1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and the Infinix Note 12 G96, focusing on their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm | The S21 is significantly more compact, easier to handle and pocket. The Note 12 G96 is larger and may feel less comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 169g | 185g | The S21 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. The Note 12 G96 is heavier and may cause fatigue during prolonged holding. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | The Note 12 G96 has a larger display, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. The S21's smaller screen is more pocketable and easier to use one-handed. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both have the same resolution, ensuring similar levels of sharpness for text and images. |
| PPI | 421 | 393 | The S21's higher pixel density results in a slightly sharper image, although the difference is unlikely to be noticeable to most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and great contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | The S21's 120Hz refresh rate results in significantly smoother scrolling and animations, providing a more fluid user experience. The Note 12 G96's 60Hz display is standard. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 650 nits | The S21's brighter display will be much more visible in direct sunlight, making it easier to use outdoors. The Note 12 G96 may struggle in bright environments. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | The Exynos 2100 is a much more powerful chip, enabling faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The Helio G96 is a mid-range chip suitable for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 307,000 | The S21 has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating a much higher performance capability, better for heavy tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Mali-G78 in the S21 offers significantly better graphics performance, leading to a superior gaming experience and better handling of graphically intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | The Note 12 has a higher megapixel count but a smaller sensor and pixel size. The S21's larger sensor and pixel size typically result in better low-light performance, while the Note 12 might offer more detail in bright conditions. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | The S21 has a dedicated telephoto lens for zooming, providing better image quality at longer distances. The Note 12 G96 lacks this feature. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.0 | The Note 12 has higher resolution and a slightly wider aperture, but the sensor details for the Infinix are not available. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Note 12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portraits. |
| Wide Angle/Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | The S21 has a dedicated ultrawide/macro camera, providing additional versatility when shooting different types of images. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1440p@30fps | The S21 can record significantly higher-resolution video, up to 8K, and offers better frame rate options and stabilization. |
| DXOMark Scores | Main: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not Available | The S21 has significantly better camera scores, based on the test results available. |
| Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, RAW | Digital zoom, HDR, Night Mode | The S21 has a richer set of camera features, including 8K recording, optical image stabilization (OIS), and RAW capture, indicating a more professional-oriented camera. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The Note 12 has a larger battery, potentially providing longer battery life, although real-world usage depends on the phone's efficiency and software optimization. |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | The Note 12 supports faster charging, which can help reduce the time spent plugged into a power outlet. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | The S21 supports both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other devices and accessories. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 | The Note 12 ships with a newer version of Android, though the S21 is upgradable to the same version. |
| OS Updates | Up to Android 15 | Unknown | S21 has a guaranteed path for future OS updates. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | The S21 supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, offering faster speeds and better performance in congested environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | The Note 12 has a newer version of Bluetooth offering slightly better power efficiency and connectivity range. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS | The S21 supports more satellite systems, enabling better positioning accuracy and faster location acquisition. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | The S21 has larger storage options for people who require more space for files, apps, and media. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4/6/8GB | The S21 always has 8GB of RAM, the Infinix Note has multiple options. More RAM ensures better multitasking capability, especially for running multiple apps simultaneously. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation Mic, Stereo Speakers | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | S21 offers better sound quality with Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation. The Infinix has DTS support which will provide a decent experience. Both have stereo speakers. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A side-mounted sensor may be more accessible and convenient than an under-display one. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The S21 has superior screen protection, making it more resistant to scratches and cracks. The screen protection on the Note 12 is unknown. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | The S21 has more sensors, specifically a compass and barometer, which could be useful for activities like navigation and hiking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU provide significantly better overall performance, including faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- High-Quality Display: The 120Hz AMOLED display with higher brightness provides a smoother, more vibrant, and more visible experience, especially outdoors.
- Advanced Camera System: The S21 offers a more versatile camera setup with a telephoto lens, wider sensor in the main camera, 8K video recording, OIS, and advanced features, resulting in significantly better image and video quality.
- Enhanced Features: It also has wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, Dolby Atmos, and better screen protection.
- Better Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and more satellite systems for GPS make for more reliable and faster connections.
Infinix Note 12 G96 Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen provides a larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming.
- Larger Battery: A larger 5000mAh battery potentially offers longer battery life than the S21's 4000mAh.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging can quickly top up the battery.
- Newer Android Version: It ships with Android 12 out of the box, though the S21 is upgradable.
- Slightly Better Selfie Camera: The 16MP front camera provides higher resolution.
- More affordable price: Usually, Infinix phones are in a lower price category
Trade-offs:
- S21: Smaller screen, smaller battery, more expensive.
- Note 12: Lower performance, inferior display, less advanced camera, and lack of extra features like wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal User:
- Tech enthusiasts who prioritize performance and a premium experience.
- Users who regularly consume high-quality media and demand superior display quality.
- Users who want a powerful and reliable camera for photos and video.
- Gamers who need smooth, responsive performance.
- Users who prefer a compact, high-quality device.
- Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Daily multi-tasking between demanding apps.
- Watching HDR content outdoors.
- Using the phone for professional or creative work.
- Price-to-Value: The S21 is a premium option with a higher price, justified by its high-end performance, superior display, and camera quality.
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize battery life and a larger screen for media consumption.
- Users who are budget-conscious but still want a phone for daily usage.
- Users who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic apps.
- Casual mobile gamers who don't need top-tier performance.
- Use Cases:
- Watching videos or movies.
- Browsing the internet and social media.
- Playing light mobile games.
- Daily usage for messaging and basic tasks.
- Long periods away from power outlets.
- Price-to-Value: The Note 12 is a budget-friendly option that offers decent performance for its price, focusing on battery life and screen size rather than premium features.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 questions to consider:
- Performance Requirements: Do you need top-tier processing power for gaming and demanding apps, or is moderate performance sufficient?
- Display Quality: Do you prioritize a vibrant, smooth, bright, and highly visible display or is a larger screen more important?
- Camera Quality: Do you need a versatile camera with professional features, or is a basic camera adequate?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance & Camera Priority: If you're a mobile gamer, photo enthusiast, or heavy multi-tasker, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice due to its superior performance, display, and camera capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Battery & Budget Priority: If you need a phone that lasts all day on a single charge, and cost is a primary concern, the Infinix Note 12 G96 provides good value for daily use, even if performance is lower.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you want a blend of good performance and features with a reasonable budget, neither phone will completely satisfy you. However, the Samsung S21 is superior. The decision then comes to how much the budget matters.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the Infinix Note 12 G96 has a larger battery and a newer OS version, the S21 offers a superior overall experience.
Here's why:
- Performance is Key: As a heavy smartphone user, I prioritize a fluid experience. The Exynos 2100 chipset and its associated GPU in the S21, along with the 120Hz refresh rate, offer significantly better and more responsive daily use, something very important to me.
- Display Matters: I value a high-quality display. The S21's brighter and more vibrant display, especially with its 120Hz refresh rate, is more enjoyable to use for longer periods, especially in bright environments, and makes a big difference.
- Camera Versatility: The S21's camera system is far more versatile and capable, which is important to me. Features like 8K video, OIS, and the telephoto lens make it a superior tool for both photo and video capture. The added benefit of the DXOMark score highlights that it is a good camera overall.
- Additional Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and the superior screen protection on the S21 are a bonus and contribute to a better long-term experience.
While the Infinix Note 12 G96 is a solid option for those on a tight budget and need a larger battery, for someone who values performance, display quality, and camera versatility, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the clear winner, even with its smaller battery and slightly older operating system (which can be upgraded to the same as the Infinix Note 12 G96).
