Okay, let's dive deep into the Infinix Note 12 G96 and the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. This isn’t just a spec sheet showdown; we’re going to explore what these differences actually mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the key specs, complete with a real-world implications column:
| Feature | Infinix Note 12 G96 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | 163.9 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm | The Infinix is slightly taller while the Nubia is thicker by 0.3 mm. Both are quite large, and the small size differences won't make a huge difference to the daily usage. |
| Weight | 185g | 228g | The Infinix is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. The Nubia has a noticeably heavier feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Both offer large screens; the 0.1" difference is barely noticeable, mostly boils down to preference. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1260 x 2800 | The Nubia’s higher resolution results in a sharper, more detailed picture; noticeably improved clarity especially for text and detailed images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 393 | 452 | The Nubia has a significantly sharper display, more clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED for vibrant colors and deep blacks. Identical display tech. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Nubia offers smoother animations, scrolling, and gaming due to a higher refresh rate. It makes a noticeable difference in responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 650 nits | 1500 nits | The Nubia is dramatically brighter, making it much easier to see in direct sunlight. Major difference for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 | The Nubia has a vastly more powerful chipset; translates to dramatically faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and significantly better gaming experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 307,000 | 1,579,720 | The Nubia has much more performance, which is important for gaming, video editing, and just about everything else. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 740 | The Nubia's GPU offers vastly superior graphics performance; critical for demanding games and applications. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5100 mAh | Both have similar battery capacities; expect roughly comparable battery life in general usage. Very little practical difference here. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | The Nubia charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime and getting you back in action quicker. This is a noticeable difference in daily convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.6, 1/2.76") | 54MP (f/1.6, 1/1.49") | The Nubia’s larger sensor size and slightly higher resolution should translate to better low-light performance, and slightly more detail. |
| Telephoto+Portrait Camera | None | 8MP (f/2.4) | The Nubia offers better flexibility in terms of focal length. The Infinix does not have this feature. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 50MP (f/2.0, 1/2.88") | The Nubia offers better flexibility in terms of capturing group photos or expansive landscapes. The Infinix does not have this feature. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.5, 1/3.06") | The Infinix has a slightly wider aperture. In daily usage, the photo quality will be similar, but different sensors. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | The Infinix has a depth sensor for portraits, the Nubia does not, but uses other methods to simulate this effect. |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps | The Nubia offers far superior video recording capabilities, including higher resolutions and frame rates, and advanced video stabilization. The Infinix has less options. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Flicker sensor, 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Gimbal, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | The Nubia has more advanced features, specifically Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | The Nubia has a more up-to-date version of Android, offering the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | The Nubia supports faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in congested environments. A future-proof feature. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | The Nubia has a newer, slightly more efficient Bluetooth version with better codec support (aptX, LDAC). |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The Nubia supports more satellite systems, leading to more accurate and reliable positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128 GB | 256GB or 1024GB | The Nubia offers significantly more internal storage, which is especially important given neither device supports microSD cards. |
| RAM | 4 GB, 6 GB or 8 GB | 12 GB or 16GB | The Nubia offers significantly more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and better performance in demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD expansion. The Nubia's larger base storage is a must for a long-term device. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS, Stereo Speakers | DTS, Stereo Speakers | Both devices have a similar audio setup. The audio experience will be comparable on both phones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | The Infinix uses a more advanced side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both devices use similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Infinix additionally features Proximity and Light sensors, while the Nubia has a compass, and ultrasonic proximity sensor. Both offer standard sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths: Lightweight, comfortable to hold, good AMOLED display, decent battery life, a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Competitive Advantages: More affordable price-point, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious buyers.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Significantly less powerful processor, slower refresh rate, much less storage, lower-end cameras, and weaker charging.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro:
- Strengths: Extremely powerful processor, smoother 120Hz display with excellent brightness, significantly more storage and RAM, faster charging, much better cameras with versatile features, better video capabilities, newer Android OS, more advanced GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies.
- Competitive Advantages: Cutting-edge performance, premium camera system, future-proof technologies.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Heavier design, likely a much higher price.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Best Suited For: Users on a tight budget who prioritize a good-looking AMOLED display and a comfortable, lightweight design for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and basic app use.
- Use Cases: Casual multimedia consumption, basic gaming, and everyday communication.
- Price-to-Value: A more budget friendly option.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro:
- Best Suited For: Power users who need top-tier performance, serious mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone who wants the best in class experience.
- Use Cases: High-performance gaming, video and photo editing, professional-grade photography, and future-proof device.
- Price-to-Value: Premium smartphone, higher cost, but packed with features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your choice:
How important is gaming and performance to you? If you need top-tier performance and the smoothest experience, the Nubia is the only option here. The Infinix struggles with demanding tasks.
Do you need advanced photography/videography features? The Nubia offers a premium camera system with superior image quality, zoom capabilities, and advanced features like Optical Image Stabilization and 8K video.
How price-sensitive are you? The Infinix offers a good experience for a lower price. The Nubia is the much better phone, but it will cost significantly more.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Casual User: If you need a smartphone for basic tasks and entertainment on a tight budget, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is the more suitable choice.
- Scenario 2: Power User/Gamer: If you’re a power user or a mobile gamer, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the only phone to consider. The chipset and 120Hz screen with great brightness is the only option in this comparison.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you are passionate about mobile photography, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the clear winner due to its advanced camera system and features like OIS and RAW.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would go with the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. Here's why:
As a tech journalist who values performance, future-proofing, and cutting-edge capabilities, the Nubia fits my needs and priorities perfectly. The massive leap in performance offered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 chipset, coupled with the smoother and more vivid display, and the advanced camera setup, far outweighs its heavier build. I regularly test out the latest games and apps for my work, and need top-notch performance. The massive storage is ideal for me as I frequently shoot videos and high-resolution photos. While the cost will likely be much higher, I’d rather invest in a device that won’t be outdated any time soon, and offers the best in class experience. The Infinix is a solid budget phone, but for anyone who prioritizes performance and camera quality, the ZTE Nubia is the better choice.
