Alright, let's get into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G31 and the Infinix Note 12 G96. As always, I'll focus on what these specifications mean for you, the user, in real-world scenarios.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a side-by-side look at the specs, along with what they mean for your daily experience:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-06 | 2022-05-16 | Infinix is newer by about 5 months, potentially offering more up-to-date software and components. |
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm, 181g | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm, 185g | Infinix is slightly larger and heavier, while both are fairly manageable in the hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | Infinix has a slightly bigger screen, potentially better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed displays. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 393 | Moto G31 is slightly sharper; the difference in PPI is minimal and unlikely to be noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant, high-contrast AMOLED displays, great for viewing content. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard 60Hz refresh rate means animations and scrolling will be smooth. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 650 nits | Infinix is significantly brighter, making it much easier to view the screen in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Infinix has a more powerful chip, so expect faster app launches and smoother performance overall. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 307,000 | Infinix is faster (approx 36% improvement) based on benchmarks, better for more demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Infinix has a slightly more powerful GPU, aiding in slightly improved graphics performance during gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Infinix charges much faster, reducing waiting time significantly. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.6 | Infinix has a slightly wider aperture (f/1.6), which could result in better low-light performance for main camera. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0 | Infinix has a slightly higher resolution selfie cam with a wider aperture, potentially better for low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | Moto G31 offers a wide-angle lens for more flexible shooting options. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Infinix has a depth sensor, aiding in portrait mode with background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G31 includes a macro lens, for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps; slow-motion 120fps | 1440p@30fps; slow-motion 120fps | Infinix can record at 1440p resolution, offering more detailed video quality |
| Camera Features | Optical zoom, PDAF, LAF, RAW, continuous shooting | Night Mode, Manual focus | Moto G31 offers a comprehensive range of features for different scenarios and more advanced photo editing options; Infinix offers manual controls and better night photography. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Infinix has the newer version of Android, meaning better security, newer features, and performance improvements. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11n | Moto G31 supports newer WiFi, offering faster speeds and more reliability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Infinix has a more modern Bluetooth version, potentially offering more range and stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS | Moto G31 supports more satellite systems for more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 64GB or 128GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | Infinix offers higher RAM options, leading to better multitasking and performance, especially on the 8GB version. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows additional storage via microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Infinix has a slightly better audio experience for general media consumption, while Moto G31 offers Dolby Atmos and two microphones for better audio recording. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G31 Strengths:
- Sharp Display: While both have great AMOLED panels, the slightly higher pixel density of the Moto G31 results in a marginally sharper image.
- Versatile Camera: Offers a wide-angle lens, macro lens, PDAF, LAF, and RAW output, providing more options for different types of photography.
- Location Accuracy: Supports multiple satellite systems, which should lead to more reliable and accurate GPS performance.
- Modern Wi-Fi Standard: Its 802.11ac WiFi allows for better speeds and reliability
Infinix Note 12 G96 Strengths:
- Brighter Display: The much higher brightness makes it much easier to see the screen in bright sunlight.
- Faster Performance: The Helio G96 chipset offers better performance in terms of app loading times and overall responsiveness.
- Quicker Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces the time it takes to charge the phone, very useful for anyone on the go.
- More RAM Options: Has options for up to 8GB of RAM for those that want more multitasking capabilities
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 12 out of the box, offering updated features, better security, and performance improvements.
Trade-offs
- The Moto G31 sacrifices brightness and performance for the inclusion of a wide-angle and macro camera and better satellite support for location.
- The Infinix Note 12 G96 sacrifices the versatile camera system for a brighter display, better performance, and faster charging.
- Both lack expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G31
- Photography Enthusiasts: The inclusion of a wide-angle lens, macro lens, and various autofocus systems makes it a great pick for users who enjoy experimenting with smartphone photography. The ability to shoot RAW photos also gives the user more control over post processing.
- Navigation Users: The support for GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, and Galileo satellites makes it more accurate for location-based activities, from hiking to city navigation.
- Budget-Conscious: Good for users who are looking for a budget friendly option, while getting solid display and camera specs
Infinix Note 12 G96
- Media Consumers: With a larger, much brighter display, the Infinix is great for streaming videos and movies, particularly in bright conditions.
- Performance Seekers: The faster processor and optional 8GB RAM makes this a better choice for users who engage in resource-intensive tasks, like gaming or heavy multitasking.
- On-the-go Users: The 33W charging capabilities are great for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day.
- Users who want up to date software: The Infinix ships with Android 12, compared to the Moto G31's Android 11.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display brightness to you? If you frequently use your phone outdoors or in bright lighting, the Infinix's much brighter display is a big advantage.
- Do you do a lot of photography and editing with your phone? The Moto G31's versatile camera system and RAW support offer a wider variety of features for more photography control.
- What's your priority: performance or battery charging? If raw speed and multitasking are key, the Infinix is the better pick, but its quick charging is extremely convenient and a game changer for many.
Scenario-based Recommendations:
- Outdoor enthusiast/Traveler: Go with the Moto G31 for better GPS accuracy and flexible camera setup.
- Gamer/Power User: Choose the Infinix Note 12 G96 for the faster processor and higher RAM options.
- Daily Multimedia User: Opt for the Infinix Note 12 G96 for the larger, brighter screen and faster charging.
My Choice
If it were my money, I'd go for the Infinix Note 12 G96. Here's why:
I often find myself using my phone outdoors and in varying lighting conditions, so the extra brightness of the Infinix is just too practical to pass up. I often play a few games or do some light photo editing on my phone, and the performance and extra RAM make the experience that much smoother, and I also appreciate the faster charging as I find myself on the go quite often. While the Motorola's camera flexibility and GPS are good, the Infinix just lines up better with my usual daily activities and priorities. Plus, the upgrade to Android 12 offers a more up-to-date experience.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. Both of these phones offer a lot of value in their price range, but it's all about which one fits your lifestyle better.
