Infinix Hot 50i 4G

The Infinix Hot 50i is a mid-range smartphone with solid features suited to its price point. It aims to deliver reliable performance, a decent display, and an appealing camera experience. Announced in September 2024 and released in October, the Infinix Hot 50i stands out in the budget segment with a high refresh rate display, a large battery, and Android 14 right out of the box. 

Infinix Hot 50i: Design and Build

The Infinix Hot 50i measures 165.7 x 77.1 x 8.1 mm (6.52 x 3.04 x 0.32 in), which provides a balanced footprint that’s comfortable to hold while offering ample screen real estate. The phone weighs 184 grams (6.49 oz), which is lightweight enough to make it manageable for everyday use without causing fatigue during prolonged usage. The device has a glass front with a plastic back and frame that provides durability while keeping the phone’s weight low. This plastic build, common in the budget segment, offers durability against drops and scuffs.

IP54 Dust and Splash Resistance

The Infinix Hot 50i has IP54 dust and splash resistance, protecting against everyday environmental factors like dust and accidental splashes. Although it is not fully waterproof, the IP54 rating ensures the device can handle minor exposure to water, enhancing its durability for daily use.

Dual SIM Capabilities

Equipped with dual Nano-SIM slots, the Infinix Hot 50i supports dual stand-by functionality, making it suitable for users who must manage two numbers simultaneously. This feature benefits those who travel frequently or maintain separate numbers for personal and professional use.

Infinix Hot 50i: Display Quality

IPS LCD Display with 120Hz Refresh Rate

The Infinix Hot 50i features a 6.7-inch IPS LCD with vibrant colors and brightness. The screen has a 120Hz refresh rate, a rare feature in the budget segment. This offers smoother scrolling and animations, greatly enhancing the user experience. The high refresh rate benefits users who frequently browse or consume content on social media, as it creates a fluid interaction that feels premium.

Display Resolution and Brightness

The Infinix Hot 50i’s display offers a pixel density of 262 ppi, a 720 x 1600 pixels resolution, and a 20:9 aspect ratio. While this resolution may not be as sharp as Full HD, it provides a satisfactory viewing experience, especially for daily browsing, streaming, and casual gaming. The screen also achieves a peak brightness of 500 nits, which ensures good visibility indoors and in moderately bright outdoor settings.

Always-On Display Functionality

The always-on display feature is another valuable addition to the Infinix Hot 50i. This functionality lets users check the time, date, and notifications without unlocking the phone, conserving battery while providing quick access to essential information.

Infinix Hot 50i: Performance and Software

Android 14 with XOS 14.5

Running on Android 14 with Infinix’s XOS 14.5, the Infinix Hot 50i offers the latest Android features, including enhanced privacy controls, personalized UI elements, and better battery optimization. XOS 14.5 adds a suite of features unique to Infinix, such as app cloning, game mode, and customization options that allow users to tailor the experience to their needs. The software feels responsive and caters well to daily usage scenarios, offering a user-friendly experience on the device.

MediaTek Helio G81 Chipset

Under the hood, the Infinix Hot 50i is powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 chipset, a 12nm processor that delivers solid performance for budget phones. The chipset has an octa-core configuration featuring 2x Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz for high-performance tasks and 6x Cortex-A55 cores at 1.7 GHz for power-efficient activities.

This configuration ensures smooth handling of basic applications, social media, browsing, and gaming. While the Helio G81 is not meant for intensive multitasking or heavy gaming, it performs well within its intended usage range, providing a reliable experience for everyday tasks.

Mali-G52 MC2 GPU

The Mali-G52 MC2 GPU handles graphics processing on the Infinix Hot 50i. This entry-level GPU supports basic gaming and light graphic tasks like casual games and video playback. While it may struggle with resource-heavy games or multitasking with graphic-intensive applications, it performs adequately for basic needs, ensuring a smooth experience for most apps on the Google Play Store.

Storage Options and Expandable Storage

The Infinix Hot 50i offers three storage and memory configurations:

• 128GB with 4GB RAM
• 128GB with 6GB RAM
• 256GB with 6GB RAM

These options provide sufficient storage for typical use, allowing users to store media, apps, and documents without immediate need for external storage. For those requiring additional space, the Infinix Hot 50i includes a dedicated microSDXC slot, which enables users to expand storage without sacrificing one of the dual SIM slots.

Infinix Hot 50i: Camera Performance

48 MP Rear Camera with Dual-LED Flash

The Infinix Hot 50i has a 48 MP primary rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and auto-focus (AF). The camera captures high-resolution images with good detail in well-lit conditions, making it suitable for outdoor photography and well-lit indoor scenes. The dual-LED flash assists in low-light scenarios, providing adequate lighting for nearby subjects, while HDR functionality improves contrast and color accuracy in challenging lighting conditions.

The 48 MP sensor performs well for the price range, delivering clear and reasonably detailed images. However, it may struggle with low-light conditions and dynamic range in challenging environments. This camera is a good fit for budget users looking to capture everyday moments.

Camera Features and Video Recording

The Infinix Hot 50i offers additional camera features like panorama mode, which enables wide-angle shots suitable for landscapes and group photos. The camera can also record video at 1080p@30fps, a standard for most budget devices, ensuring a smooth playback experience.

8 MP Front Camera

The Infinix Hot 50i has an 8 MP front camera with an f/2.0 aperture for selfies. The sensor captures decent images, making it a practical choice for social media selfies and video calls. Although it lacks advanced features like autofocus, the front camera provides adequate performance, producing clear and well-lit images in good lighting.

Infinix Hot 50i: Battery and Charging

The Infinix Hot 50i is powered by a 5000 mAh non-removable battery, which offers impressive battery life, especially when paired with the power-efficient Helio G81 chipset. This capacity allows the device to easily last a full day of usage on a single charge, catering to users who rely on their devices for social media, video streaming, and basic gaming.

18W Wired Charging

Supporting 18W wired charging, the Infinix Hot 50i can reach a decent battery level within a short time. While it doesn’t feature the fastest charging speeds in the industry, 18W charging provides a satisfactory solution for quick top-ups. The device also supports reverse wired charging and bypass charging. Bypass charging enables users to plug in the phone during gaming sessions without charging the battery, which prevents overheating and helps to preserve battery health.

Infinix Hot 50i: Connectivity and Audio

The Infinix Hot 50i supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE connectivity, providing reliable network performance on 4G. Although it lacks 5G connectivity, the LTE speeds suit most daily tasks, including streaming, social media, and browsing. The dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) ensures a stable and fast connection for online activities, especially when connected to modern routers.

Bluetooth and GPS

The Infinix Hot 50i supports short-range wireless communication with Bluetooth. This connectivity option facilitates pairing wireless accessories like headphones, speakers, and fitness bands, ensuring a convenient wireless experience. The device also includes GPS, which aids in navigation and location-based services. However, NFC is not supported on the Infinix Hot 50i, which may be a limitation for users who rely on contactless payments.

FM Radio and USB Connectivity

The FM radio feature is a bonus for users who enjoy local radio stations or those who prefer to save data while accessing news and music on the go. The device includes a USB Type-C 2.0 port with OTG support, allowing for a faster and more reliable connection than micro-USB. OTG support will enable users to connect USB drives and other peripherals directly to the phone, adding versatility to data management.

Audio Experience

The Infinix Hot 50i provides an enjoyable audio experience with stereo speakers and retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to users who prefer wired audio accessories. The speakers offer decent sound quality for budget devices, delivering balanced audio for music, movies, and games without additional accessories.

Infinix Hot 50i: Security and Additional Features

Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor

The Infinix Hot 50i integrates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor positioned for easy accessibility. The sensor performs reliably, allowing for quick and secure device unlocking. This is an advantageous security feature, providing users with convenience and efficiency.

Other Sensors

The device also includes an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, which enhance the user experience by enabling functions like automatic screen rotation, adaptive brightness, and accurate navigation.

Final Verdict on the Infinix Hot 50i

The Infinix Hot 50i offers a well-rounded package in the budget segment, providing essential features, reliable performance, and practical enhancements like a 120Hz display and a substantial 5000 mAh battery. While it lacks premium features like 5G connectivity or high-resolution cameras, it meets the needs of budget-conscious users, offering a satisfactory experience for everyday tasks.

Pros

• 120Hz Display: Uncommon in this price range, offering smooth visuals.
• Large Battery: 5000 mAh battery with solid battery life and bypass charging.
• Expandable Storage: Dedicated microSD slot.
• Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: convenient and efficient.

Cons

• Lack of 5G Connectivity: Limited to LTE, which may be restrictive for some users.
• No NFC: It may be inconvenient for users who rely on contactless payments.
• Limited Camera Capabilities: Basic camera setup with satisfactory but not exceptional performance.

In conclusion, the Infinix Hot 50i is a strong contender for those seeking an affordable, reliable smartphone. It excels in basic functionality, combining a smooth display and battery efficiency, and is well-suited for general use. For users who prioritize affordability and essential features, the Infinix Hot 50i is a capable choice in the budget smartphone market.