Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G and the Infinix Note 12 G96. We'll break down the specs, analyze what they mean for you, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side comparison, focusing on how each feature translates into real-world usage:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | A52s is more compact, while Note 12 is taller and slightly wider, may impact one-handed use. |
| Weight | 189g | 185g | Negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Standard build for both |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Note 12 offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharpness is identical on both displays. |
| Pixel Density | 405 PPI | 393 PPI | Very similar visual clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | A52s provides a smoother experience for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 650 nits | A52s display will be more visible under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Helio G96 (12 nm) | A52s offers significantly faster performance, more responsive for gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 570,752 | 307,000 | A52s benchmark is significantly higher, confirming better performance |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G57 MC2 | A52s handles graphics-intensive tasks more smoothly. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | A52s has a better sensor and is capable of capturing more detail and low-light performance due to sensor size. Note 12 has a wider aperture for low light performance |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.0 | A52s offers higher-resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | A52s has an ultrawide lens for landscape shots, while the Note 12 is missing one |
| Portrait Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A52s offers more detail in portrait shots |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A52s offers macro shots |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 1440p@30fps | A52s supports higher quality videos with stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Note 12 is likely to have longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Note 12 charges faster, getting you back on the go quicker. |
| Software | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 12 | Note 12 comes with a more recent OS, but the A52s is upgradable to a newer version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | A52s supports newer Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Note 12 features the newer standard of Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS | A52s supports multiple satellite systems for better location accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | A52s offers higher storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both offer similar RAM variants for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | No external expansion on either devices. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Note 12 offers Stereo Speakers and enhanced surround sound. |
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Note 12 offers a more modern side-mounted sensor |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | A52s uses Gorilla Glass 5 for better scratch and impact resistance |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset provides a significant performance advantage, making it ideal for demanding apps and gaming.
- Better Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness ensure a smoother and more visible display experience.
- Advanced Camera System: The 64MP main camera with a larger sensor, along with the ultrawide and macro lenses, offers more versatility and better overall photo quality.
- Better Video: The device supports 4k video capture.
- Connectivity: The phone supports WiFi 6 and additional GPS systems.
- Build Quality: The phone is equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Infinix Note 12 G96 Strengths:
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: The 5000mAh battery and 33W fast charging offer longer battery life and faster recharge times.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 12 out of the box.
- Enhanced Audio: The device boasts dual speakers and DTS audio technology.
- Modern Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and reliable access
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A52s 5G trades battery capacity and charging speed for overall performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- The Infinix Note 12 G96 prioritizes battery life and audio, but sacrifices performance, display smoothness, and advanced camera features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is best for:
- Mobile gamers: The powerful chipset and 120Hz display offer smoother gameplay.
- Content creators: The higher quality camera system and 4K video recording are ideal for those who need good photo and video capture.
- Frequent travelers/outdoors: The brighter screen is a great tool outdoors.
- Users who prioritize smooth, responsive performance: The superior chipset ensures that the device is very responsive.
Infinix Note 12 G96 is best for:
- Battery-conscious users: The larger battery ensures long battery life between charges.
- Multimedia consumers: The larger display and enhanced audio make watching videos and listening to music more enjoyable.
- Users who want a good-looking screen and decent camera without the high price tag.
- Users who like modern security methods
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
Do I prioritize smooth performance and superior camera capabilities over battery life?
- If yes, choose the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G.
- If no, consider the Infinix Note 12 G96.
Is a smooth display with excellent color reproduction important to me?
- If yes, choose the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G for its 120Hz AMOLED screen and brightness.
- If no, the Infinix Note 12 G96 screen with a slightly larger size, would be sufficient.
How much do battery life and fast charging matter in my daily routine?
- If crucial, the Infinix Note 12 G96 with a larger battery and faster charging may be preferred.
- If less critical, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G offers a good balance of battery life and fast charging in conjunction with other performance advantages.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Gamer/Content Creator: The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G wins due to its performance and camera capabilities.
- For the Everyday User Who Values Battery Life: The Infinix Note 12 G96 is a solid choice, offering the best endurance and a lower price point.
- For the Media Consumer: The Infinix Note 12 G96 wins with its slightly larger display and enhanced dual audio experience.
My Choice
If I were making a decision, I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G. While the Infinix Note 12 G96 has a larger battery and faster charging, the performance difference between the two is just too significant to ignore. As someone who appreciates smooth operation, I find that a device with a higher refresh rate display makes a big difference in my overall enjoyment. The camera on the Galaxy A52s 5G is also significantly better in all aspects, giving it an overall edge and offering more value, making it the most appealing choice for me. The fact that the phone has expandable storage would have changed my decision, but overall, the A52s is a better device for my personal needs.
