Alright, let's dive deep into the specs and see what these two contenders bring to the table. We're looking at the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Tecno Spark 10 Pro, two phones that are clearly aiming for the value-conscious buyer. Here's a breakdown of what matters, laid out in a way that’ll actually help you decide which one might be a better fit for you:
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Tecno Spark 10 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 168.4 x 76.2 x 8.4 mm | Tecno is taller and slightly thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. Infinix is lighter and may feel more comfortable to hold for longer periods. |
| Weight | 185g | 208g | Infinix is significantly lighter, beneficial for extended use and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Negligible difference in screen size; both offer a large canvas for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Practically identical sharpness; both provide crisp visuals for everyday tasks. |
| PPI | 393 | 396 | Very similar pixel densities, meaning display clarity is practically the same. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and is more power-efficient when using dark mode. Superior viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Tecno provides smoother scrolling and animations. The Infinix will feel less fluid in direct comparison. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits | Infinix has far superior screen visibility in direct sunlight, offering better outdoor usability. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G96 | Helio G88 | Helio G96 is slightly faster, leading to quicker app launches, smoother multitasking and potentially better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 253,628 | The Infinix demonstrates a noticeable performance advantage, around 21% in synthetic benchmarks, meaning smoother overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Infinix’s GPU offers slightly better gaming performance and handling of graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer comparable all-day battery life for typical usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Infinix charges significantly faster, meaning less time tethered to a wall outlet. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.6 | 50MP | Similar main camera resolution. The Infinix provides a f/1.6 aperture lens, which should allow for slightly better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP | 32MP | Tecno takes higher resolution selfies, which might be preferable for detailed self-portraits and video calls. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP | 2MP | Both phones offer the same depth sensor. |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps; 120fps slow-motion | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps; no slow-motion | Infinix provides a higher slow-motion capture rate of 120fps, while the Tecno records at a standard rate. |
| Features | Lots incl. Night Mode | Lots incl. Front Flash, PDAF | Infinix provides additional control options for manual shooting as well as a dedicated night mode, the Tecno gets a flash for selfies, and PDAF. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Tecno has a newer version of Android out of the box, meaning it should get updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11n | 802.11ac | Tecno supports a newer WiFi standard with better range and speed. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Infinix uses a slightly newer version of Bluetooth, offering better range, stability, and features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS | Identical location services on both devices. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both devices support Dual SIM cards for managing two phone numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Tecno offers double the maximum storage capacity, which could be crucial if you take lots of pictures and videos. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 8GB | Tecno has a consistent 8GB of RAM across its models, likely leading to smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | DTS/Stereo Speakers | Basic | Infinix delivers a richer audio experience through stereo speakers and DTS support, which should result in a better multimedia experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer a convenient, side-mounted fingerprint scanner for quick device access. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity, Fingerprint | Infinix includes Gyroscope for enhanced gaming; Tecno includes a compass. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection information is unavailable for both devices. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96 Strengths:
- Superior Display: Its AMOLED panel provides much better contrast, deeper blacks and overall, is a more premium viewing experience.
- Faster Performance: The Helio G96 chipset and its higher benchmark scores means more responsive day-to-day use, app launches and faster gaming.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging means less time spent tethered to an outlet.
- Better Audio Experience: Stereo speakers and DTS support enhance the multimedia experience.
- Slightly Better Low Light Photography: Wider f/1.6 main camera aperture and additional camera features such as a dedicated night mode should allow better photos.
Tecno Spark 10 Pro Strengths:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid experience for scrolling and animations.
- Higher Resolution Selfies: The 32MP front camera excels for those who frequently take self-portraits.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box for extended support with operating system updates.
- Larger Storage Options: Up to 256GB of internal storage is available, which is crucial for media lovers.
- Front Flash: A useful feature for selfies in low-light environments.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The Infinix sacrifices the refresh rate for the AMOLED display, meaning that scrolling isn't as smooth as the Tecno, the screen is noticeably dimmer outdoors, and the camera doesn't feature a selfie flash.
- The Tecno does not have as premium of a screen, offers only standard audio and doesn't charge as quickly. It also uses an older bluetooth version and slower slow-motion video capture.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96 is ideal for:
- Media consumers who appreciate better video viewing and audio quality
- Gamers who need a little bit more performance and enjoy smoother gaming
- Users who are often outdoors and need better screen visibility in bright sunlight
- Users who need faster charging and don’t want to wait around
Tecno Spark 10 Pro is ideal for:
- Selfie enthusiasts who prioritize front camera quality
- Users who want smoother scrolling and animations and don't mind a less vibrant display
- Users who need more built-in storage space for apps, photos, videos and other media
- Users who value having the latest version of Android
4. Buying Decision Framework
To decide between these phones, ask yourself these questions:
- Display Priority: Do you prefer a vibrant AMOLED display (Infinix) or a smoother 90Hz LCD (Tecno)?
- Performance vs Storage: Do you need slightly faster performance and faster charging (Infinix) or larger storage and a front flash (Tecno)?
- Camera Focus: Do you take many selfies (Tecno) or care more about low-light camera performance and video recording with slow-motion (Infinix)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Media Buff: If you watch a lot of content, the Infinix with its AMOLED display and stereo speakers is the better option.
- The Social Media Star: If you live for selfies, the higher resolution front camera and front flash on the Tecno are a better fit.
- The Casual User: If you’re looking for an overall balance, both are good options but the Infinix offers slightly more overall performance and screen quality.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would personally lean towards the Infinix Note 12 G96. Here's why:
As someone who values screen quality for consuming content, the AMOLED display is the deciding factor. The deeper blacks, better contrast, and overall more vibrant image it provides are more important to me than the slightly smoother scrolling of the 90Hz display of the Tecno. I also prioritize faster charging and the Infinix's significantly better brightness will make my life much more comfortable when outside, which I am often. I also do not take many selfies and do not mind the lack of front facing flash.
While the Tecno Spark 10 Pro has its merits, particularly the larger storage, the Infinix Note 12 G96's advantages in display technology, performance, and charging speed align better with my day-to-day usage patterns and preferences.
