Infinix is throwing down the gauntlet in India’s fiercely contested sub-₹20,000 smartphone arena with its latest entrant, the Infinix Note 50s 5G. This device aims to shatter expectations by offering a compelling package of high-end features – including a stunning 144Hz 3D curved AMOLED display, robust military-grade certification, and even a unique vegan leather finish – all at a remarkably accessible price point. As established brands vie for dominance, the Note 50s 5G Plus emerges as a potent challenger, promising premium experiences without the hefty cost. This comprehensive review will explore if this feature-rich smartphone truly redefines value in the budget segment.
Design & Display: Slim, Stylish & Surprisingly Tough
Infinix proudly calls the Note 50s 5G Plus “India’s slimmest 144Hz curved AMOLED display” phone, and it also boasts military-grade protection – an impressive claim. While marketing buzzwords are common, Infinix has genuinely done commendable work with this device’s aesthetics and feel.
The curved screen lends an immediate premium feel, and at just 7.6mm slim, the phone is comfortable to grip and hold, even for extended periods. Weighing around 180g, it’s refreshingly light, which is always appreciated.
The review unit, in a Titanium Grey plastic back, looks quite appealing. A big plus for those who prefer going caseless is its decent resistance to fingerprints. For those who like added protection, Infinix thoughtfully includes a back cover in the box. A unique gem-shaped camera module adorns the back, though it houses fewer active cameras than it might suggest (more on that later).
Notably, the Infinix Note 50s 5G Plus also offers a vegan leather finish option, which even comes with an “infused fragrance” – a quirky touch for those who might appreciate a scented phone back.
Moving to the display quality, the AMOLED panel truly shines. Content consumption is a delight, with deep blacks and vibrant colours making visuals pop. While Infinix hasn’t specified a peak brightness number, a high brightness mode is available in settings, and visibility generally seems adequate.
Complementing the visual experience are stereo speakers tuned by JBL. They are decently loud, offering respectable bass and clarity. However, the audio output can feel slightly uneven between the two speakers, an area that could see improvement.
Durability is another strong suit. The Note 50s 5G Plus features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection, which is a solid start. Adding to this is a military-grade certification (a potential first in this price category) and IP64 water and dust protection, offering peace of mind against daily wear and tear.
Performance: Smooth Operator with a Software Caveat
Under the hood, the Infinix Note 50s 5G Plus is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate processor, a capable chipset often found in mid-range smartphones. This is paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage.
Real-world performance is generally smooth, with no noticeable lag during everyday tasks. Apps open and close quickly, and UI animations are fluid. The star here is undoubtedly the 144Hz refresh rate, which makes every interaction on the screen feel incredibly fast and fluid, significantly enhancing the overall user experience. The 8GB of RAM proves sufficient for daily multitasking, keeping apps in memory for a reasonable duration.
However, the primary concern in the performance department is Infinix’s XOS (based on Android). While it offers useful features like a “dynamic bar” for concise information display, floating windows, and split-screen functionality, it also comes with a fair amount of pre-installed apps and bloatware. A cleaner software experience would undoubtedly elevate the device.
Infinix has also packed in several AI features, including AI cutout, wallpaper generator, circle to search, call assistant, and writing assistant. While the intention to offer cutting-edge tech is there, the current implementation of these AI features doesn’t always work as well as one might hope. It’s advisable not to base a purchase solely on these AI capabilities.
For software updates, the Infinix Note 50s 5G Plus is promised 2 years of OS updates and 3 years of security patches. This is a bit on the lower side compared to some competitors, and an area where Infinix could definitely improve.
Camera: Keep Expectations in Check
The gem-shaped camera module on the back might look like it houses three cameras, but the main usable sensor is the 64MP Sony IMX682 primary camera. The bottom cutout is actually a halo lighting feature, which can be used for notifications – its utility is subjective.
Focusing on the 64MP main camera, the results are surprisingly good for a phone in this price bracket. Photos are generally sharp with decent clarity. The phone manages light and colours quite well, which is great to see. However, there were occasional instances where photos appeared a bit soft despite proper focus.
Portrait images are quite impressive, with good colours, light management, and a pleasing bokeh effect, though edge detection can be a hit or a miss at times. Macro shots are also decent.
Night photography is another area where the Infinix Note 50s 5G Plus punches above its weight. It captures surprisingly good shots even in low light, retaining highlights and details effectively. Whether taking indoor or outdoor shots, the phone delivers commendable photo quality considering its price. The 13MP selfie camera also provides nice results.
For video, both the front and rear cameras support 4K recording at 30fps, which is a decent offering for this segment.
Battery: All-Day Power and Then Some
The Infinix Note 50s 5G Plus is equipped with a substantial 5500mAh battery, coupled with 45W fast charging. It’s commendable that Infinix has managed to pack such a large battery into a relatively lightweight chassis.
Battery backup is excellent, easily lasting more than a full day with normal usage. This means users should have no anxiety about running out of power during a busy day.
Should You Buy the Infinix Note 50s 5G Plus?
So, does the Infinix Note 50s 5G Plus live up to the hype? For its asking price of ₹16,000, it packs an impressive array of features that are hard to find elsewhere in this segment. The stunning 144Hz curved AMOLED display, sleek design, robust build quality (including military certification and IP64), unique vegan leather option, dependable performance for daily tasks, surprisingly capable main camera, and excellent battery life are all strong positives. It’s a genuinely surprising and impressive offering from Infinix.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The XOS software could be cleaner and less bloated, the AI features feel more like a work-in-progress, it essentially has only one truly versatile rear camera, and the software update promise could be more generous.
If you prioritize a fantastic display, a stylish and durable design, and long battery life without spending a fortune, the Infinix Note 50s 5G Plus is a compelling option and offers incredible value. It’s a great choice for media consumption and general day-to-day use.
However, if your top priorities are a versatile camera system with multiple lenses, a super-clean software experience, or the absolute best AI-driven features, you might want to weigh its pros and cons carefully.
Overall, Infinix has done a commendable job with the Note 50s 5G Plus, pushing the boundaries of what to expect from a budget smartphone. It’s a device that gets a lot right and is certainly one of the best phones under ₹20,000 in India for those seeking premium features on a tight budget.
What are your thoughts on the Infinix Note 50s 5G Plus? Does it offer the best value in its price segment? Share your opinions in the comments below!
