Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and offer some real-world insights to help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table to help visualize the differences between these two devices:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | Infinix is slightly taller, but both are otherwise very similar in size and feel. |
| Weight | 185g | 187g | Both are similarly weighted and feel substantial in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Practically identical viewing area; both good for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp, clear images and text on both devices. |
| PPI | 393 | 395 | Both offer very similar pixel density, resulting in a sharp display |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks; excellent for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi offers smoother animations and scrolling; a noticeable difference for gamers and heavy users. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 900 nits | Xiaomi's display is significantly brighter, offering better outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G96 (12 nm) | Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Xiaomi's chipset is more efficient and more powerful, resulting in faster apps, better gaming performance and more efficient power management. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 573,200 | Xiaomi performs significantly better in benchmarks, indicating a big advantage for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Xiaomi's GPU is more capable, resulting in better graphics for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" | Xiaomi's larger sensor and OIS translates into better low-light performance and sharper images. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 16MP | Comparable selfie quality, likely similar performance in most scenarios. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/1.9 | Xiaomi has a wide-angle lens for more flexible photography |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Infinix includes a dedicated portrait lens for depth effect in portraits; Xiaomi lacks this. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi has a macro lens for extreme close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps | 4K@30fps | Xiaomi offers superior video recording quality with 4K capabilities, useful for content creators. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 102 (Mobile) | Xiaomi's camera performance has been independently evaluated, providing a benchmark for its image quality. |
| Camera Features | Basic set | OIS, 4K, RAW, etc | Xiaomi's camera has more advanced features, better for photography enthusiasts and people needing the best video quality |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity for all-day usage for both |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Xiaomi's faster charging will drastically reduce downtime; much more convenient for busy users. |
| Battery Tech | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Xiaomi uses newer battery technology which will likely have better longevity |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both running Android 12 at launch; same user experience overall. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Xiaomi offers better speed and more stable connections on modern Wi-Fi networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | Xiaomi's newer version has slightly better range, efficiency and stability for wireless audio and accessories |
| GPS | A-GPS | More Systems | Xiaomi has more satellite systems supported which provides more reliable and accurate location information |
| SIM Support | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support two SIM cards for convenient dual lines |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Xiaomi offers more storage options, especially for storing lots of media. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 6/8/12 GB | Xiaomi offers larger RAM options, which is a noticeable difference for multitasking and running demanding applications |
| Expandable Storage | N/A | N/A | Neither has external storage, so selecting enough internal storage is important. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS/DTS X, Stereo speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers | Both have stereo speakers, but have different enhancements to improve the audio quality |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both phones have a side mounted finger print sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi uses a more robust glass on the display for higher durability and scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Basic | Compass, More | Xiaomi has a compass sensor and extra sensors, beneficial for certain apps and games. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro: This phone emerges as the clear winner in terms of performance and features. Its Dimensity 1080 chip provides a substantial boost in processing power, complemented by a smoother 120Hz display, a superior main camera sensor with OIS, and 67W fast charging. The inclusion of a wide-angle lens, a macro lens, and 4K video recording capabilities make this a very competitive phone for users looking for a great overall package. The brighter display is a big plus for outdoor visibility and the Corning Gorilla Glass provides peace of mind about the durability of the screen.
- Infinix Note 12 G96: While it offers a similar display technology (AMOLED), its 60Hz refresh rate and Helio G96 chip fall short compared to the Xiaomi. However, this phone has one main advantage for those that use portrait mode. The inclusion of a portrait lens is a nice touch. The main camera is not bad, but it lacks the larger sensor and OIS of the Xiaomi. The lack of 4k video, a wide angle and macro lens might be a concern for more serious photographers. The battery life will be similar to the Xiaomi but the 33W charger will take more time.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro: This phone is best for users who:
- Want the best performance: Gamers, heavy multitaskers, and users who demand snappy performance will appreciate the Dimensity 1080 chip.
- Prioritize camera quality: The larger sensor, OIS, wide-angle lens, and 4K video capabilities make it ideal for photography enthusiasts.
- Need fast charging: The 67W fast charging drastically reduces downtime and is ideal for people on the go.
- Use their phones outdoors: The higher brightness display makes it better for readability in bright environments.
- Want the latest connectivity: The addition of faster Wifi and Bluetooth technologies ensures that this phone is future proof.
- Infinix Note 12 G96: This phone is suitable for users who:
- Are on a tighter budget: If price is a major factor, the Infinix could be a more accessible option.
- Don't need the best performance: It is fine for basic tasks, social media, and casual use.
- Value a good portrait mode: Those interested in portrait photography might value the dedicated portrait lens.
- Want basic functionality: The phone still does a lot of things really well, but it just doesn't compete with all of the features that the Xiaomi has.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a phone for gaming and heavy multitasking, the Xiaomi is the clear choice. If you're a casual user, the Infinix may suffice, but be warned, the difference is huge.
- How important are camera features? If you need high-quality video, wide-angle photos, and superior low-light performance, the Xiaomi's camera is far superior with a larger main sensor, OIS, and a more comprehensive feature set. If you are most interested in portraits, the Infinix is better as it offers a dedicated depth camera for portrait mode, which the Xiaomi lacks.
- How much does faster charging matter? If you hate waiting for your phone to charge, the Xiaomi's 67W fast charging is a major advantage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the heavy user: Get the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. The performance boost, faster charging, and better display are ideal.
- For the casual user with a tight budget: Get the Infinix Note 12 G96. It handles the basic tasks and social media.
- For the photography enthusiast: Get the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro, with its more versatile camera, wide-angle lens, and 4K video.
- For the portrait photographer: If you mainly take portraits, the Infinix Note 12 G96 might be a better option.
My Choice
If I had to pick one, I'd choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. The improvements across the board in processing power, display smoothness, and camera capabilities make it a more versatile and future-proof phone. The faster charging is a big plus for me as someone who hates to wait and the vastly improved benchmark scores cannot be ignored. While the Infinix does have a portrait lens, it's not enough to overcome the massive advantages of the Xiaomi in all other areas that I use daily. I think the Xiaomi is worth the investment.
