The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Note 12 G96 and Tecno Pova 4 Pro are two contenders vying for your attention. Both offer impressive features at affordable prices, but which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Pova 4 Pro edges out the Infinix Note 12 G96 thanks to its more efficient chipset, faster charging, and potentially better gaming performance. However, the Infinix might offer a slightly better display and camera experience depending on specific usage. It's a close call, but the Pova 4 Pro provides a more compelling package.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 16 | 2022, October 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 16 | Available. Released 2022, October 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) | 164.8 x 77 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 3.03 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.66 inches, 105.3 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 10.6 | Android 12, HIOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| 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 Direct | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 45W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Force Black, Snowfall, Sapphire Blue (Jewel Blue) | Fluorite Blue |
| Models | X670 | LG8n |
| Price | About 210 EUR | - |
Infinix Note 12 G96
- Potentially better display (AMOLED)
- Decent camera performance
- Stylish design
- Good value for money
- Less efficient chipset
- Slower charging
- May lack gaming performance compared to Pova 4 Pro
Tecno Pova 4 Pro
- More efficient chipset (Helio G99)
- Faster 45W charging
- Larger battery capacity
- Potentially better gaming performance
- IPS LCD display (less vibrant)
- Camera may not be as refined
- Design might be less premium
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large, FHD+ displays, likely AMOLED on the Infinix and IPS LCD on the Tecno. The Infinix is expected to have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its AMOLED panel, offering richer blacks and more vibrant visuals. The Tecno's display will be perfectly adequate but may lack the same level of visual pop.
Camera Comparison
The Infinix Note 12 G96 is likely to have a more refined camera system, potentially with better image processing algorithms. While both phones offer multiple lenses (likely a main sensor, ultrawide, and macro), the Infinix's software optimization could result in slightly better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Expect both to be capable for casual photography.
Performance
The Tecno Pova 4 Pro's Helio G99 chipset, built on a 6nm process, offers a significant advantage over the Infinix's 12nm Helio G96. This translates to better power efficiency and potentially higher sustained performance, especially during gaming. While both have octa-core CPUs, the G99's architecture and manufacturing process give it an edge.
Battery Life
The Tecno Pova 4 Pro boasts a larger battery capacity (likely 6000mAh) and significantly faster 45W charging compared to the Infinix's 33W charging. This means longer battery life and quicker top-ups, a crucial advantage for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Note 12 G96 is ideal for users prioritizing a vibrant display, a decent camera for everyday photography, and a balanced overall experience. The Tecno Pova 4 Pro is a better choice for gamers and power users who need faster charging and a more efficient processor for demanding tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Tecno Pova 4 Pro is generally better for gaming due to its more efficient chipset and potentially better thermal management.
❓ Does the Infinix Note 12 G96 have a better camera?
While both have capable cameras, the Infinix Note 12 G96 might offer slightly better image quality thanks to potential software optimizations and a potentially better sensor.
❓ Which phone charges faster?
The Tecno Pova 4 Pro charges significantly faster with its 45W charging compared to the Infinix Note 12 G96's 33W charging.
❓ What type of display does each phone have?
The Infinix Note 12 G96 likely features an AMOLED display, while the Tecno Pova 4 Pro uses an IPS LCD display.