Alright, let's dive deep into the nitty-gritty of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Samsung Galaxy S23+. This isn't just a spec sheet showdown; we're looking at how these phones fit into your daily life. Let's get started.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the specifications, highlighting what they mean for you:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm | Infinix is slightly taller and thicker, may feel a bit more bulky |
| Weight | 185g | 196g | Infinix is slightly lighter, which could make it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Plastic Frame, Plastic Back | Aluminum Frame, Glass Back | S23+ feels premium, more durable |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | Infinix has a slightly larger screen, providing a bit more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 | Both screens are sharp, the difference is negligible. |
| PPI | 393 | 393 | Both offer identical sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S23+ display will be noticeably smoother during scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness (nits) | 650 | 1750 | S23+ display will be much more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | S23+ is significantly faster for gaming, multitasking, and app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 1,508,732 | S23+ has nearly 5 times the performance. S23+ is future-proof for more demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 740 | S23+ offers superior graphics performance for gaming and intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.6 | 50MP f/1.8 | Infinix has a slightly wider aperture, but the S23+ has a much larger sensor for better light capture and overall quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.0 | 12MP f/2.2 | Infinix has more megapixels. However, the S23+ will likely produce better overall image quality and post processing |
| Telephoto Lens | Not available | 10MP f/2.4 | S23+ has optical zoom, significantly more versatile for different shooting scenarios. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not available | 12.2MP f/2.2 | S23+ allows for capturing more expansive scenes. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | Not Available | Infinix has a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps | S23+ records significantly higher-quality and more versatile videos. |
| DXOMark Score | Not tested | 133 | S23+ has a tested score of 133. |
| Stabilization | Digital | Optical | S23+ will offer smoother videos and better stability while capturing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | Infinix has slightly larger battery capacity, but real-world performance will vary. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | S23+ charges faster. |
| Wireless Charging | Not Available | 10W Wireless | S23+ offers wireless charging, adding more flexibility and convenience to battery management. |
| Reverse Charging | Not Available | Yes | S23+ can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13/17 | S23+ has a newer operating system and will get more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11n) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | S23+ has faster and more stable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | S23+ has a newer Bluetooth with better audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | S23+ has better location accuracy and support for more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | S23+ offers eSIM for more flexibility. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 256/512GB | S23+ has significantly more storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 8GB | S23+ has a minimum of 8GB ram, more than the Infinix, better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phones allow for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | S23+ audio experience is richer and more immersive. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Side-mounted fingerprint reader of Infinix might be slightly more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S23+ screen is significantly more resistant to scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | S23+ has more sensors for better functionality. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96: This phone is focused on delivering a large, vibrant AMOLED display and a decent camera setup at an affordable price point. It's designed for users who prioritize multimedia consumption and everyday tasks without needing top-tier performance. Its slightly larger battery and lighter weight make it suitable for extended use.
Samsung Galaxy S23+: This is a premium device packed with top-of-the-line specs and features. The S23+ offers a superior display with a 120Hz refresh rate and incredible brightness, a much faster processor, significantly better cameras with more features, faster charging, wireless charging, and a higher-quality build. The Galaxy S23+ is designed for users who want the best possible smartphone experience and are willing to pay for it.
Performance Difference: The performance gap is massive, The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the S23+ absolutely dominates the Mediatek Helio G96, offering near 5 times the power in the AnTuTu benchmark. This means faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance.
Display Superiority: While both phones have AMOLED screens, the S23+ has a higher refresh rate (120Hz vs 60Hz) and much brighter display(1750 nits vs 650 nits) which makes the viewing experience on the S23+ significantly more enjoyable, especially outdoors and for fast-paced content.
Camera Versatility: The S23+ has a more versatile camera system with an optical zoom lens and a wide-angle lens. It is capable of capturing higher quality videos due to the higher video recording resolution capabilities and the optical image stabilization.
Build Quality and Features: The S23+ boasts premium build materials, water and dust resistance, and a more advanced suite of sensors and features like wireless charging, reverse charging, and a much faster processor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96 is best for:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize a large AMOLED screen for media consumption.
- Everyday users who perform basic tasks and light gaming.
- Users who want a phone with slightly larger battery capacity and light weight.
- Users that need a dual-sim phone that can support two physical sims.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ is best for:
- Power users who demand the best possible performance.
- Mobile gamers and multimedia enthusiasts who need a smooth display and top-tier graphics capabilities.
- Users who require high-quality cameras with various shooting modes.
- Users who value premium build quality and additional features.
- Users that prioritize the newest software version.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these two phones:
- What is your primary use case?
- If it is basic tasks, social media, and media consumption, the Infinix Note 12 G96 might suffice.
- If it is gaming, professional photography, or any intensive tasks, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the better option.
- How much do you value screen quality and smoothness?
- If a great screen is essential, the S23+ with its 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness is the way to go.
- What is your budget?
- If you are on a tight budget, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is an affordable option.
- If you are willing to invest more for the latest tech, build quality, camera features, and performance, then the S23+ is worth the extra cost.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Student
- Recommendation: Infinix Note 12 G96. It offers a large AMOLED screen for studying and watching videos, it is an affordable choice.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S23+. Its superior processing power, 120Hz display, and top-notch GPU provide the best gaming experience.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S23+. Its versatile camera system, including telephoto and wide-angle lenses, along with superior video recording capabilities, makes it ideal for photography.
- Scenario 4: Tech Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S23+. The S23+ offers the latest technologies in mobile space.
My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23+
Given my use case, I'd choose the Samsung Galaxy S23+. The significant leap in performance, the superior display with the 120Hz refresh rate and brightness, and a much better camera system are crucial for my workflow. While the Infinix is fine for basic needs, the S23+ is geared for intensive tasks and it will be a better overall experience in my daily use. The added advantages of wireless charging, better build quality, the newest software version, and more flexible location service capabilities, all make it the clear winner.
If the budget were a constraint or if you're just interested in the screen for media consumption without needing the extra features and top performance of the S23+, then the Infinix Note 12 G96 is a suitable option for most users. However, the S23+ offers a more premium and robust experience that aligns with my daily needs.
