Alright, let's dive deep into the details of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the TCL 40 SE. As a tech journalist, I always try to cut through the marketing fluff and get to what really matters: how these phones perform in your hands.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specs, presented in a way that highlights their real-world implications:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | TCL 40 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 167.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm | TCL 40 SE is slightly taller and thicker; might feel a bit bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 185g | 190g | Infinix Note 12 G96 is a tad lighter, which could be noticeable during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.75" | Both have similar large screens, great for media consumption, and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1600 | Infinix has a much sharper display; text will appear crisper, and images will have more detail. |
| PPI | 393 | 260 | Infinix has noticeably higher pixel density, meaning more details and a sharper picture. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Infinix's AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency, especially with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | TCL 40 SE provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 900 nits | TCL 40 SE is significantly brighter, making it easier to view in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G96 | Helio G37 | The Helio G96 in the Infinix Note 12 G96 offers much better performance; faster app loading, multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 160,000 | Infinix is significantly more powerful, making it more responsive, especially with intensive apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 | The Infinix's Mali GPU offers better graphics performance, beneficial for gaming and video editing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5010 mAh | Practically the same battery capacity; both should provide a full day of use for most users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Infinix charges significantly faster; less time plugged into the wall. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.6 | 50MP f/1.85 | Infinix’s wider aperture (f/1.6) might lead to better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.0 | 8MP f/2.0 | Infinix captures more detailed selfies, potentially with better clarity. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both are comparable depth sensors. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | TCL offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; Infinix lacks this. |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Infinix allows to capture videos in higher resolution. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | TCL runs a newer version of Android, offering potentially more features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz, 802.11ac | TCL 40 SE supports newer WiFi standard. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | TCL 40 SE supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | TCL 40 SE offers more storage options, beneficial for those who store a lot of media and apps. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 4/6GB | Infinix provides higher RAM variant, which might improve multitasking for heavy users. |
| Expandable Storage | None | None | Neither phone offers the ability to expand storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Infinix has a slight edge in audio features offering enhanced surround sound and better audio separation. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer a convenient and quick way to unlock the phone. |
| Sensors | |||
| Motion | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Accelerometer | Infinix has additional sensor: Gyroscope for better motion tracking. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution and PPI makes for a much more enjoyable viewing experience with vivid colors, deep blacks, and sharp details.
- Stronger Performance: The Helio G96 chipset provides much better performance, making it faster and more responsive for heavy apps and games.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging is much faster than TCL's 18W charging, a significant benefit for heavy users.
- Better Audio: DTS/DTS X support for enhanced audio output.
- Better Camera: The wider aperture and higher resolution selfie camera are superior.
TCL 40 SE Strengths:
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 90Hz display provides smoother animations.
- Brighter Display: The 900 nits brightness makes it easier to use outdoors.
- More Storage Options: Offers up to 256GB of storage, accommodating a larger collection of media.
- Macro Lens: Has dedicated macro camera for closeup shots.
- Newer OS: Runs Android 13 out of the box.
- Improved connectivity: Supports newer WiFi standard and offers more GPS systems.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Infinix: Lacks the higher refresh rate of the TCL and the macro lens. Does not support expandable storage.
- TCL: Significantly lower resolution display, lower processor and graphical performance, and slower charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96 is Ideal For:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who watch a lot of videos or play games will greatly benefit from the superior AMOLED display.
- Performance Seekers: Users who value speed and responsiveness for apps, multitasking, and gaming.
- Users who need fast charging: The 33W charging capability provides a major convenience.
- Photography Enthusiasts For those who often take selfies and want the best quality.
TCL 40 SE is Ideal For:
- Casual Users: Those primarily focused on basic tasks, browsing, and social media.
- Outdoor Users: The brighter display is excellent for viewing content in sunlight.
- Storage-Heavy Users: Those who need plenty of storage for photos, videos, and apps.
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: If the phone is sold at a considerably lower price than the Infinix.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality and overall viewing experience?
- If you prioritize a sharp, vibrant display with deep blacks for media consumption, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is the clear winner.
- How much emphasis do you place on performance, responsiveness, and gaming?
- If you value speed, responsiveness for heavy apps and gaming performance, the Infinix Note 12 G96 will be a much better choice due to its more powerful processor.
- Do you need higher refresh rates, a very bright display, or more storage capacity?
- If you need smoother animations, a very bright display for outdoor use, and extra storage for media, the TCL 40 SE might be more suitable.
My Choice and Why
If it were my money, I'd go with the Infinix Note 12 G96. Here's why:
As someone who spends a fair amount of time watching videos and playing games on my phone, the AMOLED display with its higher resolution is a significant advantage. The sharper details, richer colors, and deep blacks make the viewing experience far more immersive. And the jump in performance from the Helio G96 is noticeable; apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth, and it handles most games without any noticeable stutter. Plus, I do not enjoy being tethered to a wall when charging my device, the faster 33W charging is a big time saver. While the TCL 40 SE does have its strengths, such as the 90Hz refresh rate and brighter screen, those features don't outweigh the overall superiority of the display quality and performance that the Infinix Note 12 G96 offers.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. I hope this breakdown helps you make the right decision for yourself!
