Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. It’s a classic case of budget-friendly versus high-performance, and I'm here to break it all down for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a look at the key specs, laid out to show you exactly what these numbers mean in your day-to-day life:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.9 mm | The ZTE is slightly thicker and a touch smaller, both fit well in your hand |
| Weight | 185g | 229g | The Infinix is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for long periods of use |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The ZTE will likely withstand drops better |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Both are great for media consumption, the difference is negligible |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1116x2480 | The ZTE is a bit sharper, but in most cases, it's not something you'll notice |
| PPI | 393 | 400 | Both displays are very sharp |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The ZTE is much smoother, especially noticeable in gaming or scrolling |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 0 nits | The Infinix is significantly better in direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The ZTE offers vastly superior performance for gaming and multitasking |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 2,369,542 | The ZTE is in a different league, offering much faster app loading and smoother performance |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 750 | The ZTE offers dramatically better graphics capabilities |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 50MP (f/1.6) | 50MP (f/1.88) | The ZTE has a larger sensor which will perform better in low light conditions |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.76” | 1/1.57” | ZTE will capture more light and detail |
| Selfie Camera Res | 16MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.0) | Both are good for selfies and video calls |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 50MP | The ZTE offers a wide angle camera |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP | None | Infinix has a dedicated depth camera |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP | ZTE provides a dedicated Macro camera |
| Video Recording | 1440p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | The ZTE is capable of much higher resolution video recording |
| Video Stabilization | None | Yes (Optical Image Stabilization and Gimbal) | ZTE provides much better video stabilization |
| Camera Features | Basic feature set | Advanced feature set: OIS, Gimbal, 8K | The ZTE provides premium quality camera features |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6500mAh | The ZTE has a significantly larger battery |
| Charging | 33W | 80W | The ZTE charges much faster |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The ZTE has the latest Android, offering better features and security |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11n | WiFi 7 (802.11be) | The ZTE supports the latest and fastest WiFi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Slightly newer version for the ZTE |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | ZTE has vastly superior GPS support for better accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Standard features for both devices |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 256GB or 512GB | ZTE has more storage space |
| RAM | 4 GB, 6 GB or 8 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | ZTE has substantially more RAM |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | ZTE has 3 Microphones for better audio clarity |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Side mounted fingerprint sensor is generally more reliable |
| Sensors | |||
| Other sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | ZTE has a Compass |
| ## 2. Key Insights |
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths: The Infinix shines as a solid budget-friendly phone with a decent AMOLED display and impressive peak brightness. Its lighter weight is also a bonus for comfortable handling.
- Competitive Advantages: Its price is the main selling point. It’s a good option for basic use, like browsing, social media, and light gaming, especially if you value a bright display for outdoor visibility.
- Trade-offs: The performance is comparatively weaker, especially when running demanding apps or games. The camera system is basic, and it lacks modern features like a higher refresh rate and fast charging.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro:
- Strengths: This is a performance powerhouse, packed with the latest Snapdragon chipset, ample RAM, and a high refresh rate display. The camera is also better in almost every aspect.
- Competitive Advantages: It’s designed for gamers and power users who need the best performance, smooth graphics, and fast storage. The large battery and rapid charging are icing on the cake.
- Trade-offs: It's heavier and thicker, which may not appeal to everyone, and it's likely much more expensive. The display brightness is also unknown, which might be a problem for outdoor use.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96 is for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who need a reliable, everyday smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Casual users: People who mainly use their phones for social media, web browsing, and watching videos.
- Users who value a bright display: The Infinix excels in direct sunlight, making it good for those who often use their phones outdoors.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro is for:
- Hardcore gamers: Those who need the best possible performance for mobile gaming.
- Power users: People who run demanding apps and multitask heavily.
- Tech enthusiasts: Those who want the latest technology and cutting-edge performance.
- Mobile photographers and videographers: Those who want to take advantage of the versatile and advanced camera systems.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide which phone is right for you, consider these questions:
- What is your primary use case? If it’s casual browsing and social media, the Infinix will suffice. If you plan on gaming and power-intensive tasks, the Red Magic is the clear choice.
- What's your budget? The Infinix is significantly more affordable than the Red Magic.
- Do you value peak performance or battery life? If performance is paramount, the Red Magic wins. If you prioritize battery life, the Red Magic's large battery will last longer than the Infinix's (but the Infinix does have impressive brightness)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget and basic use: Go for the Infinix Note 12 G96. It’s a good all-around phone that won’t empty your wallet, especially if you need a bright screen.
- Gaming and Performance: The ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro is the way to go. Its high-end chipset, ample RAM, and 120Hz display offer an unparalleled gaming experience.
- High quality video recording: The ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro is the only choice with its 8k recording, stabilization features and wide angle lens.
Final Thoughts
The ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro is what I would choose. It provides vastly superior performance, battery life and camera capability. I find those advantages to be much more important to me than any benefit that the Infinix might provide. The unknown brightness of the ZTE concerns me, but everything else, from the chip set, RAM, and camera capability is unmatched. The gaming capabilities are also a huge plus for me.
Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to explore!
