1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | Infinix is slightly taller and wider but thinner. The A12 is slightly bulkier. |
| Weight | 205g | 185g | Infinix is significantly lighter, better for one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Infinix has a slightly larger screen for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Infinix display is noticeably sharper, with more detail. |
| PPI | 270 | 393 | Infinix has much higher pixel density, resulting in sharper text and images. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Infinix has superior blacks, color vibrancy, and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have the same standard refresh rate for basic usage. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 650 nits | Infinix screen is much more viewable under sunlight. The Samsung's brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Infinix has a much more powerful chipset for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 307,000 | Infinix will offer significantly faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Infinix has a better GPU for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, with endurance depending on use. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Infinix will recharge its battery much faster, convenient for busy users. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Infinix offers a slightly higher resolution and wider aperture, better in low light. The Samsung has a larger sensor size. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0 | Infinix captures higher resolution selfies with better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung offers a telephoto camera for zoom, but performance is often limited. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung offers an ultra-wide-angle camera for group shots or wide landscapes, though quality is not optimal. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer basic portrait mode, with similar performance. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps | Infinix captures higher resolution videos. |
| Slow-motion | No, 30 fps | Yes, 120 fps | Infinix allows for smoother, higher frame-rate slow-motion recording. |
| DxoMark Score | 90 (Mobile), 0 (Photo), 0 (Video) | Not Available | Samsung has DxoMark scores available. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Continuous shooting | Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Manual focus, Night Mode | Infinix has digital image stabilization, Manual focus and Night Mode. Samsung has Continuous shooting |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Infinix has a more recent version of Android, providing the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n; Dual Band, Hotspot, Direct | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz; Dual Band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | Infinix supports 5GHz WiFi, providing faster speeds and less congestion. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Infinix has a more recent Bluetooth version, offering better range and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS | Samsung offers more satellite options for precise location services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Infinix offers a minimum of 64GB of storage. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Infinix offers configurations up to 8GB RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Infinix provides a more immersive audio experience with stereo speakers and DTS support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both feature fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Infinix has a gyroscope for better gaming and AR/VR. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Telephoto and Wide-Angle Cameras: Offers more camera versatility, although the image quality is often limited.
- More GPS satellite options: Samsung supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- DxoMark Score: Has been tested for mobile camera by DxOMark.
- More Bluetooth features: Supports more Bluetooth profiles, although the version is older.
Practical Implications:
- The additional camera lenses can be useful for specific shooting scenarios, but the quality is not optimal.
- Having more satellite options for GPS can help with location accuracy.
Infinix Note 12 G96 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers better colors, contrast, and viewing angles, alongside much better brightness.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Helio G96 chipset and higher AnTuTu score result in smoother and faster experience.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging dramatically reduces charging times.
- Better Main and Selfie Cameras: Slightly higher resolution and better aperture for better low-light performance.
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 12, offering the latest features and security.
- Stereo Speakers and DTS: Improved audio experience for media consumption.
- Gyroscope: Enhances gaming and AR/VR experiences.
- Higher RAM Configurations: Up to 8GB RAM allows for better multitasking.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Better efficiency, less energy consumption and better range.
Practical Implications:
- The superior display and faster performance are ideal for multimedia use, gaming, and general productivity.
- Faster charging means less time tethered to a wall outlet.
- Newer software ensures better security and features.
- The stereo speakers and gyroscope improve immersion in entertainment and gaming.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A12: Its main trade-off is its inferior display and performance compared to the Infinix, but it provides more versatility for camera.
- Infinix Note 12 G96: Lacks telephoto and ultra-wide-angle cameras, but this might be compensated by its superior overall camera performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal Users:
- Users on a tight budget who value basic smartphone features.
- Individuals who want versatility from the camera lenses (telephoto and wide angle).
- Users who need more GPS options.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic communication, web browsing, and social media.
- Occasional photography with the option of telephoto and wide-angle shots.
- Location tracking and navigation.
Infinix Note 12 G96 Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize a good display and performance.
- Individuals who value good camera quality, especially for selfies and in low-light conditions.
- Users who enjoy media consumption and gaming.
- Users who need fast charging and good battery life.
Specific Use Cases:
- Multimedia consumption (videos, music, etc.).
- Mobile gaming and other performance-heavy apps.
- Social media content creation and photography.
- Long days with need for frequent use.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy A12 is a budget option.
- The Infinix Note 12 G96 offers a better balance of features and performance at a slightly higher price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (e.g., social media, gaming, general use).
- How important is display quality? (consider brightness, color, and resolution).
- What is my budget? (balance performance, features, and cost).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Shopper): If the budget is very tight and basic functions are the priority, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is an option due to its lower cost.
- Scenario 2 (Multimedia User): If watching videos, gaming, and photography are priorities, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is the better choice due to its superior display, performance, and camera capabilities.
- Scenario 3 (Power User): If fast performance, multitasking and fast charging are important, the Infinix Note 12 G96 stands out due to its powerful chipset, fast charging and higher RAM configurations.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Infinix Note 12 G96. The key reasons for my choice are:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution and brightness makes a significant difference in everyday usage, especially when viewing media or using the phone outdoors. The difference in display technology alone is substantial.
- Better Performance: The Infinix's Helio G96 chipset and higher AnTuTu score provides a much smoother user experience, from app launching to multi-tasking. This means less waiting and frustration, which are crucial in a modern smartphone.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging is a game-changer for convenience, allowing for quick top-ups when needed, saving a lot of time.
- Newer Software and Features: The presence of Android 12 from the beginning means the phone will receive more updates and have more recent features.
- Better Sound Quality: Stereo speakers and DTS support offer a better experience in comparison with a basic speaker.
- Better Sensors: The addition of the gyroscope sensor means better use cases for gaming and AR/VR apps.
While the Samsung Galaxy A12 has a telephoto and a wide-angle lens, the benefits of Infinix's display, performance, charging, and general user experience outweigh the extra camera lenses. The Infinix's overall better standard camera and selfie camera quality compensates for the lack of a dedicated zoom lens, and the image quality of the wide angle is usually not very good in phones at this price point. Ultimately, the Infinix offers a much better experience overall.
