Infinix has recently introduced the Infinix Hot 50 5G, the latest offering in its Hot Series, targeting users looking for an affordable yet feature-packed smartphone. Following up from the Infinix Hot 40 released in 2023, this new model comes with several upgrades, including the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, Android 14, and a 48MP primary camera, all packed into a sleek design. Priced at $120 USD, the Hot 50 5G promises an accessible and cost-effective device for budget-conscious users. But does it deliver on these promises? Let’s dive into the details.
Design & Build Quality
Right out of the box, the design of the Infinix Hot 50 5G is immediately striking. The device comes in multiple color options, including Sleek Black, Vibrant Blue, Sage Green, and Dreamy Purple. Each offers a distinct style; the Sage Green model I reviewed, for example, has a matte back that feels smooth and gives off a premium vibe, while the Dreamy Purple version is covered in vegan leather for a more textured feel. The cuboid-shaped camera module on the rear is neatly integrated with three separate camera cutouts and an LED flash alongside. The Infinix branding is subtle and rests near the bottom of the rear panel.
The front features a large, slightly curved-edge display with noticeable bezels, giving the phone a contemporary look, though the bezels might be slightly thicker than what you’d find on higher-end devices. The phone weighs in at 188 grams, and with its slim 7.8mm profile, it’s lightweight and easy to handle. The IP54 rating adds a nice touch, offering protection against splashes – an unusual feature at this price point.
In terms of usability, the placement of buttons and ports is practical. The volume and power buttons are conveniently located on the right, while the left edge is home to a SIM tray. The bottom edge houses a USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a speaker grille. The phone feels robust and does a great job at repelling smudges and fingerprints, keeping the rear panel clean.
Display Performance
The Infinix Hot 50 5G is equipped with a 6.7-inch HD+ IPS display, which offers an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. While it’s understandable that Infinix hasn’t included an AMOLED display in a budget phone like this, the HD+ panel still holds its ground. The colors are vibrant, making media consumption enjoyable, whether you’re watching YouTube or other streaming platforms.
One of the standout features of the display is the adjustable refresh rate, which can be set at 60Hz, 90Hz, or 120Hz, depending on your needs. I found the Auto Switch feature particularly useful, as it dynamically adjusts the refresh rate based on what’s on screen. Manually setting it to 120Hz, especially when watching videos or scrolling, delivers a smooth and fluid experience. The difference is especially noticeable when switching down to 60Hz or 90Hz, where the fluidity takes a slight hit.
That said, the display does have some limitations. With a maximum brightness of 500 nits, the phone performs well indoors, but outdoor visibility becomes a bit of a struggle under direct sunlight. I found myself needing to find shade or adjust the screen manually to improve visibility when outdoors, which could be a minor inconvenience for some users.
Software Experience
Running on Android 14 with Infinix’s XOS 14 skin, the Hot 50 5G brings a clean and streamlined user interface. One of the best aspects of this device is its minimal bloatware. Infinix has kept the pre-installed apps to a bare minimum, offering users a more focused and clutter-free experience.
The XOS 14 brings some AI-driven features that help enhance the overall user experience. Notable mentions include AI Wallpaper Generator, which automatically generates unique wallpapers, and AI Battery Optimization, which prolongs battery life by managing background apps and system resources. The software also includes a Dynamic Island-like feature that notifies users about face unlocks, incoming calls, and other activities.
However, the biggest downside lies in the uncertainty surrounding future software updates. While Infinix has confirmed two years of security patches, there’s no mention of major OS updates beyond Android 14. For users who plan to keep their phones for a few years, this might be a drawback.
Performance & Storage
The Infinix Hot 50 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, a capable processor for everyday tasks. During my testing period, the phone handled social media browsing, calls, texting, video streaming, and light gaming without any major hiccups. The base model comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which should be more than sufficient for most users’ needs. There’s also an option to virtually expand the RAM by an additional 8GB, boosting multitasking capabilities.
When it comes to gaming, the phone performs reasonably well with lighter titles. Games like Subway Surfers and Clash of Clans run smoothly, but more demanding titles, such as PUBG or Asphalt 9, push the phone’s limits.
Extended gaming sessions resulted in noticeable frame drops and even some heating issues after 15-20 minutes of play. While it’s clear that this phone isn’t geared toward serious gamers, casual gaming is still possible without major problems.
Camera Performance
One of the key selling points of the Infinix Hot 50 5G is its 48MP primary camera. The camera setup is complemented by a secondary depth sensor, while on the front, you get an 8MP selfie camera. For a phone in this price range, the camera delivers respectable results, especially in well-lit conditions.
The 48MP main sensor captures good-quality images in daylight, producing photos with decent color accuracy and satisfactory detail. There are two zoom modes available – 1x and 2x – which allow users to get closer to their subjects without too much loss in quality. While low-light performance does introduce some noise, it’s still acceptable given the budget nature of the device.
Portrait mode does a good job of focusing on the subject, though you’ll want to keep a steady hand as the camera lacks optical stabilization. For selfies, the 8MP front-facing camera does a decent job, especially with its built-in LED flash, making it easier to take clear photos even in dim lighting.
The night mode on both the front and back cameras also impressed me, producing usable photos even in challenging lighting environments.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery life is one of the strengths of the Infinix Hot 50 5G. It houses a 5000mAh battery, which can easily last through a full day of moderate to heavy usage. Even with activities like streaming videos, browsing the web, and gaming, I still had around 10-15% battery left at the end of the day.
The downside is the relatively slow charging speed. While the 18W charger included in the box is adequate, it takes over two hours to fully charge the phone from 0% to 100%. In today’s fast-charging world, this might feel slow for some users, but it’s a trade-off that can be overlooked considering the phone’s low price point.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Infinix Hot 50 5G?
The Infinix Hot 50 5G is an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for an all-around performer. Priced at $120 USD, it offers solid value with its stylish design, dependable 48MP camera, and 5000mAh battery. The 120Hz display also adds a touch of premium performance, though outdoor visibility and gaming might not meet every user’s expectations.
For those needing a reliable daily driver with light gaming capabilities and decent camera performance, the Infinix Hot 50 5G is a solid contender in the entry-level smartphone market. However, serious gamers or users who prioritize software updates may want to consider alternatives.
