Infinix Hot 50i

 The device comes in three variants, with prices ranging from QAR 475 to QAR 565. The base model with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage is priced at QAR 475, while the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant costs QAR 525. The top-end model featuring 8GB RAM and 128GB storage is available for QAR 565.

Infinix Hot 50i Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.6-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1612 pixels
Processor	MediaTek Helio G37
RAM	4GB / 6GB / 8GB
Storage	64GB / 128GB (expandable up to 1TB)
Main Camera	13MP + 2MP depth sensor
Selfie Camera	8MP
Battery	5000mAh with 18W fast charging
Operating System	Android 13 with XOS 13

 

The Infinix Hot 50i was released in Qatar on September 15, 2024. It comes with a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels. The phone runs on a MediaTek Helio G37 processor, which provides good performance for everyday tasks.

The device offers three RAM options: 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB, paired with either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage. Users can expand the storage up to 1TB using a microSD card.

In terms of camera capabilities, the Infinix Hot 50i features a dual-camera setup on the back. The main camera is a 13-megapixel sensor, accompanied by a 2-megapixel depth sensor for improved portrait shots. On the front, there’s an 8-megapixel selfie camera for video calls and self-portraits. The phone is powered by a large 5000mAh battery that supports 18W fast charging, ensuring long-lasting usage throughout the day.

The Infinix Hot 50i runs on Android 13 with Infinix’s custom XOS 13 skin on top. This combination provides a user-friendly interface with additional features and customization options. The phone also includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking, as well as face unlock functionality.

When compared to other models in its price range, the Infinix Hot 50i offers good value for money. The Infinix Hot 50 Pro, for instance, provides a more powerful MediaTek Helio G99 processor and a higher-resolution 108MP main camera but comes at a higher price point.

The standard Infinix Hot 50 sits between these two models, offering a balance of features and price.

In comparison to other brands, the Infinix Hot 50i competes well with entry-level smartphones from Nokia, Oppo, and Samsung in the Qatari market. For example, the Nokia G20 offers similar specifications but is priced slightly higher.

The Oppo A17 provides comparable features but with a smaller battery capacity. Samsung’s Galaxy A14 is a close competitor, offering a similar display size and battery capacity but at a higher price point.

Design and Build Quality

The Infinix Hot 50i boasts a modern design that belies its affordable price tag. The phone features a plastic body with a glossy finish, giving it a premium look. The device measures 164.5 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm and weighs about 195 grams, making it comfortable to hold and use with one hand. The back panel has a textured pattern that not only enhances grip but also resists fingerprints and smudges.

On the front, the 6.6-inch display is surrounded by relatively thin bezels, with a small waterdrop notch at the top for the selfie camera. This design choice maximizes screen real estate, providing an immersive viewing experience for multimedia content. The power button, which doubles as a fingerprint sensor, is located on the right side of the device, while the volume rocker sits just above it. On the left side, you’ll find the SIM card tray, which can accommodate two nano-SIM cards and a microSD card simultaneously.

At the bottom of the phone, you’ll find a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio, and a single speaker grille. The inclusion of a headphone jack is a welcome feature for users who prefer wired headphones or have older audio accessories. Overall, the design of the Infinix Hot 50i strikes a good balance between aesthetics and functionality, offering a pleasant user experience.

Display and Multimedia Experience

The Infinix Hot 50i comes equipped with a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display, featuring a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels. While this resolution may not be the highest in its class, it still provides a decent viewing experience for most users. The display offers vibrant colors and good contrast, making it suitable for watching videos, browsing social media, and playing casual games.

The screen has a 20:9 aspect ratio, which is ideal for consuming widescreen content and provides more vertical space when scrolling through apps or web pages. The display also boasts a peak brightness of 500 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. However, it’s worth noting that the screen doesn’t support a high refresh rate, sticking to the standard 60Hz, which is common in this price range.

For audio, the Infinix Hot 50i features a single bottom-firing speaker. While it may not provide the richest sound experience, it’s adequate for casual listening and watching videos. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack allows users to connect their favorite wired headphones or external speakers for a better audio experience. The phone also supports Bluetooth 5.0, enabling wireless audio connectivity with compatible devices.

Camera Performance

The camera setup on the Infinix Hot 50i, while not groundbreaking, offers decent performance for its price point. The main 13-megapixel rear camera captures good-quality photos in well-lit conditions. Colors are generally accurate, and the level of detail is satisfactory for sharing on social media platforms. The camera app includes various modes and features to enhance your photography experience, including HDR, panorama, and beauty mode.

The 2-megapixel depth sensor works in tandem with the main camera to create portrait shots with background blur.

While the edge detection isn’t always perfect, it can produce pleasing results in good lighting conditions. In low-light situations, the camera’s performance naturally declines, but the built-in night mode can help improve the quality of photos taken in dimmer environments.

On the front, the 8-megapixel selfie camera takes decent self-portraits and is suitable for video calls. It also features various beautification options and filters to enhance your selfies. Video recording capabilities are limited to 1080p at 30 frames per second for both the rear and front cameras, which is standard for phones in this price range.

Performance and Battery Life

The Infinix Hot 50i is powered by the MediaTek Helio G37 processor, an octa-core chipset designed for entry-level smartphones. This processor provides adequate performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media usage, and running light apps. The phone can handle most day-to-day activities smoothly, though users might experience some lag when running more demanding applications or games.

The device comes in three RAM configurations: 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB. The higher RAM options naturally offer better multitasking capabilities and smoother overall performance. The base 4GB model is suitable for light users, while those who frequently switch between apps or run more demanding software might want to consider the 6GB or 8GB variants.

One of the standout features of the Infinix Hot 50i is its large 5000mAh battery. This capacity allows the phone to easily last through a full day of moderate to heavy use. Many users might even find that the phone can last up to two days on a single charge with light to moderate usage. The inclusion of 18W fast charging support means you can quickly top up the battery when needed, although it’s not the fastest charging solution available in the market.

Software and User Experience

The Infinix Hot 50i runs on Android 13 with Infinix’s custom XOS 13 skin layered on top. This combination provides a feature-rich user experience with various customization options. XOS 13 includes several useful features such as a game mode for optimized gaming performance, a smart panel for quick access to frequently used apps and settings, and a variety of gesture controls for easier navigation.

The user interface is generally intuitive and easy to navigate, even for those new to Android or Infinix devices. However, some users might find the presence of pre-installed apps and occasional ads within the UI to be a minor annoyance. On the positive side, XOS 13 includes features like a system-wide dark mode, which can help reduce eye strain and potentially save battery life on the LCD display.

Infinix has a track record of providing software updates and security patches for its devices, though the frequency and duration of support may not match that of more premium brands. Users can expect to receive some software updates and security patches over the life of the device, which should help keep the phone secure and potentially introduce new features over time.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Infinix Hot 50i offers a range of connectivity options to cater to most users’ needs. It supports 4G LTE networks, ensuring fast mobile data speeds for browsing and streaming. The device also includes dual-SIM functionality, allowing users to manage two phone numbers on a single device, which can be particularly useful for separating work and personal communications.

Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) support ensures fast and reliable connections to wireless networks, while Bluetooth 5.0 enables seamless pairing with wireless accessories such as headphones, speakers, and smartwatches. The inclusion of GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, and BDS ensures accurate location tracking for navigation and location-based services.

The side-mounted fingerprint sensor provides quick and secure access to the device, and it’s complemented by face unlock functionality for added convenience. The phone also includes other sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and ambient light sensor, which enhance the overall user experience and enable features like auto-brightness and screen rotation.

Value for Money and Market Position

In the competitive budget smartphone market of Qatar, the Infinix Hot 50i positions itself as an attractive option for price-conscious consumers. Its combination of decent specifications, large battery, and affordable price point makes it a compelling choice for first-time smartphone buyers, students, or those looking for a reliable secondary device.

When compared to other Infinix models, the Hot 50i sits comfortably in the entry-level segment. It offers a more affordable alternative to the Infinix Hot 50 and Hot 50 Pro, sacrificing some performance and camera capabilities in exchange for a lower price. This positioning allows Infinix to cater to a wide range of consumers with varying budget constraints and feature requirements.

In the broader market context, the Infinix Hot 50i competes with entry-level offerings from brands like Nokia, Oppo, Samsung, and Xiaomi. While it may not match the brand recognition of some of these competitors, the Hot 50i often provides similar or better specifications at a more attractive price point.

This value proposition has helped Infinix gain traction in the Qatari market and other regions where budget-friendly smartphones are in high demand.

Pros and Cons

To help potential buyers make an informed decision, here’s a summary of the main advantages and disadvantages of the Infinix Hot 50i:

Pros:

• Affordable price point
• Large 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging
• Decent camera performance for its price range
• Expandable storage up to 1TB
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• Dual SIM support

Cons:

• Lower resolution display compared to some competitors
• Processor may struggle with demanding tasks or heavy multitasking
• No high refresh rate display
• Camera performance may be limited in low-light conditions
• Plastic build may feel less premium compared to glass or metal designs