The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Oppo A57 4G and Infinix Note 12 (2023) are key contenders. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware, particularly in chipset design. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Infinix Note 12 (2023) is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a substantial upgrade over the Oppo A57 4G’s Helio G35, resulting in smoother multitasking and improved gaming capabilities. Both offer 33W charging, but the Note 12’s superior processing power justifies its slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 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, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 27 | 2022, October 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 06 | Available. Released 2022, October 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.95 x 0.31 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 | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| | IP5X (dust), IPX4 (water) resistance | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, ColorOS 14 | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 30 min | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glowing Black, Glowing Green | Volcanic Grey, Tuscany Blue, Alpine White |
| Models | CPH2387 | X676C |
| Price | About 440 EUR | About 220 EUR |
Oppo A57 4G
- Familiar Oppo UI and brand reputation.
- 33W fast charging for quick top-ups.
- Potentially more readily available in certain markets.
- Less powerful Mediatek Helio G35 chipset.
- 12nm process is less power efficient.
- Likely limited gaming performance.
Infinix Note 12 (2023)
- More powerful and efficient Mediatek Helio G99 chipset.
- 6nm process for improved battery life and thermal management.
- Better performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Infinix UI may not be as polished as Oppo’s ColorOS.
- Brand recognition may be lower in some regions.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are not provided, both likely feature LCD panels common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood; the focus is on efficiency, not visual fidelity. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be standard for budget devices. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO suggests neither phone is geared towards media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, both phones likely employ a primary camera paired with auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro/depth sensors of limited utility). The image processing capabilities will be crucial. Given the Note 12’s more powerful chipset, it likely has more processing headroom for computational photography, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. Sensor size is a critical factor, and if the Note 12 features a larger sensor, it will capture more light and detail. The Oppo A57’s camera will likely suffice for casual snapshots, but the Note 12 offers a greater potential for image quality.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Infinix Note 12 (2023) utilizes the Mediatek Helio G99, fabricated on a 6nm process. This smaller node size translates to improved power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the Oppo A57 4G’s 12nm Helio G35. The G99’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – is a substantial upgrade over the A57’s 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A76 cores in the G99 offer significantly higher single-core performance, benefiting app launch times and responsiveness. This means the Note 12 will handle multitasking and demanding apps with greater ease. The G99 also features a more capable GPU, making it the better choice for mobile gamers.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 33W wired charging, offering a 50% charge in approximately 30 minutes (as stated for the Oppo A57). While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Infinix Note 12 (2023)’s more efficient Helio G99 chipset will likely translate to longer real-world battery life. The 6nm process consumes less power than the 12nm process of the Helio G35, meaning the Note 12 can deliver comparable or better battery endurance even with a similar capacity battery. The efficiency gain is a significant advantage for users who heavily utilize their smartphones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A57 4G if you need a basic, reliable smartphone for everyday tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and prioritize a familiar brand. Buy the Infinix Note 12 (2023) if you prefer a device capable of handling more demanding applications, enjoy mobile gaming, and want a more efficient processor that will likely offer better longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Note 12 (2023) struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While not a flagship gaming phone, the Helio G99 in the Infinix Note 12 (2023) is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. The 6nm process also helps mitigate thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, providing a more consistent experience than the Oppo A57 4G.
❓ Is the 33W charging on both phones equally effective, considering potential battery capacity differences?
Yes, the 33W charging is likely equally effective in terms of charging speed. However, the Infinix Note 12 (2023) benefits from the more efficient Helio G99 chipset, meaning it will likely reach a full charge with less energy consumption overall, and potentially maintain battery health longer.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Oppo's ColorOS and Infinix's UI?
Oppo's ColorOS is generally considered more polished and feature-rich, with a longer track record of updates. Infinix's UI, while improving, may contain more pre-installed bloatware and receive fewer software updates. This is a subjective preference, but ColorOS is often favored for its smoother user experience.
