Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Sony Xperia 1 IV. This isn't just about specs on a page; it's about how these phones fit into your life. We'll break down the key differences, explore their real-world impacts, and help you figure out which one is right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what these specifications actually mean for you:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | Infinix is wider, Sony is narrower and slightly thicker. The Infinix takes up more space but is still generally pocketable. |
| Weight | 185g | 185g | Both phones feel similarly weighted in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | Infinix offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1644 x 3840 | Sony has a much sharper display due to its higher pixel count, noticeably clearer images and text. |
| PPI | 393 | 643 | Sony’s display is significantly more pixel-dense resulting in sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use excellent display technologies for vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Sony delivers smoother scrolling and animations, significantly improving the feel of using the phone. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits | Infinix is much brighter, making it much more visible under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Sony has a much faster, more efficient chip. It can handle heavy tasks like gaming and video editing more smoothly. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 1,076,100 | Sony's performance is substantially better, resulting in much faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 730 | Sony's graphics performance is far superior, leading to better gameplay and overall graphics rendering. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have a similar battery capacity, likely offering comparable battery life on average use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Infinix charges slightly faster, minimizing time spent plugged in. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Sony has battery bypass, allowing for gaming without overheating/charging |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 12MP, f/1.7, Sony Exmor RS, 1.8µm | Infinix has higher resolution, Sony has larger pixels and a dedicated sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/2.0 | Infinix has higher resolution, but the Sony may have better overall image quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5", 1.0µm | Sony has a telephoto zoom lens for more versatility. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony Exmor RS | Sony has an ultrawide lens to capture more in the field of view. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | No | Yes | Sony has a Time-of-Flight sensor for better depth sensing. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | Infinix has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps, 120fps slow-mo | 4K up to 120fps, HDR, OIS, EIS, 960fps slow-mo | Sony excels with 4K video, better stabilization, HDR. It's ideal for video creators. |
| DXOMark | Not Available | Main: 105, Photo: 107, Video: 92 | Sony's camera performance has been independently tested and rated. |
| Features | Digital zoom, triple cam, etc. | Optical zoom, quad cam, OIS etc | Sony includes additional optical zoom, OIS, and higher-quality features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Sony will get the newer OS and has continued support for the future |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/n 5GHz | 802.11 a/b/g/n/n 5GHz/ac/ax | Sony supports faster WiFi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | Sony offers slightly better Bluetooth codecs and features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Sony offers better GPS location support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby(Nano SIM + eSIM) | Sony has an eSIM option for better digital carrier options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | Sony provides much more storage by default. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | Sony has much more RAM for handling more multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Sony offers higher quality audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer basic biometric security. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Sony has significantly superior screen protection from scratches and drops |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Sony includes a more comprehensive set of sensors, which can be used for advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96
- Strengths:
- Larger Display & Brighter: Its 6.7" AMOLED display offers a bigger canvas for media, and the 650 nits brightness ensures great visibility outdoors.
- Fast Charging: The 33W fast charging gets you back up and running quicker than the Sony's 30W.
- Affordable: This phone provides a lot of value at a budget price point.
- Decent Camera: It offers decent photography with its 50MP main sensor and a 16MP selfie camera, but has limited features for video recording and lacks video stabilization.
- Limitations:
- Performance: The Helio G96 chipset isn't as powerful as the Snapdragon in the Sony, leading to less smooth multitasking and gaming.
- Lower Display Quality: Lower resolution display means less detail and sharpness when viewing content.
- Camera Limitations: Lacks wide angle and telephoto lens options, and lacks advanced video recording features like stabilization and 4K recording.
Sony Xperia 1 IV
- Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, coupled with ample RAM, delivers a buttery-smooth, fast, and responsive experience.
- Spectacular Display: The 4K OLED display is incredibly sharp, vibrant, and smooth with its 120Hz refresh rate.
- Professional Camera System: A comprehensive camera setup with telephoto, wide-angle, and depth sensors, along with advanced video capabilities, ensures high-quality photos and videos.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Supports the newest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards and features a robust GPS system.
- Better Audio: Offers a superior audio experience with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support.
- Future-Proof: Better longevity with more storage, RAM, and software updates.
- Premium Build: Protected with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Limitations:
- Brightness: The lack of brightness details might be a concern under bright sunlight.
- Price: This phone is positioned at the high end of the price spectrum, making it less accessible to all.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96
- Best For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a decent smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
- Media Consumption: Users who enjoy watching videos and need a bright display.
- Casual Users: People who don't demand peak performance for gaming or heavy multitasking.
Sony Xperia 1 IV
- Best For:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Photography & Videography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality and need a versatile system.
- Audiophiles: Individuals who appreciate high-quality audio.
- Tech Enthusiasts: People who desire cutting-edge features, a beautiful display, and superior hardware.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- What is Your Budget? The price difference between these two phones is substantial. If you have a limited budget, the Infinix is the more viable choice.
- How Important Is Performance? If you're a gamer or multitasker who needs the best possible performance, the Sony is the clear winner.
- What Are Your Camera Priorities? If you need a professional-grade camera with versatile lenses and video capabilities, the Sony is the superior choice. If you only need basic photography features, the Infinix will suffice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Social Media & Everyday Use
- If you prioritize budget: Infinix Note 12 G96.
- If you prioritize top-tier quality: Sony Xperia 1 IV.
Scenario 2: Gaming & Heavy Multitasking
- Best Option: Sony Xperia 1 IV is a must. The Infinix struggles in comparison.
Scenario 3: Photography & Videography
- Best Option: Sony Xperia 1 IV offers vastly superior camera features and video quality compared to the Infinix.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I would pick the Sony Xperia 1 IV, hands down. While the Infinix Note 12 G96 offers a decent experience for the price, it simply can't compete with the Xperia's sheer performance, exceptional display, and superior camera. As a tech journalist who appreciates cutting-edge technology and premium user experience, the Xperia 1 IV better aligns with my needs and expectations. I value having a phone that can handle heavy multitasking, deliver professional-quality photos and videos, and offer the best possible display for my everyday content consumption. Despite its higher price, the Sony Xperia 1 IV is the device that would ultimately give me the superior overall experience.
