The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Note 8i and Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) are two popular contenders. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) edges out the Infinix Note 8i thanks to its more efficient Exynos 850 chipset and generally better software support. While the Note 8i boasts a slightly better GPU, the A12's overall performance and brand reputation make it the more appealing option for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 15. Released 2020, November 15 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 171.4 x 77.7 x 8.9 mm (6.75 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~264 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 10, XOS 7.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Green | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | X683, X683B | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
Infinix Note 8i
- Larger Display
- Slightly better GPU for basic gaming
- Competitive Price
- Less Efficient Chipset
- Lower Quality Secondary Cameras
- 60Hz Display
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- More Efficient Chipset (Exynos 850)
- Better Software Support (Samsung)
- Generally Better Camera Performance
- Potentially 90Hz Display
- Slower Charging
- Less Powerful GPU than Note 8i
- Lower Base Storage (depending on variant)
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) features a 6.5-inch PLS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate (confirmed in some regions, varies), offering smoother scrolling and animations compared to the Note 8i's 6.86-inch IPS LCD display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Both offer HD+ resolution, so image quality is comparable, but the A12's panel generally provides better color accuracy and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy A12 (India) typically features a quad-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. The Infinix Note 8i also has a quad-camera setup, with a 48MP main sensor, but its other sensors are generally lower quality. Image quality on the A12 is typically better, especially in low light. Both phones offer decent selfie cameras.
Performance
The Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 (India) is the clear winner here. Its 8nm process and efficient architecture provide better overall performance and power efficiency than the Infinix Note 8i's 12nm Helio G80. While the Note 8i's GPU offers a slight edge for basic gaming, the A12 handles multitasking and demanding apps more smoothly.
Battery Life
Both phones offer large 5000mAh batteries, providing excellent all-day battery life. However, the Galaxy A12 (India)'s more efficient Exynos 850 chipset allows it to stretch that battery life even further. Charging speeds are a drawback for both, with 18W for the Note 8i and 15W for the A12.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Infinix Note 8i? Gamers on a tight budget might appreciate the Helio G80's slightly better GPU. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)? Users prioritizing smooth performance, reliable software updates, and the Samsung ecosystem will find the A12 a better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Infinix Note 8i has a slightly more powerful GPU, but the Samsung Galaxy A12's smoother performance and better thermal management make it a more enjoyable gaming experience overall.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day with moderate usage. The Galaxy A12 (India) may offer slightly longer battery life due to its more efficient chipset.
