Google Pixel 7a vs. Infinix Note 12 5G: A Detailed Comparison

The Google Pixel 7a and the Infinix Note 12 5G represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Pixel 7a brings Google’s renowned computational photography and the Tensor G2 chip to a more accessible price point, while the Infinix Note 12 5G focuses on delivering 5G connectivity and a large display at an even more budget-friendly cost. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 7a is the superior choice. Its Tensor G2 chipset provides a significantly smoother and more responsive experience, and its camera system is in a different league. However, the Infinix Note 12 5G offers compelling value for those prioritizing 5G access and a large screen on a tight budget.

PHONES
Phone Names Infinix Note 12 5G Google Pixel 7a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - GWKK3, G0DZQ
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 781, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8
Launch
Announced2022, July 082023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, July 14Available. Released 2023, May 10
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.7 x 76.9 x 8 mm (6.48 x 3.03 x 0.31 in)152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight186 g (6.56 oz)193.5 g (6.84 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLEDOLED, HDR, 90Hz
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 12, XOS 10.6Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal64GB 6GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual-64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
FeaturesQuad-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)-
Triple50 MP, f/1.6, 27mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lenses-
Video1440p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesDual-LED flashHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video1440p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging33W wired18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 4385 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, WhiteCharcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral
ModelsX671GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8
PriceAbout 190 EUR€ 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980

Infinix Note 12 5G

  • Superior camera performance with Google's computational photography.
  • Faster and more efficient Google Tensor G2 chipset.
  • Brighter and more vibrant OLED display.

  • Slower charging speed (18W) compared to Infinix.
  • Higher price point.

Google Pixel 7a

  • Faster 33W wired charging.
  • More affordable price.
  • Likely larger battery capacity.

  • Significantly less powerful chipset.
  • Inferior camera performance.

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1070 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Infinix Note 12 5G. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While the Infinix likely utilizes an LCD panel to keep costs down, the Pixel 7a’s OLED technology delivers superior contrast and color accuracy. The Pixel 7a’s smaller size also contributes to a higher pixel density, resulting in a sharper image. Bezels are likely thinner on the Pixel 7a, reflecting its more premium positioning.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 7a’s camera system is a clear standout. While specific sensor details are missing for both, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2, elevates image quality significantly. The Pixel 7a excels in dynamic range, low-light performance, and overall image processing. The Infinix Note 12 5G likely relies more on hardware and less on software optimization, resulting in less refined images. The Pixel 7a’s video capabilities are also expected to be superior, benefiting from the Tensor G2’s image signal processor (ISP). We can assume the Pixel 7a includes Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a feature often absent in this price bracket, further enhancing image and video quality.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2, fabricated on a 5nm process, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Infinix Note 12 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm). The Tensor G2’s CPU configuration – 2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 – is architecturally superior to the Dimensity 810’s 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. This means faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. The 5nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. While the Infinix Note 12 5G is capable for everyday tasks, the Pixel 7a provides a noticeably more fluid and responsive user experience.

Battery Life

The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, suggesting efficient power management despite its smaller battery capacity (likely around 4385 mAh). The Infinix Note 12 5G’s battery capacity is unknown, but its 33W wired charging is faster than the Pixel 7a’s 18W charging, supporting PD3.0 and 7.5W wireless charging. This means the Infinix Note 12 5G can likely charge from 0-100% faster, but the Pixel 7a’s optimized software and efficient chipset contribute to longer overall battery life in real-world usage.

Buying Guide

Buy the Infinix Note 12 5G if you need a large-screen 5G phone primarily for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and occasional video streaming, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prioritize camera quality, smooth performance, and a refined software experience, and are willing to spend a bit more for a flagship-level experience in a mid-range package.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 810 in the Infinix Note 12 5G struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Dimensity 810 is a mid-range chipset and will likely require significant graphics settings reductions to achieve playable frame rates in demanding titles like Genshin Impact. Expect noticeable frame drops and potential stuttering, especially during prolonged gaming sessions. The Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 offers a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ How does Google's software support compare to Infinix's, and will the Pixel 7a receive more Android updates?
Google provides guaranteed software updates and security patches for the Pixel 7a for a longer duration (typically 3 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches) than Infinix typically offers for the Note 12 5G. This means the Pixel 7a will remain secure and benefit from new features for a longer period.
❓ Is the 7.5W wireless charging on the Pixel 7a worth considering, or is it too slow to be practical?
7.5W wireless charging is relatively slow compared to wired charging, and it's not a primary reason to choose the Pixel 7a. However, it offers convenience for users who prefer to top up their phone overnight or use wireless charging pads. The Infinix Note 12 5G lacks wireless charging altogether.