With 256 GB of UFS 2.2 storage, the Infinix NOTE 40X 5G is creating quite a stir. It performs better in this regard than a lot of competitors who are still selling 128 GB of storage. Apart from storage, the Infinix NOTE 40X 5G has 8 GB of RAM out of the box and can go as high as 12 GB.
It is powered by a low-cost chipset called the MediaTek Dimensity 6300. It also features an 18W rapid charging capable 5,000 mAh battery.
Is it worthwhile to get the Infinix Note 40X 5G then? Is it worth it merely for the additional storage space? Now let’s get started with this review, where I’ll go over everything from software and performance to design and display.
First of all, the Infinix NOTE 40X 5G and the iPhone 15 Pro are quite similar, especially when it comes to the camera island. It’s not a true triple camera configuration, despite the fact that it appears to have one (more on this later).
The Infinix logo is positioned vertically at the bottom left corner of the phone. The punch-hole display on the front has irregular bezels; the bottom chin is thicker than the top, left, and right bezels.
The volume rockers and power button are located on the right side of the phone. There’s an additional speaker up top. The primary speaker, USB 2.0 Type-C port, microphone, and headphone jack are located at the bottom.
Oh, and the SIM tray is on the left side. It has the capacity to simultaneously store two nano-SIM cards and a microSD card. This indicates that the storage can be increased to 1 TB.
The phone is available in three colors: Lime Green, Starlit Black, and Palm Blue. It is composed completely of plastic. The Starlit Black version is the one we have to review. The rear of this has a texture akin to soft glass, while the other areas are matte and the camera module is glossy.
The fingerprint scanner on the side of the Infinix NOTE 40X 5G is quick and precise. Additionally, it is protected from dust and water spills thanks to its IP52 classification. 5G (SA/NSA), 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC are among the available connectivity choices.
The pre-installed screen protector on the phone isn’t perfect because of an uneven placement and a water drop cutout. The package also includes a transparent casing.
Display Performance
The screen of the Infinix NOTE 40X 5G is 6.7″ FHD+ LCD. It’s not AMOLED, yes, but the refresh rate is still high at 120 Hz. Dynamic refresh is intended to alternate between 60 Hz, 90 Hz, and 120 Hz, but I never saw it reach 90 Hz.
Apps such as Twitter, Telegram, Google, Amazon, and Chrome typically operate at 60 Hz while in auto-switch mode. However, you can push them to 120 Hz if you so choose. In order to preserve power, the device will also dim to 60 Hz while not in use.
Infinix has included an interactive Dynamic Port for the punch-hole cutout that functions a much like the iPhone 15’s Dynamic Island. A pop-up for timers, music, face unlock, and other features is displayed.
500 nits of brightness is reached by the display, which is fine indoors but not outside. It’s difficult. It is not ideal to see text on this screen in direct sunshine, especially in 2024. It would have been much better with an OLED display.
The tone is orange, and the saturation seems a little odd. The display’s warmth (temperature) can be changed, however the color tone cannot be altered.
Although it helps a little, switching to a colder tone is still not perfect. A function that allows users to change the color tone—such as going from bright to natural or something similar—has to be included to Infinix. The display is decent overall, although there are undoubtedly better options available.
With a focus on the lower frequencies, the Infinix NOTE 40X 5G boasts excellent speakers. Loudness can be achieved by the speakers, but clarity suffers as a result.
Software and Haptics
Based on Android 14, the Infinix NOTE 40X 5G runs the XOS 14 skin developed by the firm. Although it’s unclear how frequently security patches will be released, the business guarantees one year of OS updates.
Though not the finest in terms of design or user experience, XOS is passable. The absence of elegant animations for app launch and shutdown can occasionally cause the device to feel a little sluggish.
However, it’s hardly a deal breaker at this pricing. Although Infinix has optimized the OS rather well, there is still potential for development. Some apps occasionally crash or stop working; this might be avoided with improved optimization.
AHA Games, Messenger, Instagram, Facebook, Palm Store, Visha Player, WPS Office, Snapchat, xClub, xArena, and more apps are among the 46 pre-installed apps. Fortunately, the majority are uninstallable. Relievedly, the user interface is free of advertisements.
The haptics are simple and not very good for typing or other activities, but they work well for calls and alarms. You may want to disable the haptics completely. For this pricing range, the software experience is average overall.
Software Performance
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, the Infinix Note 40X 5G offers efficient performance and smooth multitasking. This processor balances power and energy efficiency, making it perfect for a mid-range smartphone. The device includes 256GB of internal storage, offering ample space for apps, photos, videos, and other media, reducing the need for frequent storage management
Camera Capabilities
Let’s now examine the Infinix NOTE 40X’s camera setup. There is an 8 MP shooter on the front and a 108 MP + 2 MP configuration on the back. The camera’s specifications are as follows:
Primary: Samsung S5KHM2SP, 108 MP, f/1.89, 1/1.52″, 25 mm equivalent focal length
Focus length similar to 26 mm: 8 MP GalaxyCore GC08A8 f/2.0 1/3.5″
Watch video
Primary: 2K/1080p/720p at 30 frames per second, 1080p at 60 frames per second
In front: 30 frames per second in 2K, 1080p, or 720p
principal
The rear camera performs well in daytime conditions, preserving highlights and shadows with reasonable detail. On the other hand, color accuracy can be incorrect and saturation tends to be a little excessive, especially with enhanced reds and greens.
The HDR performance is mediocre, and low light conditions might make focus difficult. Photos taken in low light have the same saturation and amount of noise as those taken in daylight.
The natural bokeh of the rear camera is effective throughout the day. Good edge identification and background separation are the outcomes of this. You can use a 1x or 2x magnification for portrait photos. There is no discernible lag in the shutter speed.
Front Camera
In daylight, the front and rear cameras perform similarly, with good detail and sharpness but similar saturation problems. Selfies taken in low light can be useful, but they can also be noisy and the HDR quality can fluctuate between photos.
Video
The Infinix NOTE 40X 5G can record video in 2K, 1080p, and 720p at 30 frames per second. While stability and HDR performance are low, video detail is adequate.
The resolution and frame rate will therefore be restricted to 720p at 30 frames per second if you want to record with the bokeh effect. Bokeh video’s edge recognition is merely mediocre. Moreover, video quality in low light is passable but not exceptional.
Charging and Battery Life
The Infinix NOTE 40X 5G maintains its competitiveness in terms of battery life. Whether you’re using Wi-Fi or 5G, it provides 7 to 8 hours of screen time on average. Based on moderate use, this covers social networking, document typing, and video streaming.
The Infinix NOTE 40X 5G has capability for 18W fast charging. It takes about two hours and twenty minutes to fully charge the phone from 0% to 100% using the provided USB-A to USB-C charger. Even though the charging pace seems a little slow, it’s reasonable for this price range.
Verdict
Good features are offered by the Infinix NOTE 40X 5G, particularly if storage is a top concern for you. It provides greater space than many competitors at this price point with 256 GB of UFS 2.2 storage. It also accepts a microSD card for additional expansion.
The display and charging speed, though, might be improved. Particularly outside, an AMOLED panel would have better brightness and color accuracy.