The Ulefone Note 12 and Infinix Note 12 (2023) represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. However, they take markedly different approaches to achieving affordability. The Ulefone prioritizes a lower entry price, while the Infinix aims for a more balanced experience with a focus on performance and faster charging. This comparison dissects these trade-offs to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Infinix Note 12 (2023) is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, built on a 6nm process, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Ulefone Note 12’s Unisoc Tiger T310. Coupled with 33W charging, the Infinix provides a smoother, more responsive experience and quicker top-ups, justifying the potential price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 26, 66 | 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, July | 2022, October 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July | Available. Released 2022, October 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 173.6 x 79.1 x 10.2 mm (6.83 x 3.11 x 0.40 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 | 237 g (8.36 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T310 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1440p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | 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 | 10W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7700 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Blue | Volcanic Grey, Tuscany Blue, Alpine White |
| Models | - | X676C |
| Price | - | About 220 EUR |
Ulefone Note 12
- Lowest possible price point
- Potentially longer battery life (depending on capacity)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower performance
- Extremely slow 10W charging
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Infinix Note 12 (2023)
- Faster and more efficient processor
- 33W fast charging
- Improved gaming performance
- Better image processing capabilities
- Slightly higher price
- May not have the absolute longest battery life
- Potentially more complex software features
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are unavailable, the core difference lies elsewhere. Both likely utilize LCD panels given the price point. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on the overall system responsiveness the chipset enables for smoother scrolling and transitions.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price bracket, both phones likely feature primary sensors around the 13-50MP range. The Ulefone Note 12 likely relies heavily on software processing to enhance image quality, while the Infinix Note 12 (2023) benefits from the Helio G99’s improved image signal processor (ISP) for potentially better dynamic range and noise reduction. The presence of a dedicated ISP in the Helio G99 will likely yield more consistent results across various lighting conditions.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Infinix Note 12 (2023) utilizes the Mediatek Helio G99, fabricated on a 6nm process, featuring an octa-core CPU with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This contrasts sharply with the Ulefone Note 12’s Unisoc Tiger T310 (12nm) and its quad-core configuration (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). The 6nm process of the Helio G99 translates to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling, crucial for sustained performance. The higher core count and faster clock speeds of the Helio G99 will result in noticeably quicker app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the charging speed is a clear win for the Infinix Note 12 (2023) with its 33W wired charging. The Ulefone Note 12 is limited to a slow 10W charging rate. This means the Infinix can replenish its battery significantly faster, minimizing downtime. Even if the Ulefone Note 12 has a slightly larger battery capacity, the Infinix’s faster charging will likely result in less perceived battery anxiety for most users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 12 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Infinix Note 12 (2023) if you prioritize a smoother user experience, enjoy mobile gaming, or value faster charging speeds – even if it means spending a bit more upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G99 in the Infinix Note 12 (2023) overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Mediatek Helio G99, built on a 6nm process, is designed for efficiency. While it will generate heat during gaming, the 6nm node and optimized thermal management should prevent significant throttling, allowing for sustained performance over extended periods. The Ulefone Note 12's 12nm chipset is more prone to throttling under similar loads.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Ulefone Note 12 realistically usable in 2024?
10W charging is exceptionally slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take well over 3 hours, potentially even 4 or 5. This is a significant inconvenience for users accustomed to faster charging solutions. The Infinix Note 12 (2023)'s 33W charging is a far more practical option.
❓ Can the Infinix Note 12 (2023) handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G99 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with playable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a significantly better gaming performance than the Ulefone Note 12, which will struggle with these titles.
❓ How does the Unisoc Tiger T310 compare to other chipsets in the same price range?
The Unisoc Tiger T310 is generally considered an entry-level chipset, falling behind competitors like the Mediatek Helio G85 or G99 in terms of performance and efficiency. It's suitable for basic tasks but will show its limitations with demanding applications or multitasking.
