The Infinix Note series consistently delivers impressive features at affordable prices. The Note 12 and Note 12 G96 are two popular contenders, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Note 12 G96 edges out the standard Note 12 thanks to its significantly more powerful processor and improved CPU architecture. While both offer solid battery life and charging speeds, the G96's performance boost makes it the better choice for gamers and demanding users, justifying 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, 41, 40 | 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 26 | 2022, May 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 26 | Available. Released 2022, May 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm (6.47 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184.5 g (6.49 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| 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 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 10.6 | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| 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 | 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Jewel Blue, Force Black, Sunset Golden | Force Black, Snowfall, Sapphire Blue (Jewel Blue) |
| Models | X663, X663C, X663D | X670 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 210 EUR |
Infinix Note 12
- More affordable
- Good display
- Decent battery life
- Fast charging
- Less powerful processor
- Slightly older chipset
- Performance may struggle with demanding games
Infinix Note 12 G96
- More powerful processor (Helio G96)
- Improved CPU architecture
- Better gaming performance
- Slightly better image processing
- Slightly more expensive
- Minor differences in camera quality compared to Note 12
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both, providing a sharp viewing experience. Differences are minimal here, with both offering a great visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones typically feature a triple-camera setup, often including a 50MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a depth sensor. While megapixels aren't everything, the G96's more powerful processor could lead to slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Expect similar overall camera quality, but the G96 might have a slight edge.
Performance
This is where the biggest difference lies. The Note 12 G96's Helio G96 chipset with Cortex-A76 cores provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Note 12's Helio G88 with Cortex-A75 cores. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the G96. The G96's GPU is also likely more capable.
Battery Life
Both devices are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for most users. Charging speeds are identical at 33W, allowing for relatively quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Note 12 is ideal for users prioritizing a balance of features and affordability, primarily for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming. The Infinix Note 12 G96 is recommended for users who need more processing power for gaming, multitasking, or running demanding applications, and are willing to spend a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Infinix Note 12 G96 worth the extra money?
If you're a gamer or frequently use demanding apps, the G96's improved performance makes it worth the investment. Otherwise, the standard Note 12 offers excellent value for everyday use.
❓ What is the difference between the Helio G88 and Helio G96?
The Helio G96 features a more modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A76 cores) and a more powerful GPU compared to the Helio G88 (Cortex-A75 cores), resulting in better overall performance.
