Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Sony Xperia 5 IV. This is a classic matchup of different philosophies – one prioritizing affordability and screen size, the other focusing on premium performance and camera quality.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm, 185g | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm, 172g | Infinix is larger and slightly heavier; Sony is more compact and lighter, better for single-handed use. |
| Build Quality | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Sony offers vastly superior screen scratch and impact resistance, crucial for durability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.1" | Infinix provides a larger screen for immersive media and gaming, Sony's is more compact for portability. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Similar resolution, but Sony has a slightly taller display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 393 | 449 | Sony’s screen will appear noticeably sharper due to its higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer great color and contrast; OLED/AMOLED is generally superior to IPS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Sony’s higher refresh rate results in much smoother scrolling, animations and more fluid gameplay. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits | Infinix screen can get much brighter for better outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Sony's chip offers vastly superior processing power, leading to faster app loading and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 1,021,542 | Sony is significantly faster, making it much more responsive in all applications and handling demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 730 | Sony’s GPU offers significantly better graphics performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer a similar battery size, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 30W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Infinix is negligibly faster and uses Li-Ion chemistry. The difference in real-world charging is minimal. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Sony has a Bypass Charging feature, beneficial for prolonging battery health when gaming or doing intensive tasks, and can reverse charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76" | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" | Sony has larger sensor size and bigger pixels for better low-light performance, despite lower resolution. |
| Front Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm pixel size | Infinix offers slightly higher megapixel, but the larger pixels of the Sony may provide better image quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" | Sony provides optical zoom capabilities, offering greater versatility in photography. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Sony offers a wide angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Portrait Depth Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Infinix uses a dedicated depth lens to improve its portrait mode, while Sony relies on computational photography |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps | 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Sony is superior in video recording capabilities with high resolution, high frame rate, and advanced stabilisation. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple 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 | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Sony camera is much more advanced with OIS, continious focus, and features that support videography and photography |
| DxOMark Scores | N/A | Mobile: 119, Photo: 121, Video: 113 | Sony has a DXO score that indicates good camera performance, while Infinix has no listed scores. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Sony offers at least one version upgrade (Android 13), giving longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, WiFi 6, Dual band | Sony supports the latest Wi-Fi 6, providing faster speeds and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | 5.2, A2DP, AVRCP, and more | Sony has the latest standard, which can offer better audio and connection stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Sony offers a greater number of satellite networks providing greater accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Sony's eSIM support allows you to switch between carriers without a physical sim. Infinix supports 2 physical SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | Sony offers larger base storage, plus a larger maximum option. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | 8GB | Sony has more RAM and a guaranteed 8GB in all models which is better for multitasking and heavy apps |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Sony offers enhanced audio features for a better sound experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones have similar fingerprint sensor implementation |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Sony has additional environmental sensors that could be useful for more advanced apps. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths: The Infinix shines with its larger screen, higher brightness display, and a decent 50MP main camera for the price point. Its strengths lean towards media consumption and providing a large canvas for everyday tasks on a budget. The larger screen with a higher brightness makes it a good choice for watching videos, playing games, and using navigation under the sun.
- Competitive Advantages: The primary advantage is the more affordable price point, making it accessible to budget-conscious users. It offers a larger display and higher brightness at a lower cost, which would make it a suitable purchase for those who prioritize these two aspects.
- Trade-offs and Limitations: The Infinix is considerably weaker in performance, camera versatility, and overall build quality when compared to the Sony. The lack of screen protection is also a concern. The absence of a higher refresh rate will make animations and movements look less fluid compared to the Sony.
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths: The Sony is a powerhouse, boasting a much more powerful processor, a superior camera system with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, optical image stabilization (OIS), and 4K video recording with high frame rate capabilities. It also features a 120Hz display for smooth user experience and better build quality.
- Competitive Advantages: The Sony is a strong contender in terms of performance and camera capabilities. The chipset is miles ahead of that of the Infinix, providing a fluid and responsive experience. The addition of the telephoto and wide-angle lenses make it a much more versatile camera than that of the Infinix.
- Trade-offs and Limitations: The Sony has a smaller screen and is significantly more expensive than the Infinix. It might not be the best choice for those wanting to consume media as it has a lower brightness, especially when compared to the Infinix.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Best Suited For: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a large display and decent main camera for everyday use. Users who primarily consume media, browse the internet, and play casual games, and who don't mind compromising on overall performance, build quality, and camera versatility.
- Use Cases: Ideal for users who need a budget-friendly smartphone for social media, video watching, reading, and light gaming. It also caters to those who prioritize a larger display over portability and camera capabilities. It's suitable as a secondary phone or for users who want a big screen without the cost of a premium device.
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Best Suited For: Tech enthusiasts who value premium performance, advanced camera features, and smooth display refresh rates. It is aimed at users who are into videography, photography, gaming, and intensive applications and require a phone that can handle such tasks without breaking a sweat.
- Use Cases: A perfect fit for mobile photographers, videographers, and gamers who need advanced features such as high-quality video recording, optical zoom, and smooth gaming performance. Suitable for those who prioritize a smaller form factor for single-hand use and portability. It's ideal as a primary device for those who want the best from their phone and don't mind paying a premium price.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? If you are on a tight budget, the Infinix is the more cost-effective choice.
- How important is the camera to you? If you need a camera that can capture diverse and high-quality images and videos, the Sony is the superior option.
- What are your priorities in terms of performance and screen size? If you prioritize performance and a compact form factor, the Sony is better. If you prioritize a larger screen and brightness, then the Infinix is more suitable for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If your priority is a big screen for media consumption and you're not too concerned with performance or camera quality, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is the better value option.
- Casual User: If you value a decent display but also care about a smoother experience and a good camera, the Sony Xperia 5 IV's camera features and better performance make it the better choice.
- Power User: For users who need top-tier performance for gaming, professional photography or videography, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the clear winner.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I'd go for the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Despite its higher cost and smaller screen, the massive performance difference is too significant for me to ignore. The advanced camera features, particularly the telephoto and wide-angle lenses with optical image stabilization, offer a creative flexibility that the Infinix cannot match. As a tech journalist, having that extra performance and camera quality would significantly enhance my ability to work and play.
While I appreciate the Infinix for its large, bright display and budget-friendly approach, the Sony simply offers a more future-proof and refined experience. For me, the Sony's advantages in performance, build quality, and camera functionality outweighs the larger screen and lower cost of the Infinix. It's an investment in a better all-around mobile experience.
