Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Xiaomi Redmi 12. I'll break it down like I'm explaining it to a friend who's looking to make a smart buy.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 is slightly taller and a bit thicker; Note 12 feels a tad more compact. |
| Weight | 185g | 198.5g | Infinix is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.79" | Both very similar, nearly identical viewing real estate |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Sharp and clear visuals on both, negligible difference in detail |
| PPI | 393 | 396 | Very similar pixel density, expect crisp images |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED on Infinix offers richer blacks, superior contrast, and better power efficiency with dark modes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi provides smoother scrolling and animation |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits | Infinix excels with much better visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G96 (12 nm) | Helio G88 (12 nm) | Infinix is slightly faster for app loading and gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 249,400 | Infinix offers a noticeable boost in performance |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Infinix's GPU should handle more demanding graphics slightly better. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera | 50MP, f/1.6 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Infinix has a wider aperture for better low-light photos; Both use the same primary sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.1 | Infinix takes sharper selfies, with better low light capabilities |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP, f/2.2 | Redmi 12 is more versatile with a dedicated ultra-wide lens |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | Infinix captures portrait photos with more depth information |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi 12 lets you take close-up shots of small subjects |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Infinix records sharper video. Both offer 120fps slow-motion video capture |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life between the two devices |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Infinix charges the battery significantly faster |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Xiaomi can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Xiaomi gets a more recent version of Android with upgrade to 14 |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 with 802.11ac | Xiaomi offers slightly better Wi-Fi coverage |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Xiaomi has newer, more efficient Bluetooth |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Xiaomi offers greater location accuracy in more varied environments |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Xiaomi provides more internal storage |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both phones come with a sufficient variety of RAM configurations, good for multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable | No | No | No option to add extra storage via SD card on either phone |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Infinix has a much better audio experience with better sound quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Quick access, secure way of unlocking devices. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint; Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi includes a compass. Infinix features a gravity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
- Infinix Note 12 G96 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen is a big win, offering better visual quality with deeper blacks and vibrant colors.
- Performance Boost: The Helio G96 chipset and higher AnTuTu score mean noticeably faster performance in day-to-day tasks and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging is significantly quicker, reducing downtime.
- Better Audio: Stereo Speakers with DTS / DTS X provides a more immersive experience.
- Enhanced Selfie: higher resolution and wider aperture for better selfie results.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Strengths:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a smoother, more fluid user experience when scrolling and navigating apps.
- More Versatile Camera: The addition of a wide-angle lens gives it versatility in capturing photos, while macro mode allows for creative close-ups.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, which is convenient.
- More Storage Options: 128GB and 256GB storage options.
- Newer Android: Android 13 out of the box with a planned upgrade to Android 14
- Location Tracking: Supports more satellite systems for improved location tracking.
Trade-offs:
- The Infinix sacrifices a smoother display (60Hz vs 90Hz) for a superior AMOLED panel.
- The Xiaomi's camera lacks the portrait mode (depth) sensor of the Infinix but compensates with a wide-angle and macro lenses.
- The Xiaomi's charging is slower, but it can act as a power bank.
- The Infinix has no expandable storage, like the Xiaomi
- The Infinix runs an older version of Android, whereas Xiaomi runs on a newer version.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96: Best for users who prioritize:
- Visual Quality: Those who value a vibrant and contrast-rich display.
- Performance: Gamers and power users needing snappy performance.
- Fast Charging: Users who want minimal charging time.
Audio Quality: Those who need enhanced sound quality.
Use Case: Watching movies, playing graphics-intensive games, multitasking apps.
Xiaomi Redmi 12: Ideal for users who value:
- Smooth Experience: Users who prefer smooth scrolling and animations.
- Camera Versatility: Photography enthusiasts who want different types of camera lenses.
- Extra Features: The convenience of reverse charging.
- Latest Android Version: Those who want the latest android version.
Storage Capacity: Users that require more storage capacity on the phone.
Use Case: Taking photos of varied scenes, long daily phone usage, using the phone as a hotspot.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you choose, ask yourself these questions:
- How much do I care about display quality? If deep blacks, vibrant colors, and outdoor visibility are important, the Infinix's AMOLED is the way to go.
- Do I need a versatile camera setup? The Xiaomi's wide-angle lens and macro mode are great for creative photographers.
- Is fast charging or battery longevity more important to me? The Infinix charges quicker, but the Xiaomi can charge other devices in a pinch.
- Do I prefer a newer Android version with more location accuracy? The Xiaomi has the latest Android version, with support for more location tracking capabilities.
- Do I need more internal storage or good sound quality? The Xiaomi has more storage options, but the Infinix has superior sound quality.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: If you're mainly into browsing, social media, and watching videos, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 will work great with its smoother display and flexible camera.
- For the Gamer: If gaming is your jam, the Infinix Note 12 G96 offers superior performance and display quality, providing you with a better gaming experience.
- For the Photographer: While the Xiaomi is more versatile with the wide-angle lens, if you prefer better quality selfies, the Infinix is the better choice.
- For the Power User: If you want a phone with better performance and a quicker charging time, the Infinix is the way to go, even if the Android OS is an older version.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I'd lean towards the Infinix Note 12 G96. Here's why:
- The AMOLED display is just too good to pass up. The deep blacks, vibrant colors, and outdoor visibility make a huge difference in everyday use.
- The performance boost is noticeable. As someone who uses a phone for various tasks, including occasional gaming, that extra speed and power are significant.
- The faster charging is a huge convenience. I hate waiting around for my phone to charge, and the 33W charger will save me a lot of time.
- The better audio quality is a plus. I appreciate good quality audio when I watch movies or listen to music on my phone.
- I don't take a lot of wide-angle photos, and the selfie quality and the primary sensor are the same on both phones, so the difference in the cameras is not significant for me.
While the Xiaomi Redmi 12 has its own set of strengths, the Infinix’s core strengths, especially its display, performance, and charging speed, align more closely with my needs and what I value in a smartphone. The older Android version is not as big of a concern for me, since this model will be more frequently updated than it's competitors in the same price range.
