Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Infinix Note 12 G96. We're not just going to list specs; we're going to translate them into real-world experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specifications, focusing on what they mean for the average user:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 73.9 × 8.5 mm | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | The Infinix is slightly larger and wider, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use, and slightly thinner. |
| Weight | 179g | 185g | The Motorola is a bit lighter, which might be noticeable during longer use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | The Infinix provides a slightly larger screen, which can be preferable for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a sharp and detailed viewing experience, no real difference here. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 393 PPI | Both displays are sharp; difference is negligible to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks, excellent for video and photos. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard smoothness, no difference here; neither phone excels for high-refresh gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 650 nits | Infinix screen is much brighter and easier to see in direct sunlight, a key advantage. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Motorola has a more powerful and efficient processor; faster app loading, smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 396,564 | 307,000 | The Motorola is noticeably faster, which translates to better overall performance for most tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Motorola's GPU is typically better for graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar all-day battery life with moderate use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Fast charging support on both, but battery types are different (Li-Polymer vs. Li-Ion) – negligible difference in experience |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.6 | The Infinix has a wider aperture, potentially better in low light, but both use the same sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0 | The Infinix has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better in low light. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Motorola has a wide-angle lens for landscape and group photos. |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Infinix has a dedicated depth camera for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Motorola has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1440p@30fps | Infinix captures higher resolution videos, better clarity. But, both are good for social media. |
| Video Stabilisation | Yes | Yes | Both offer good stabilization, smooth footage. |
| Slow-Motion | Yes, 60fps | Yes, 120fps | Infinix can capture more detailed slow motion videos. |
| Camera Features | Optical zoom, PDAF, LAF, RAW, Continuous shooting | Manual focus, Night Mode | Motorola has more focus features. Infinix is more suited for low-light. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Infinix ships with a newer version of Android, but Motorola has an upgrade path. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11n | The Motorola supports faster Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Infinix has a slightly newer version, with enhanced data rate, better connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS | Motorola supports more satellite systems, offering better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | Both max out at 128 GB. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | Good options, choose the one you need. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Limited to the onboard storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Infinix offers stereo speakers which are better for media. Motorola offers Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Rear Fingerprint Sensor | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Infinix’s side-mounted sensor is generally more convenient. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Strengths: Superior performance thanks to the Snapdragon 695 chipset, a versatile camera setup with wide-angle and macro lenses, and more GPS satellite support. It has a more advanced Wi-Fi as well.
- Competitive Advantage: Faster and more efficient processor, better graphics, and a more versatile camera setup make it a strong contender for performance.
- Trade-offs: No expandable storage, slightly older OS at launch, lower display brightness.
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths: Larger and brighter display, higher video resolution (1440p), better selfie camera aperture, stereo speakers, and newer Bluetooth version.
- Competitive Advantage: Brighter screen, higher resolution video, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and newer OS.
- Trade-offs: Less powerful processor and less versatile camera, fewer GPS options, and no expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize overall performance, smooth multitasking, and a versatile camera setup. Gamers will appreciate the better GPU and processing. Users who depend on accurate GPS functionality.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, photography with multiple focal lengths, GPS navigation, everyday app usage.
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize media consumption, a large bright display, and good selfie capabilities. Users who care about screen visibility in sunlight.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, browsing social media, taking selfies, and outdoor use in bright sunlight.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is overall performance to you?
- If you need a phone that feels fast and responsive for gaming or multitasking, the Motorola is the better pick due to its more powerful chipset.
- How crucial is display brightness for you?
- If you often use your phone outdoors or in bright light, the Infinix is significantly better due to its higher brightness rating.
- What kind of photography do you do most often?
- If you like variety and need features like a wide-angle lens, then the Motorola is the better choice. If you want a better selfie camera, the Infinix wins in that department.
My Pick
If I were choosing between these two, I'd lean towards the Motorola Moto G71 5G. While the Infinix Note 12 G96 has some great advantages, particularly its screen and video capabilities, the Motorola's more powerful chipset, versatile camera and better GPS accuracy make it a more practical all-rounder for my needs. As a tech journalist, I often multitask, use maps frequently, and appreciate robust overall performance with good photography, and the Motorola delivers that. The Motorola is the more well rounded of the two. If I prioritized media consumption and bright screen usage the Infinix would have been the pick.
