Today we’ll talk about Infinix Note 12 (2023). If a feeling of deja vu arises when looking at the title photo, it is not wrong. Exactly the same looking Note 12 Pro was already on the review. The company decided to make two devices in the same design with the same hardware and screen. The difference is in the camera, the amount of built-in memory and the price. Let’s look at the novelty and discuss why such a step is needed.
Specifications
- Screen: 6.7 inches, 20:9 aspect ratio, AMOLED, 2400×1080 pixels, 393 PPI, 60 Hz.
- Operating system: XOS based on Android 12.
- Chipset: MediaTek Helio G99, 6 nm.
- CPU: Cortex-A76 (2×2.2GHz) + Cortex-A55 (6×2.0GHz).
- GPU: ARM Mali-G57 MP2.
- Memory: RAM 8 GB, built-in 128 GB + microSD flash drive.
- Main camera: 50 MP (f / 1.6) + 2 MP (depth sensor) + AI module, LED flash.
- Front camera: 16 MP, f/2.45, LED flash.
- Battery: 5000mAh, 33W charger included, QC and PD support.
- Dimensions: 164.39 × 76.52 × 7.8 mm, 192 grams.
- Slots: 2 nanoSIM + microSD (triple tray).
- Connectivity: 4G, Bluetooth 5.2, dual-band Wi-Fi 5, GPS (A-GPS), GLONASS, Beidou, NFC, FM radio, USB OTG.
- Sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, electronic compass, proximity, illumination, fingerprint scanner in the power button.
Appearance and ergonomics
A matte rough polymer, a mirror gloss on top and a large main camera module are already pulling on Infinix’s signature style. The look is memorable and quite practical in real life. On the flat ends, namely on the right, there is an accurate fingerprint scanner built into the power button.
If desired, you can use a regular cover. It has a large window for a glossy insert, thanks to which it will not be scratched by dust particles that somehow fall under the silicone case. The screen from the box is protected by a film.
Display
A standard 6.7-inch AMOLED with rich colors produces a brightness of up to 500 cd / m² and is good in everyday life. To complete the picture, there is not enough increased refresh rate. And the design of the front part with an ugly droplet for the camera and noticeable frames is perceived as old-fashioned.
Camera
The main camera is almost the only difference between Note 12 (2023) and Note 12 Pro, which was reviewed earlier. The 108 megapixel sensor has given way to the usual 50 megapixel camera with f / 1.6 optics for the middle segment. This is not the first time I have encountered this sensor and every time the result pleases. The middle segment has grown to a very good quality of photos. In the case of Note 12 (2023), I want a little more detail – small text on the same road signs is almost unreadable.
Night shooting is also quite decent, but without frills. In automatic mode, there is clearly not enough detail, so I strongly recommend activating Super Night. In it, the bet is made on reasonable highlighting, increasing detail and sharpening. Shooting takes a couple of seconds, during this time the smartphone must be held still.
Despite the obvious simplification, the main camera on the Note 12 (2023) and Note 12 Pro performs exactly the same. Still, massive camera modules on non-flagship devices are more an element of style than a real need. Also, the set of additional, actually unnecessary eyes has not changed: the AI module and the depth sensor are in place.
The 16 MP front camera with f/2.0 optics migrated unchanged. It is well suited for selfies taken with more or less good lighting. At night, a face-lit display or a bright LED front flash comes to the rescue. By the way, this is another feature of Infinix. On some models, the flash at minimum brightness acts as a charging indicator, but Note 12 (2023) is not the case.
Software and hardware
The more I use Infinix smartphones, the more familiar their XOS shell seems. Here it is version 10.6 based on Android 12. In this shell, I like the large folders in the launcher and the large clock on the lock screen. But I do not like the separation of notifications and quick settings into two panels in the spirit of iOS. You can still find fault with minor errors in Russification. There are no complaints about the responsiveness and stability of the work, despite the standard refresh rate of 60 Hz.
In a row of devices with MediaTek Helio G99 has arrived and I like it. For my taste, this chip is the most successful novelty of 2022 among the mid-range chips, since the Taiwanese chipmaker has finally decided to transfer the affordable Helio series to 6 nm. Infinix Note 12 (2023) fully realizes the potential of 2 Cortex-A76 cores up to 2.2 GHz and 6 Cortex-A55 cores at 2 GHz.
The only difference from the advanced brother Note 12 Pro is a smaller amount of memory – 128 GB for the Russian market instead of 256 GB. RAM and there, and there are 8 GB each with an additional extension of 5 GB swap file. The tray is triple and, in addition to two SIM cards, supports the installation of a microSD memory card. They didn’t save on sensors, NFC is available.
At the bottom are USB-C and an audio jack. Separately, I note the stereo sound, two microphones and a decent vibration without a cheap bounce.
Autonomy and charging
In terms of battery life, expected parity with the Note 12 Pro. Still, the batteries have the same capacity of 5000 mAh. The Threshbox autonomy test was carried out at a brightness of 200 cd / m². So, on average, you can count on 1.5 days of work.
Trashbox.ru battery test results:
27:47
26:19
24:54
24:42
23:29
23:10
22:14
20:52
19:30
19:10
19:07
18:11
17:07
17:04
16:55
15:47
15:26
15:25
15:05
14:18
13:45
13:44
13:03
13:00
12:58
12:55
12:50
12:02
12:01
11:49
11:31
11:28
11:21
10:27
10:18
9:59
9:32
All battery test results and test methodology description
There will be no worries about nightly charging, thanks to the standard 33W adapter. If you put the device on charge in the morning, it will have time to fully charge during the fees for work – it takes about an hour to get everything from 0 to 100 percent. Alas, Infinix smartphones are not friendly with the generally accepted Power Delivery and Qualcomm Quick Charge.
Review after two weeks of use
Infinix turned out to be a strong middle peasant, which is equally well suited for normal everyday use and for toys. After all, Helio G99 can handle Genshin Impact and PUBG quite well, not to mention less complex games. Now there are few devices based on it, but the chip is decent. Considering the overall balance Infinix Note 12 (2023)He certainly deserves a good rating.
The company has released a couple of almost indistinguishable devices, apparently out of a desire to give a slightly better price to those who don’t need a great camera. But since the Note 12 (2023) is new, and the Note 12 Pro has already dropped in price, the difference in money between them is not significant yet. I hope that in the future, our hero with a less sophisticated main camera and a smaller drive will become a more profitable option.
Pros:
- matte non-staining back;
- very thin body;
- brand new MediaTek Helio G99 without heating and throttling;
- fast charging 33W;
- USB-C and audio jack on the bottom.
Minuses:
- old-fashioned design of the front.
May not like:
- the main camera stands out for no reason.
Source: Trash Box
Charles Grill is a tech-savvy writer with over 3 years of experience in the field. He writes on a variety of technology-related topics and has a strong focus on the latest advancements in the industry. He is connected with several online news websites and is currently contributing to a technology-focused platform.
