The Infinix Note series is known for offering impressive features at competitive prices. The Note 12i and Note 12 G96 are two popular options, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Note 12 G96 generally edges out the Note 12i thanks to its more powerful processor and slightly improved CPU architecture. Both offer 33W charging and similar battery capacity, but the G96 provides a smoother, more responsive experience for gaming and demanding tasks. Ultimately, the G96 is the better performer.
| 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, May 11 | 2022, May 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 11 | Available. Released 2022, May 16 |
| 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) | 164.6 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 | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| 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 (~85.7% 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 (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 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, 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 | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 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 | No | 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 | Force Black, Snowfall | Force Black, Snowfall, Sapphire Blue (Jewel Blue) |
| Models | X6819 | X670 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 210 EUR |
Infinix Note 12i
- More affordable
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Decent display
- 33W fast charging
- Less powerful processor
- Slightly less impressive camera
- May struggle with demanding games
Infinix Note 12 G96
- Better performance for gaming and multitasking
- More powerful processor (Helio G96)
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Slightly more expensive
- Battery life similar to Note 12i
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. Differences in brightness and color accuracy might exist, but are generally minor. The Note 12 G96 *may* have slightly better calibration.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely have a similar triple-camera setup (likely a 50MP main sensor, wide-angle, and depth sensor), the G96's more powerful processor allows for better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. Expect slightly more detailed and vibrant photos from the G96.
Performance
The Helio G96 in the Note 12 G96 boasts a significant advantage. Its Cortex-A76 cores are more powerful than the Cortex-A75 cores in the G85. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The G85 is still capable, but the G96 offers a noticeably more premium feel.
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, offering a reasonable charging speed.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Note 12i is a great choice for users on a tighter budget who prioritize essential features and a reliable experience for everyday tasks like browsing and social media. The Infinix Note 12 G96 is ideal for users who want better performance for gaming, multitasking, and content creation, and are willing to spend a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Infinix Note 12i good for gaming?
The Note 12i can handle casual games, but demanding titles may experience lag or reduced frame rates. The Note 12 G96 is a better choice for serious mobile gamers.
❓ What is the difference between the Helio G85 and Helio G96?
The Helio G96 features more powerful Cortex-A76 cores, resulting in significantly better performance compared to the Helio G85's Cortex-A75 cores. This impacts overall speed and responsiveness.