Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Xiaomi Poco X5. I'm excited to break down these specs and see how they translate into real-world usage. Here's my take on these two mid-range contenders.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Xiaomi Poco X5 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | Very similar size, the Poco X5 is slightly taller by 1.3mm, but both are easily pocketable. |
| Weight | 185g | 189g | Both are quite light; you likely won't notice the 4g difference in hand. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Standard smartphone design, no foldable mechanisms here |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Both have large displays, great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp and detailed visuals on both devices; identical clarity. |
| PPI | 393 | 395 | Both have very similar pixel density, resulting in the same level of visual sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Rich colors, deep blacks, and great contrast on both displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Poco X5 has noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, making it a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 1200 nits | The Poco X5 is significantly brighter outdoors, offering much better readability in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | The Poco X5's Snapdragon chip is more efficient and powerful, translating to snappier performance and better power management. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 422,900 | Poco X5 will handle heavy apps and multitasking with ease, while the Infinix will lag behind |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 | The Poco X5's Adreno GPU offers better graphics performance, making it ideal for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.6 | 48MP f/1.8 | The Infinix has a slightly higher resolution sensor with a wider aperture for better low-light shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.0 | 13MP f/2.45 | The Infinix has a higher resolution selfie camera and a wider aperture for better selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP f/2.2 | The Poco X5 includes a wide-angle lens for more versatile photography. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | No | The Infinix includes a dedicated depth sensor for more enhanced portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP f/2.4 | The Poco X5 includes a Macro lens for getting up-close shots. |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | The Infinix supports higher resolution video recording. |
| Additional Features | Manual Focus, Night Mode | Night Mode 2.0, PDAF | Both have standard features, Poco X5 has PDAF which translates to faster auto-focus |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both devices support the same fast charging speed for quick top-ups. |
| Battery Tech | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer has a slight edge in safety and density |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both ship with the same version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | 802.11ac | Poco X5 supports newer Wi-Fi standards for faster wireless speeds and better range. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.1 | Both devices support the same Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The Poco X5 supports more satellite systems for better GPS accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both devices allow for two nano-sim cards |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | The Poco X5 offers higher storage options, especially useful for heavy media users. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both offer similar performance in day-to-day task, Poco X5 having a higher miniumum is slightly better |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows external storage, which could be a limitation. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS/ DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio features | Infinix provides a much better listening experience with enhanced audio features |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones feature side-mounted fingerprint sensors for quick, convenient unlocking |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have similar unkown screen protection technology, so neither is more rugged than the other |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Poco X5 adds a compass for navigating |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths:
- Slightly larger display and higher resolution primary camera with a wider aperture.
- Higher resolution front facing camera.
- Includes a dedicated depth sensor for better portraits
- Better audio experience with DTS / DTS X and stereo speakers
- Competitive Advantages:
- Superior Audio experience for those who value sound quality.
- Great standard camera for everyday use
Xiaomi Poco X5:
- Strengths:
- Significantly smoother display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Much brighter display for outdoor visibility.
- More powerful and efficient processor, the Snapdragon 695 5G.
- Additional camera lenses, including ultrawide and macro for versatile photography.
- Newer Wi-Fi standards and better GPS support.
- Higher storage options available.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Superior overall performance and a smoother user experience.
- Better camera for flexible photography and capturing various scenarios.
- Better connectivity options for wireless use.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Less powerful processor and GPU which can result in slower performance.
- Slower refresh rate making the experience less fluid
- Lacks ultrawide and macro lenses which results in less versatile photography
- Xiaomi Poco X5:
- No dedicated depth sensor.
- Not as good audio experience
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize camera quality for standard shots and the front-facing camera, as well as those who value a better audio experience with enhanced audio output from its speakers.
- Use Cases:
- Social media enthusiasts who often post high-quality videos and selfies.
- Users who consume media through speakers and want a richer sound experience.
- Budget-conscious consumers looking for a great camera at a reasonable price.
Xiaomi Poco X5:
- Best Suited For: Users who value a smoother overall experience, better performance, and versatility in camera usage.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers and users who multitask with demanding apps.
- Outdoor users who need a bright display for visibility in sunlight.
- Users who enjoy capturing a variety of shots, utilizing ultrawide and macro lenses.
- Those who need a device with fast and reliable connectivity.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Practical Questions:
- Do I prioritize a smoother visual experience and superior performance?
- How important is versatile photography, including ultrawide and macro shots?
- How essential is audio output quality through speakers?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (Everyday User): If you need a phone for browsing, social media, and basic tasks, the Xiaomi Poco X5 is the better option due to its smoother 120Hz display and more responsive performance, along with a more versatile camera setup.
Scenario 2 (Photography Enthusiast): If you value versatile photography, the Xiaomi Poco X5 is a clear winner with its ultrawide and macro lenses. However, for those who only need standard photos, and those who love a high quality front camera, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is a great option.
Scenario 3 (Media Consumption): If you watch a lot of movies or listen to a lot of music through the phone's speakers, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is a better option due to its DTS / DTS X and Stereo speakers.
Which Phone Would I Choose?
If I had to pick between the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Xiaomi Poco X5 for my own use, I'd go with the Xiaomi Poco X5. Here's why:
Performance Matters: I frequently switch between apps, browse the web, and occasionally play games. The Snapdragon 695 5G chipset in the Poco X5 offers a more fluid and responsive experience.
Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate is something I appreciate daily, leading to less strain on my eyes and an overall more pleasant user experience.
Versatile Camera The ultrawide camera is important for the type of photography that I do.
Long-Term Value The Poco X5 comes with slightly newer specs, and therefore it would be relevant for a longer period of time.
While I admire the camera performance and audio experience of the Infinix Note 12 G96, the overall performance and smoother user experience offered by the Xiaomi Poco X5 make it a better long term choice for my daily use. It's a more complete package in terms of what I value most in a smartphone and more aligned with the type of features I like to see in phones I use.
