Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Infinix Note 12 G96. I'll break down the specs, highlight key insights, and give you a clear picture of which phone might be best for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2022-05-16 | The Infinix is a bit newer, which might mean slightly more up-to-date features. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | The S21 FE is more compact, while the Note 12 G96 is taller and wider, which may be less pocketable but have more screen. |
| Weight | 177g | 185g | The S21 FE is slightly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | The Note 12 offers a larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both are sharp; the difference is negligible. |
| PPI | 403 | 393 | Both offer similar pixel density; clarity will be very similar. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | The S21 FE has much smoother animations, noticeably better for scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 650 nits | The S21 FE is significantly brighter, more usable outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Helio G96 | The S21 FE is vastly more powerful; expect much better performance overall. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 307,000 | The S21 FE will run apps and games significantly faster. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21 FE has a much stronger GPU that can run advanced games at higher graphics levels. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Note 12 likely offers slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | The Note 12 charges a bit faster. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse | None | S21 FE offers wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.6) | Note 12 boasts higher resolution, but the S21 FE has larger pixels and sensor for better low-light. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP (f/2.0) | None | The S21 FE offers optical zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2) | 16MP (f/2.0) | The S21 FE captures more detailed selfies. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | The Note 12 captures more depth in images. |
| Wide/Macro | 13MP (f/2.2) | None | S21 FE has wide angle and macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K/60fps | 1440p/30fps | S21 FE captures much sharper and smoother video, has more video options. |
| Video Stabilisation | Yes | No | The S21 FE has better video stabilisation. |
| DXoMark Scores | 117 (Mobile), 127 (Selfie) | N/A | The S21 FE's camera is much more capable overall. |
| Camera Features | Optical Zoom, OIS | None | The S21 FE has more advanced camera options. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 16 | Android 12, no upgrades listed | The S21 FE will receive more OS updates. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | 802.11n 5GHz | S21 FE has faster Wi-Fi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | The Infinix Note 12 has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS | S21 FE has better GPS accuracy due to its support for more systems |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 64/128GB | The S21 FE offers more storage space. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 4/6/8GB | Both offer sufficient RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | DTS | The S21 FE will give better spatial audio. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | The Infinix Note 12 has a faster and more secure fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The S21 FE has much stronger screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Barometer, Gyroscope | Gyroscope | S21 FE offers more sensors |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: The S21 FE is a powerhouse, boasting a flagship-level processor, a high refresh rate display, superior camera quality, and a brighter screen for outdoor visibility. The inclusion of wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and a comprehensive suite of camera features (OIS, optical zoom) makes it a versatile device. The build quality is top notch with Gorilla Glass Victus for added durability. Its audio quality with Dolby Atmos support is also a great feature.
- Competitive Advantages: Superior performance, smoother display, better camera, more robust build, faster Wi-Fi, wireless charging, and a more premium user experience. The S21 FE's additional satellite support for GPS provides better location accuracy.
- Trade-offs: The S21 FE has slightly less battery capacity, slightly slower wired charging and lacks expandable storage compared to the Note 12 G96. The S21 FE does not include a charger in the box.
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Strengths: The Note 12 G96 offers a larger display, a larger battery, and slightly faster wired charging at a likely lower price point. It has a high-resolution main camera (50MP).
- Competitive Advantages: A larger display, larger battery, and faster wired charging compared to the S21 FE and a lower price, which may be important for budget-conscious users. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is a bit more advanced.
- Trade-offs: The Note 12 G96 suffers from significantly weaker performance, a lower refresh rate, a much less capable camera system, lower screen brightness, no wireless charging or reverse wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize performance, high-quality display, a versatile and capable camera system, superior build, and wireless charging. Ideal for gamers, photography enthusiasts, and those who want a flagship-level experience without paying top dollar.
- Use Cases: Gaming, social media, content creation, video recording, outdoor use, and overall day-to-day tasks where speed and responsiveness are important.
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Best Suited For: Budget-conscious users who want a large screen, long battery life, and acceptable everyday performance.
- Use Cases: Media consumption, casual gaming, basic day-to-day use, and anyone needing a phone with a long-lasting battery.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The S21 FE offers much greater value if you consider the overall performance, camera quality, screen quality, and premium features. The Note 12 G96 is value-oriented, focusing on key features with less emphasis on raw performance. It will be better for users on a tight budget.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming/Photography vs. Media Consumption/Basic Use)
- What are my performance priorities? (Do I need the fastest possible experience, or is moderate performance adequate?)
- What is my budget? (Can I stretch for the best experience or am I on a tight budget?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you want the best possible user experience: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
- If you prioritize gaming and camera: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
- If you need long battery life on a tight budget: The Infinix Note 12 G96 is the better choice.
- If you want a big screen for media consumption on a budget: The Infinix Note 12 G96 is also an option.
My Choice
If it were my money, I'd pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. The difference in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, build quality, and additional features like wireless charging outweighs the small advantages in battery and charging speed the Note 12 G96 offers. I also value better GPS accuracy as well as the more secure screen from Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. The smoother 120Hz display and the much brighter screen makes this device a joy to use and more valuable for me personally. I want the overall better experience and would be willing to pay for it. Although the Infinix is a good value budget choice, it simply can't compete with the S21 FE.
