1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G and the Infinix Note 12 G96, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | The Infinix is slightly taller, wider, and thicker, which might be less comfortable for small hands but also offers a slightly larger overall feel in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 185g | The Infinix is notably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended periods of holding and carrying. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Unknown (screen) | The S21+ provides superior screen protection against scratches and drops, adding more peace of mind for daily use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both offer an identical large screen size, ideal for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a sharp display with similar visual clarity for text and images. |
| PPI | 394 | 393 | Practically identical pixel density; no noticeable difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | The S21+ offers significantly smoother animations and scrolling, making the user experience feel more fluid and responsive, particularly in fast-paced games or UI navigation. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 650 nits | The S21+ display is much brighter, making it far more usable outdoors, especially in direct sunlight. The Infinix screen may be difficult to view in bright conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | The S21+ has a much more powerful and efficient chipset, enabling smoother multitasking, quicker app loading, and better performance in demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 307,000 | The S21+ demonstrates significantly superior overall performance, ensuring a more responsive and lag-free experience in general and graphically intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The S21+'s superior GPU translates to noticeably better gaming performance with higher frame rates and smoother graphics in demanding titles. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear (Main) | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Although the Infinix has a higher MP count, the S21+'s larger sensor and pixel size generally result in better low-light performance, dynamic range, and overall image quality. The S21+'s f/1.8 aperture is slightly narrower than the Infinix’s f/1.6. |
| Rear (Telephoto/Portrait) | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | N/A | The S21+ includes a telephoto lens for optical zoom and improved portrait mode, features the Infinix lacks. |
| Rear (Wide Angle/Macro) | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | N/A | The S21+ has a wide-angle lens for landscape shots and an additional macro lens for close-up photography, features not found on the Infinix. |
| Front Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.0 | The Infinix has a higher resolution selfie camera and wider aperture. |
| Rear (Portrait Depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Infinix provides a dedicated depth sensor for more accurate bokeh effects. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | 1440p@30fps | The S21+ can record up to 8K resolution offering much more detailed videos. |
| DxoMark | Overall: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | N/A | The S21+ has been tested by DxoMark with competitive scores for its camera quality. |
| Features | 4K, 8K, OIS, RAW, Continuous autofocus | Digital Stabilization | The S21+ offers more advanced camera features like OIS for stable videos and optical zoom, along with professional-level options like RAW shooting and continuous autofocus for more advanced videography. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | The Infinix has a slightly larger battery, which can potentially translate to slightly longer battery life, although it is not always the only factor. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Infinix charges slightly faster, allowing users to get back to full battery quicker than the S21+. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | None | The S21+ offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging to power other devices on the go, which the Infinix lacks. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (Up to 15) | Android 12 | The S21+ will have more future software upgrades; the Infinix may not receive as many updates. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | The S21+ offers a newer WiFi standard which is faster and more stable on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Infinix has a newer version with improved connection stability and range. |
| GPS | Dual band GPS & Multi satellite support | Basic GPS | The S21+ offers more accurate GPS location services, especially in urban areas with tall buildings. |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 64/128GB | The S21+ offers greater storage options, suitable for users who save more media. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both can have up to 8 GB of RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither have expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | DTS/DTS X | The S21+ has more audio features such as Dolby Atmos and hi-res audio, leading to better audio experience. |
| Security Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Infinix has a more convenient and modern fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Compass, Barometer | Gravity | The S21+ includes more sensors for a variety of functionality like navigation and environmental readings. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU offer much higher performance, making it a much better choice for demanding users and gamers.
- Superior Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness level provide a much better visual experience, especially for outdoor use and fluid animations.
- Advanced Camera System: The inclusion of a telephoto lens, wide-angle lens, and OIS, along with 8K video, results in higher image quality and versatility. It includes professional-level options like RAW shooting and more advanced video features.
- Premium Features: The inclusion of wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, advanced audio features like Dolby Atmos, and greater storage options make it a more premium device.
- Better GPS and WiFi: Dual-band GPS and WiFi 6 offer improved location accuracy and faster/more stable connectivity.
- More Software Support: Guaranteed future software upgrades.
Infinix Note 12 G96 Advantages:
- Lighter Build: Its lighter weight enhances comfort during prolonged use.
- Slightly Larger Battery and Faster Charging: It offers slightly more battery capacity and faster charging, though the difference may be marginal.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Slightly improved front camera resolution and a wider aperture for brighter selfies.
- Lower Cost: Typically, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is significantly more affordable, offering a more budget-friendly option.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: More modern design that is also faster and more reliable for daily use.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Performance vs. Price: The S21+ offers far superior performance, but at a higher price point. The Infinix provides acceptable performance for basic tasks at a lower cost.
- Display Quality vs. Affordability: The S21+'s superior display quality (120Hz, higher brightness) comes at a cost, while the Infinix offers a decent AMOLED screen with compromises.
- Camera Versatility vs. Simple Functionality: The S21+ has a more versatile camera system but may be overkill for casual users, while the Infinix offers simpler camera with great value for its price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Gamers: The powerful processor and GPU, combined with a 120Hz display, make this an ideal gaming phone.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality video playback and photo editing.
- Content Creators: The 8K video recording and professional camera features are beneficial for content creation.
- Power Users: Those needing fast performance for multitasking, heavy apps, and overall responsiveness.
- Users needing reliable GPS: For those who do a lot of navigation or using location-based applications.
Specific Use Cases for S21+ 5G:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games at higher frame rates.
- Editing and rendering videos on the go.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions, including low light.
- Seamless multitasking with resource-heavy applications.
- Using GPS for hiking or in complex urban environments.
Infinix Note 12 G96 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Users who prioritize affordability and don't need top-tier performance or camera features.
- Casual Users: Those who mainly browse social media, make calls, and use basic apps.
- Users who prefer a light device: Those who spend long hours on their phone and need something lighter and easier to hold.
- Users who don't require wireless charging or advanced camera features: Those who are okay with basic features and won't use the advanced features present in flagship devices.
Specific Use Cases for Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Everyday browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Casual gaming with less demanding titles.
- Taking basic photos in good lighting conditions.
- Watching videos and streaming content occasionally.
- Users who need a side mounted fingerprint sensor for convenience.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21+ 5G is expensive but offers excellent performance, advanced features, and high-end build, justifying the higher price for users who demand them.
- The Infinix Note 12 G96 provides great value for its price, offering good features for general use at a budget-friendly price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21+ is a premium phone while the Infinix is more budget friendly.
- How important is gaming and performance? S21+ offers vastly superior performance suitable for demanding tasks.
- How much do you value display and camera quality? The S21+ is superior in these aspects for professional-level use and better visibility.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: High-Performance User
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Reasoning: This user values performance, display, and camera quality and is willing to pay for it. They need a device that can handle gaming, heavy multitasking, and produce high-quality content.
Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Casual User
- Recommendation: Infinix Note 12 G96
- Reasoning: This user needs a basic phone for everyday use and values a lower price. They are okay with a decent, but not excellent display and camera, and don't need demanding performance.
Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Reasoning: This user values camera performance and versatility, needing features like 8k video, OIS, telephoto lenses and RAW shooting capabilities.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally opt for the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Here's why:
While the Infinix Note 12 G96 is a decent budget phone, the S21+ offers a far more superior experience in areas that I prioritize:
- Performance: The significantly more powerful processor and GPU in the S21+ ensure a fluid, lag-free experience in any situation. This is important for multitasking, app usage, and mobile gaming.
- Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness level would have a dramatic impact on my daily user experience, especially with smooth animations and better outdoor visibility.
- Camera System: Having an optical zoom lens, wide-angle lens, and OIS is crucial for taking versatile and higher-quality photos. I value having professional-level features like 8K video and RAW shooting capabilities.
- Additional Features: Features like wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, better GPS accuracy and Dolby Atmos audio enhance the overall value and convenience in daily use.
Although the price is considerably higher, I believe the long term benefits and superior performance make it a better investment. The performance gap between the two phones is significant, making it worth the extra cost for my personal preferences and usage patterns.
