1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | Infinix is slightly taller and wider, but thinner. A02 is bulkier and might feel less comfortable in hand |
| Weight | 206g | 185g | Infinix is significantly lighter, improving comfort for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard builds, no specific material differences are noted |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Infinix has a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Infinix has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 270 | 393 | Infinix has a noticeably higher pixel density, offering a significantly crisper visual experience. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Infinix has superior color reproduction, deeper blacks, better contrast and potentially better power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard refresh rates; no difference in smoothness. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 650 nits | Infinix is much brighter, significantly improving outdoor visibility. Samsung's brightness is not specified. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Infinix has a more modern and efficient chipset, resulting in better performance and power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 50,774 | 307,000 | Infinix has vastly superior performance, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Infinix has a more powerful GPU, providing better gaming and graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 13MP | 50MP | Infinix captures more detailed images due to its higher resolution sensor. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.9 | f/1.6 | Infinix captures better images in low light, thanks to the wider aperture. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | Not specified | 1/2.76" | Infinix likely has a better image quality due to a larger sensor (when pixel size is comparable). |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Not specified | Samsung S5KJN1 | Infinix's sensor is from Samsung. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 1.12 µm | 0.64 µm | Samsung's pixels are larger but that's not the whole story of image quality and with the 50 MP resolution of the Infinix, it seems the Infinix main camera will be much better. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 5MP | 16MP | Infinix takes higher quality selfies with more detail. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.0 | Both have the same aperture on selfie cameras. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP (depth) | Infinix allows for depth-of-field effects for more artistic portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Samsung allows for close-up shots of small objects. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps | Infinix records higher resolution videos, potentially offering better detail. |
| Slow Motion | No | Yes (120 fps) | Infinix can record slow motion video, enabling creative shots. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Dual camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Infinix offers more advanced features like image stabilization, night mode and manual focus for better image and video quality in various scenarios. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, which should provide similar battery life under similar usage conditions. |
| Charging | 7.5W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Infinix charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both phones do not have removable batteries. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Infinix has a more modern OS version, benefiting from the latest features and security updates. |
| Max Android Version | Android 11 | Not Specified | Samsung's support ends with Android 11. Infinix's OS updates are not specified. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, Wi-Fi Hotspot | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | Infinix supports more Wi-Fi bands for a better range and faster speeds and has more advanced features like Wi-Fi Direct, and Wi-Fi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID | Infinix has a more modern Bluetooth version, offering better range, faster transfer speeds, and more profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS | Samsung supports GLONASS, which provides slightly improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones allow use of two SIMs simultaneously. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 32 GB or 64 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | Infinix offers more storage capacity, allowing for more apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 2 GB or 3 GB or 4 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | Infinix has more RAM, which results in smoother multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, limiting future storage expansion. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Infinix has better audio features for a more immersive experience, while Samsung has Dolby Atmos. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Basic security features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Infinix provides biometric security, offering added convenience and security. Samsung's security is not specified. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Infinix has a better sensor set, which enhances functionality in gaming, and more. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02 Advantages:
- Macro Lens: It has a dedicated macro lens, useful for taking close-up shots of small objects, though the resolution might be low.
- GLONASS Support: It supports GLONASS for slightly better GPS accuracy.
Dolby Atmos: It has Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio quality for certain usage scenarios.
Infinix Note 12 G96 Advantages:
Superior Display: AMOLED display with higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness for a much better viewing experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Much more powerful chipset and GPU for smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution primary and selfie cameras, wider aperture on the main camera, plus dedicated depth sensor, resulting in better picture quality and creative options.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging allows much quicker charging times compared to the slower 7.5W charging of the Samsung.
- More RAM and Storage: More RAM and storage options, better for multitasking and storage.
- Modern Software: Ships with a more recent Android version (Android 12 vs. Android 10), resulting in improved performance and features.
- Advanced Connectivity: Better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions for faster and more reliable connections.
- Enhanced Audio Stereo Speakers and DTS/ DTS X support for more immersive audio experience
- Fingerprint Sensor: Has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric security.
Better Sensors: Features more sensors for better gaming and functionalities
Significant Trade-offs:
Samsung Galaxy A02: Lags in almost every performance and feature category. Main advantage is macro lens and better GPS positioning.
- Infinix Note 12 G96: Lacks a dedicated macro camera. It doesn't have Dolby Atmos.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02 Ideal Users:
- Basic Users: Individuals who primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing.
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Users who prioritize cost above all else.
- Users Needing Macro Lens: Users needing a dedicated macro lens for close up shots.
- Users needing more GPS systems: Users who need more accurate GPS, with GLONASS support
Samsung Galaxy A02 Use Cases:
- Simple tasks such as calling and texting
- Basic social media browsing
- Basic multimedia consumption
- Taking very close photos
Infinix Note 12 G96 Ideal Users:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos, play games, and consume content on their phone.
- Camera Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize taking better quality photos and videos, particularly in low-light conditions.
- Power Users: Individuals who multitask heavily and require a phone with good performance.
- Users looking for security: Users looking for more security features such as the fingerprint sensor.
Infinix Note 12 G96 Use Cases:
- Watching videos and movies
- Playing graphics intensive mobile games
- Capturing high quality photos and videos
- Multitasking between apps
- Night photography
- Video recording with slow motion capabilities
Price-to-Value:
The Infinix Note 12 G96 offers a significantly better value due to its much superior performance, display, and camera capabilities. While the exact pricing was not provided, even at a slightly higher price, it provides a better experience for most users. The Samsung Galaxy A02, by comparison, feels very dated and limiting in many ways.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? If you prioritize sharp, vivid displays with good outdoor visibility, the Infinix is superior due to its AMOLED panel.
- How important is performance? If you plan to do more than basic tasks, such as gaming or multitasking, the Infinix offers a much better performance.
- How important is camera quality? If you value better photos, the Infinix comes with a much superior sensor, higher resolution, and better low-light capabilities.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget is the main priority): If cost is the absolute deciding factor and basic usage is all that's required, the Samsung Galaxy A02 is a choice with significant performance and feature limitations.
- Scenario 2 (Multimedia is important): If you prioritize watching videos, playing games, and using social media, the Infinix Note 12 G96 offers a much better experience.
- Scenario 3 (Camera quality is critical): If you plan to take a lot of photos or videos, and quality matters, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is far superior with its higher resolution camera and additional camera features.
Final Decision:
I would choose the Infinix Note 12 G96. The differences between the two phones are vast. The Infinix Note 12 G96 offers significant upgrades across all key areas – display, performance, camera, charging, and software. While the lack of a macro lens on the Infinix is a minor drawback, the superior performance and overall feature set of the Infinix Note 12 G96 make it the better choice for almost every user and use case scenario. The AMOLED screen is a huge advantage. The higher performance means the phone will likely remain usable for a longer period. It offers a significantly better value.
