The Infinix Note series is known for delivering impressive features at affordable prices. The Infinix Note 12 (2023) is a refresh of the popular Note 12, promising improvements. But is the upgrade worth it? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Note 12 (2023) clearly wins thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G99 chipset. While both offer 33W charging, the 2023 model's improved performance makes it the better choice for gamers and power users, despite potentially a slightly higher price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 06 | 2022, April 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 06 | Available. Released 2022, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.5 x 7.8 mm (6.47 x 3.01 x 0.31 in) | 164.4 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm (6.47 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 184.5 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 10.6 | Android 11, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 16 MP |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Volcanic Grey, Tuscany Blue, Alpine White | Jewel Blue, Force Black, Sunset Golden |
| Models | X676C | X663, X663C, X663D |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 190 EUR |
Infinix Note 12 (2023)
- Significantly faster performance (Helio G99)
- Improved efficiency (6nm process)
- Potentially better image processing
- Modern chipset
- Likely slightly more expensive
- Minor differences in display quality (potentially)
Infinix Note 12
- More affordable
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Long battery life
- Good value for money
- Slower performance (Helio G88)
- Less efficient (12nm process)
- Potentially weaker image processing
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Expect vibrant colors and smooth scrolling on both devices. Differences in brightness and color accuracy might be present, but are unlikely to be substantial without specific testing data.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup, potentially including a 50MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a depth sensor. Image quality will likely be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Note 12 (2023)'s more powerful processor might offer slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Video recording capabilities should be similar.
Performance
This is where the biggest difference lies. The Note 12 (2023)'s Helio G99 (6nm) offers a substantial performance boost over the Note 12's Helio G88 (12nm). Expect faster app loading, smoother gaming, and better overall responsiveness on the 2023 model. The G99's Cortex-A76 cores provide a significant advantage in demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both devices are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. The 33W wired charging is consistent across both models, allowing for relatively quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Note 12 (2023) is ideal for users who prioritize performance, especially gamers and those who multitask heavily. The original Infinix Note 12 remains a solid option for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks and don't demand top-tier processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Infinix Note 12 (2023) worth the upgrade?
If you prioritize performance and gaming, the upgrade is definitely worth it. The Helio G99 offers a significant improvement over the G88. If you're on a tight budget and only need a phone for basic tasks, the original Note 12 remains a good option.
❓ What is the difference in RAM and storage options?
Both phones are likely to offer similar RAM and storage configurations (e.g., 4GB/6GB RAM, 64GB/128GB storage). However, the Note 12 (2023) might have slightly more options or faster storage speeds.