Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G 5G vs. Infinix Note 12 G96
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-07 | 2022-05-16 | Infinix Note 12 G96 is newer, potentially with more recent software and features. |
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | Infinix Note 12 G96 is thinner and slightly shorter, potentially making it feel less bulky in hand, but both have a similar width. |
| Weight | 212g | 185g | Infinix Note 12 G96 is significantly lighter, offering more comfort during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have large screens, suitable for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals with a similar pixel density. |
| PPI | 393 | 393 | Both have similar screen clarity |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Infinix Note 12 G96's AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency when using dark themes, better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have a standard refresh rate, fine for most users but less smooth than 90hz or 120hz screens |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 650 nits | Infinix Note 12 G96 has much higher brightness, offering significantly better visibility in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm) | MediaTek Helio G96 (12nm) | Motorola's Snapdragon 750G is more powerful and energy-efficient. In real-world use, this leads to faster loading times, smoother multitasking, and generally a snappier experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 307,000 | Motorola Moto G 5G has a higher performance. This suggests slightly faster app loading, smoother operation for most tasks and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Motorola Moto G 5G's GPU is typically more powerful for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming, while the Mali GPU is still capable but less potent. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, which is typically sufficient for a full day of moderate usage. |
| Charging | 20W | 33W | Infinix Note 12 G96 charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime for charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP f/1.7, 0.8µm | 50MP f/1.6, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Infinix has a slightly higher resolution sensor and a wider aperture, potentially giving better low-light performance but the pixel size is smaller which could result in less light collection. |
| Front Main Camera | 16MP f/2.2, 1.0µm | 16MP f/2.0 | Infinix Note 12 G96 has a wider aperture, potentially capturing more light for better selfies in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2, 1.12µm | N/A | Motorola Moto G 5G includes a wide-angle camera, enabling a broader field of view for group photos or landscapes. |
| Portrait Lens | N/A | 2MP f/2.4 | Infinix Note 12 G96 has a depth sensor for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4, 1.75µm | N/A | Motorola Moto G 5G offers a macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps (EIS) | 1440p@30fps | Motorola Moto G 5G has more versatile video recording capabilities and a 4K option with electronic image stabilization. Infinix has a higher slow-motion capability, at 120fps compared to 60fps. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 12 | Infinix Note 12 G96 offers newer Android version, which will have additional features and improvements, but may also have more software bloat. The Motorola is running an older operating system, with potential lack of updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11n | Motorola Moto G 5G has a more advanced Wi-Fi standard, potentially leading to faster speeds when connected to a compatible router. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE | Both support the same bluetooth version, but the infinix has an additional protocol for compatibility with more peripherals |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS | Motorola Moto G 5G supports more satellite navigation systems for better accuracy and faster location locks. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Infinix Note 12 G96 offers an additional RAM option (8GB), better for running multiple apps and heavier tasks such as gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, so users are stuck with the internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Stereo Speakers, DTS / DTS X | Infinix Note 12 G96 has better sound quality with its stereo speakers and DTS/DTS X support compared to the Motorola's 2 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Infinix Note 12 G96's side-mounted sensor is generally more convenient for unlocking the phone. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 750G chipset and higher AnTuTu score result in a more responsive and smoother user experience.
- Better Camera Versatility: The inclusion of a wide-angle and macro lens provides flexibility in photography.
- More Accurate GPS: Support for GLONASS, SUPL, and Galileo ensures better location accuracy.
- More Advanced WiFi: The 802.11ac standard potentially provides higher WiFi speeds.
- Better Video Recording: Higher quality 4K video recording and EIS across 4K and 1080p, better video recording performance.
- Additional Camera Features: The inclusion of features such as PDAF, LAF, continuous shooting, and RAW capabilities.
Infinix Note 12 G96 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors.
- Significantly Higher Brightness: 650 nits makes it much more usable in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging reduces downtime.
- Newer Operating System: Android 12 offers the latest features and improvements (but might be bloated).
- More RAM Option: An 8GB RAM option is available, better for multitasking and heavy usage.
- Better audio output: Stereo speakers and DTS / DTS X for enhanced sound.
- Better Selfie Camera: Wider front camera aperture, for better light intake.
- Lighter: The device is 27 grams lighter than the Motorola making it comfortable for extended use.
- Wider main camera aperture: Potentially better low-light images.
- Better slow-motion capability: Can record up to 120fps.
- Additional Bluetooth Protocols: Support for Human Interface Profile.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola Moto G 5G: Loses out on display quality, brightness, charging speed, and lacks a portrait lens.
- Infinix Note 12 G96: Sacrifices some performance, camera versatility with the wide-angle and macro lens, and GPS accuracy, slower video recording, less features in camera, and has a smaller sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal User:
- Performance-Focused Users: Those who prioritize a smoother experience, faster app loading, and better gaming on a budget.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want flexibility in their photography with a wide-angle, and macro lens.
- Outdoor Navigators: People who need reliable GPS for navigation and exploration.
- Video Recording: Users who need higher video quality, and electronic image stabilization.
Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming, Multitasking, Reliable GPS, Versatile Photography, 4k Video Recording
Infinix Note 12 G96 Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize display quality for watching videos, movies, and photos, also those who listen to audio on the phone.
- Outdoor Users: People who need a bright display for use in direct sunlight.
- Power Users: Those who desire faster charging to reduce downtime, and more RAM for more demanding tasks.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize better selfies, especially in low-light conditions.
- Users who want newer Android experience: Users who want to have the latest Android features.
Use Cases:
- Media Consumption (videos, movies, photos), bright outdoor use, Fast Charging, Gaming, Selfie Photography, Social Media
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality and brightness to you? (AMOLED vs IPS LCD, Brightness levels)
- Do you prioritize performance or faster charging? (Chipset and AnTuTu vs Charging speed)
- How important is versatile photography versus specific display technology? (Camera lens options vs AMOLED)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy gamer, indoors, on a budget: The Motorola Moto G 5G is better due to its superior performance.
- Scenario 2: Frequent traveler in bright sunlight, watches a lot of video, and values battery life: The Infinix Note 12 G96 is better due to its high brightness AMOLED display and faster charging speed.
- Scenario 3: Casual user who values camera versatility and performance for general use: The Motorola Moto G 5G is slightly better due to its versatile camera and performance advantage,
- Scenario 4: Social media user who takes lots of selfies and values a high quality display: The Infinix Note 12 G96 is better because of its brighter AMOLED display, better selfie camera and is more modern.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two devices, I would lean towards the Infinix Note 12 G96. The reason behind this decision is that while the Motorola might offer a slight edge in performance, the overall user experience would be better with the Infinix due to its superior display quality and higher brightness. I primarily use my phone for media consumption, browsing, and social media, and the AMOLED screen would make a noticeable difference in my daily use, as well as the faster charging and newer Android OS. I do not value the extra camera lenses as much, and am willing to give up some performance for a better display, battery, and a newer OS.
