Infinix HOT 50: We are in a fast-paced world and even budget devices are getting more powerful. Published at the start of 2025, the Infinix HOT 50 is the latest testament to this trend, offering up an unusually solid experience for little money.
This device adds some capabilities that were once the exclusive domain of pricier models, but does so by making some logical sacrifices to keep costs reasonable.
Design & Build
The HOT 50 has a contemporary look to it thanks to its plastic frame and back panel, which surprisingly feels nice to hold.
The textured rear aids grip too, as well as doing a decent job of hiding fingerprints – a thoughtful touch that’s sorely lacking from more glossy designs.
It’s both 8.7mm thick and 192g in weight and, even with that monstrous screen, feels relatively good to use one handed.
The phone comes with a fingerprint scanner on the side, which is responsive and also easy to reach.
The build quality doesn’t use any premium materials, but the case has a satisfyingly strong build with little flex and it should hold up well on a daily basis.
Display
Up front there is a 6.78-inch IPS LCD panel that has a Full HD+ resolution.
The 90-hr edge-to-edge display delivers an incredibly immersive viewing experience, low blue light emissions, and a remarkable screen-to-body ratio for a maximum wide / edge-to-edge view of all your games, videos, and pictures Over $1,200 value!
3 months of Xbox game pass ultimate + unlimited on us (via tracfone) on the expansive, FHD+ Infinity Display The 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth transitions between apps, and 128GB of internal storage gives you ample space for your favorite phone games.
The other stand exposure barely visible under direct sunlight. Brightness maxes at around 480 nits, which is okay indoors but a tough sell in broad daylight.
Colour representation is really good and viewing angles good. The panel features a tiny punch hole for the front camera, allowing other parts of the screen to be used more effectively without the need for bigger notch designs.
Performance
In the performance department, the MediaTek Helio G88 SoC is assisted by 6GB of RAM, enabling you to accomplish most of the daily tasks.
The processor can also be used to surf the internet, access social media and play less demanding games across the board without having to compromise on settings.
There’s also a decent 128GB of internal storage available for apps and media, which can be expanded further using the microSD slot (which can hold cards of up to 1TB).
Camera Capabilities
The quad camera setup is made up of a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro and a 2MP depth sensor.
The main camera takes detailed photos with natural colors in good lighting.
The lens gives you battery options for landscapes and group images, though quality naturally dips when you go beyond the primary sensor.
The 16 MP front camera is plesant making social media selfies. When it comes to video recording, unfortunately it’s only available up to 1080p/30fps but with decent electronic stabilization.
Battery Life
The massive 5000mAh battery sails you through a day of moderate usage, with screen-on time often surpassing 6 hours.
The 18W charger in the box is not super quick by today’s standards but if you’re empty it’ll get you back to 100% in and around 2 hours.
Software Experience
Powered by CustomOS 13 on top of Android 14, the interface sets no limits for customizations, however it comes with some pre-installed apps that may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Infinix is promising two years of security updates, enough longevity in a segment where software support is generally very limited.
Pros:
Excellent battery endurance
Fluid 90Hz display experience
Good main camera for the price
Expandable storage option
Okay for basic daily use
Design that looks more expensive than it is
Cons:
The secondary cameras are just… fine
Slower to charge than other cars
Lacks any form of water resistance rating
Some software bloatware here and there
Gaming performance is somewhat restricted with demanding games
Average speaker quality
Infinix HOT 50: Verdict
Infinix HOT 50 embodies the focus of on what really matters to consumers with a budget.
There are, of course, compromises, but they’re calculated ones that tend to leave performance in areas that affect daily use unharmed.
This means that for those looking for a high-quality smartphone on a budget, the HOT 50’s exceptional value is a reminder that you no longer have to sacrifice much to own a budget device.