Infinix is heating things up in the budget smartphone arena with its latest release, the Hot 50i, which is now officially available for purchase across Kenya. After a week of pre-orders, you can finally grab this device at all authorized retailers at a recommended retail price (RRP) of Kshs 13,699. With the Hot 50i, Infinix has planted its flag in a price range that’s been buzzing lately, thanks to stiff competition from Realme’s C61, Oppo’s A3x, and Xiaomi’s Redmi 14C.
Finally here! Infinix Hot 50i is now available countrywide at an unbeatable price of Ksh, 13,699 RRP! Get value and style with no stress today!#InfinixHot50i #WOOOWNewHot #Hot50Series pic.twitter.com/2EGtJP3VeC
— InfinixKenya (@InfinixKenya) September 30, 2024
A summary of Infinix Hot 50i key specs:
- Display: 6.7-inch HD+ IPS display (720×1600), 120Hz refresh rate, 90.2% screen-to-body ratio
- Chipset: MediaTek Helio G81, Octa-core (2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6×1.7 GHz Cortex-A55)
- GPU: Mali-G52 MC2 @ 820MHz
- RAM: 6GB LPDDR4X physical RAM
- Storage: 128GB, expandable up to 2TB via microSD
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.79
- Front camera: 8MP, f/2.0, with front flash
- Battery: 5000mAh with 18W fast charging
- Security: Fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
- Operating system: XOS 14.5 based on Android 14
- Connectivity: Dual SIM (nano), 4G/LTE, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth, USB Type-C
- Additional features: Dual stereo speakers, IP54 splash-proof rating, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Dimensions and weight: 165.7mm x 77.1mm x 8.1mm, 184g
- Colors: Sleek Black, Sage Green, Titanium Grey
As you can see from the specs above, the Hot 50i does more than just hang around. It packs a MediaTek Helio G81 chipset, a solid performer, although the Redmi 14C’s “Ultra” moniker gives it a slight edge in processing power. But hey, at this price point, we’re splitting hairs! What matters is that customers now have more choices in this budget-friendly space, and that’s always a win for the savvy shopper.
Now, let’s dive into the juicy details of the Infinix Hot 50i. For starters, it’s rocking a sizeable 6.7-inch 720p display with a refresh rate that tops out at 120Hz. You won’t have to worry about choppy scrolling here. It’s relatively bright too at 500 nits peak, so your screen should stay visible even under Kenya’s scorching sun. And speaking of the sun, this phone can handle a splash or two with its IP54 rating for water and dust resistance. Just don’t go dunking it in your tea.
For all the aspiring photographers out there, the Hot 50i offers a 48MP rear camera with a range of fun modes like Super Night and Time-lapse. Selfies? Covered with an 8MP front camera, complete with a flash. You’ll even get a 5m LED flashlight on the rear to light up any situation, whether you’re capturing memories or need to find your way during an unexpected power cut (hello, Kenya Power!).
Under the hood, there’s up to 12GB of RAM, though you should know that half of this is virtual RAM – something Infinix’s marketing has been pushing aggressively. The actual physical RAM stands at 6GB (other markets have a 4GB RAM variant, but it’s unclear if this SKU will come to Kenya), but with the extended RAM feature, you’ll get that extra boost for multitasking. As for storage, you’ve got 128GB with expansion available up to a whopping 2TB. That’s a ton of space for photos, apps, and everything in between.
Powering all of this is a decent 5,000mAh battery, which supports 18W fast charging through a USB Type-C port. That should keep you going all day, and when you do need to juice up, you won’t be tethered to a charger for long. For audiophiles, the dual speakers boast 300% ultra volume, so expect a sound experience that packs a punch. Oh, there’s a 3.5mm audio jack too.
With its solid performance specs, smooth display, and competitive price that undercuts the competition, the Infinix Hot 50i is here to shake things up in Kenya’s budget smartphone market. Whether you’re a light gamer, photogenic, or simply want a long-lasting battery, this phone has what it takes. So, if you’re on the lookout for an affordable device that doesn’t skimp on the essentials, the Hot 50i could just be your next best buy.
