All the above hardwares function together with Infinix proprietary XOS operating system, running on top of Android 7.0 (Nougat). The processor is a 32-bit and so is the Android OS. While Infinix did Polish up the their OS as much as they could, I still did not enjoy the buttery fluid of Android Nougat, because there were still few hangs and stutter here and there.
Seriously, the XOS version running on this device is not optimized enough. Since this review, I’ve forced this device off thrice, most times while running multiple tabs on Chrome, and other times, while playing with Benchmark apps. Although, I’m currently having an OTA firmware update which I have not done yet, and I do hope it fix the problem when done, but still, I think first impression matters a lot.
Another issue with the XOS is the space it occupies. I think 6 GB plus is two much. I mean since it a mid-range device, why not prepare a ‘Lite’ OS for it? This will help leverage unnecessary load on the processor and RAM, Instead of the multiple force closing and rebooting.
Haven said that, the XOS came with few applications that caught my interest, like the ultra power saving which shows when your juices hit 15%. It deactivates almost everything, and keep you going for a longer time than you would. The notification drawer was also very helpful carrying some necessary apps and toggles by default, like the flash into touch light, and few other XOS default apps. But believe me, some of theme are Bloatwares and if you wish to remove theme, just comment below, and I’ll show you how.
In all, nice work to Infinix especially for the OTA update, which means the Infinix Hot 5 might get Android 8.0 (Finger crossed).
Telephony
Well, if there’s an aspect of the Infinix Hot 5 you are going to love, believe me, it will be the speakers. Men, the speakers are damn good! More on that! Calling with this smartphone was not a problem at all. At times, I will even have to reduce the volume or keep a distance between my ear and the phone, and I’ll still hear my caller very clearly. So for some people who believes that phones to the brain is not good due to radiation, well just go get the hot 5.
Network Reception (and dissemination)
Network reception is on the good side. Although when indoor, my main phone tends to show more network bars than the Infinix Hot 5 does, but believe me, my main phone, even with it more bars, never outshine the Hot 5 in Telephony or Internet activities. Both SIM can be powered on 3G, and Infinix Hot 5 3G network switching is the easiest and fastest I’ve seen. Wi-Fi reception was not a problem either, and many times, I was able to tether Internet access to my other gadgets via the Hot 5.