Alright, let's dive into this head-to-head comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. On the surface, these phones occupy different universes, and the spec sheet only confirms this. But, let's break it down to see who wins where, and most importantly, for whom.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table outlining the core specs and their real-world implications:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm | The Infinix is taller but narrower; the S24 Ultra is wider and thicker. The S24 Ultra has a larger overall volume, making it feel more substantial in hand. The Infinix feels lighter. |
| Weight | 185g | 232g | The Infinix feels noticeably lighter and more comfortable for extended use. The S24 Ultra is heavier, potentially leading to fatigue with prolonged use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Both phones have a similar display size, making them equally immersive for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | The S24 Ultra's higher resolution results in a much sharper image, with more detail for text, images, and videos. |
| PPI | 393 | 505 | The S24 Ultra delivers noticeably crisper visuals and smoother fonts, making for a more visually pleasing experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | The Infinix with its AMOLED display offers deeper blacks, superior contrast, and more vibrant colors compared to the S24 Ultra. | |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The S24 Ultra has a smoother display experience for scrolling and animations, leading to a better overall feel. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 2600 nits | The S24 Ultra's display is much brighter, making it clearly visible even under direct sunlight. The Infinix will be harder to read in bright daylight. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | The S24 Ultra's chipset is far superior, delivering much faster performance, quicker app loading times, and enhanced gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 1,814,869 | The S24 Ultra's performance is dramatically higher for everything, from basic tasks to demanding games and apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 750 | The S24 Ultra's GPU offers a much higher level of graphical performance, especially noticeable in gaming. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have a similar battery capacity, potentially offering similar overall battery endurance. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | The S24 Ultra charges faster, getting you back up and running quicker. |
| Features | Non-Removable | Bypass, Reverse, 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | S24 Ultra has more charging options: bypass for charging during gameplay, wireless charging for convenience, and reverse wireless charging to power other devices. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Primary Camera | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76" | 200MP, f/1.7, 1/1.3" | The S24 Ultra captures far more detailed images, particularly in low light, with its larger sensor and significantly higher resolution. The Infinix has a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | NA | 50MP, f/2.4, 1/1.56" | S24 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for excellent zoom capabilities and portrait modes. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/2.2 | The Infinix captures higher resolution selfies. The Infinix has a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | NA | 10MP, f/3.4, 1/3.52" | The S24 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for excellent zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | NA | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | The S24 Ultra has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive shots. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | NA | Infinix has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait modes. |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps | The S24 Ultra captures professional-grade video, with high-resolution recording, multiple frame rates, and superior stabilization. |
| DxoMark | NA | 144 | The S24 Ultra's camera is top-tier in DxOMark tests. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Triple Camera, Digital Stabilisation, Auto and Touch Focus, Manual focus, HDR, etc. | Night Mode 2.0, 4K/8K Video, Optical zoom, Quad Camera, OIS, PDAF, HDR, etc. | The S24 Ultra offers a more extensive range of camera capabilities for serious photography. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The S24 Ultra has a more modern version of Android and is likely to receive more updates for longer, extending its lifespan. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| WiFi | 802.11n | Wi-Fi 6E | The S24 Ultra offers faster and more reliable WiFi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | The S24 Ultra has a newer version of Bluetooth offering superior range and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1 + L5) | The S24 Ultra offers far more reliable positioning thanks to the additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano/eSIM | The S24 Ultra has better connectivity options for travel, supporting eSIMs. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB/1TB | The S24 Ultra offers much larger storage capacities, perfect for large media libraries and extensive applications. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 12GB | The S24 Ultra delivers excellent multitasking with its higher RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage via microSD. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Noise Cancellation Microphone, Stereo Speakers | Both have stereo speakers, but only the S24 Ultra has a noise cancelling microphone, while the Infinix has DTS audio. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint | basic fingerprint | Infinix has a more advanced fingerprint sensor location. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Armor | S24 Ultra screen is protected with the best Gorilla Glass available, which will be less prone to scratches and cracks. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S24 Ultra is more comprehensive, including sensors for navigation and environmental data. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96 Strengths:
- Lightweight Design: The Infinix excels in being lightweight, making it comfortable for prolonged use.
- Solid Display: AMOLED display at this price is a great value.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A practical, and often faster, way to unlock your phone.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The Infinix is undoubtedly the budget-friendly option, offering a decent experience at a lower price point.
Infinix Note 12 G96 Limitations:
- Weaker Performance: Its Mediatek Helio G96 chipset is noticeably slower, impacting multitasking, gaming, and overall smoothness.
- Basic Camera System: It lacks advanced features found on flagship phones. Video recording capabilities are limited.
- Older Software: Ships with an older Android version with less software support longevity.
- Lacks Extra Features: Features like wireless charging, reverse charging, and eSim support are not available.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Strengths:
- Unmatched Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 provides industry-leading speed and efficiency.
- Stunning Display: The S24 Ultra's display is top-of-the-line with high resolution, refresh rate, and brightness.
- Advanced Camera System: Versatile lenses and high-resolution sensors deliver outstanding image quality.
- Modern Software: Runs the latest Android version, offering extended software support and newer features.
- Premium Build: The S24 Ultra is built with high-quality materials and the best screen protection available.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, eSIM and many more available.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Limitations:
- Heavy and Bulky: The S24 Ultra’s size and weight may be cumbersome for some users.
- Expensive: This device comes with a premium price tag that can be a hurdle for budget-conscious buyers.
- Basic Fingerprint Sensor: While functional, the basic fingerprint sensor is not as advanced as the side-mounted one on the Infinix.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Ideal for users looking for an affordable smartphone with a large AMOLED screen and decent daily performance.
- Casual Users: Perfect for web browsing, social media, and general media consumption.
- Users Prioritizing Lightness: Those who prefer a lightweight phone that's easy to handle.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra:
- Power Users: Best for those who need top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Perfect for users who want a versatile camera system for photos and professional-quality video.
- Tech Lovers: Ideal for users who want the latest technology, premium features, and a flagship experience.
- Users Prioritizing Durability: For those needing a phone with the best screen protection available.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Consider these questions when deciding:
- What is your budget? The Infinix is budget-friendly, while the S24 Ultra is a premium, high-cost option.
- How important is performance? For intensive use, gaming, and professional work, the S24 Ultra's processing power is essential. For basic tasks, the Infinix may suffice.
- What are your priorities? Consider if camera quality, display sharpness, software features, or build quality are more important for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Student: Go with the Infinix Note 12 G96. You’ll get a decent experience for the basics without breaking the bank. The AMOLED screen will also be nice for watching content and browsing social media.
- Scenario 2: Professional Photographer/Videographer: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is your best bet. Its top-tier camera, professional video recording, and high-performance capabilities make it a mobile studio.
- Scenario 3: Casual User with Basic Needs: If you just need a device for calls, texts, some web browsing, and occasional photos, the Infinix Note 12 G96 will save you a lot of money and meet most of your basic needs.
- Scenario 4: Gaming Enthusiast/Power User: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's performance, high refresh rate display, and excellent thermals make it a top choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, hands down. While I appreciate the value the Infinix provides for the cost, the S24 Ultra's capabilities better fit my needs.
As someone who appreciates the best technology has to offer, I value cutting-edge performance for a variety of tasks, and the S24 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is unmatched by the Helio G96. I also value a top-tier camera system, and the S24 Ultra's capabilities are leagues beyond the Infinix.
Ultimately, both phones serve their respective markets well. It comes down to what you prioritize. The Infinix is a good value phone for the casual user, while the S24 Ultra is the no-compromise flagship for those who want the best.
