The Infinix Note series consistently delivers impressive features at affordable prices. The Note 12i and Note 12 (2023) are two compelling options, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Note 12 (2023) generally wins thanks to its more powerful Helio G99 chipset and more efficient 6nm manufacturing process. While both offer 33W charging and similar battery capacity, the Note 12's performance edge makes it the better choice for most users.
| 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, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 11 | 2022, October 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 11 | Available. Released 2022, October 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 170.7 x 77.4 x 8.3 mm (6.72 x 3.05 x 0.33 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 |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 10.6 | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP, (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 | 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 | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| 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 | Force Black, Snowfall | Volcanic Grey, Tuscany Blue, Alpine White |
| Models | X6819 | X676C |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 220 EUR |
Infinix Note 12i
- More affordable
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Less powerful chipset
- Older manufacturing process (12nm)
- Potentially slower performance
Infinix Note 12 (2023)
- More powerful chipset (Helio G99)
- More efficient 6nm process
- Better gaming performance
- Improved multitasking
- Slightly more expensive
- Minor differences in display quality (potentially)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. Differences are minimal, with both providing a great viewing experience. The Note 12 (2023) might have slightly better color accuracy due to its more powerful processor handling display processing.
Camera Comparison
Both phones typically feature a triple-camera setup, often including a 50MP main sensor, a depth sensor, and a macro lens. While megapixels aren't everything, the Note 12 (2023)'s more powerful processor likely allows for better image processing, resulting in slightly improved image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Video recording capabilities are likely similar.
Performance
This is where the Note 12 (2023) shines. The Helio G99 (6nm) is significantly faster and more efficient than the Helio G85 (12nm) in the Note 12i. Expect noticeably smoother app launches, better gaming performance, and improved multitasking on the Note 12 (2023). The G99's Cortex-A76 cores also contribute to a more responsive experience.
Battery Life
Both devices typically pack a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. The Note 12 (2023)'s more efficient chipset should translate to slightly better battery life under heavy load, but the difference is unlikely to be dramatic.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Note 12i is a good choice for users on a tighter budget who prioritize a large display and decent battery life for everyday tasks. The Infinix Note 12 (2023) is ideal for those seeking smoother performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps, justifying the slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Infinix Note 12i good for gaming?
The Note 12i can handle casual games, but demanding titles may experience lag. The Note 12 (2023) is a better choice for serious mobile gamers.
❓ What is the difference between the Helio G85 and Helio G99?
The Helio G99 is a newer and more powerful chipset with a more efficient 6nm manufacturing process, resulting in better performance and battery life compared to the 12nm Helio G85.