EIS for better stability. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Mobile 104 (Photo: 107, Video: 110) | Samsung camera performance verified, Infinix unrated. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have large batteries, providing all-day usage with similar capacity. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Infinix charges faster, beneficial for quick top-ups. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14, upgrade to 18 | Samsung offers a much more current OS with longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Samsung provides faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity with the latest standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 | Samsung has a newer Bluetooth version with improved range and energy efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Samsung supports multiple satellite systems, improving location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Samsung offers higher base storage, and double storage capacity for max config. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Similar options for multitasking but no lower options with the Samsung. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | DTS/DTS X | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Samsung provides better audio quality and more immersive experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Infinix has more user-friendly side-mounted sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensor Suite | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Samsung features a wider array of sensors for more functionalities. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths:
- Lighter and Thinner: Significantly easier to handle and pocket.
- Brighter Display: Much better outdoor visibility, crucial in sunny conditions.
- Faster Charging: Gets you back in the game quicker.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More convenient placement than a basic sensor.
- Trade-offs:
- Weaker Performance: Noticeably less powerful, might struggle with demanding apps and games.
- Outdated OS: Lacks the latest Android features and long-term software support.
- Basic Camera System: Lacks features like a wide-angle lens and higher-quality video.
Samsung Galaxy A35:
- Strengths:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster and smoother user experience.
- Advanced Display: Smoother animations due to 120Hz refresh rate.
- Feature-Rich Camera: Wide-angle lens, 4K video, and a higher rated camera from DXO.
- Modern Software: More recent Android version with future updates.
- Better Audio: Enhanced audio playback with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support.
- Robust Build: Superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Trade-offs:
- Heavier: Less comfortable for extended use compared to the Infinix.
- Potentially lower outdoor visibility: Brightness data is missing, and could be worse than the Infinix.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a lightweight phone with good outdoor visibility.
- Use Cases: Daily browsing, social media, media consumption in bright conditions, quick tasks.
- Why It Works: A solid choice for those needing a big screen and battery life without breaking the bank, better for simple tasks.
Samsung Galaxy A35:
- Ideal For: Users who want a balance of performance, features, and future proofing.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, photography, video recording, multitasking, overall a better experience.
- Why It Works: Offers higher performance, better camera capabilities, smoother user experience and will receive software updates.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your choice:
Performance or Value? Do you prioritize raw performance and future-proofing, or is a lower price more important? The Samsung excels in performance, while the Infinix leads in the lower-end value space.
Camera Needs? Do you need versatility in photography (wide-angle lens, 4K video), or is a simple main camera sufficient? The Samsung offers a more comprehensive camera setup.
Display and Build? Do you prioritize smooth scrolling and a robust screen protection, or is a brighter display and light weight a bigger draw? The Samsung offers smoother screen refresh and better protection, while the Infinix will be better in bright conditions and lighter.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious: If price is your biggest concern and you need a phone for everyday use, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is a decent option with its lighter weight and brighter display.
- Performance-Oriented: If gaming, multitasking, and future software support are crucial, the Samsung Galaxy A35 is the superior choice.
- Balanced User: If you want to get the most bang for your buck without compromising too much on features or usability, the Samsung Galaxy A35 is probably going to be your best option here.
Personal Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy A35. While the Infinix has its merits—notably the lighter design and brighter screen—the A35's superior performance, more modern software, better camera, and robust build quality are more important to me. I often use my phone for more than just basic tasks, and the A35's advanced feature set and higher level performance, is simply more aligned with my needs and more likely to provide a better, more seamless user experience for the long term. The 120hz display is a must-have in my experience, and the better software support really ensures that I am going to be using the device for years.
