Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. I'll break down the specs, tell you what they mean for your daily life, and help you figure out which one might be your best bet.
Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specifications for both phones, along with a look at what these specs mean for everyday use:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | Both feel similar in hand, with the Redmi Note 12 being slightly taller. 8mm thickness is pretty standard for modern phones. |
| Weight | 185g | 188g | Virtually identical weight; neither should feel particularly heavy. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Both offer large, immersive screens for media consumption and gaming. The 0.03" difference is negligible in practical use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Sharp and detailed images on both devices; a good baseline for everyday use. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 395 PPI | Both provide clear visuals, with indistinguishable differences in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast for excellent media viewing experience on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Redmi Note 12's 120Hz refresh rate provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations making it more responsive than the Infinix's 60Hz. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 offers much better visibility in bright sunlight. The Infinix may be harder to see outdoors in sunny conditions. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | Redmi Note 12's newer chip offers better performance and efficiency thanks to the smaller 6nm manufacturing process which translates to faster app loading, and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 460,800 | The Redmi Note 12 is notably faster, making it more suitable for demanding apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 | Redmi Note 12 has a more capable GPU, which is beneficial for graphics-intensive tasks and gaming. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Rear Camera (Main) | 50MP, f/1.6 | 48MP, f/1.8 | Infinix has a slightly higher resolution and wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance and more detailed images. |
| Front Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.45 | Infinix offers slightly higher resolution and wider aperture, generally better selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2 | Redmi Note 12 is more versatile with a wide-angle lens, for more variety of shots. |
| Portrait Mode Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Infinix has a dedicated depth sensor, which may result in slightly better bokeh effects. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 12 has a dedicated macro lens for close up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Infinix Note 12 can record higher resolution video, providing sharper footage. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Main: 69, Photo: 74, Video: 49 | Redmi Note 12 has some independent benchmark scores, showing reasonable photographic capabilities for the price range. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should comfortably last a full day with moderate use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both phones offer similar fast charging capabilities, for quicker recharge times. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Lithium polymer batteries are generally lighter and have a better safety profile than lithium-ion batteries. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both offer a very similar user interface experience. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| WiFi | 802.11n | 802.11ac | Redmi Note 12 supports a newer WiFi standard, resulting in faster and more stable connection in compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.1 | Very similar Bluetooth features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Redmi Note 12 offers superior GPS with more constellations resulting in more accurate location. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Redmi Note 12 offers more storage space than the Infinix Note 12, especially for users with lots of apps, photos and videos. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 4/6/8GB | Ample RAM for multitasking and gaming on both devices. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage; you're stuck with the internal storage options. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Audio Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | The Infinix Note 12 should offer better audio experience for media consumption, especially for watching movies and listening to music. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Quick and convenient way to unlock your phone. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 12 offers better screen protection, potentially more resistant to scratches and light impacts. |
Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96: Strengths
- Superior Audio: The inclusion of DTS/DTS X and stereo speakers makes it a strong contender for users who prioritize audio quality.
- Potentially Better Low-Light Camera: With a wider f/1.6 aperture on the main camera, it may perform better in low-light situations compared to the Redmi Note 12.
- Slightly Better Selfies: The 16MP front camera with f/2.0 aperture can provide sharper selfies with better low light performance.
- Higher Video Resolution: The ability to record video at 1440p provides sharper videos.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: Strengths
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate offers a significantly smoother experience when scrolling and navigating the UI.
- Brighter Screen: With 1200 nits of brightness, the screen is much easier to see under direct sunlight.
- More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset offers a significant performance boost compared to the MediaTek G96. This is especially noticeable in games and demanding apps.
- Better Main camera Performance: The DXOMark scores show that the Redmi Note 12 has a better performing main camera compared to the Infinix Note 12 G96.
- More Versatile Camera System: The addition of a wide-angle and macro lens makes the Redmi Note 12 more versatile in different scenarios.
- More Storage Options: The 256GB storage option gives users more space for their files.
- Better GPS: More precise location due to the inclusion of GLONASS, Beidou, and Galileo.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers better protection against scratches and light impacts.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Infinix Note 12 G96: It lacks a high refresh rate display, may not be great in bright sunlight, the processor is less powerful, and it doesn't have expandable storage.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: It lacks the superior audio features of the Infinix, has a slightly less higher front and main camera resolution, and has a slightly higher front and main camera aperture.
User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96 is better suited for:
- Multimedia Lovers: Users who consume a lot of content and value good audio quality.
- Casual Photographers: Those who primarily take standard photos, and value low light performance.
- Users on a Strict Budget: While both phones are budget-friendly, the Infinix might be slightly more affordable.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is better suited for:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Gamers or anyone who needs a snappy device for multitasking.
- Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phones in bright sunlight.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a more versatile camera setup with a wide-angle lens.
- Power users: Users who need more storage space for their files.
Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide between the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- How important is display smoothness? If a 120Hz refresh rate is a must-have for smooth scrolling and gaming, then the Redmi Note 12 is the clear winner.
- Do you need a powerful processor for heavy apps or games? If so, the Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon chipset is better, providing significantly more horsepower.
- How much do you care about audio quality and video recording capabilities? If superior audio features and higher video resolution are important, then you should consider the Infinix Note 12 G96.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Media Consumer
- Recommendation: Infinix Note 12 G96 for better audio quality, front and main camera aperture, and higher video resolution.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Hungry Gamer/Multitasker
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 for its powerful chipset, and smoother 120Hz display.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Photographer/Influencer
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 for its brighter display and more versatile camera system.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. Here's why:
- The 120Hz Display: As someone who spends a lot of time on my phone, the smoother display and better outdoor visibility that comes with the 120Hz refresh rate and 1200 nits of brightness makes a significant impact on the daily user experience. Scrolling through social media, browsing websites, or playing games feels much more fluid.
- The Performance Boost: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is a step up in terms of performance. As a tech journalist, I'm constantly switching between apps, testing out new software, and occasionally playing games, and the Redmi Note 12's better performance simply makes it a better fit for my needs.
- Versatile Camera System: While I might miss the dedicated portrait lens and higher resolution front camera on the Infinix Note 12, the wide-angle lens on the Redmi Note 12 and it's better main camera performance gives me the ability to capture a variety of shots, which is a huge plus for a tech journalist like myself.
- Better GPS and Storage: I appreciate the more accurate GPS, along with 256GB storage option.
- Better Screen Protection: As someone who is slightly clumsy, it's nice to know the device is a bit more protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
The Redmi Note 12 is the better choice for someone who prioritizes performance, display quality and versatility. It’s a device that feels more responsive and is better suited for a range of demanding tasks, making it a more well-rounded daily driver.
In the end, both phones are capable, and you'll have to make a choice based on your own personal needs. I hope this breakdown helps you make an informed decision!
