Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 and the Infinix Note 12 G96. I'll approach this with my typical blend of technical insight and user-focused practicality.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, focusing on what they mean in the real world:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.4 × 74.2 × 6.8 mm | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | The Edge 30 is noticeably slimmer and more compact, which makes it more pocketable. The Note 12 G96 is larger in every dimension. |
| Weight | 155g | 185g | The Edge 30 is lighter making it much more comfortable to use for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | The Note 12 G96 offers a marginally larger display for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both provide sharp, detailed images for everyday use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 405 | 393 | Very similar, both are very sharp. The Edge 30 is just slightly more so. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 60Hz | The Edge 30's 144Hz refresh rate provides much smoother scrolling and animations, particularly noticeable in gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 650 nits | Infinix Note 12 G96 is much brighter and far more readable outdoors on a sunny day. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | MediaTek Helio G96 (12 nm) | The Edge 30 has a more powerful and efficient chip, resulting in faster app launches, better multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 609,900 | 307,000 | The Edge 30 has near double the performance. The Edge 30 provides a much snappier experience across all use cases. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G57 MC2 | Edge 30's GPU is significantly more powerful providing better graphics performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020 mAh | 5000 mAh | The Note 12 G96 likely offers longer battery life due to larger capacity. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | 33W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | Both offer fast charging, but battery tech is slightly different, though real world charging speeds are comparable. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensor, 1.0 µm pixels) | 50MP (f/1.6, 1/2.76" sensor, 0.64 µm pixels) | The Edge 30's larger sensor should result in superior low-light performance and better dynamic range. The Note 12 G96 has a wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.25, 1/3.14" sensor, 0.7 µm pixels) | 16MP (f/2.0) | The Edge 30 has a higher resolution front camera, which is great for detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/2.76" sensor, 0.64 µm pixels) | Not Present | Edge 30 has a versatile additional camera for wide and macro shots. Note 12 G96 lacks any such capability. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with HDR, EIS, Multiple options | 1440p@30fps | The Edge 30 has many more options, including 4k recording. Motorola's stabilisation and 120fps slow mo provide a far better video experience. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, RAW, More extensive feature set | Common Features | The Edge 30's additional features like OIS and RAW offer more control and flexibility when capturing images and videos. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (Upgradeable to 13) | Android 12 | Motorola has a commitment to at least one future version upgrade, Infinix does not. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | The Edge 30 supports the faster Wi-Fi 6 standard, useful if you have a compatible router. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | The Edge 30 has a newer Bluetooth version which has a higher range, better power efficiency, and increased speed. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS | Edge 30 supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | The Edge 30 offers up to 256GB of internal storage, catering to users with extensive storage needs. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 4 GB, 6 GB or 8 GB | Both have adequate RAM options, though lower end model of the Note 12 has significantly less. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | The Edge 30 has a richer, more immersive audio experience, including better audio capture for videos. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The side-mounted fingerprint reader on the Note 12 G96 is typically more convenient and faster to access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Edge 30 has better screen scratch protection. |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Edge 30 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ 5G chipset provides dramatically better performance in benchmarks, making the device faster, smoother, and more capable for demanding tasks such as gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Smoother Display: The 144Hz refresh rate display significantly enhances the user experience, especially for gaming and smooth scrolling.
- Better Camera System: The Edge 30's larger main sensor, more versatile wide-angle/macro lens, and advanced video features deliver higher quality photos and videos.
- More advanced connectivity: Edge 30 has improved bluetooth and Wi-fi speeds.
- More software support: Motorola has indicated they plan to upgrade to Android 13.
- Superior Build: With its Corning Gorilla Glass protection.
- Infinix Note 12 G96 Strengths:
- Brighter Display: Significantly brighter screen, which is critical for use in direct sunlight.
- Longer Battery Life: The larger battery provides longer endurance between charges.
- More accessible Fingerprint Reader: Side mounted fingerprint reader is often preferred by users.
- Lower Cost: The Infinix Note 12 G96 is likely more budget-friendly, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a balance of features and affordability.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, mobile gamers, social media creators, and users who value a smooth and responsive user experience with excellent cameras and strong performance.
- Use Cases: Gaming, content creation, smooth multitasking, video consumption, and capturing high quality photos and videos.
- Value Proposition: If you want the most performance for the money, and have an emphasis on a good display and camera, the Edge 30 is likely the better choice.
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, those who need a long-lasting battery, users who often are outside in sunny environments.
- Use Cases: Everyday use, extended battery life for travel, browsing, media consumption, and general mobile tasks.
- Value Proposition: If you are on a budget, but also prioritize a big battery, a bright display, and a larger size, the Note 12 could be the better fit.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these phones:
- How important is performance to you? If you want the snappiest and most fluid experience, with a focus on gaming and heavy use, the Edge 30 is clearly superior. If you are an average user and do not prioritize the latest performance, the Note 12 will be adequate.
- How important is display brightness to you? If you regularly use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight, the Note 12 G96's much brighter screen is a significant advantage. If you are often indoors, the Edge 30's superior smoothness and display tech is likely more important.
- How much is your budget? If budget is of a concern, the Note 12 is more likely to be cheaper. If you are willing to spend more, you will be rewarded with far more performance from the Edge 30.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Casual User with a Strict Budget
- Recommendation: Infinix Note 12 G96. Its longer battery and adequate performance will suit daily needs while being more budget friendly.
- Scenario 2: The Mobile Gamer or Power User
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 30. The significantly higher performance and the smoother refresh rate, paired with improved camera quality and better video quality is essential for heavy use and gaming.
- Scenario 3: The Outdoor Worker
- Recommendation: Infinix Note 12 G96. The significantly better screen brightness is crucial when you're outdoors, making it much more usable in direct sunlight.
My Choice:
If I had to choose, I would go for the Motorola Edge 30. While the Infinix Note 12 G96 has a few advantages such as its longer battery life and higher brightness, the Edge 30's performance is just far superior. The chipset is significantly faster, it has a much better display and camera system, and the 144hz refresh rate is a game changer. For me, those benefits outweigh the extra battery life and brightness of the Note 12. Furthermore, my work often involves high intensity mobile use cases, and my preference is for the best overall experience, and not necessarily the most budget conscious one. If money was no object, I would always pick the Edge 30.
