Infinix Note 12 Pro vs. Cubot C30: A Detailed Performance and Value Showdown

Both the Cubot C30 and the Infinix Note 12 Pro target the budget-conscious smartphone user, but they approach this segment with significantly different hardware. The C30 relies on the older Mediatek Helio P60, while the Note 12 Pro boasts the newer, more efficient Helio G99. This comparison dissects the implications of this core difference, alongside other key features, to determine which device offers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user, the Infinix Note 12 Pro is the clear winner. Its Helio G99 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift and improved power efficiency compared to the Cubot C30’s 12nm Helio P60. The 33W charging is a significant advantage, making it the better choice for those prioritizing usability and longevity.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot C30 Infinix Note 12 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2020. Released 20202022, July 16
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2022, July 18
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions157.1 x 76.4 x 8.5 mm (6.19 x 3.01 x 0.33 in)164.4 x 76.5 x 7.8 mm (6.47 x 3.01 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight190 g (6.70 oz)192 g (6.77 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2310 pixels (~398 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 101.4 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDAMOLED
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm)Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 10Android 12, XOS 10.6
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashQuad-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", AF 16 MP, (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Triple-108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF Auxiliary lenses
VideoYes1440p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-Dual-LED flash
Single32 MP16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
VideoYes1440p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackUnspecifiedYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with dual speakers
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DPYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPSGPS
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/nYes
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging-33W wired
Type4200 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, GreenVolcanic Grey, Tuscany Blue, Alpine White
Models-X676B
Price-About 420 EUR

Cubot C30

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Functional for basic smartphone tasks
  • May offer a larger battery capacity (unconfirmed)

  • Outdated Helio P60 chipset
  • Less efficient 12nm process
  • Slower charging speeds
  • Likely inferior camera performance

Infinix Note 12 Pro

  • More powerful and efficient Helio G99 chipset
  • Faster 33W wired charging
  • Likely better camera performance
  • Smoother multitasking and gaming experience

  • Higher price compared to Cubot C30
  • May have a slightly smaller battery capacity (unconfirmed)

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Note 12 Pro's positioning, it likely features a higher-quality panel with better color accuracy and potentially a higher refresh rate. The C30, being a more budget-oriented device, likely utilizes a standard 60Hz LCD. The absence of details like peak brightness or resolution makes a definitive statement impossible, but the Note 12 Pro's market segment suggests a superior visual experience.

Camera Comparison

Without specific camera sensor details, analysis is limited. However, the Note 12 Pro, positioned as a 'Pro' model, likely incorporates a more capable primary sensor and potentially features Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). The C30, given its price point, likely relies on a simpler camera setup. Image processing capabilities are also likely superior on the Note 12 Pro, resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The presence of a 33W charging capability suggests a focus on user experience, which often extends to camera software optimization.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Note 12 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Cubot C30’s Helio P60 (12nm). The 6nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and potentially less throttling during sustained workloads. Furthermore, the G99 features a more modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A76 cores versus the P60’s Cortex-A73. The A76 cores deliver a significant IPC (Instructions Per Clock) improvement, resulting in faster application loading and smoother multitasking. The G99’s CPU configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) is also more balanced than the P60’s (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53), offering better performance across a wider range of tasks.

Battery Life

While battery capacity isn't specified, the Infinix Note 12 Pro’s 33W wired charging is a game-changer. This allows for significantly faster top-ups compared to the C30, which likely supports a much slower charging rate. Even if the C30 has a slightly larger battery capacity, the Note 12 Pro’s faster charging will result in less downtime. The G99’s improved power efficiency also contributes to better real-world battery life, meaning the Note 12 Pro will likely last longer on a single charge despite potentially having a similar or smaller battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot C30 if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Infinix Note 12 Pro if you prioritize smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, faster charging, and a more future-proofed experience, even if it means spending a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Helio G99 in the Infinix Note 12 Pro handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio G99 is specifically designed for gaming. While it won't match flagship performance, it should comfortably run PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. The 6nm process and improved CPU architecture contribute to sustained performance, minimizing throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance between the Helio P60 and Helio G99 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Helio G99’s newer CPU cores and more efficient process result in faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user experience. While the P60 is adequate for basic tasks, the G99 provides a significantly more fluid and enjoyable experience, especially when multitasking.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Infinix Note 12 Pro with the 33W charger?
With 33W charging, the Infinix Note 12 Pro should be able to charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 60-75 minutes, depending on battery capacity. This is a substantial improvement over the slower charging speeds typically found on devices in this price range.