Both the Huawei nova Y71 and the Infinix Note 12 (2023) target the budget-conscious smartphone user, but they take distinctly different approaches. The nova Y71 relies on Huawei’s Kirin 710A chipset, while the Note 12 (2023) leverages the newer MediaTek Helio G99. This comparison dives deep into the implications of these chipset choices, alongside battery, charging, and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Infinix Note 12 (2023) is the clear winner. Its Helio G99 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, delivers a noticeable performance uplift over the Huawei nova Y71’s Kirin 710A, and its faster 33W charging is a significant convenience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 09 | 2022, October 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June | Available. Released 2022, October 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 77.7 x 9 mm (6.63 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.1% 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 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | EMUI 12, no Google Play Services | 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, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Volcanic Grey, Tuscany Blue, Alpine White |
| Models | - | X676C |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 220 EUR |
Huawei nova Y71
- Huawei brand recognition
- Potentially optimized software experience (depending on region)
- Clean design aesthetic
- Older, less efficient Kirin 710A chipset
- Slower 22.5W charging
- Potential app limitations due to Huawei restrictions
Infinix Note 12 (2023)
- More powerful and efficient MediaTek Helio G99 chipset
- Faster 33W wired charging
- Open Android experience
- Infinix brand may be less familiar to some
- Software experience may include pre-installed apps
- Build quality may not match higher-end devices
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are unavailable, the core difference lies elsewhere. Both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't display quality, but the underlying performance that drives the user interface and apps displayed on them.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the main sensors, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G99 likely offers more advanced image processing capabilities than the Kirin 710A’s ISP. This could result in better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos taken with the Infinix Note 12 (2023). The presence of a more modern ISP is often more impactful than megapixel count alone.
Performance
The core battleground is the chipset. The Infinix Note 12 (2023)'s MediaTek Helio G99, fabricated on a 6nm process, represents a significant architectural leap over the Huawei nova Y71’s Kirin 710A (14nm). The 6nm node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to better sustained performance and reduced thermal throttling. The Helio G99’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – also offers a performance advantage over the Kirin 710A’s 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Infinix.
Battery Life
The Infinix Note 12 (2023) features 33W wired charging, a substantial upgrade over the Huawei nova Y71’s 22.5W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times, reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Helio G99 chipset in the Infinix Note 12 (2023) will likely result in comparable, if not better, real-world battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Huawei.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova Y71 if you prioritize brand familiarity within the Huawei ecosystem and are comfortable with potentially limited app availability due to the ongoing restrictions. Buy the Infinix Note 12 (2023) if you prioritize raw performance for gaming and multitasking, faster charging speeds, and a more open Android experience. The Note 12 (2023) is the better choice for users who want a phone that feels responsive and capable.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the MediaTek Helio G99 in the Infinix Note 12 (2023) get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G99's 6nm process is designed for improved thermal efficiency compared to the Kirin 710A's 14nm process. While some heat generation is inevitable during demanding tasks like gaming, the G99 is less prone to significant throttling, allowing for more sustained performance. Infinix likely incorporates thermal management solutions to further mitigate heat buildup.
❓ Is the Huawei nova Y71 still a viable option if app availability isn't a concern for me?
If you are confident you won't be impacted by potential app limitations due to Huawei's restrictions, the nova Y71 can still function as a basic smartphone. However, the Kirin 710A chipset is noticeably less powerful than the Helio G99, resulting in a less responsive user experience and reduced gaming performance. The slower charging is also a drawback.
❓ What kind of gaming performance can I expect from the Infinix Note 12 (2023)?
The Helio G99 is capable of running popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Genshin Impact at medium to high settings. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it provides a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for the price point. Expect playable frame rates and reasonable graphics quality.
