The recent launch of the Infinix Hot 60i in Bangladesh reveals another attempt by Infinix to maintain its foothold in the fiercely competitive budget smartphone segment. While the device superficially resembles its predecessor, the Hot 50i, it ultimately feels like an uninspired reiteration rather than a true leap forward. Centering around a 6.78-inch LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, the display might sound attractive on paper, but an IPS LCD screen with just 800 nits peak brightness and 396 ppi fails to push the boundaries of visual experience expected at this price point. In an era where even budget phones are promoting AMOLED displays, the Hot 60i’s choice of panel technology underscores a persistent reluctance to truly innovate.
Internally, the choice of the MediaTek Helio G81 Ultimate chipset, fabricated on a dated 12nm process, speaks volumes about this device’s modest performance ambitions. While the Helio G81 can handle everyday tasks reasonably well, it falls behind competing processors that offer improved efficiency and better gaming experiences at a comparable or even lower price. That Infinix sticks with such aging silicon feels like a reluctant compromise, sacrificing future-proofing in favor of cost-cutting.
Battery and Camera: Overhyped but Underwhelming
The Hot 60i’s 5,160mAh battery capacity and 45W fast charging are positive selling points. However, 45W charging is becoming increasingly standard among budget devices, and the real-world charging speeds may not align with the advertised figure, given the efficiency constraints of power management hardware in this price segment. While the battery size champions endurance over speed, it is unlikely to be a game changer for users demanding rapid turnaround times.
Photography on the Infinix Hot 60i raises more questions than answers. The primary 50-megapixel sensor ostensibly promises high-resolution imaging, yet its f/1.8 aperture combined with a generic 2-megapixel secondary camera suggests limited creativity and depth in photographic capability. The absence of detailed information on the secondary lens points toward limited utility beyond basic portrait effects or macro shots. Meanwhile, the 8-megapixel front camera remains below par in an era when selfie quality can define social media appeal.
Software and Connectivity: Steady but Unspectacular
Running on XOS 15.1 built over Android 15, the Hot 60i technically offers current software adaptation—a rarity in budget devices. However, XOS’s track record leaves much to be desired due to its heavy bloatware and sometimes sluggish user experience. Given the hardware constraints, the longevity of smooth performance on future updates remains questionable.
Connectivity options like 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5, and NFC align with contemporary standards but do not elevate the device. The inclusion of a side-mounted fingerprint scanner is a familiar convenience feature, yet its speed and accuracy are often hit or miss in budget models. Given the choice, users might have benefited more from innovations in biometric technology or better integration of security features.
Pricing and Market Position: A Risky Bet in a Crowded Arena
Pricing the Infinix Hot 60i around BDT 13,999 and BDT 16,499 for higher configurations places it in a crowded marketplace where alternatives often outshine it. With brands aggressively pushing feature-rich devices with AMOLED displays, stronger SoCs, and superior cameras within this budget, Infinix’s offering blends into the sea of similar devices without a compelling reason for users to select it. The absence of any indication of an international launch beyond Bangladesh further limits its appeal and raises doubts about the company’s confidence in the device’s global competitiveness.
Ultimately, the Hot 60i feels like a cautious, profit-driven release with little regard for pushing the envelope on quality or user experience. For a company aiming to capture young, tech-savvy consumers, it misses the opportunity to carve out a meaningful niche or inspire loyalty through bold innovation. Instead, it clings to safe choices and incremental tweaks, making it a forgettable candidate in an already oversaturated budget smartphone ecosystem.
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