Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Xiaomi 14T. We'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and figure out which phone might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Xiaomi 14T | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | 160.5 × 75.1 × 7.8 mm | Xiaomi 14T is slightly smaller and thinner, which might feel more comfortable in hand and more pocketable. |
| Weight | 185g | 193g | Infinix Note 12 G96 is slightly lighter, but the difference is minimal, and most users will not notice it. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (screen) | Xiaomi 14T has a more durable screen. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Both phones offer large screens for immersive viewing, with a negligible size difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2712 | Xiaomi 14T's higher resolution leads to sharper text and images, especially noticeable when viewing high-definition content. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 393 | 446 | Xiaomi 14T's higher PPI means crisper and more detailed display, especially with small text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and energy efficiency with AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Xiaomi 14T's 144Hz refresh rate provides significantly smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 4000 nits | Xiaomi 14T's much higher brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility even in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8300 Ultra (4 nm) | Xiaomi 14T's chip is much newer and more powerful, providing faster performance in apps, games, and overall usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 1,526,328 | The Xiaomi 14T offers significantly faster performance compared to the Infinix Note 12 G96, being more future proof. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali G615-MC6 | Xiaomi 14T has a more powerful GPU, providing better graphics in gaming and other demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.7, 1/1.56", 1.00µm | Xiaomi 14T has a larger sensor with larger pixels, offering better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.0 | Xiaomi 14T's higher resolution front camera captures more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Camera | None | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Xiaomi 14T offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed-in shots, Infinix Note 12 G96 does not have any. |
| Wide Angle Camera | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | Xiaomi 14T has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive landscapes, Infinix Note 12 G96 does not have any. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Infinix Note 12 G96 has a depth sensor for portrait mode, the Xiaomi 14T relies on computational methods to simulate the effect. |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps | 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Xiaomi 14T offers higher quality video recording with stabilization for better-looking footage. |
| DxOMark | Not tested | 134 (Overall) / 130 (Photo) / 133 (Video) | Xiaomi 14T's camera performance is rated by DxOMark, Infinix Note 12 G96 is not tested on the platform. |
| Additional 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 | Flicker sensor, Noise reduction, 4K Video, Digital zoom, optical zoom, triple camera, digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, autofocus, touch focus, continuous autofocus, manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), continuous shooting, geotagging, panorama, HDR, face detection, white balance settings, ISO settings, exposure compensation, scene mode, self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Xiaomi 14T offers a more comprehensive set of camera features like OIS and RAW capture, which allow more flexibility in post-processing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Xiaomi 14T charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, Xiaomi P2 fast charging chip, Xiaomi G1 battery management chip | Xiaomi 14T includes additional features to improve charging and battery performance, also the ability to charge other devices using reverse charging is a big plus |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Xiaomi 14T runs on a newer version of Android, receiving latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n, Dual-band | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/ax(6E), Dual-band, MiMO | Xiaomi 14T supports faster and more reliable Wi-Fi standards with Wi-Fi 6E, providing better performance and less interference. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID | 5.4 LE, A2DP, Apt-X, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Xiaomi 14T features a more recent Bluetooth version, with better audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC | Xiaomi 14T offers better location accuracy with additional satellite navigation systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM / eSIM) | Xiaomi 14T supports eSIM, which allows switching carriers digitally. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 256/512GB | Xiaomi 14T offers more internal storage, which is crucial for storing photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 12GB | Xiaomi 14T provides a large amount of RAM for smooth multitasking and running demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage, making the included storage all the more important. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 14T provides slightly better audio quality with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio, though both have stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Infinix Note 12 G96 provides a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor, but both phones offer basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi 14T has a compass that is used for several applications. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96: Strengths
- Affordable: The Infinix Note 12 G96 is likely to be more budget-friendly than the Xiaomi 14T.
- Slightly Lighter: The phone is negligibly lighter which might appeal to some users.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Some users find this form of fingerprint sensor more convenient.
- Basic Features: It provides a decent AMOLED display, acceptable battery life, and essential smartphone features.
Infinix Note 12 G96: Limitations
- Outdated Chipset: The Helio G96 is not very powerful, resulting in less fluid performance.
- Lower Refresh Rate: Its 60Hz display is not as smooth as the 144Hz panel on the Xiaomi 14T.
- Basic Camera System: Lacks advanced camera features and image quality is not competitive.
- Outdated Software: It runs on Android 12, meaning fewer and older features.
Xiaomi 14T: Strengths
- Powerful Performance: The Dimensity 8300 Ultra chip offers exceptional performance for any use case.
- High-Quality Display: The 144Hz AMOLED display with high resolution, pixel density, and brightness, creates a smooth and vibrant visual experience.
- Versatile Camera: The superior main, telephoto, and wide-angle cameras capture high quality images with multiple options.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging helps to quickly top up the phone.
- Advanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions offer improved data transfer speeds and audio quality.
- Premium Features: Better audio with Dolby Atmos, improved camera features like OIS, and overall more robust feature set.
- eSIM: It supports eSIM for easier carrier switching.
Xiaomi 14T: Limitations
- Higher Cost: Expect this phone to be priced significantly higher than the Infinix Note 12 G96.
- Slightly Heavier: The Xiaomi 14T is marginally heavier than the Infinix Note 12 G96, but is not a major difference.
- Basic Fingerprint Sensor: Lacks the convenience of the side-mounted sensor offered by the Infinix Note 12 G96.
Key Differences in User Experience
- Performance: The Xiaomi 14T will offer a much smoother and faster experience, especially with gaming, multitasking, and app loading. The Infinix may show slowdowns in intensive tasks.
- Display: Xiaomi 14T provides a much better visual experience for everyday use and media consumption.
- Camera: The Xiaomi 14T will provide vastly superior camera quality and more flexibility.
- Battery Charging: You will spend far less time charging the Xiaomi 14T.
- Software: The newer OS of the Xiaomi will offer additional features and more stability.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: If cost is the primary factor, this is a decent option for basic smartphone usage.
- Casual Users: Perfect for those who mainly browse, text, and do light social media use.
- Users with basic needs: Those that just need a functional phone.
Xiaomi 14T is best for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers, power users, and those who value speed and responsiveness.
- Media Lovers: Users who enjoy high-quality video streaming, photography, and videography.
- Tech Savvy Users: Those who want the latest features, such as modern WiFi standards, better Bluetooth codecs, and advanced camera features.
- Users that need a robust and reliable device: The Xiaomi 14T offers the most long term value.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? If you have a strict budget and need just the basics, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is the better choice. If budget is flexible and you want the best phone for the money, the Xiaomi 14T is the way to go.
- How important is performance and display quality to you? If you prioritize smooth performance, a high refresh rate display, and a fast loading experience, choose the Xiaomi 14T. If you are okay with more basic performance and display, go with the Infinix Note 12 G96.
- What kind of user are you? If you're a casual user who needs a phone for basic tasks, the Infinix is acceptable. If you want an immersive entertainment experience, great photography capabilities, and fast speeds, you will be better with the Xiaomi 14T.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You’re on a tight budget. The Infinix Note 12 G96 offers the most functionality at the lowest price point, even though you will have a trade off with performance.
- Scenario 2: You need a phone for social media and streaming. The Xiaomi 14T will provide a much better experience, with a smoother display and better speakers.
- Scenario 3: You're a mobile gamer. The Xiaomi 14T's superior performance, faster refresh rate, and excellent graphics will offer a much more enjoyable gaming experience.
- Scenario 4: You take a lot of photos. The Xiaomi 14T offers a much more versatile camera system with great image quality, making it the clear choice.
- Scenario 5: You value long term value: The Xiaomi 14T's much superior processing power means it will be relevant for many years to come, especially with its more robust build and software.
Conclusion
For most users, the Xiaomi 14T is the obvious choice. It justifies its higher price with significantly better performance, a superior display, a much more versatile camera system, faster charging, and a more modern software package. The Infinix Note 12 G96 is suitable only for those with the strictest of budgets, and a need for only the most basic features, as it has multiple important shortcomings.
My Choice
If I were in the market, I would definitely choose the Xiaomi 14T. The difference in performance alone is a game changer, and is something I would experience every minute of every day. The difference in display and camera quality are worth the extra price, which is what I would consider the main value drivers in a smartphone. Also, the fact that it is more "future proof" due to its more powerful components, more advanced connectivity, and more up-to-date software is a major consideration for me. While the Infinix Note 12 G96 is an acceptable phone for its price, it is in no way comparable to the capabilities of the Xiaomi 14T.
