Alright, let's dive deep into the specifications of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Sony Xperia 10 V. I'll break down the tech specs, give you real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on what the specs actually mean for everyday use:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Sony Xperia 10 V | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 155 x 68 x 8.3 mm | Infinix is larger, potentially less pocketable, while Sony is more compact and comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 185g | 159g | Sony is significantly lighter, which makes it more comfortable for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.1" | Infinix has a larger screen, great for media consumption and gaming, Sony is easier to handle due to its compact size |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Sony's slightly higher resolution means a touch more sharpness but it's not a massive difference |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 449 PPI | Sony offers a noticeably sharper display, rendering finer details better, making text and images clearer |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colours and deep blacks, but AMOLED generally has slightly better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard 60Hz refresh, smooth for most tasks, but not as fluid as 90Hz or 120Hz screens |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits | Infinix is significantly brighter, vastly better for outdoor visibility. Sony is missing brightness information |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 695 (6nm) | Sony's Snapdragon chip is more efficient, leading to better performance and battery use |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 437,860 | Sony is substantially faster, apps will load more quickly and the phone will run smoother overall. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 | Sony’s GPU is more powerful, resulting in better gaming performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | Lithium | Infinix has faster charging, refilling the battery faster, Sony does not specify the fast charging |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 50MP f/1.6 | 48MP f/1.8 | Infinix has more megapixels and wider aperture, Sony has a bigger sensor size. Image quality will be good on both, but differ in specific conditions. |
| Front Selfie | 16MP f/2.0 | 8MP f/2.0 | Infinix takes higher resolution selfies, useful for those that take frequent self-portraits. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP f/2.2 | Sony has a dedicated telephoto camera for zoom, Infinix does not |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP f/2.2 | Sony has a dedicated wide-angle camera for landscape and group photos, Infinix does not |
| Portrait mode (depth) | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Infinix has a depth sensor for improved portrait mode, Sony does not have dedicated depth sensor. |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps,No stab. | 1080p@30fps,Yes stab. | Infinix records at higher resolution, but Sony has better video stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 78 (75 Photo/ 84 Video) | Sony has been tested and provides a benchmark for comparison |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Dual Camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Sony has additional optical zoom, OIS, Continuous shooting and RAW files |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 (upgrade to 14) | Sony offers the latest Android version and upgrade, which brings improvements and long term software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | 802.11ac | Sony offers newer WiFi standards, resulting in faster connection speeds |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.1 | Sony has a much better Bluetooth profile options. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Sony has a more comprehensive GPS system, more accurate position and navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM (eSIM) | Sony’s eSIM offers flexibility in carriers, but both can use two SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128GB | Both have adequate storage, but Infinix offers a lower base storage variant. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 6/8GB | Similar RAM options for both; choose higher RAM for better multi-tasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion via microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Both have stereo speakers; Infinix has DTS/X, Sony has noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side fingerprint | Side fingerprint | Both have side-mounted fingerprint sensors for fast, convenient unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Sony has a better screen protection with latest Gorilla Glass. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass | Infinix has Gyroscope, Sony has Compass, Pedometer and Hall Sensors |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths: The Note 12 G96 shines with its larger, brighter AMOLED display, perfect for enjoying multimedia and gaming. It also boasts faster charging and a higher resolution selfie camera. It is also equipped with Night Mode.
- Competitive Advantages: It’s the go-to choice if you need a big screen and excellent outdoor visibility without breaking the bank. Its fast charging is also a plus for anyone who needs to quickly top up.
- Trade-offs: Its chipset is less powerful compared to the Sony, which results in a less smooth experience with app loading and multitasking. The camera performance is okay but not as refined as the Sony. Also lacks a telephoto or wide-angle camera.
Sony Xperia 10 V:
- Strengths: The Xperia 10 V stands out with its superior performance and a more refined camera setup including a telephoto lens, wide-angle lens, and OIS. It also has a higher pixel density screen and uses the latest Gorilla Glass. It offers better GPS and newer WiFi standards.
- Competitive Advantages: Its compact design and lighter weight make it ideal for people who value portability and ergonomics. The Sony camera is more versatile.
- Trade-offs: The biggest trade-off is that it has a smaller display and it does not have the same brightness capabilities as the Infinix. It also has a lower resolution selfie camera and lacks depth sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Infinix Note 12 G96: Best for users who prioritize a large, bright screen for media consumption and casual gaming. Great for users on a budget, but still wanting a vibrant display and fast charging. It is ideal for people who prioritize selfies or night shots.
- Sony Xperia 10 V: A better fit for users who value performance, camera versatility, and portability. It suits individuals that value having more refined camera experience with an optical zoom and wide angle camera, and better build quality.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, consider these questions:
- Do you prioritize screen size and outdoor brightness? If yes, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is more suitable.
- Is performance and camera quality more important? If so, the Sony Xperia 10 V has a notable edge.
- How much do you value portability and one-handed comfort? If high, the smaller and lighter Sony is preferable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Multimedia Enthusiast: The Infinix Note 12 G96 will provide a better immersive experience with a big screen and faster charging.
- Photography Lover: The Sony Xperia 10 V offers a more versatile camera system with zoom, wide angle lens, OIS, and RAW support.
- Everyday User: The Sony Xperia 10 V would be a better pick, thanks to its better all-round performance and premium build.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would personally go with the Sony Xperia 10 V. While the Infinix Note 12 G96 has its appeal with a larger screen and higher brightness, the Xperia 10 V wins me over with its superior overall performance, camera quality, and compact form factor. As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks and values a smooth experience, the Snapdragon chipset and more advanced camera system would be a significant advantage. I also appreciate the better build quality and the latest Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection. Though the smaller screen and brightness aren't ideal, the overall package is more refined and better suited for my needs. I appreciate its compactness, better camera, premium build, and more refined user experience.
