Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Xiaomi 12T. As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I'm all about cutting through the marketing fluff to see how these devices actually stack up in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Let's get into the nitty-gritty. Here’s a detailed table comparing key specifications, focusing on how they translate to your everyday experience:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Xiaomi 12T | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | Note 12 is a bit taller, 12T a tad thicker. Similar overall size. |
| Weight | 185g | 202g | Note 12 feels noticeably lighter, better for extended use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Virtually identical screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2712 | 12T's sharper display shows more detail, text appears clearer. |
| PPI | 393 | 446 | 12T has a noticeably higher pixel density, smoother images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED tech. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | 12T’s 120Hz display is much smoother for scrolling & animations. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits | Note 12 should be more visible outdoors. Xiaomi 12T brightness information is missing from spec sheet. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Helio G96 (12nm) | Dimensity 8100 Ultra (5nm) | 12T's chip is significantly faster, more efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 835,913 | 12T has a huge performance lead, noticeable in gaming, app loading & multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G610 MC6 | 12T’s GPU is much more powerful, better for graphics-intensive tasks. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.6) | 108MP (f/1.7) | 12T’s main camera offers more detail thanks to the higher resolution, but Note 12 has a slightly wider aperture, though its sensor is smaller. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.0) | 20MP (f/2.24) | 12T’s front camera has slightly better resolution. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP (f/2.2) | 12T offers an ultrawide option for more versatile shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Note 12 offers a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | 12T offers macro photography capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps; No; Slow-motion: Yes, 120 fps | 4K@30fps with HDR, 1080p@30fps with HDR, 1080p@60fps with HDR, 1080p@120fps with HDR, 1080p@240fps with HDR; Yes; Slow-motion: Yes, 960 fps | 12T captures sharper video, more stable footage with a better slow-motion capture. |
| DxOMark | Not tested | Main: 115, Photo: 120, Video: 127 | 12T has good scores, but Note 12 is untested so it's hard to compare. |
| 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, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | 12T's OIS and video features are great for content creators. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | 12T charges MUCH faster - go from zero to full in no time! |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | 12T utilizes a more modern battery. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | 12T offers a greater lifespan with OS updates |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz/ac/ax | 12T’s WiFi 6 supports faster data transfers, less congestion. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | 12T uses a newer, more efficient Bluetooth version with enhanced audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | 12T offers more accurate and reliable GPS tracking with additional systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM usage. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | 12T offers more internal storage. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB | 12T gives you a minimum of 8GB of RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | 12T has more immersive sound, better quality audio. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Note 12 has a more secure and convenient biometric sensor placement. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | 12T uses more durable screen glass. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi 12T includes additional sensors, such as a compass. |
2. Key Insights
- Infinix Note 12 G96: This phone is designed to be an affordable all-rounder. It boasts a decent AMOLED display (though at 60Hz), a lightweight build, and surprisingly good main camera performance. It's a good option for those who want a large screen and good battery life on a budget. Its standout feature is its side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a more secure feature than the basic sensor included on the 12T. Its Achilles' heel, however, is its performance, which is significantly lower than the 12T.
- Strengths: Lightweight, bright AMOLED display, side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Weaknesses: Lower processing power, slower refresh rate, no wide-angle lens, lacks screen protection.
- Xiaomi 12T: This is a performance-focused device with a premium feel. The 120Hz AMOLED display with higher resolution and brightness, combined with the powerful Dimensity 8100 Ultra chip, makes it a joy to use for gaming and multimedia. The 120W fast charging is a game-changer. It also offers more versatile photography capabilities with its wide-angle and macro lens.
- Strengths: Significantly faster performance, smoother 120Hz display, versatile camera system, blazingly fast charging, better audio, better screen protection.
- Weaknesses: Slightly heavier, may have a more basic fingerprint sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Best for: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a large, bright AMOLED display, and long-lasting battery and a light build over raw processing power and don't need all the frills. Ideal for casual users, students, and anyone who wants a reliable everyday device for browsing, media consumption, and social media.
- Use Cases: Web browsing, social media, streaming videos, light gaming, everyday photography.
- Xiaomi 12T:
- Best for: Performance enthusiasts, gamers, and those who want a premium multimedia experience. Great for power users who demand fast app loading, smooth multitasking, and high-quality content creation.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, video editing, photography, content creation, heavy multitasking, streaming.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- What’s your budget? If you’re strictly on a tight budget, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is a more affordable option that will still cover your basic needs. If you are able to spend a little bit more, the Xiaomi 12T's performance will blow you away.
- How much do you prioritize performance? If you’re serious about gaming or multitasking, the Xiaomi 12T is the obvious choice. If you are not a heavy user, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is a good option that will satisfy your needs.
- Do you need more versatile photography? The Xiaomi 12T offers a wide-angle lens, macro lens, and more advanced video recording capabilities. If you don't need that, the Infinix is good enough for your every day pictures and videos.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual User: If your main needs are social media, browsing, and occasional video streaming, the Infinix Note 12 G96 will get the job done, and its lighter build will be comfortable for long periods of use.
- The Gamer: The Xiaomi 12T's powerful processor and smooth 120Hz display make it a clear winner for serious gamers. The fast charging ensures you're never out of action for long, and the extra sensors and powerful GPU will improve your overall experience.
- The Content Creator: The Xiaomi 12T, with its better video recording, stabilization, OIS, and more versatile camera setup, is the better choice for content creation. You will also benefit from it's higher audio quality.
My Choice
For me, I would choose the Xiaomi 12T. While the Infinix Note 12 G96 is a respectable budget phone with its merits, the Xiaomi 12T's significantly higher performance and overall premium experience is simply too compelling to ignore. The incredibly fast charging is a game changer. As a tech enthusiast and content creator, the 12T better fits my needs with it's better camera, screen and performance. I also enjoy taking photos and videos, and the 12T's more versatile camera system, better stabilization, and overall better audio and video quality, would give me better results. I would much rather get the added features the 12T provides rather than have a lighter phone with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. I value having a faster phone, and it's obvious that the 12T can perform better due to its higher scores. The higher refresh rate, more vibrant display, and better screen protection are other major benefits for me.
