The Infinix Hot 10i is a budget-friendly smartphone that aims to deliver a solid user experience without breaking the bank. Positioned as an entry-level device, it offers a combination of decent performance, a large display, and a capable battery life, making it an attractive option for users who prioritize functionality over high-end specs. In this review, we'll take a closer look at what the Hot 10i has to offer and whether it stands out in the crowded budget smartphone market.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Infinix Hot 10i doesn’t stray far from the design language commonly seen in budget smartphones. It features a plastic back with a glossy finish that gives it a somewhat premium look, though it’s prone to fingerprints and smudges. The rear panel houses a dual-camera setup along with an LED flash, while the fingerprint sensor is conveniently placed for easy access. The phone feels relatively sturdy in hand, thanks to its weight distribution, but the plastic construction means it’s not as durable as devices with glass or metal builds. On the front, the 6.52-inch display dominates, with a waterdrop notch for the front-facing camera.

Display

The Infinix Hot 10i sports a 6.52-inch IPS LCD with an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. While this resolution might seem underwhelming for a screen of this size, it’s fairly standard in the budget segment. The colors are decently vibrant, and the brightness is adequate for indoor use, though outdoor visibility can be a struggle under direct sunlight. The touch response is smooth, and the large screen real estate makes it suitable for media consumption and casual gaming. However, those accustomed to sharper displays might find the pixel density lacking.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Hot 10i is powered by a MediaTek Helio G25 chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, expandable via a dedicated microSD slot. The Helio G25 is an entry-level processor, and while it handles day-to-day tasks like social media browsing, messaging, and light multitasking without much hassle, it starts to show its limitations with more demanding apps and games. The device runs on Android 11 with Infinix’s XOS 7.6 skin on top, which adds a few customization options and bloatware. The software experience is generally smooth, though occasional stutters can occur when switching between apps.

Camera Performance

The dual-camera setup on the Infinix Hot 10i consists of a 13MP primary sensor and a secondary AI lens. In well-lit conditions, the camera captures decent shots with acceptable detail and color accuracy. However, dynamic range is limited, and highlights can often be blown out in high-contrast scenes. Low-light performance is predictably weak, with images appearing noisy and lacking detail. The 8MP front-facing camera does an adequate job for selfies and video calls, though it struggles in low light as well. Video recording maxes out at 1080p at 30fps, and the lack of stabilization means footage can be shaky.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Infinix Hot 10i is its massive 6000mAh battery. This ensures the device can easily last a full day of heavy usage, and with moderate use, it can stretch to two days without needing a recharge. The trade-off, however, is the lack of fast charging—the included 10W charger takes a considerable amount of time to refill the large battery. If you prioritize battery life over charging speed, the Hot 10i won’t disappoint.

Audio and Connectivity

The phone includes a single bottom-firing speaker that delivers average sound quality—loud enough for casual media consumption but lacking in depth and bass. A 3.5mm headphone jack is present, which is a plus for users who prefer wired audio. On the connectivity front, the Hot 10i supports 4G LTE, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS. Call quality is clear, and network reception is stable in most areas.

Final Verdict

The Infinix Hot 10i is a solid budget smartphone that excels in battery life and offers a decent display for media consumption. While its performance and camera capabilities are limited, they’re acceptable for the price point. If you’re looking for an affordable device that can handle basic tasks and last through the day, the Hot 10i is worth considering. However, if you’re after better performance or camera quality, you might need to stretch your budget a bit further.

Key Specifications of Infinix Hot 10i:

Display: 6.52-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1600 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate

Processor: MediaTek Helio G25 (12nm)

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 64GB (expandable via microSD)

Rear Cameras: 13MP primary + AI lens

Front Camera: 8MP

Battery: 6000mAh, 10W charging

OS: Android 11, XOS 7.6

Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS

Dimensions: 165.5 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm

Weight: 195g