Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9R vs. Infinix Note 12 G96
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-14 | 2022-05-16 | Infinix Note 12 G96 is a newer device, potentially having a longer software update life. |
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm, 189g | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm, 185g | Infinix Note 12 G96 is slightly larger and lighter; OnePlus 9R is a bit thicker. Size difference is barely noticeable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.7" | Infinix Note 12 G96 offers slightly more screen real estate, beneficial for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals with the same resolution. |
| PPI | 402 | 393 | Both have similar pixel density, so sharpness is virtually indistinguishable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | OnePlus 9R has smoother scrolling, gaming, and UI animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 650 nits | Infinix Note 12 G96 should be significantly easier to view in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7nm) | Helio G96 (12nm) | OnePlus 9R chipset is significantly more powerful, offering faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 307,000 | OnePlus 9R delivers much higher performance, suitable for demanding users. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 MC2 | OnePlus 9R has a much stronger GPU, resulting in better graphics for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Infinix Note 12 G96 offers potentially longer battery life due to the larger capacity. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | 33W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | OnePlus 9R charges significantly faster. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76" | Infinix Note 12 G96 has a wider aperture but smaller sensor. OnePlus 9R has larger sensor for better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 16MP, f/2.0 | Infinix Note 12 G96 should perform better in low-light selfies with the wider aperture, sensor size missing. |
| Wide Angle | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09" | None | OnePlus 9R can take wide-angle photos. |
| Portrait | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer depth sensing for portrait mode. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R can take close-up macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | 1440p@30fps | OnePlus 9R offers higher quality video recording with more advanced features. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | OnePlus 9R offers more advanced video stabilization. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, RAW | Night Mode | OnePlus 9R offers higher-end features; Infinix Note 12 G96 offers specific feature like Night Mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Infinix Note 12 G96 has a more recent Android version out-of-the-box, but OnePlus 9R can be upgraded to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), MIMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | OnePlus 9R has faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, AptX, LDAC, AAC | 5.1, EDR, HID | Both have good Bluetooth, OnePlus 9R has more advanced codecs, Infinix Note 12 G96 has EDR and HID. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS | OnePlus 9R offers more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both can use two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | OnePlus 9R offers more storage in the higher capacity model, but both have similar configurations available. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | OnePlus 9R is available with more RAM in higher end variants. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9R provides a more premium audio experience with Dolby Atmos and a noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Infinix Note 12 G96 has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | OnePlus 9R includes a compass, Infinix Note 12 G96 has an additional gravity sensor, generally more sensors result in more available functionality. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones lack explicit information about the screen protection being used. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset and Adreno 650 GPU offer significantly higher performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and smoother overall usage.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel much more fluid.
- Advanced Camera Features: Includes Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF), RAW image capture, and 4K video recording at 60fps, leading to higher quality photos and videos. Also provides additional lenses like Wide Angle and Macro.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging is significantly faster, reducing downtime.
- Better Audio: Features Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation microphone, enhancing both listening and call quality.
- More Storage and RAM: The highest configuration variant has 256GB storage and 12 GB of RAM, this is much more than Infinix which only has 128GB of storage and 8 GB of RAM.
- Better Wi-Fi and GPS: Supports Wi-Fi 6, MIMO, and more satellite systems for better network and location performance.
More Sensors: Additional compass sensor for more advanced functionality.
Infinix Note 12 G96 Advantages:
Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Brighter Display: 650 nits brightness provides superior outdoor visibility.
- More recent OS out-of-box: Android 12 is more recent than Android 10 that OnePlus 9R ships with, but OnePlus 9R can be updated to Android 13.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Generally considered to be more convenient to use than basic fingerprint sensor.
- Wider Aperture Selfie Camera: The f/2.0 aperture on the selfie camera should perform better in low-light conditions (although sensor size is unknown).
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R: Smaller battery, potentially less visible screen in direct sunlight, higher price point.
- Infinix Note 12 G96: Significantly lower performance, 60Hz display might feel less smooth, less feature rich camera, lower charging speeds.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, content creators, those who value performance, display smoothness, and advanced camera features.
- Use Cases: High-end mobile gaming, video editing, photography, fast-paced multitasking, watching high-quality video content and a more premium audio experience.
- Value Proposition: A device focused on premium features and performance. It might come at a higher price point but delivers where it matters most for demanding users.
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, general consumers, those who prioritize battery life and screen brightness over peak performance and the highest end features.
- Use Cases: Daily social media use, media consumption, photography in bright conditions, prolonged usage without needing to recharge as often.
- Value Proposition: A more affordable option with practical features, great for everyday usage with a priority on extended battery life and good screen visibility.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, social media, photography, everyday use, etc.)
- How important are performance and smoothness to you? (Do you need the fastest performance, or are you okay with basic functionality?)
- What is your budget? (Are you looking for the best value, or are you willing to pay more for premium features?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance User: If you play demanding games, edit videos, or need the snappiest performance, the OnePlus 9R is the clear choice. Its raw performance is significantly superior.
- Scenario 2: Budget Conscious & Outdoor Use: If you want a reliable device with a long battery life and good screen visibility in bright conditions, and don't do too much intensive gaming or high-end video editing, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is more suitable.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Experience: If you can afford it and want a good overall phone with a blend of performance, features and a smooth display, the OnePlus 9R still provides a superior experience than Infinix Note 12 G96. It will provide a smoother experience overall.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus 9R. While the Infinix Note 12 G96 has some appealing features like a slightly larger battery and a brighter display, the OnePlus 9R offers a significantly better overall experience due to its vastly superior performance, smoother display, higher-end camera features, faster charging, more advanced audio, and more RAM in the high end model. As someone who values performance for gaming, multitasking, and quality photo and video capture, the OnePlus 9R aligns better with my needs. Although it might cost more, the improved user experience and higher build quality justify the additional expense for me.
