Infinix Note 12 (2023) vs Cubot X50: Which Budget Phone Delivers More?

The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Cubot X50, leveraging an older Mediatek Helio P60, aims to offer value. However, the Infinix Note 12 (2023) enters the fray with a significantly newer Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, promising a leap in performance and efficiency. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device provides the best user experience.

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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user, the Infinix Note 12 (2023) is the superior choice. Its Helio G99 chipset, built on a 6nm process, delivers noticeably better performance and efficiency compared to the Cubot X50’s 12nm Helio P60. The 33W charging is also a significant advantage, offsetting any potential battery capacity differences.

PHONES
Phone Names	Cubot X50	Infinix Note 12 (2023)

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE
	-	1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41

Launch
Announced	2021	2022, October 06
Status	Available. Released 2021	Available. Released 2022, October 06

Body
Build	-	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	166.8 x 77.6 x 8.8 mm (6.57 x 3.06 x 0.35 in)	164.4 x 76.5 x 7.8 mm (6.47 x 3.01 x 0.31 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	213 g (7.51 oz)	195 g (6.88 oz)

Display
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)
Size	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)	6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	AMOLED

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6771V/CA Helio P60 (12 nm)	Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)
GPU	Mali-G72 MP3	Mali-G57 MC2
OS	Android 11	Android 12, XOS 10.6

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM

Main Camera
Features	LED flash	Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad	64 MP, (wide), PDAF 16 MP, 125˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro), AF Auxiliary lens	-
Single	-	16 MP, (wide)
Triple	-	50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lenses
Video	Yes	1440p@30fps

Selfie camera
Single	32 MP	16 MP, (wide)
Video	Yes	1440p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	-	Yes
35mm jack	Unspecified	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with dual speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	4.2, A2DP	Yes
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS
Radio	Unspecified	FM radio
USB	microUSB, OTG	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
	-	24-bit/192kHz audio

Battery
Charging	-	33W wired
Type	4500 mAh	5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, Green	Volcanic Grey, Tuscany Blue, Alpine White
Models	-	X676C
Price	-	About 220 EUR

Cubot X50

Potentially lower price point
May offer a larger battery capacity (unconfirmed)
Simple and straightforward user experience

Outdated Helio P60 chipset
Inferior performance for gaming and multitasking
Slower charging speeds (likely)

Infinix Note 12 (2023)

Significantly faster Helio G99 chipset
33W fast charging
Improved image processing capabilities

May be slightly more expensive
Potentially smaller battery capacity (unconfirmed)
Software updates may be less frequent

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market positioning, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The Infinix Note 12 (2023), being a newer release, may benefit from improved color calibration and potentially higher peak brightness. Bezels are likely comparable, but the Note 12's newer design language could result in slightly slimmer borders.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, analysis is limited. Both phones likely feature multi-camera setups, but the image processing capabilities will differ. The Helio G99 in the Infinix Note 12 (2023) includes an improved ISP (Image Signal Processor) that will likely result in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The presence of a dedicated ISP on the G99 will also allow for faster image processing and potentially better video recording capabilities. We can assume both phones will include a standard macro lens, but its utility will be limited.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Note 12 (2023)'s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Cubot X50’s Helio P60 (12nm). The G99 utilizes newer Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.2 GHz) compared to the P60’s Cortex-A73 cores (4x2.0 GHz). This architectural shift, combined with the smaller 6nm node, translates to approximately 20-30% better CPU performance and a more significant improvement in GPU capabilities. The G99’s efficiency gains also mean less heat generation and sustained performance during demanding tasks. The P60's older architecture will struggle with modern, graphically intensive games.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Infinix Note 12 (2023) boasts 33W wired charging, a significant advantage over the likely slower charging speeds of the Cubot X50. This means the Note 12 can replenish its battery much faster, minimizing downtime. Even if the Cubot X50 has a slightly larger battery capacity, the Note 12’s faster charging will likely result in a more convenient user experience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot X50 if you prioritize a potentially lower upfront cost and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Infinix Note 12 (2023) if you value smoother multitasking, improved gaming performance, faster charging, and a more future-proofed chipset for long-term usability.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Helio G99 in the Infinix Note 12 (2023) handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?

Yes, the Helio G99 is specifically designed for gaming. Its Cortex-A76 cores and improved GPU provide a significantly better gaming experience compared to the Helio P60. Expect playable frame rates at medium to high settings in PUBG Mobile, though sustained performance will depend on thermal management.

❓ Is the 33W charging on the Infinix Note 12 (2023) a significant improvement over standard charging?

Absolutely. 33W charging will drastically reduce charging times. Expect a full charge from 0-100% in approximately 60-90 minutes, compared to potentially 2+ hours with the Cubot X50's likely slower charging capabilities. This is a major convenience factor for users who are frequently on the go.

❓ Does the older Helio P60 in the Cubot X50 struggle with multitasking?

Yes, the Helio P60's older architecture and lower processing power will result in noticeable slowdowns when multitasking with several apps open simultaneously. Switching between apps will be less fluid compared to the Infinix Note 12 (2023).

❓ How does the 6nm process of the Helio G99 benefit the Infinix Note 12 (2023)?

The 6nm process node is significantly more efficient than the 12nm process used in the Helio P60. This translates to lower power consumption, reduced heat generation, and ultimately, better battery life and sustained performance under load. The phone will run cooler and maintain higher clock speeds for longer periods.