Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Infinix Note 12 G96
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-27 | 2022-05-16 | Infinix Note 12 G96 is significantly newer, potentially offering updated software and features. |
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | Poco M3 is slightly thicker and wider, while the Note 12 G96 is taller and thinner. The Note 12 G96 might feel more sleek in hand, Poco M3 may feel more bulky. |
| Weight | 198g | 185g | Note 12 G96 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.7" | Note 12 G96 has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience, though the difference is marginal. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both displays are sharp; slight difference in pixel count. The difference is negligible in day to day use. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 393 PPI | Both displays offer similar sharpness and clarity; no significant difference. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Note 12 G96 has superior display technology. AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. It will be noticeably better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard refresh rate. This will impact smoothness, but equally so. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 650 nits | Note 12 G96 will have much better visibility in bright sunlight, a significant advantage for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Helio G96 (12nm) | Note 12 G96's chipset offers significantly better performance, leading to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 307,000 | Note 12 G96 will perform much better for intensive tasks like gaming, heavy applications, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Different GPUs with the Note 12 G96 likely performing better in graphics-intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M3 has a larger battery, which could offer longer battery life, but this also depends on other factors such as software optimization. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Note 12 G96 charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 22.5W Charger in-box | Non-removable | Poco M3 can charge other devices; and includes a charger in the box, which the Note 12 G96 does not provide. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76" | Note 12 G96 has a slightly higher resolution and wider aperture, but the Poco M3 has larger sensor pixels. Practical results depend on software, but both cameras should have similar performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.0 | Note 12 G96 has a higher resolution selfie camera, capturing more detail and potentially better performance in low light. |
| Portrait Camera | N/A | 2MP Depth Sensor | Note 12 G96 offers dedicated depth sensing for portrait mode, potentially better bokeh effect. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps | Note 12 G96 allows for higher resolution video recording, while the Poco M3 has lower video recording capabilities. |
| Features | Continuous Shooting | Night Mode | Poco M3 allows burst mode; Note 12 G96 allows taking brighter photos in low light conditions. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Note 12 G96 has a newer OS, which may include updated features, security patches and better performance over the outdated OS of the Poco M3. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11n | Xiaomi Poco M3 supports newer WiFi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Note 12 G96 has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering better connection stability and power efficiency. |
| GPS | More systems | GPS, A-GPS | Poco M3 supports more satellite systems, potentially offering better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both phones offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Note 12 G96 offers a higher 8 GB RAM option, which will improve multitasking and overall performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | DTS/DTSX | Both phones offer stereo speakers, with different enhancement technologies. Specific results will depend on personal preference. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both have side-mounted fingerprint sensors for convenient security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Poco M3 has a more robust screen protection from scratches and damages, while protection of Note 12 G96 is unknown |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Gyroscope, Gravity | Poco M3 has Compass while the Note 12 G96 has Gyroscope which helps in stabilization while recording a video. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 6000mAh battery provides potentially longer battery life between charges.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Screen Protection: Offers Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for better screen durability.
- More GPS Satellites: Offers more satellite support for more accurate location tracking.
Infinix Note 12 G96 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers better contrast, vibrant colors and viewing experience.
- Faster Performance: Significantly faster chipset for better app loading and gaming experience.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging reduces battery recharge times significantly.
- Better Selfie Camera: 16MP front camera for better quality and low-light performance.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 12 for updated features and security.
- Higher RAM option: Offers an 8GB RAM option which will allow for better multitasking.
- Night Mode: Dedicated night mode for improved low light photos.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco M3 prioritizes battery life and durability, but has an older operating system, slower performance and a lower quality display.
- The Infinix Note 12 G96 prioritizes performance, display quality and software features, with a smaller battery, and without reverse charging or screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize battery life above all else.
- Users on a tight budget who still want a large screen phone.
- Users who frequently need to charge other devices using their phone.
- Users who prioritize screen durability.
Use Cases:
- Extended usage without needing frequent charges, ideal for travel or outdoor activities.
- Reliable phone for daily communication and basic tasks.
Infinix Note 12 G96 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize display quality and better viewing experience.
- Users who want better gaming performance and multitasking abilities.
- Users who want a faster phone overall, and the benefit of a more modern operating system.
- Users who value faster charging for quick top-ups.
Use Cases:
- Gaming, watching videos, and other media consumption.
- Fast app switching and multitasking.
- Users who prefer updated software and security.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Battery Life vs. Performance: Do you prioritize long battery life or faster performance and a better screen?
- Display Quality: How important is a high quality AMOLED display for media consumption?
- Software Updates: Do you prefer a newer OS with updated features and security?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Heavy Users on a Budget: If a long battery life is absolutely critical, the Poco M3 would suffice, but if you need good performance and a vibrant display, the Note 12 G96 is worth the cost.
- For Media Consumption: The Note 12 G96's AMOLED screen makes it far better for watching videos and browsing.
- For Gaming: The Note 12 G96 is the better choice for smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
- For Photography: The higher resolution selfie camera and dedicated portrait mode on the Note 12 G96 gives it an advantage for photography and selfies.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Infinix Note 12 G96. Here's why:
While the Poco M3's larger battery and reverse charging are useful, the significant performance boost of the Note 12 G96 is a key factor. The improved AMOLED display is a huge advantage for watching videos and browsing. The newer Android OS and significantly faster charging are also very appealing, as it makes the phone feel more modern, faster and convenient. Although the Poco M3 has a larger battery, the 5000 mAh on the Note 12 G96 would be enough for a full day of use for me, and would recharge faster when needed.
For my personal use, having a better overall experience is more important than the additional battery capacity or the screen protection.
