Infinix Hot 50 5G Review

Infinix recently released its Hot 50 5G in India. The smartphone is very affordable at less than Rs 12,000 (about $144) and is powered by:

• the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor,
• up to 8GB RAM,
• 128GB of storage.

The device features a thin and light design, packs a 48MP rear-facing camera, and has a dedicated flash for the selfie shooter. We have been testing it for over a week now, and here is everything you should know about it.

Infinix Hot 50 Specs

Infinix Hot 50 Price

The Infinix Hot 50 is available in two storage variants in India.

The device is available in four color variants: Sleek Black, Vibrant Blue, Sage Green & Dreamy Purple (Vegan Leather Finish)

Infinix Hot 50 5G launched in India for ₹9999 (offer price: ₹8999)
– Dimensity 6300
– 4GB/128GB, 8GB/128GB
– 5000mAh/18W
– 6.7-inch HD+ 120HZ
– Android 14
– Infinix AI
– 48MP IMX582, 8MP front
– 7.8mm#Infinix #infinixHot50 pic.twitter.com/9rK7Az1jVq

— Mukul Sharma (@stufflistings) September 5, 2024

Design and Build Quality of the Infinix Hot 50 5G

Thanks to its plastic construction, the smartphone weighs a comparatively light 188g, making it easy to handle. It’s slim, too, at 7.82mm, which is impressive in this price range.

If you’re worried about durability, the phone ships with a transparent case in the box. There’s a single bottom-firing speaker next to the USB-C port and an all-too-rare headphone jack. Two buttons are located on the right-hand side of the device. These include the power button and the volume rocker, which have the right amount of clicks, but we were worried about their long-term durability.

There is a punch hole that houses the selfie camera. The rear camera module protrudes slightly, but the issue is negated using the case. It comes with IP54 certification which is a welcome addition at this price range.

We tested the device when it was drizzling outside, and the phone did not have any issues. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is located in a convenient spot and unlocks the device quickly. We were impressed with the handset’s haptic feedback, which felt particularly responsive and solid during typing, enhancing the overall user experience.

Display Review: A Look at Infinix Hot 50’s Screen Performance

The Hot 50 smartphone packs an HD+ 6.7-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1600. The screen’s color temperature can be tweaked. Users can choose between Default, Warm, and Cold color profiles. We recommend going with the default color profile, as the tweaking options are not the finest.

It comes with Widevine L1 certification, allowing us to stream Full HD content on Netflix. The device delivers a satisfying viewing experience, offering good contrast for its price range and decent brightness levels. Its impressive screen-to-body ratio enhances the overall visual appeal, making content consumption more enjoyable. However, don’t expect it to offer deep, inky blacks like those from AMOLED screens.

The handset comes with support for variable refresh rates up to 120Hz. Users can set the default rate to either 60Hz, 90Hz, or 120Hz. Alternatively, you can instruct the device to choose between these refresh rates based on the task. Scrolling through social media feeds and browsing the web was a breeze when we set the default refresh rate to 120Hz. We were also impressed with the device’s ability to play supported games at high refresh rates. If you wish to extend the battery life, we recommend reducing the default refresh rate.

The device offers a peak brightness of 500 nits, making it sufficiently bright for use in moderate sunlight. However, users may experience some visibility challenges in direct, intense sunlight.

The bottom-firing speaker is decently loud and comparable to other devices in this price range. Still, for the best experience, we recommend using earphones or headphones.

Performance, Processor, and Software Capabilities of the Infinix Hot 50 5G

The Infinix Hot 50 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC and up to 8GB RAM. The phone is reasonably capable of handling basic day-to-day tasks such as scrolling through Facebook, browsing the web, and playing casual games. However, the UI does lag at times, which is not surprising given the price and a less-than-smooth OS.

We played Call of Duty: Mobile on the device, and the experience was acceptable though not spectacular. You can set the graphic quality to Medium and the frame rate to High while playing the title. While the graphics quality is average, the support for higher refresh rates allows for an enjoyable gaming experience on supported titles. The company claims that users can expect A-level fluency for five years, although that has yet to be tested.

It runs on Infinix’s custom XOS 14, which is based on Android 14. The OS includes an app drawer and provides a wide range of customization options, allowing users to adjust the icon style, select wallpapers, add widgets, and more. Unfortunately, the device comes with a considerable amount of pre-installed bloatware, including apps like Hola Browser and Palm Store, which cannot be uninstalled.

It also includes apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, which users can remove. The OS might not appeal to you if you prefer a near-stock Android experience. However, if you’re accustomed to the custom interfaces used by other Chinese manufacturers, you’ll find the transition seamless with little to no learning curve.

Infinix Hot 50 5G Camera Review: How Does It Perform?

The Infinix Hot 50 5G includes a single 48MP shooter along with a flash. On the front, there is an 8MP shooter for selfies and video calling. The rear camera is capable of shooting clean images outdoors during the day and in situations with ample lighting. Images have good detail, and you can zoom in a little for cropping purposes.

However, as expected with phones in this price range, the HDR performance is not the finest. When shooting trees and plants during the day, we noticed details were lost in the shadows.

The phone also struggles with nighttime photography. Sometimes, the Super Night Mode works fine and captures usable images. But it’s not uncommon for the camera to shoot blurry images with noise and a distinct lack of detail. While keeping things in perspective for a budget device is important, the results are still somewhat disappointing.

The front camera mostly works well during the day, capturing clear selfies. However, the color rendering isn’t true to life. The front-facing flash is a welcome addition, though, as it greatly helps in capturing usable shots at night.

Battery Life and Charging Speed of the Infinix Hot 50 5G

The device carries a 5000mAh Battery with support for 18W fast wired charging, although it only ships with a 10W charger. In my testing, the device lasted a full day with tasks such as listening to music, scrolling through social media feeds, browsing the web, and some casual gaming. With light to moderate usage, the device can run for up to two days on a single charge.

There’s no wireless charging on the Hot 50 5G, but that’s to be expected for a budget phone.

Should You Buy the Infinix Hot 50 5G?

The Infinix Hot 50 5G is a solid choice for its price, offering a slim design, reliable battery life, and decent all-around performance. The front-facing flash ensures clear selfies even in darkness—something not often seen in phones at any price range.

Including 5G is a key advantage, as it will future-proof the device. Practical features like 1TB expandable storage and a 3.5mm audio jack add extra value.

The Moto G45 5G is a strong contender if you’re looking for alternatives, and the Redmi 13 offers excellent value if you have a slightly larger budget. If daylight camera performance is a priority, consider the Realme C65. Otherwise, the Infinix Hot 50 remains an excellent choice.

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