The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Oppo A57 and Infinix Note 12 (2023) both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches – the A57 relies on the slightly older Dimensity 810, while the Note 12 (2023) opts for the newer Helio G99. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Infinix Note 12 (2023) is the better choice. While the Oppo A57 boasts a brighter display, the Note 12’s significantly faster 33W charging and comparable performance from the Helio G99 make it more practical for daily use. The charging speed alone is a major advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 14 | 2022, October 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 15 | Available. Released 2022, October 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.1 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.96 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 | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| 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 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| 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 | - | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS |
| Radio | No | 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 |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Lilac | Volcanic Grey, Tuscany Blue, Alpine White |
| Models | PFTM20 | X676C |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 220 EUR |
Oppo A57
- Higher peak display brightness for outdoor use
- Slightly higher CPU clock speed
- Established brand reputation
- Significantly slower 10W charging
- Potentially less efficient chipset
- Likely lower gaming performance
Infinix Note 12 (2023)
- Much faster 33W charging
- More efficient Helio G99 chipset
- Better sustained performance for gaming
- Likely lower peak display brightness
- Less established brand in some markets
- Potentially less refined software experience
Display Comparison
The Oppo A57 features a display capable of reaching 761 nits of peak brightness, a significant advantage for outdoor visibility. While the Infinix Note 12 (2023)'s display specs aren't provided, it's likely lower, making the A57 preferable for users who spend a lot of time outside. However, brightness isn't everything; panel quality, color accuracy, and refresh rate (not specified for either) also play crucial roles. The A57’s higher brightness will also benefit users consuming HDR content, assuming the device supports it.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely employ similar image signal processors (ISPs) within their respective chipsets. The quality will depend heavily on sensor size, lens aperture, and software processing. It’s reasonable to assume both will offer acceptable image quality in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be the differentiating factor, and that data is unavailable. We can expect both to include standard features like portrait mode and HDR.
Performance
Both phones utilize octa-core CPUs with a similar core configuration: 2x Cortex-A76 for performance and 6x Cortex-A55 for efficiency. However, the Oppo A57’s Dimensity 810 is clocked slightly higher at 2.4 GHz versus the Infinix Note 12 (2023)'s Helio G99 at 2.2 GHz. Despite this, the Helio G99, built on the same 6nm process, is generally considered more efficient, potentially leading to better sustained performance and less thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. The G99’s architecture is optimized for gaming, giving it an edge in this area.
Battery Life
The Infinix Note 12 (2023) takes a clear lead in charging speed with its 33W wired charging capability, compared to the Oppo A57’s slow 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster top-ups, reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the Note 12 effectively mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage. A full charge on the Note 12 will likely take under an hour, while the A57 could take upwards of three hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A57 if you prioritize maximum screen brightness and frequently use your phone outdoors in direct sunlight. Buy the Infinix Note 12 (2023) if you value faster charging, which minimizes downtime, and want a phone that can keep up with a busy lifestyle without constantly being tethered to a power outlet. The Note 12 is also a better pick for gamers due to the more efficient G99 chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G99 in the Infinix Note 12 (2023) struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio G99 is specifically designed for gaming and offers a good balance of performance and efficiency. While it won't match flagship-level performance, it should be capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty at medium to high settings with acceptable frame rates. The 6nm process also helps to minimize thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Oppo A57 with its 10W charging?
With 10W charging, a full charge from 0% to 100% on the Oppo A57 will likely take between 3 to 4 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is a significant drawback compared to the Infinix Note 12 (2023)'s 33W fast charging.
❓ Does the Infinix Note 12 (2023) support reverse charging?
Unfortunately, information regarding reverse charging support for the Infinix Note 12 (2023) is not readily available. It's unlikely to be a feature included in this price segment, but checking official specifications is recommended.
