Infinix’s latest offering, the Hot 60i, might seem like a new entry in the mid-range smartphone segment, but its appeal is far from groundbreaking. Launched quietly in Bangladesh, this device feels more like an iterative update rather than a genuine advancement. At first glance, it seems to promise good value: a large 6.78-inch IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate, a sizeable 5,160mAh battery, and a relatively recent MediaTek Helio G81 chipset. However, the underlying reality reveals a phone that treads water, failing to impress in a fiercely competitive landscape where innovation and meaningful improvements are paramount.
The Hot 60i closely mirrors its predecessor, the Hot 50i, practically cloning the formula with only minor tweaks. In an era where flagship features are trickling down rapidly, Infinix’s reliance on a dated 12nm Helio G81 chip screams of caution rather than ambition. This SoC, while serviceable for basic day-to-day usage, lacks the processing punch and efficiency expected from a 2024 device, particularly for users who multitask or game on their phones. The 120Hz screen, although a welcome feature in principle, is let down by the display technology itself—an IPS LCD instead of a more vibrant AMOLED panel, which competitors offer at similar or slightly higher price points.
Price Versus Performance: An Unbalanced Equation
Pricing the base 6GB/128GB variant at approximately Rs. 9,800 targets budget-conscious consumers, but even this segment has become increasingly demanding. The more expensive 8GB/256GB version, at roughly Rs. 11,500, pushes the price beyond entry-level boundaries. Considering the stiffer competition from brands like Realme, Xiaomi, and Samsung’s own affordable lineup, Infinix offers little justification for the incremental price hike. Furthermore, the decision to support only 4G LTE connectivity, neglecting widespread 5G integration, feels regressive and short-sighted, especially as 5G becomes standard in budget phones globally.
The camera system encapsulates the phone’s stuck-in-the-past attitude. A 50MP primary camera with a standard f/1.8 aperture and a 2MP secondary sensor don’t promise much in real-world scenarios. In the current smartphone market, camera performance can make or break a buyer’s decision, yet Infinix seems content with a formula that doesn’t push boundaries or drive quality improvements. The selfie camera’s modest 8MP sensor also falls short of delivering a compelling photography experience.
Software and Design: Incremental, Not Impressive
Running XOS 15.1 on top of Android 15 is a positive point on paper, but Infinix’s software experience historically struggles with bloatware and lackluster optimization. Without aggressive refinement, users might face sluggishness, something the modest hardware might exacerbate. The phone’s design—while sleek and slim—relies on conventional aesthetics with no standout elements to attract users looking for a device that feels modern and fresh.
Connectivity features are sufficient but unremarkable. While including NFC is a plus for contactless transactions, the absence of Wi-Fi 6 and only moderate Bluetooth and GPS capabilities indicate the device is built with cost-saving over user experience in mind.
A Cautious Contender in a Crowded Space
Ultimately, the Infinix Hot 60i serves as a reminder that not every new model equates to meaningful progress. It appears tailored to a specific demographic stuck with older technology preferences rather than forward-looking consumers eager for value-driven innovation. Infinix seems content playing catch-up rather than setting trends, and while this may protect margins, it risks alienating users who demand more from their smartphones—especially in emerging markets hungry for devices that balance affordability with substantive features. The Hot 60i is a safe, but uninspired, release that underscores the challenge mid-tier brands face in standing out today.