The existence of the Infinix Note 12 2023 gives the impression that users don't really need to dig deep into their pockets to get an attractive device. With a selling price below RM1000, Infinix managed to load some things that should be into this device to make it interesting in its own class. So what is attractive given, as well as lacking? Continue reading.
Specifications
Infinix Note 12 2023
6.7-inch AMOLED screen
FHD+ (1080 x 2400 pixels), 60Hz
20:9 aspect ratio (~393 ppi)
Mediatek Helio G99 processor (6nm)
4 x 2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 chips
6 x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55
Mali-G57 MC2 Graphics Chip
RAM 8GB RAM
Internal Storage 128GB UFS2.2
Main Camera 50 Megapixel (main)
2 Megapixels (macro)
16 Megapixel Selfie Camera
5000mAh battery
33W Wired Charging
SIM/Telephony Dual SIM nano / MicroSD
NFC Yes
Audio Jack Available
Waterproof None
Scan System Fingerprint scan
Face scan
Sale Price RM799 (6GB/128GB)
The Infinix Note 2023 has a plastic back panel along with a sturdy aluminum frame. If you look closely you will notice that there are two different finishes used on the back panel of this device. Almost the entire device is equipped with a matte and textured finish, thus making the device comfortable in the hand even if it is quite heavy. This type of finish is also able to avoid the issue of the back panel being filled with fingerprints or sweat.
This is matched by a small portion of the glossy finish near the camera bump. This is the most prominent part of the device due to its large and thick design. As a result the issue of the device not being able to be placed flat on the table surface can be found here. Not only that, it also causes discomfort when in the pants pocket. It also contains a tri-camera system with an elongated LED Flash lamp, which performance will be shared in the camera section.
Furthermore, the screen of the device is large enough with a size of 6.7-inches from the AMOLED family and with FHD+ resolution. The screen design on the Infinix Note 2023 is also quite retro when it still uses a small notch screen design instead of a hole for the placement of the front camera. But kudos still goes to Infinix for daring to put an AMOLED panel on a budget device.
All of these are the right combination for a favorite video viewing experience with a wide and beautiful display. Color reproduction also looks vibrant with sharp text and images. The screen is also bright enough for indoor use but not so good in direct sunlight. The experience is improved when the screen is kind of flat with a relatively thin bezel, but it's uneven with the existence of a thick chin.
Next, the refresh rate support which is limited to 60Hz is also the most significant deficiency. Furthermore, when this device is advertised as a budget first phone, then indirectly. Personally we feel the device is still comfortable to use without any critical issues even though it is not the best screen among its competitors in the market. The panel also supports HDR but cannot be used for Netflix but only limited to the YouTube app.
The power button and audio controls can be found on the right side. The power button also functions as a fingerprint scanning system for security purposes on the device. We have to comment on its seemingly invisible construction, but still comfortable to press with good response.
The same goes for the fingerprint scanning performance on it which can unlock the device in no time. The left side houses a dual-SIM slot that also provides micro SD card support. At a time when many manufacturers today are starting to remove the feature, but Infinix prefers to include it to give extra space to the device.
The presence of a 3.5mm audio jack can also be found, making it easier for users who still rely on wired earphones. It is placed at the bottom of the device which is also flanked by a USB-C port, the main microphone hole and stereo speakers. NFC support is also supported on this device which should be useful for several things. But it also doesn't pass any waterproof rating for added protection. The same goes for the lack of wireless charging support but that's forgivable considering it's only a budget device.
Software & Benchmarks
Infinix Note 2023 comes with the XOS 10.6 operating system built on Android 12. It looks simple with the ability to customize the theme according to the user's wishes. Then there are also some other interesting features and functions such as floating mode for the ability to access applications easily and quickly, It also provides virtual RAM support up to 3GB through the MemFusion feature. MemFusion's AI function is able to intelligently control background applications to improve the user experience.
There is also a built-in game mode, but its abilities are only basic such as screen recording, clearing memory space, rejecting incoming calls and hiding notifications if necessary. Furthermore, the existence of various fat applications are also ready to be downloaded, but most of them can only be uninstalled easily. You will also notice that there are advertisements and notifications that appear frequently. Fortunately it can still be blocked if it becomes too intrusive.
The MediaTek Helio G99 chip is used as the mainstay at the same time making it a limited device with 4G LTE support. This is also matched with 8GB of RAM memory and 128GB of built-in internal storage, at the same time there is also additional space using a microSD card up to 256GB if it is still not enough.
Based on the benchmark tests made, this device recorded 377,936 points in AnTuTu 3D, while the Geekbench test was 557 points for a single core and 1833 points for multi-cores.
Geekbench 6 – 577/1833
Antutu 3D – 377,936
The usage experience is generally good, where the device works smoothly without chronic issues for a large amount of daily use. Scrolling is just fine and there is no problem with the device or the application failing to work suddenly. This includes when used to browse the web and run social media applications.
Next Infinix also collaborated with the MLBB premiere on this device so it is not surprising if the premiere can be played at the highest settings with consistent frame rates. But the story is different with other games like Genshin Impact and Asphalt 9 which are just fun to play on medium and low settings.
Camera & Picture Quality
The main camera of the Inifnix Note 12 2023 combines a 50MP + 2MP depth dual-camera. This is also matched with an 8MP sensor that is used for selfie purposes. It can also take video at 1080P/30fps resolution, while the picture ratio can be captured at 1:1, 4:3 and full. Further camera presets are basic but easy to use. The zoom system has to be done manually by touching the screen with no quick access provided. This at the same time creates difficulties of use among users to access.
In general, performance is good in sufficient lighting. It is sharp and bright in satisfactory lighting situations. But it is not consistent when some conditions show the image results with oversaturated colors. Then the production of color also becomes lifeless for some situations. Photos in low light give average results, in addition to Infinix also offers a built-in night mode in the camera application.
The result may also not be perfect but still acceptable for a device of this price range. A little editing is needed to make it look attractive for sharing on Instagram for example. The zoom capabilities are all digital up to 10X, but good pictures are only produced at 2X zoom. The rest give results that are less indecent to look at. The 2MP macro camera is nothing special with unsatisfactory results.
Battery Endurance
One of Infinix's main focuses on the device is the combination of a large battery with fast wired charging. Through it a 5000mAh battery capacity is used with 33W fast charging support that can be recharged using the USB-C port. There is no problem with the battery lasting more than a day for moderate and light use. But heavy use throughout the day recorded SOT readings of up to 7 hours. It involves a large number of everyday application uses that rely on LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity. But durability also actually still depends on the use of each.
What's In The Box
Here's what's included in the Infinix Note 12 2023 box in Malaysia:
1 x Infinix Note 12 2023.
1 x 33W charging head.
1 x USB-C to USB-A Cable.
1 x Silicone frame.
1 x Manual.
1 x SIM Extractor.
Conclusion
As we said in the previous Realme 10 4G review article, there is still room for such 4G devices in the 5G era. In addition, there are still a few users who do not care much about 5G in their smartphones. Because of this, there are still a lot of 4G devices flooding the market at the moment and one of them is the Infinix Note 12 2023. It's interesting in its class without causing pokai users. The combination of design, screen and adequate multimedia capabilities add value to this Infinix device itself.
Missing a few things like an ultra-wide camera, waterproof rating and wireless charging is still forgivable for a device in this segment. Same with 5G network, again we say not all of us really need it. In fact, Infinix tried to replace it with some elements that were actively discarded by other manufacturers, namely the 3.5mm audio jack. It may not be the best mid-range device either, but the performance is adequate for its selling price without breaking the bank. For those interested, it is sold in Malaysia at a price of RM799.
Pro
Sturdy design and comfortable in the hand.
The combination of RAM and internal storage is adequate.
5000mAh battery with 33W charging.
3.5mm audio jack & stereo speakers.
Cons
No 5G support.
Not dust and water proof.
No wireless charging.
The refresh rate is limited to 60Hz.