Realme 12x vs Infinix Note 40 Pro: Which Budget Phone Reigns Supreme?

The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme 12x and Infinix Note 40 Pro are two contenders vying for your attention. The Realme 12x focuses on a streamlined experience, while the Infinix Note 40 Pro pushes the boundaries with faster charging and a more feature-rich approach. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Infinix Note 40 Pro emerges as the stronger choice. Its significantly faster 45W charging, coupled with the more powerful Dimensity 7020 chipset, provides a more convenient and responsive experience. While the Realme 12x offers a respectable package, the Note 40 Pro’s added features justify the slight price premium.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme 12x Infinix Note 40 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 42, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, March 212024, March 18
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, April 07Available. Released 2024, March 19
Body
Dimensions165.6 x 76.1 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.31 in)164.3 x 74.5 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.93 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight190 g (6.70 oz)190 g or 196 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density)1080 x 2436 pixels (~393 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 109.9 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 (typ), 625 nits (HBM)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 7020 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2IMG BXM-8-256
OSAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0Android 14, XOS 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)Unspecified
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF, OIS 2 MP, f/2.4 2 MP, f/2.4
Video1080p@30fps1440p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanoramaDual-LED flash
Single8 MP, f2.0, (wide)32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1"
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LEYes
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYes, 360˚Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging15W wired45W wired, 50% in 26 min 20W wireless MagCharge Reverse wired Reverse wireless
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsFeather Green, Glowing BlackVintage Green, Titan Gold, Racing Edition
ModelsRMX3997X6851
Price€ 132.92 / £ 129.00About 280 EUR

Realme 12x

  • Potentially cleaner software experience (typical of Realme)
  • More affordable price point
  • Slightly more compact design (likely)

  • Significantly slower 15W charging
  • Less powerful Dimensity 6100+ chipset
  • Lacks wireless charging capabilities

Infinix Note 40 Pro

  • Faster 45W wired charging with 50% in 26 minutes
  • More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 7020 chipset
  • 20W wireless MagCharge and reverse charging

  • Potentially higher price
  • Software experience may include more bloatware (typical of Infinix)
  • May be slightly larger and heavier

Display Comparison

Both devices utilize 6nm chipsets, suggesting similar power efficiency demands on the display. However, detailed display specs (resolution, panel type, brightness) are missing. Given the market positioning, we can assume both employ FHD+ LCD panels. The key differentiator will likely be color accuracy and peak brightness, where the Note 40 Pro, typically found in a slightly higher price bracket, may have a slight edge. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within the budget constraints.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the market trend suggests the Infinix Note 40 Pro will likely feature a higher resolution main sensor. The Realme 12x may focus on software optimization to compensate, but the Dimensity 7020’s image signal processor (ISP) in the Note 40 Pro offers more headroom for image processing and detail capture. We can expect both phones to include standard features like HDR and night mode, but the Note 40 Pro’s ISP will likely deliver superior results in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing tactic and offers limited practical benefit.

Performance

The Infinix Note 40 Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 7020 represents a clear step up in processing power compared to the Realme 12x’s Dimensity 6100+. While both chipsets share a similar core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A55 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), the Note 40 Pro utilizes Cortex-A78 cores instead of the A76 cores found in the 12x. This architectural difference translates to improved single-core performance and better responsiveness in demanding applications. The GPU within the Dimensity 7020 will also provide a smoother gaming experience. RAM configurations are likely similar, but the Note 40 Pro’s superior chipset will better utilize available memory.

Battery Life

The Infinix Note 40 Pro’s 45W wired charging is a game-changer, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 26 minutes. This is a significant advantage over the Realme 12x’s slow 15W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery. Furthermore, the Note 40 Pro introduces 20W wireless MagCharge, reverse wired charging, and reverse wireless charging – features entirely absent on the Realme 12x, adding substantial convenience for users who own compatible accessories.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme 12x if you prioritize a clean software experience and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and make calls. Buy the Infinix Note 40 Pro if you value fast charging, a more capable processor for gaming and multitasking, and the convenience of wireless charging. This phone is geared towards power users and those who demand more from their device.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Infinix Note 40 Pro’s Dimensity 7020 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Dimensity 7020 is a capable chipset that should provide a smooth gaming experience in PUBG Mobile, even at medium to high graphics settings. The improved GPU compared to the Realme 12x’s Dimensity 6100+ will result in higher frame rates and fewer stutters.
❓ How practical is the 20W MagCharge wireless charging on the Infinix Note 40 Pro?
The 20W MagCharge is a convenient feature for users who already own MagSafe-compatible accessories. While not as fast as wired charging, it offers a cable-free charging solution and the reverse charging capabilities can be useful for topping up accessories like earbuds.
❓ Is the Realme 12x a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for basic tasks like calling and browsing?
Absolutely. The Realme 12x is perfectly adequate for everyday tasks like calling, texting, browsing the web, and using social media. Its streamlined software and efficient chipset will provide a responsive experience for these use cases, and the slower charging won't be as noticeable.
❓ Does the Infinix Note 40 Pro’s software come with a lot of pre-installed bloatware?
Infinix phones are sometimes known for including pre-installed apps. While the extent of bloatware varies, it's likely the Note 40 Pro will have some pre-installed apps that you may not need. However, many of these can be uninstalled or disabled.