Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G vs. Infinix Note 12 G96
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.6 × 75.2 × 8.3 mm | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | The Infinix is slightly taller and wider, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use for some users. |
| Weight | 192g | 185g | The Infinix is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | The Note20 5G offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size provides a similar viewing experience for both devices. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution means similar sharpness and clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 393 PPI | Similar visual clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard smoothness; not ideal for fast-paced gaming compared to 90Hz or 120Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 650 nits | The Infinix Note 12 G96 screen is more visible under direct sunlight. The Note 20 5G's brightness is missing, but it is likely higher than 650 nits. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | The Exynos 990 offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 515,090 | 307,000 | The Note20 5G will feel much snappier and more responsive. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Mali-G77 MP11 provides superior graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and faster rendering. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB/6 GB/8 GB | 8GB on both devices will be better for multitasking |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76" | While the Infinix has a higher megapixel count, the Note20 5G's larger sensor size often results in better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | The Note20 5G offers a wider field of view for landscape and group photos. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | The Note20 5G can zoom in further without significant loss of detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.0, 1/3.2" | 16MP, f/2.0 | The Infinix Note 12 G96 has a higher resolution selfie camera, which helps in capturing more detailed selfie images. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1440p@30fps | The Note20 5G provides much higher resolution video recording capabilities for professional-grade footage. |
| Stabilization | OIS, EIS | Digital Image Stabilization | The Note20 5G offers superior video stabilization, resulting in smoother footage, especially in challenging conditions. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | The Infinix Note 12 G96 provides longer battery life for extended use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Infinix can charge faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (15W) | No | The Note20 5G offers the convenience of wireless charging. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | Yes (9W) | No | The Note20 5G can wirelessly charge other devices. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | The Infinix Note 12 G96 has a more up-to-date version of Android, potentially offering the latest features and security updates. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | The Note20 5G offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Minor differences in Bluetooth capabilities. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS | The Note20 5G offers more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | The Note20 5G offers the flexibility of an eSIM. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128 GB/256 GB | 64 GB/128 GB | The Note20 5G provides more storage for apps, photos, and videos. |
| Expandable | No | No | Limited storage if you have extensive media files. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Exynos 990 chipset offers significantly faster performance compared to the Helio G96.
- Better Camera System: Versatile camera system with telephoto and ultrawide lenses, OIS, and high-resolution video recording.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 for screen protection.
- More Precise Location Tracking: Supports GLONASS, Beidou, and Galileo for better GPS accuracy.
- eSIM Support: Offers the flexibility of using an eSIM.
Infinix Note 12 G96 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging provides quicker charging times.
- Higher Brightness: 650 Nits helps for better outdoor visibility.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with a more up-to-date version of Android.
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy Note20 5G offers better performance and camera capabilities, but the Infinix Note 12 G96 has longer battery life and faster charging.
- The Note20 5G lacks expandable storage, which might be limiting for some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users who need a fast and responsive phone for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking. Users who value camera quality and wireless charging.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers who need smooth gameplay.
- Content creators who record videos and edit photos on their phone.
- Professionals who need a reliable device for work.
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and fast charging.
- Use Cases:
- Users who need a phone that can last all day on a single charge.
- Users who need a phone with a bright display for outdoor use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Infinix Note 12 G96 is likely to be significantly cheaper.
- How important is performance and camera quality to you? If these are critical, the Note20 5G is the better choice.
- Do you prioritize battery life or wireless charging? The Infinix wins on battery, while the Note20 5G offers wireless charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G for its superior performance and GPU.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Infinix Note 12 G96 for its affordability and good battery life.
- Scenario 3: All-Day Usage: Choose the Infinix Note 12 G96 for its larger battery capacity.
Personal Recommendation
If price was not a consideration, I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G. The significantly superior performance offered by the Exynos 990 chipset and the more versatile camera system are major advantages. While the Infinix Note 12 G96 has a larger battery and faster charging, the overall user experience, especially in terms of responsiveness and camera capabilities, would be much better on the Note20 5G. The presence of wireless charging, better build quality, and more precise location tracking also contribute to a more premium experience. The ability to record 8K videos and capture high-quality photos in various scenarios makes it a more compelling choice for my usage patterns.
