Alright, let's dive deep into the Nokia C21 Plus and the Infinix Note 12 G96. On the surface, they might seem like they’re playing in the same ballpark, but a closer look reveals some significant differences that will impact your daily use. Let's get into it.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown, translating those spec sheets into real-world experiences:
| Feature | Nokia C21 Plus | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions (mm) | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 | The Infinix Note 12 G96 is marginally thinner, but both are similar in size, and pocketable. |
| Weight (g) | 178 | 185 | The Nokia C21 Plus feels a touch lighter, which might be noticeable during long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.52" | 6.7" | Infinix has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and multi-tasking. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | The Infinix screen is sharper and clearer, resulting in better text and image quality. The higher resolution of the Infinix makes content look much less blurry. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 393 | The Infinix offers crisper visuals with noticeably more detail, which could be very beneficial for reading text and watching videos. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED on the Infinix provides deeper blacks, richer colors, and better viewing angles compared to the IPS LCD on the Nokia. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard refresh rates which is good for everyday use, but nothing special for gaming or fast scrolling. |
| Brightness (nits) | 0 | 650 | The Infinix screen is much brighter, making it usable under direct sunlight, while the Nokia might struggle in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | The Mediatek Helio G96 in the Infinix offers notably better speed and efficiency, translating to smoother app launches and quicker multitasking and generally better performance. |
| AnTuTu Benchmark Score | 109,200 | 307,000 | The Infinix benchmarks significantly higher, so expect noticeably better performance and smoother gameplay. |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Infinix GPU is more powerful, offering better graphical performance for games and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP | 50MP | The Infinix should take much clearer, more detailed photos, especially in good lighting, due to the higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP | 16MP | The Infinix takes much sharper, more detailed selfies with its higher resolution sensor. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP | 2MP | Both have similar portrait cameras for depth effects, but Infinix has a wider aperture for better low light. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps | Infinix offers higher video resolution and slow motion options that are not available on the Nokia. |
| Camera Features | Dual, PDAF, Front Flash | Triple, DIS, Night Mode | Infinix has a night mode, allowing for better quality in low light. Nokia has front flash, for low-light selfies. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The larger battery in the Infinix likely translates to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 10W | 33W | The Infinix charges much faster than the Nokia. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | The Infinix should charge faster. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 12 | The Infinix runs on a more recent version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/n 5GHz | The Infinix offers more features including 5 GHz Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct and Wi-Fi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.1 LE | The Infinix has a newer Bluetooth version with a potentially more stable and energy-efficient connection. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS | The Nokia has more supported satellite systems which provides better location accuracy. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB | 64GB/128GB | The Infinix has higher storage options, offering significantly more space for your media. |
| RAM | 2GB/4GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | The Infinix has higher RAM options, allowing for more efficient multi-tasking and smoother performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone lets you expand storage, so choose the correct version for your needs. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Features | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | The Infinix has a slight edge in audio with a better stereo speaker system. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Scanner | Rear-Mounted | Side-Mounted | Side mounted is typically a better experience, as it is easier to use. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | The Infinix has more sensors, which can enhance the functionality of certain apps and games. |
2. Key Insights
Infinix Note 12 G96: This phone is the clear winner in terms of performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and battery features. It offers a much smoother and more enjoyable experience for daily tasks, gaming, and media consumption. The AMOLED screen and the faster charging are significant advantages. The better audio, more storage, and more ram will have a large impact on the user experience.
Nokia C21 Plus: This device is more of a basic smartphone that gets the job done. It comes with a lighter build and offers better GPS due to the fact it supports more satellites. It's designed for users with minimal needs or perhaps those who prefer the simplicity of Android 11, but is severely lacking compared to the Infinix in most categories.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Infinix Note 12 G96: This phone is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who need a phone that can handle multitasking, gaming, and heavy media consumption.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a vibrant display and high-quality audio for watching videos and listening to music.
- Photographers: Users who want a capable camera for everyday photography, especially in low light.
Nokia C21 Plus: This phone is best suited for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and casual use.
- First-Time Smartphone Buyers: People who prefer a simple, straightforward device.
- Users who Prefer Minimalist Software: Someone who isn’t interested in the newest version of android and prefers Android 11 for whatever reason.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
How important is performance and display quality for you? If these are your priority, the Infinix is a better option. If you’re fine with basic performance and an okay display, the Nokia is acceptable.
Do you take a lot of photos or videos? If so, the Infinix's better main camera and higher-resolution video recording capabilities make it a stronger contender. If you are just looking for basic camera capabilities then the Nokia will get the job done.
What is your budget? Both are likely priced to appeal to budget-conscious consumers, so the better question here is, are you willing to spend more for features like an AMOLED screen, faster charging, and a powerful chipset that are offered with the Infinix?
Personal Choice
If I were choosing, I'd go with the Infinix Note 12 G96 hands down. The difference in display quality alone is significant enough to make me favor the Infinix over the Nokia, not to mention the better performance, camera, and battery features that make for a much better and smoother user experience. It offers much better value for the money, even if it's a bit more expensive. The AMOLED screen, higher benchmarks, and faster charging are game-changers in daily use. In contrast, the Nokia C21 Plus feels like a generation behind and would only be a suitable option if your needs are very basic and you don’t want to spend much.
