Okay, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. These two phones sit at almost opposite ends of the smartphone spectrum, so this should be an interesting one. We'll break down their specs, translate them into real-world usage, and figure out which phone is the better fit for different types of users.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, laid out for easy comparison:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Flip5's foldable design is a major draw for portability and a unique form factor. The Note 12 G96 is a more traditional slab phone. |
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | 165.1 × 71.9 × 6.9 mm | The Note 12 G96 is wider and thicker, making it feel bulkier in hand. The Flip5 is slimmer and more compact when folded. |
| Weight | 185g | 187g | Very similar in weight, despite the difference in form factor. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have large displays, ideal for media consumption and productivity. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2640 | The Flip5 has a slightly sharper display with more pixels, resulting in a more detailed viewing experience, though both will look good in real-world usage. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 393 | 425 | The Flip5 has a moderately higher pixel density, resulting in slightly sharper images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | - | The Note 12 G96’s AMOLED display will have deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. The Z Flip5's display technology is not provided but most likely AMOLED as well. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Flip5's 120Hz refresh rate will provide much smoother animations and scrolling, resulting in a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 1750 nits | The Flip5 has much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, thanks to its significantly higher peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | The Flip5’s Snapdragon chip is much more powerful, offering significantly faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 1,531,700 | The Flip5's benchmark scores are dramatically higher, indicating superior overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 740 | The Flip5’s GPU provides substantially better graphics performance, which is important for gaming and other graphically intense tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.6 | 12MP, f/1.8 | The Note 12 G96 has a higher resolution main sensor, but the Flip5's larger pixel size may yield better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 10MP, f/2.4 | The Note 12 G96 has a higher-resolution front camera, which could lead to more detailed selfies in good light, but the Flip 5's aperture might be better for low light conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2 | The Flip5 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing broader scenes. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Note 12 G96 includes a depth camera for portrait mode effects. |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps | 4K@60fps | The Flip5 records much better video, with higher resolutions and frame rates, while also including additional HDR capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Triple Camera, Digital Stabilization | Dual Camera, OIS | The Flip5 has Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) which greatly improves video stability and sharper photos, which the Note 12 G96 lacks. The Note has triple camera, the third being a depth sensor for bokeh effect. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3700mAh | The Note 12 G96 has a significantly larger battery, potentially leading to much longer battery life under normal usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The Note 12 G96 charges faster with a higher wattage charger, though the Z Flip5 supports wireless charging and bypass charging which are not available on the Note. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Fast charging 25W, 50% in 30 min, Fast wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | Z Flip 5 has wireless charging capabilities which is not available on the Note 12 G96. It also supports other advanced capabilities like reverse charging and bypass charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 (Upgrade to 14) | The Flip5 has a newer OS version and can be upgraded to 14, indicating better software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | The Flip5 supports the latest Wi-Fi standards, allowing faster download speeds and better connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | The Flip5 has newer Bluetooth technology, offering better performance and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The Flip5 supports more satellite systems for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | The Flip5 supports eSIM for easier carrier switching, while the Note 12 G96 relies on two physical SIM slots. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 256/512GB | The Flip5 offers substantially more storage capacity, especially useful for media and large apps. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 8GB | Both phones offer 8GB RAM variants for smooth multitasking, however, the Z Flip5's superior processor would be the main differentiator. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage, meaning you're limited to the built-in capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | The Note 12 G96 has a slight edge in audio quality due to DTS support for enhanced audio. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both phones use a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for convenient and secure unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Flip5 has superior screen protection, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | The Flip5 includes extra sensors for more functionality. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths: The Note 12 G96 shines in its display technology and offers better battery life thanks to its large battery capacity. It has a good camera system for its price and the DTS audio provides a nice listening experience.
- Competitive Advantages: It's much more affordable, making it a budget-friendly choice with a big screen and decent audio.
- Trade-offs: It lacks the powerful processor of the Z Flip5 and advanced features like a 120Hz refresh rate and a telephoto lens. Performance will be notably slower compared to the Z Flip 5.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5:
- Strengths: The Z Flip5 is a premium, cutting-edge phone with a folding screen, and a more powerful processor. It has a superior display, a better camera setup, and supports wireless charging. Its performance is on a whole different level.
- Competitive Advantages: Its unique folding design is a major selling point. It has top-tier performance and video capabilities. It includes advanced features like optical image stabilization and a wide angle lens.
- Trade-offs: Its smaller battery and high price point may be a drawback for some users. The battery life is not as good compared to the Infinix Note 12 G96.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96 is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who want a large screen, good audio, and a decent overall experience without breaking the bank.
- Media consumers: Individuals who enjoy watching videos, movies, and TV shows, or listening to music thanks to the big AMOLED display and enhanced audio capabilities.
- Casual gamers and social media users: Those whose needs are met by good enough performance and aren't pushing their phones to the limit with the latest AAA games.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is perfect for:
- Tech enthusiasts: People who want the latest cutting-edge technology, a unique form factor, and top-tier performance.
- Content creators: Those who value high-quality camera and video capabilities and need powerful processing to edit on the go.
- Style-conscious users: Individuals who appreciate the unique design of a foldable smartphone and are willing to pay for a premium and fashionable device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help users decide:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a phone? If budget is a big constraint, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is the clear choice.
- Performance: Do you need the absolute best performance, especially for demanding apps and games? If so, the Z Flip5 is the way to go.
- Form Factor: Do you want a unique foldable smartphone or a traditional slab phone? The Z Flip5’s design is a game-changer.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Everyday User:
- Recommendation: The Infinix Note 12 G96 is a solid, budget-friendly pick if all you need is a large, bright screen, reasonable performance, and a large battery to last you throughout the day for common tasks.
Scenario 2: On-the-Go Professional/Content Creator:
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is the clear choice due to its powerful processor, advanced camera capabilities, superior screen technology, and portability.
Scenario 3: Gaming Enthusiast:
- Recommendation: While the Z Flip5 is more expensive, its powerful chip, advanced GPU, and faster refresh rate will provide the best gaming experience. The Infinix Note 12 G96 will struggle with the latest games.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would personally go for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. As a tech journalist and someone who uses their phone extensively for work, the vastly superior performance, the advanced camera, and the smoother 120Hz display would be the main drivers behind this choice. The folding form factor is also very intriguing, making it a more versatile device, and the fact that the Z Flip5 will receive newer Android updates for longer is also beneficial. I would also be willing to accept the reduced battery capacity for the benefits of the higher brightness screen. While the Infinix Note 12 G96 is a perfectly decent device in its own right, the Z Flip5 offers a step up in terms of features and capabilities, and would be a much more enjoyable device for my use case.
