Infinix has consistently delivered smartphones with solid features at competitive price points, and its latest release, the Infinix HOT 50, is no exception. Packed with impressive specs, including a high-refresh-rate display, extended memory capabilities, a 5000mAh battery, and software enhancements, the HOT 50 promises excellent value for everyday users. In this review, I will take you through its design, performance, display quality, and overall user experience to see how it performs in real-world conditions.
Unboxing Experience
Right out of the box, the Infinix HOT 50 presents itself as a modern smartphone with all the essentials. The package includes the smartphone unit itself, a 33W fast charger, a USB-C cable, a basic silicone case, and a user manual.
The charger and cable fit snugly, providing reassurance of durability. This straightforward unboxing experience reflects Infinix’s focus on offering quality without excessive frills, allowing users to get started with their new device right away.
Design and Build Quality
The HOT 50 stands out with its sleek design and appealing colour options. Available in green, grey, and black, the model we’re reviewing is the grey variant, which gives off a subtle, professional aesthetic. The device measures 167.88mm x 75.63mm x 7.70mm, making it comfortable to hold with one hand. Despite its large battery, the phone is lightweight and slim, striking a balance between portability and endurance.
The rear panel features a minimalistic look, with a smooth finish and the main 50MP camera prominently positioned, adding a stylish flair. The device feels solid, with good ergonomics and a comfortable grip, while the fingerprint sensor is conveniently located at the side, providing quick access and a secure unlocking experience.
Display and Multimedia Experience
The 6.78-inch FHD+ display is one of the HOT 50’s highlights. It offers 1080 x 2460 resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for fluid navigation and immersive viewing. With 800 nits of peak brightness, it easily handles indoor and outdoor settings, keeping visuals clear and vibrant even under direct sunlight. The colors are vivid, with deep contrasts that enhance video playback and gaming graphics.
On the audio front, the HOT 50 is equipped with a single-firing speaker supported by a DTS sound system. The audio output is clear and well-balanced, making it suitable for casual video-watching and gaming sessions.
It also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for those who prefer wired audio. Together, the display and audio create an enjoyable multimedia experience, especially impressive in this price range.
Performance
Powered by the MediaTek Helio G100 processor (built on a 6nm architecture), the HOT 50 provides a robust performance that’s suitable for both everyday tasks and gaming. The device also offers 8GB of RAM with the ability to expand up to 16GB via memory fusion, allowing for smoother multitasking and faster app transitions. The 256GB of internal storage offers ample space for apps, games, photos, and videos, eliminating the need for constant storage management.
Gaming Experience
Gaming on the HOT 50 is a smooth experience, especially for a mid-range device. The Helio G100 is designed for balanced performance, handling casual and moderately demanding games well. Titles like PUBG Mobile and Asphalt 9 run without significant lag, though more graphically intensive games may require medium settings for optimal play. The 120Hz refresh rate enhances gameplay fluidity, making fast-paced games even more enjoyable.
Software
Running on Infinix’s XOS 14.5, which is built upon Android 14, the software offers a fresh, user-friendly interface with plenty of customizations. The UI is easy to navigate, and users will appreciate features like split-screen multitasking, a streamlined notification panel, and enhanced security options. XOS 14.5 also includes various AI enhancements, such as an AI eraser to remove unwanted objects from photos, making it perfect for photo enthusiasts.
Battery Life and 5-Year Lag-Free Experience
Infinix has designed the HOT 50’s 5000mAh battery with durability in mind. The battery supports 33W fast charging and has been tested through over 1600 charge cycles to ensure longevity. Infinix claims that the battery is certified by TUV to last up to 4 years without significant degradation, giving users peace of mind for the long term.
Daily usage is hassle-free, with the battery typically lasting through a full day even with moderate to heavy use, thanks to power optimizations within XOS 14.5. Additionally, the 5-year lag-free certification provides reassurance that the device will continue to operate smoothly over time, a feature rarely found in this price range.
Camera Performance
The HOT 50’s camera setup includes a 50MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. The 50MP camera captures sharp, detailed images with good colour accuracy in well-lit conditions. The AI enhancements aid in optimizing scenes, while the Super Night Mode helps improve low-light photography, reducing grain and bringing out more detail. However, in extremely low light, the camera does show some grain, though this is expected at this price point.
The AI eraser feature is a nice addition, allowing users to remove unwanted objects from photos with ease, which is ideal for social media-ready pictures. The front camera provides clear selfies in bright settings, though it may struggle slightly in dim lighting.
Conclusion
The Infinix HOT 50 delivers a well-rounded package that is hard to beat at this price point. With its high-refresh-rate display, solid performance powered by the MediaTek Helio G100, ample storage, and a long-lasting battery, it’s a great choice for those seeking an affordable yet capable smartphone. The device is built to last, with TUV certification for up to 5 years of durability and a 5-year lag-free guarantee.
The HOT 50, priced at 236,000 Naira, is available at all Infinix retail stores across Nigeria. Whether you’re looking for a device to enjoy multimedia, capture memories, or easily get through a busy day, the Infinix HOT 50 offers exceptional value that is hard to overlook.
