Alright, let's get into a detailed comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Xiaomi Poco M5. It's always exciting to see how different manufacturers approach the same market segment, and these two phones offer some interesting contrasts. Buckle up!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, along with a look at how they translate into real-world usage:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Xiaomi Poco M5 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | 164 × 76.1 × 8.9 mm | Slightly slimmer and lighter for the Infinix; Poco is noticeably thicker and heavier in-hand, which can impact comfort over long usage |
| Weight | 185g | 201g | The Infinix will feel more comfortable to hold and easier to use one-handed for longer durations |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.58" | Infinix offers a slightly more immersive experience due to the larger screen size, suitable for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Sharp and clear images on both phones; minimal practical difference in pixel density. |
| PPI | 393 | 401 | Both are in the "Retina" range where individual pixels aren't visible at typical viewing distances, resulting in clear text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially better battery efficiency for dark themes - better vibrancy and outdoor visibility |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi offers smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable during gaming or navigating menus, a little better user experience. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits | Infinix screen will be significantly more viewable under direct sunlight thanks to its higher brightness |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | The Poco's more advanced chipset is more efficient, runs cooler, and provides better performance overall, especially noticeable during heavy gaming and multitasking |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 414,500 | The Poco will feel much more responsive and faster, handling demanding apps and games more effectively with 35% better score; this reflects in real-world usage. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both have same GPU, the chipset is more performant on the Poco resulting in slightly better graphics on the Poco |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.6 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Infinix has slightly wider aperture (f/1.6) letting more light into the sensor for better low-light images, both share same 1/2.76" sensor size, and 0.64 µm pixel size |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Infinix wins here with far higher resolution and wider aperture for better selfies, especially in low-light, resulting in more detailed selfies |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar depth sensing for portrait mode on both |
| Macro Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Xiaomi gives you more creative options with macro photography |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | The Infinix can record at a higher resolution, which results in greater detail in the footage, the Poco is still enough for daily usage |
| Slow Motion | Yes, 120 fps | No, 30 fps | Infinix offers superior slow-motion recording capabilities with higher frame rates |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity should give similar all-day battery life, but the efficiency of the Poco's chipset may extend it a bit more. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | The Infinix will charge significantly faster, reducing waiting time when your battery is low. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | Poco will receive an upgrade to Android 14 which the Infinix won't |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz/ac | Xiaomi has the newer AC WiFi standard |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | Xiaomi has the newer Bluetooth 5.3 standard that improves power efficiency and speed |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Xiaomi has support for more satellite systems for more accurate navigation |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | Both have the same storage options, enough for daily usage |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | Infinix gives you the option for 8 GB of RAM for better multitasking |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths: The AMOLED display is a clear highlight, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The larger screen is great for media consumption. It also boasts significantly faster charging. It also has a much better front-facing camera for better selfies.
- Competitive Advantages: The combination of an AMOLED screen, a larger display, faster 33W charging, and a significantly better front-facing camera makes the Infinix suitable for users who prioritize media and selfies. The option for 8 GB of RAM is also a nice addition.
- Trade-offs: The older chipset means it will not be as performant as the Poco, and the 60Hz refresh rate display isn't as smooth.
Xiaomi Poco M5:
- Strengths: The main advantage is its newer, more efficient chipset that provides better performance, particularly in gaming and intensive tasks. The 90Hz display offers a smoother visual experience, and it has a better connectivity package and is promised a future Android update.
- Competitive Advantages: If you're looking for overall responsiveness, a smoother display experience, and good connectivity, the Poco M5 is a strong contender. The extra macro camera provides a fun creative option, although most won't use it frequently.
- Trade-offs: It lacks the rich colors and contrast of an AMOLED display, and the front camera is not as powerful as its competition. The charging speed is slow.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96 is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize watching videos and enjoying vibrant visuals on a larger screen.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Those who take a lot of selfies and want a high-resolution front camera with a wide aperture for better low-light performance.
- Users who value Fast Charging: If minimizing charge time is important, the 33W charging will be a significant advantage.
Xiaomi Poco M5 is ideal for:
- Gamers and Performance Users: Users who play mobile games or need a phone that can handle demanding apps and tasks smoothly.
- Everyday Users: People looking for a responsive and reliable phone for general use, with a focus on a smooth scrolling experience.
- Tech-Savvy Users: Those who want the better connectivity options and future software update.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality to you? If you value vibrant colors, deep blacks, and superior contrast an AMOLED display with higher brightness, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is the clear winner. But, if you prefer a smoother experience with 90Hz, the Xiaomi Poco M5 is a good option.
- Are you a gamer or heavy multitasker? For those who need the best performance, the Xiaomi Poco M5 with its more efficient and powerful chipset will provide better responsiveness and smoothness. But, if you're a casual user and do not game much, the Infinix is sufficient.
- How often do you take selfies? If the front-facing camera is a significant consideration, the Infinix with its 16 MP camera and f/2.0 aperture is the better choice, if you don't care much about it, the Poco is still a good option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Multimedia Junkie: If you primarily use your phone for watching videos, the Infinix is the more attractive choice with its larger, more vibrant AMOLED screen and better front-facing camera.
- The Mobile Gamer: If you want the best performance for mobile games and heavy multitasking, the Xiaomi Poco M5 with its more powerful processor and smoother display is a better fit.
- The Practical User: If you want a balance of performance and features, but don't want to spend much money, the Poco is a good and reasonable option.
My Pick
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco M5. While the AMOLED screen on the Infinix is tempting, the improved performance and responsiveness of the Poco M5 would make it a more enjoyable phone to use day-to-day. Plus, I like having that smooth 90Hz refresh rate. The better connectivity and future software update are also valuable additions, making the Poco a more future-proof option. The macro camera is not that useful for me, but I do like the more reliable navigation with GPS, Glonass, Beidou, and Galileo support. Although I take selfies, the Infinix front-facing camera does not justify the tradeoffs in the other areas. The slower charging is a downside, but the overall package of the Poco is just better for my typical use.
Ultimately, the "best" phone comes down to individual preferences and needs. I hope this breakdown helps you make an informed choice! Let me know if you have any further questions.
