The Infinix Note 12i was a popular budget contender, but the 2022 iteration arrived with subtle changes. Is the upgrade worth it? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the specs, performance, and features of both phones to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Surprisingly, the core hardware remains identical. The 2022 version might offer minor software improvements or slight design tweaks, but the performance is essentially the same. If you already own the original, upgrading isn't necessary. For new buyers, consider price and availability.
| 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, September 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 11 | Available. Released 2022, September 30 |
| 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) | 164.5 x 76.7 x 7.8 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) | 188 g (6.63 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 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@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 | 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 |
| 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, Alpine White, Metaverse Blue |
| Models | X6819 | X677 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Infinix Note 12i
- Large 120Hz AMOLED Display
- Fast 33W Charging
- Decent Performance for the Price
- 5000mAh Battery
- Helio G85 isn't a flagship chipset
- Plastic Build
- Camera performance could be better in low light
Infinix Note 12i 2022
- Large 120Hz AMOLED Display
- Fast 33W Charging
- Potentially slightly improved software
- 5000mAh Battery
- Helio G85 isn't a flagship chipset
- Plastic Build
- Camera performance could be better in low light
- Minimal upgrade over the original
Display Comparison
Both devices feature a 6.82-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Visual quality is excellent on both, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. Differences, if any, are likely to be minimal and related to display calibration rather than hardware.
Camera Comparison
Both phones typically feature a triple rear camera setup, often including a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP depth sensor, and an AI lens. Image quality should be comparable, with the 2022 version potentially having slightly improved image processing algorithms. Low-light performance will be similar.
Performance
Powered by the same Mediatek Helio G85 chipset, expect similar performance in everyday tasks and gaming. While the 2022 version *might* benefit from slightly optimized software, the core processing power remains unchanged. Don't expect a significant speed boost.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with a 5000mAh battery and 33W fast charging. Expect all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging times should be roughly the same, around 75-80 minutes to reach 100%.
Buying Guide
The original Infinix Note 12i is a great choice for budget-conscious users seeking a large display, decent performance, and fast charging. The 2022 version is best for those who prioritize the latest software and potentially a slightly refreshed design, assuming the price difference is minimal.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Infinix Note 12i 2022 a significant upgrade over the original?
Not really. The core hardware is the same, and the differences are likely limited to software and potentially minor design tweaks. It's not a must-buy upgrade if you already own the original.
❓ Which phone offers better value for money?
The original Infinix Note 12i generally offers better value, especially if you can find it at a lower price. The 2022 version's improvements are marginal enough to justify the price difference.
