Infinix Note 12i vs. OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G: A Detailed Comparison

The sub-$250 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Infinix Note 12i and OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and a solid feature set without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dives deep into the nuances of the Helio G85 versus the Snapdragon 695, revealing which phone offers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and future-proofing, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 695, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge and superior 5G capabilities, despite both phones sharing the same 33W charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Infinix Note 12i OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 401, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41-
Launch
Announced2022, May 112022, April 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, May 11Available. Released 2022, April 30
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions170.7 x 77.4 x 8.3 mm (6.72 x 3.05 x 0.33 in)164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight198 g (6.98 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Adreno 619
OSAndroid 12, XOS 10.6Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesQuad-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP-
Triple50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lenses64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1440p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesDual-LED flashHDR
Single8 MP16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes
Comms
BluetoothYes5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired33W wired
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsForce Black, SnowfallBlack Dusk, Blue Tide
ModelsX6819CPH2381, CPH2409
PriceAbout 170 EURAbout 220 EUR
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.71 W/kg (body)

Infinix Note 12i

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Decent performance for basic tasks
  • 33W fast charging

  • Less efficient Helio G85 chipset
  • Potentially shorter battery life
  • Inferior 5G connectivity

OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G

  • More efficient Snapdragon 695 chipset
  • Superior 5G performance
  • Smoother multitasking and gaming

  • Slightly higher price
  • May not offer significantly better camera performance
  • Still a budget-focused device

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are absent, the focus here is on the underlying processors impacting the user experience. A smoother UI, driven by the Snapdragon, will translate to a more pleasant visual experience, even on similar-quality panels. Bezels are likely comparable given the price bracket, and both will likely utilize IPS LCD technology.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs beyond the main sensors, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 695 generally offers more advanced image processing capabilities, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos and videos. The absence of OIS on either device suggests a reliance on software stabilization, where the Snapdragon’s ISP could again provide an advantage. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both phones suggests these are largely marketing features and shouldn't heavily influence purchasing decisions.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the Infinix Note 12i’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon 695 translates to significantly better power efficiency, meaning less heat generation and sustained performance during demanding tasks. While both CPUs feature an octa-core configuration, the Snapdragon’s Kryo 660 Gold cores (2x2.2 GHz) offer a higher clock speed than the Helio G85’s Cortex-A75 cores (2x2.0 GHz), resulting in faster application loading and smoother multitasking. The Snapdragon 695 also includes an integrated 5G modem, offering superior 5G connectivity compared to the Note 12i, which may rely on a less efficient external modem.

Battery Life

Both phones feature 33W wired charging, suggesting similar 0-100% charging times (around 60-75 minutes). However, the Snapdragon 695’s superior power efficiency will likely result in longer battery life for the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G, even if the Note 12i has a slightly larger battery capacity (which isn't specified in the provided data). The 6nm process allows the Snapdragon to do more work per watt, extending usage between charges.

Buying Guide

Buy the Infinix Note 12i if you need a phone primarily for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and are looking for the absolute lowest price point. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for multitasking, gaming, and benefit from the advantages of a more modern and efficient 5G chipset, even if it means spending a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with stable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it offers a noticeable improvement over the Helio G85 in terms of sustained performance and thermal management, reducing the likelihood of frame drops during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Does the Infinix Note 12i support VoLTE and VoWiFi for improved call quality?
Support for VoLTE and VoWiFi varies by region and carrier. While the Helio G85 chipset is capable of supporting these features, it's crucial to verify compatibility with your specific carrier before purchasing the Infinix Note 12i. The Snapdragon 695 in the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G generally has broader carrier support for these features.
❓ How does the 5G performance differ between the two phones?
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G benefits from an integrated 5G modem within the Snapdragon 695, offering faster and more reliable 5G connectivity compared to the Infinix Note 12i, which may rely on an external modem. This translates to quicker download and upload speeds, and a more stable connection in areas with 5G coverage.