Alright, let's break down the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. It's a classic David versus Goliath match-up, pitting a budget-friendly contender against a more premium offering. I've been digging into the specs, and I'm ready to share what I've found. Let's see where each phone shines and where it falls short.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the key specifications, with a focus on what these numbers mean for real-world use:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 162 x 77.3 x 8 mm | The Infinix is slightly taller while the Samsung is a bit wider. Both are similarly thin, making them manageable in hand. |
| Weight | 185g | 213g | The Infinix is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Plastic | Glass & Aluminum | S24 FE feels more premium, while Infinix is more basic. Durability will differ. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both offer a large screen size, great for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp displays. Minor difference in pixel density that won't be noticeable in daily use. |
| PPI | 393 | 385 | Very similar pixel density. Images will appear equally sharp on both devices. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED technology, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The S24 FE offers much smoother scrolling and animations due to the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 1900 nits | The S24 FE has significantly higher brightness, making it much more usable in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek G96 | Exynos 2400e | S24 FE’s chip is much faster, providing better app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 1,600,000 | The S24 FE has significantly better benchmark performance, indicating a huge difference in speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xclipse 940 | The S24 FE has a much more powerful GPU, leading to smoother graphics and better gaming capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.6 | 50MP, f/1.8 | S24 FE has a larger sensor, promising better low-light performance. While Infinix has wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 10.8MP, f/2.4 | Infinix has higher resolution and wider aperture but S24 FE has a larger pixel size which results in better low-light images. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.4 | S24 FE's Telephoto lens allows for better zoom capabilities without significant loss in image quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | S24 FE's Wide Angle lens allows you to capture more of the scene. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Infinix features dedicated depth sensor which allows for depth perception for better portraits |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps | 8K@30fps | S24 FE can record much higher resolution videos and has better video capabilities overall. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | Infinix has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly better battery life. |
| Charging | 33W | 25W | Infinix charges slightly faster. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass, Reverse, Wireless, Non-removable | S24 FE offers additional battery features such as bypass charging (use while charging), wireless and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 14 | S24 FE has a newer version of Android, offering the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Up to Wi-Fi 5 | Up to Wi-Fi 6E | S24 FE supports newer and faster Wi-Fi technology. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | S24 FE has a newer version of Bluetooth, providing better connectivity and battery management for wireless devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | S24 FE has better GPS capabilities, ensuring more accurate location tracking and navigation. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256/512GB | S24 FE has greater storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 8GB | S24 FE has higher RAM, which leads to smoother multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | DTS, Stereo speakers | Noise cancellation, Stereo speakers | Infinix has DTS and S24 FE has noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | side-mounted | basic | Infinix has more advanced fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S24 FE has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | S24 FE has additional sensors, providing more functionality. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths: This phone is all about bang-for-your-buck. It offers a large AMOLED display, decent battery life, and fast charging at a lower price point. Its lighter build makes it comfortable for prolonged use, and the side-mounted fingerprint sensor is a nice touch. It has a wider aperture on the main camera that helps in low-light situations, it also offers a dedicated depth sensor.
- Competitive Advantages: It’s noticeably more affordable than the S24 FE, making it attractive for users on a budget. Additionally, it has a slightly larger battery and faster charging.
- Limitations: The Infinix is underpowered, has a lower refresh rate display, and a less impressive camera. The plastic build and lack of screen protection may be concerning for some. It is also missing several key features like a telephoto and wide-angle lens.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE:
- Strengths: The S24 FE is a powerhouse. It boasts a significantly more powerful processor, a 120Hz display with much higher brightness, an advanced camera system, better video recording capabilities, wireless charging, and much better build quality. It is also packed with extra features like bypass charging, reverse wireless charging, and more extensive connectivity options.
- Competitive Advantages: Superior performance, premium display, and a more comprehensive camera system are the S24 FE’s key advantages. Its better build quality and additional features justify its higher price.
- Limitations: It’s heavier than the Infinix and more expensive, which makes it a more considerable investment. It has a slightly smaller battery, but its optimized software and efficient chipset should make up for the difference.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96 is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who prioritize affordability and don’t need top-tier performance.
- Casual users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for social media, browsing, and media consumption.
- Those seeking a lighter device: Users who prefer a lightweight phone for easy handling and extended use.
Use Cases for Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Daily social media and browsing.
- Streaming movies and TV shows.
- Simple mobile gaming.
- Basic photography.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is best for:
- Power users: Those who demand high performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Photography enthusiasts: Individuals who value camera quality, versatility, and advanced video features.
- Users seeking a premium experience: Those willing to pay more for better build quality, superior display, and extra features.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S24 FE:
- Intensive mobile gaming.
- Professional-level photography and video recording.
- Heavy multitasking and productivity.
- Outdoor use where a bright display is essential.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- What's your budget?
- If you're on a tight budget, the Infinix is the more affordable option.
- If you are looking for a premium device with a more comprehensive experience, the S24 FE is a viable option
- How important is performance?
- If you need a powerful device for demanding tasks, the S24 FE is the clear choice.
- For basic daily use, the Infinix is adequate, but the S24 FE will feel much faster.
- How do you prioritize camera quality and additional features?
- If you need versatile photography and high quality video recording capabilities, the S24 FE is the way to go.
- If you need great battery, light weight and budget is the most important, the Infinix might be a better choice
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Budget Gamer: If you want to play some games without breaking the bank, the Infinix can get you through the day, but with compromises in graphics. For an excellent gaming experience you should choose the S24 FE.
- The Social Media Influencer: If you need a capable camera and decent video quality with great screen, go for the S24 FE.
- The Everyday User: If your needs are basic, the Infinix is a great option. However, for a smoother experience you should consider the S24 FE.
Which Phone Would I Choose?
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. While the Infinix Note 12 G96 offers great value at its price point, the S24 FE's superior performance, significantly better display, more versatile camera system, better build quality, and additional features make it a more compelling choice for me. As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks, including some gaming, photography, and video editing, the S24 FE's capabilities and quality justify the higher price. The enhanced experience with the 120Hz display and the confidence in having advanced camera hardware make the difference for me.
