1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme GT 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.5 × 73.3 × 8.4 mm | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | Realme GT 5G is more compact, easier for one-handed use, while Infinix Note 12 G96 has a larger footprint. |
| Weight | 186g | 185g | Negligible difference; both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | Infinix Note 12 G96 provides a slightly more immersive viewing experience for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness, suitable for daily use. |
| PPI | 409 | 393 | Minimal difference; both displays will appear equally sharp to most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhancing viewing quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Realme GT 5G offers much smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in gaming and UI navigation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 650 nits | Infinix Note 12 G96 will be much easier to see under bright sunlight, while Realme GT 5G brightness is unspecified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Realme GT 5G has a significantly more powerful chipset for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 912,342 | 307,000 | Realme GT 5G provides dramatically better performance, faster app loading, smoother multitasking and high-end gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Realme GT 5G has a superior GPU for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Realme GT 5G captures more detailed images in good lighting conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.6 | Infinix Note 12 G96 should perform slightly better in low light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/2.76" | Realme GT 5G's larger sensor captures more light and detail for better overall image quality |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX682 Exmor RS | Samsung S5KJN1 | Different sensor technologies with different image characteristics. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.64 µm | Realme GT 5G should gather more light and have better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 16MP | Both capture similar details in selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.5 | f/2.0 | Infinix Note 12 G96 performs slightly better in low-light for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.3 | No | Realme GT 5G offers more versatile photography with a wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | No | 2MP, f/2.4 | Infinix Note 12 G96 offers enhanced portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | Realme GT 5G offers a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps (Realme GT 5G) | Up to 1440p@30fps | Realme GT 5G offers higher video recording quality, suitable for professional use and video recording enthusiasts. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Infinix Note 12 G96 has slightly longer battery life between charges, suitable for heavy users. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Realme GT 5G charges the phone considerably faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 | Infinix Note 12 G96 has a more recent version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n | Realme GT 5G has newer WiFi standard support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | Realme GT 5G has slightly more advanced Bluetooth functionality |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS | Realme GT 5G provides more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | Realme GT 5G offers a larger storage option, better for users with a lot of media or apps. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Realme GT 5G provides a more robust experience for multitasking and gaming, especially with the 12GB option. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so users should choose the storage option carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | DTS / DTS X | Realme GT 5G has superior audio quality and features, ideal for audiophiles. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Infinix Note 12 G96 has a more convenient fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Infinix Note 12 G96 has a Gyroscope for more complex motion tracking, Realme GT 5G has a compass sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme GT 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: Snapdragon 888 chipset provides superior processing power for gaming, heavy app usage, and multitasking.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate results in a much more fluid visual experience.
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution main sensor, larger sensor size, and additional lenses (wide-angle, macro) offer more versatile photography options.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging rapidly replenishes the battery.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, enhances audio experience.
- More RAM & Storage Options: Comes in 12GB RAM and 256GB storage versions.
- More Accurate GPS: Supports more satellite systems.
- Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions
Infinix Note 12 G96 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Slightly more screen real estate for content consumption.
- Better Outdoor Visibility: Higher brightness makes the display easier to see in sunlight.
- Longer Battery Life: Slightly larger battery offers better endurance.
- Wider Aperture on Main and Selfie Cameras: Provides slightly better low light performance.
- More Convenient Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted placement might be preferred by some users.
- Gyroscope: For users needing complex motion sensing, such as VR applications
- More recent Android Version Out of the Box
Trade-offs:
- Realme GT 5G: Lower battery capacity, lower brightness, basic fingerprint sensor, missing gyroscope.
- Infinix Note 12 G96: Significantly weaker performance, slower display, less versatile camera, and slower charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme GT 5G is ideal for:
- Gamers: Demanding games will perform better due to the powerful processor and GPU, and the higher refresh rate screen.
- Power Users: Those who multitask heavily, edit videos, and use demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Benefit from the versatility of its triple camera system.
- Audiophiles: Users who appreciate high-quality audio will enjoy the Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio features
- Users looking for the fastest charging speed.
Infinix Note 12 G96 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for an affordable phone with a good display.
- Media Consumers: People who primarily use their phone for watching videos and browsing.
- Users who prioritize Battery life: Those who need a phone that can last a full day with heavy usage.
- Users who want good outdoor visibility: People who frequently use their phone in sunny environments.
- Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint scanner
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Performance Needs: How important is top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications?
- Display Priorities: Is a smoother 120Hz refresh rate or better outdoor visibility more important?
- Camera Versatility vs. Low-Light Performance: Do you need a more versatile camera system with a wide-angle lens, or is better low-light performance on the main sensor more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gaming & High Performance: Choose the Realme GT 5G. The superior processor and 120Hz display will provide a much better experience.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Media Consumption: Choose the Infinix Note 12 G96. The larger, brighter screen and larger battery are ideal for casual users on a budget.
- Scenario 3: Photography Versatility: Choose the Realme GT 5G. Its triple camera system with a wide-angle lens and higher resolution gives greater flexibility.
- Scenario 4: Long Battery Life and Outdoor Use: Choose the Infinix Note 12 G96. The larger battery and higher brightness are advantageous for extended use and visibility in sunny conditions.
- Scenario 5: General use with some gaming: Choose the Realme GT 5G. Even for less intensive use cases, the superior overall performance and smoother display provide a more satisfying experience.
My Choice and Why
If I were to choose, I would pick the Realme GT 5G. While the Infinix Note 12 G96 has a larger battery, better brightness and low light performance, the performance gap is simply too significant. The Realme GT 5G's Snapdragon 888 chip, paired with the 120Hz display, faster charging, and superior audio and camera system, provide a much more premium and overall enjoyable experience. The smoother animations, better image quality, and significantly faster performance would greatly enhance my daily usage and overall satisfaction. Although the battery life is slightly smaller, the 65W charging more than makes up for it. I can simply charge it for 10 minutes to get a large boost. The Realme GT 5G is just a more well rounded phone for my needs.
