Infinix Note 12 G96

Infinix Note 12 G96 Review: More Than Just a Big Screen on a Budget

I've spent the better part of three weeks putting the Infinix Note 12 G96 through its paces, and I have to say, it's carved out an interesting little niche for itself. At a price point that won't make your wallet weep, it promises a lot, especially if you're after a large, vibrant display. My initial reaction after unboxing was definitely one of surprise – it feels more premium in hand than the price tag might suggest. But as always, the devil is in the details, and that's what I've been digging into.

Market Context: Filling a Specific Need

Right now, the smartphone market is a fascinating landscape. We've got the flagship powerhouses vying for ultimate performance, and then there's this burgeoning segment of budget-friendly devices that are becoming increasingly capable. Infinix has consistently aimed to occupy this space, offering features that punch above their weight class. The Note 12 G96 feels like a continuation of this strategy, focusing on delivering a compelling entertainment experience without breaking the bank. From my perspective, it’s a smart move. Not everyone needs or can afford the latest and greatest, and there’s a real demand for phones that handle everyday tasks and media consumption well. The price point feels pretty spot-on for what it's offering, directly targeting users who prioritize screen real estate and battery life over bleeding-edge processing power.

Design & Hardware: Surprisingly Refined

Picking up the Infinix Note 12 G96, the first thing that struck me was how surprisingly light it is for a phone packing a 6.7-inch display and a substantial 5000mAh battery. At just 185 grams, it doesn't feel like a brick in your pocket, which is a definite plus for daily carry. The construction feels solid enough, although the back panel is plastic, which is expected at this price. It doesn't feel cheap, though, and the finish on the back of my review unit (the Sapphire Blue) has a subtle shimmer that adds a touch of visual interest. The in-hand feel is comfortable, thanks to the slightly curved edges, and I haven’t found it slippery, even without a case. Durability is always a question mark with plastic builds, but in my testing, it’s held up well to everyday bumps and scrapes. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is integrated into the power button and is snappy and reliable – exactly where I prefer it. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is also a welcome sight these days, something that's becoming increasingly rare and will be appreciated by many.

Display: A Visual Treat for the Price

The star of the show here is undoubtedly the 6.7-inch AMOLED display. Turning it on, the colours immediately pop, and the deep blacks are characteristic of AMOLED technology. For media consumption, this screen is a joy. Watching videos and browsing photos is a vibrant experience. The 1080 x 2400 resolution (around 393 ppi) provides a sharp enough image for most tasks, and while it’s not the absolute sharpest panel out there, you’d be hard-pressed to notice the difference in everyday use. I've found the brightness levels to be adequate, even outdoors. Infinix claims a peak brightness of 650 nits, and while it’s not searingly bright, I could comfortably use it on a moderately sunny day. Gaming also looks good on this display, with vibrant colours enhancing the experience. From my practical daily use, this display punches well above its weight. It's immersive, colourful, and bright enough for most situations, making it a key selling point for the Note 12 G96.

Performance: Capable for the Everyday Grind

Under the hood, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is powered by a MediaTek Helio G96 processor paired with 8GB of RAM in my review unit. For everyday tasks like browsing, social media, email, and video streaming, the phone performs admirably. Navigating the interface is generally smooth, and apps open reasonably quickly. When it comes to gaming, my experience has been mixed. Less demanding titles run flawlessly, but when I cranked up the settings on more graphically intensive games, I did notice some stuttering and frame drops. However, if you're willing to dial down the graphics settings a bit, you can still enjoy a decent gaming experience. Multitasking is also generally smooth thanks to the ample RAM, allowing me to switch between several apps without too much lag. Temperature management seems decent too. Even during extended gaming sessions, the phone didn't get uncomfortably hot, which is a positive sign. There weren't any significant quirks or performance issues that stood out during my testing, suggesting that the G96 chip is a capable workhorse for this category of phone.

Camera System: Decent Daylight Shooter, Some Limitations

The camera system on the Infinix Note 12 G96 is a mixed bag, which is fairly typical for phones in this price range. The main 50MP sensor performs best in good lighting conditions. I took a bunch of photos outdoors on a sunny afternoon, and the images were surprisingly detailed with good colour reproduction. However, dynamic range can be a bit limited, and highlights can sometimes get blown out. In low-light conditions, image quality understandably suffers, with noticeable noise and a loss of detail. The dedicated night mode does help to brighten up the scene, but it's not going to rival the low-light capabilities of more expensive phones. Video recording tops out at 1440p at 30fps, which is decent, but the lack of optical image stabilization (OIS) means that handheld footage can be a bit shaky. There are also two additional rear cameras: a 2MP depth sensor, which aids in portrait mode, and a 0.3MP camera. Frankly, the utility of that 0.3MP sensor is questionable. The 16MP front-facing camera, on the other hand, is surprisingly capable and takes decent selfies in good lighting. Compared to market alternatives in this price bracket, the camera performance is competitive, offering decent daylight shots but falling short in more challenging conditions. For social media sharing and casual photography in good light, it gets the job done.

Battery & Charging: All-Day Stamina

Battery life is a strong suit of the Infinix Note 12 G96. The 5000mAh battery consistently got me through a full day of moderate to heavy use, including browsing, social media, video streaming, and some light gaming. On lighter usage days, I even managed to stretch it into a second day. In my charging tests, the included 33W fast charger brought the phone from empty to around 50% in roughly 30 minutes, which is quite respectable. A full charge takes a little over an hour. The power management seems efficient, and I didn't notice any significant battery drain in standby mode. For users who prioritize long battery life, the Note 12 G96 is a reliable performer.

Software: Functional but Not Fancy

The Infinix Note 12 G96 runs on Android 12 with Infinix's XOS skin on top. My daily usage experience has been generally smooth, although XOS does come with a fair amount of pre-installed apps (some of which can be uninstalled). The interface is functional and offers a range of customization options. Some of the included features, like the "MemFusion" RAM expansion, which borrows storage space to increase RAM, can be useful. However, the overall aesthetic might not appeal to everyone, and it's not the cleanest Android experience out there. In terms of update policy, Infinix isn't generally known for providing numerous major Android updates, so that's something to keep in mind. While the software is perfectly usable and offers a decent range of features, it's not the standout aspect of this phone.

Value Analysis: Where Does Your Money Go?

The Infinix Note 12 G96 really shines when you consider its price-to-feature ratio. You're getting a large, vibrant AMOLED display, a dependable battery with fast charging, and a capable main camera for daylight photography, all for a price that undercuts many of its competitors. This phone is clearly aimed at users who prioritize these features over top-tier processing power or a flagship-level camera system. If you're a student, a casual user who enjoys watching videos and browsing social media, or someone who needs a reliable daily driver without spending a fortune, the Note 12 G96 is definitely worth considering. However, if you're a hardcore mobile gamer or a photography enthusiast looking for the best possible image quality, you'll likely need to look elsewhere and spend more. Compared to other phones in this price range, the Infinix Note 12 G96 offers a compelling package, particularly with its impressive display and battery life.

Conclusion: A Solid Budget Contender

Overall, my time with the Infinix Note 12 G96 has been a positive surprise. It's a well-rounded budget smartphone that gets the fundamentals right. The stunning AMOLED display and excellent battery life are standout features that make it a compelling option for media consumption and everyday use. While the camera system has its limitations and the software isn't the cleanest, these are common compromises at this price point. For anyone seeking a phone with a large, vibrant screen and long-lasting battery without breaking the bank, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is a worthy contender and one I can confidently recommend. It proves that you don't need to spend a fortune to get a solid and enjoyable smartphone experience.