Alright, let's break down the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Samsung Galaxy A54. It’s a classic case of two phones with very different priorities, and the right choice for you really depends on what you value most in your daily driver.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm | Infinix is taller but just a hair thinner; A54 slightly more compact with very similar thickness. |
| Weight | 185g | 202g | Infinix is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for longer periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | Infinix offers more screen real estate, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 | Both are sharp; the difference is negligibly small. |
| Pixel Density | 393 ppi | 403 ppi | Very similar sharpness, both will look quite crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Great color reproduction and contrast on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A54's display will feel noticeably smoother during scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits (Data missing, but expect ~1000 nits for similar Samsung Models) | Infinix offers a decently bright screen, but the A54 is expected to be much brighter which means better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G96 (12nm) | Exynos 1380 (5nm) | A54's chip is significantly more powerful and efficient; faster performance for any task. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 578,600 | A54 blows away the G96 in benchmarks, leading to smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MP5 | A54 has a much more powerful GPU and will deliver superior gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | A54 has a larger sensor with bigger pixels, meaning better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | A54 offers a higher resolution and likely more detailed selfies, but a smaller sensor. |
| Wide Angle Camera | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | A54 has a wide-angle option for capturing more in a single shot. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Infinix has a dedicated depth sensor; A54 utilizes software-based portrait. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | A54 allows for close-up shots of small objects. |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps | 4K@30fps with EIS | A54 supports higher-resolution video recording and stabilization. |
| Camera Score DXOMark | Not Tested | 107 (Mobile) | A54 has been rigorously tested for Mobile Camera quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have similar battery capacity and endurance in real world usage. |
| Charging | 33W | 25W | Infinix charges faster, meaning less time plugged in. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 (upgradable to Android 17) | A54 offers a newer OS and longer software support for future versions. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | A54 supports newer Wi-Fi standards for faster speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | A54 has a newer Bluetooth standard with better connectivity features and enhanced audio codecs.. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A54 offers better location accuracy due to more satallite compatibility. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | A54 offers digital carrier switching with eSIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | A54 offers more base storage with higher top end configuration.. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | A54 has more RAM and faster memory for improved performance and multitasking.. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones have no expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | A54 offers more enhanced sound quality for a better listening experience. |
| Security | |||
| Biometrics | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Infinix has a side mounted fingerprint sensor for improved ergonomics and accessibility.. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | A54 has better scratch and damage resistance from drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A54 offers a comprehensive suite of sensors for a wider range of applications. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96 Strengths:
- Larger Display: Great for media consumption, gaming, and anyone who likes a bigger screen.
- Lighter Build: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Faster Charging: Gets you back to a full charge faster.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor More ergonomic and easy to reach.
Samsung Galaxy A54 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 1380 is significantly more powerful, making the phone faster in all aspects, including gaming and multitasking.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate makes the user experience much more fluid.
- Better Camera System: Larger main sensor, wide-angle lens, and 4K video recording capabilities significantly outperform the Infinix.
- Newer Software: Android 13 with longer support provides access to the latest features and longer software updates.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster and more reliable wireless connections.
- Better Build Quality Improved screen durability with Gorilla Glass protection.
- Improved Audio Quality The A54 has higher quality audio playback and better sound quality experience.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite Provides wider range of applications.
Trade-offs:
- Infinix: Sacrifices raw power and camera quality for a larger screen and lower price.
- Samsung: Significantly pricier but offers a much more premium and polished experience overall with better performance and video capabilities.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96 is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Who prioritize a big screen over raw performance and top-end camera features.
- Casual gamers and media consumers: Who don't need the absolute best graphics but want a large display for movies, videos, and light gaming.
- Users who value battery and charging: It charges faster and is lighter to hold.
Samsung Galaxy A54 is best for:
- Power users: Who need a fast device for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.
- Photography enthusiasts: Who want a versatile camera system with excellent image quality and 4k video recording.
- Users who value software updates: Android 13 out of the box with long-term software support.
- Users that want better audio quality: Offering a richer sound experience compared to Infinix Note 12 G96.
- Users who value durability Improved screen protection.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you? If you need raw speed, smoother multitasking, and the ability to play intensive games, the A54 is the clear winner.
- How often do you take pictures and videos? If you are an avid photographer or videographer and want a versatile camera, the A54's camera system is much more capable.
- What is your budget? If you have a tight budget, the Infinix offers better value for a large screen, but you are trading off on performance and camera quality.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious, Basic Use): You mainly browse the web, watch videos, and do social media. The Infinix Note 12 G96 is a good choice, giving you a large screen at an affordable price.
Scenario 2 (Performance and Camera Matters): You play games, take a lot of photos and videos, and need a responsive phone. The Samsung Galaxy A54 is the clear winner here for its superior performance and versatile camera capabilities.
Scenario 3 (Balanced, Everyday Use): You need a balance of performance, camera quality, and features. The Samsung Galaxy A54 is the recommended choice, with its better build quality, smoother display, and solid all-around performance.
What I Would Choose and Why:
If I were choosing between these two phones for my personal use, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A54. My day-to-day activities, which include a lot of multitasking, frequent photo and video capture, and gaming, would greatly benefit from its powerful processor, better camera system, smoother 120Hz display, and overall more polished experience. While it comes at a higher price point, the long-term software support, superior build quality and feature set make it the better long term choice. I prefer a device that will continue to perform reliably with consistent software updates over time and the A54 offers that.
