In the ever-evolving landscape of
budget smartphones, Infinix has consistently carved out a niche for itself by
offering feature-rich devices at highly competitive price points. The latest
entrant in their popular Hot series, the Infinix Hot 60i, continues this
tradition, aiming to provide a compelling user experience without breaking the
bank. Launched in July 2025, the Hot 60i arrives with several notable upgrades
over its predecessor, the Hot 50i, focusing on enhanced battery life, faster
charging, and improved durability, all while maintaining an attractive design. (WATCH the review of youtuber Audu Buba HERE)
Design and Build Quality:
Elegance in Affordability
The Infinix Hot 60i immediately
impresses with its refined design and build quality, defying its
budget-friendly price tag. Weighing in at a mere 188g and boasting a slim
profile of just 7.7mm, the phone feels remarkably lightweight and premium in
hand. Infinix has paid attention to aesthetic details, offering the Hot 60i in
a range of sophisticated and vibrant colors including Sleek Black, Titanium
Silver, Shadow Blue, Neon Red, Meadow Green, and Soul Eye Purple. These muted
tones not only exude sophistication but also effectively resist fingerprints,
keeping the device looking pristine.
Durability is another area where
the Hot 60i shines. The front is protected by Gorilla Glass, offering a
reassuring layer of defense against scratches and minor impacts. The reinforced
plastic back and body further enhance its robustness, featuring an IP64 rating
for dust and splash resistance, and capable of withstanding drops of up to 1.5
meters. This makes the Hot 60i a surprisingly resilient device for its class,
offering peace of mind to users prone to accidental drops. The triple camera
setup on the rear, while aesthetically symmetrical, reportedly includes one
ornamental lens, a common practice in budget phones to maintain a premium look.
Display: A Smooth Visual
Experience, with a Caveat
The Infinix Hot 60i sports a
large 6.7-inch IPS LCD display, a size that has become standard in modern
smartphones, providing ample screen real estate for media consumption, Browse,
and gaming. One of its standout features is the butter-smooth 120Hz refresh
rate, a significant upgrade that makes scrolling through feeds, navigating the
UI, and playing compatible games feel incredibly fluid and responsive.
However, the display does come
with a notable caveat: its resolution is limited to HD+ (720 x 1600 pixels).
While the 120Hz refresh rate enhances the user experience, the lower resolution
means that sharpness might not be on par with devices boasting Full HD+ panels.
With a pixel density of approximately 262 PPI, individual pixels might be
discernible upon close inspection. Despite this, the display offers decent
brightness, reaching up to 700 nits in High Brightness Mode (HBM), ensuring
good visibility even under direct sunlight. The 90.95% screen-to-body ratio and
punch-hole cutout for the front camera contribute to a modern, immersive
viewing experience. The inclusion of Always-On Display is also a convenient
touch, allowing users to glance at notifications and time without fully waking
the screen.
Performance: Helio G81
Ultimate for Everyday Tasks
Under the hood, the Infinix Hot
60i is powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 Ultimate chipset. This octa-core
processor, with two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55
cores at 1.8 GHz, along with an ARM Mali-G52 MC2 GPU, is designed to handle
everyday tasks with commendable efficiency. The "Ultimate"
designation suggests some optimizations for performance in the Hot 60i.
In practical usage, the Hot 60i
can effortlessly manage common operations such as web Browse, social media
navigation, video streaming, and light multitasking. Apps open quickly, and
switching between them is generally smooth. For casual gamers, the device can
run popular titles like PUBG Mobile on medium settings without significant
hiccups. However, pushing the device with graphically intensive games at
maximum settings or engaging in heavy multitasking with numerous demanding
applications may lead to noticeable strain, including occasional frame drops
and minor UI sluggishness. Prolonged intensive usage, such as extended gaming
sessions, might also trigger thermal throttling, leading to a decline in
sustained performance.
The Hot 60i is available in
multiple RAM and storage configurations: 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM,
paired with 128GB or 256GB of eMMC 5.1 internal storage. The inclusion of
extended RAM technology allows users to virtually expand the RAM, further aiding
in multitasking capabilities. A dedicated microSD card slot provides ample
flexibility for storage expansion, supporting up to 1TB.
Camera System: Capable Snapper
for the Price
Photography on the Infinix Hot
60i is handled by a dual-lens camera system at the rear, featuring a 50MP
primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, complemented by an unspecified 2MP
secondary camera. While some sources might suggest a "triple lens"
setup, it's common for budget phones to include a largely ornamental or
depth-sensing third lens for aesthetic purposes. The front houses an 8MP selfie
camera with an f/2.0 aperture and a front flash for improved low-light selfies.
In good lighting conditions, the
50MP main camera is capable of capturing clear, vivid images with natural
colors and good detail retention. Portrait shots benefit from effective depth
sensing, resulting in a pleasant background blur and accurate edge detection.
The camera app includes various scene modes like AI Cam, Portrait, Super Night,
AIGC (AI-Generated Content), VLOG, Slow Motion, Dual Video, Panorama, and Pro
mode, offering a range of creative options.
Video recording is supported at
up to 2K (1440p) resolution at 30fps for the rear camera, and 1080p at 30fps
for both front and rear. Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) is available to
mitigate camera shakes, though some users have reported initial stuttering in
the first few seconds of video clips. While the camera system is not designed
to compete with flagship devices, it delivers commendable results for its price
segment, making it suitable for everyday photography and social media sharing.
Battery Life and Charging: A
Major Highlight
One of the most impressive
aspects of the Infinix Hot 60i is its robust battery performance. It is
equipped with a large 5160mAh battery, which is designed to provide extensive
usage on a single charge. For most average users, this translates to a full day,
and often even 1.5 days, of consistent use, including media streaming, social
media Browse, and occasional gaming.
Adding to the appeal is the
significantly upgraded 45W fast charging support. This is a substantial
improvement over the 18W charging found in its predecessor, allowing the Hot
60i to charge to 50% in approximately 24 minutes. This rapid charging capability
is a major convenience, minimizing downtime and keeping users connected
throughout their day. Infinix also boasts a "5-year durable battery,"
indicating enhanced longevity of the battery cell. Additionally, the phone
supports 10W reverse charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other
devices.
Software and User Experience:
Android 15 with XOS 15.1
The Infinix Hot 60i runs on XOS
15.1, Infinix's custom user interface, which is based on Android 15. Infinix
has focused on integrating AI features, customizable themes, and a generally
clean interface with this iteration of XOS.
A standout new feature is the
"One-Tap AI Button," located on the side of the phone. This
customizable button offers quick access to over 30 apps and personalized AI
actions. It can be configured for single press, double press, and long press gestures,
adapting to individual usage patterns to provide real-time assistance. The AI
button can perform tasks such as summarizing articles, triggering "Circle
to Search" functionality (similar to what's found on some high-end
devices), or explaining on-screen content. This intelligent integration aims to
enhance productivity and user interaction.
Other notable software features
include "Hard Gyro" for motion controls in games and GPS navigation
in dead zones, and "UltraLink" for calls and messaging outside
cellular coverage (up to 500m), although the real-world utility of UltraLink
may vary.
While XOS 15.1 offers a range of
features and customization options, some users have reported the presence of
bloatware and occasional intrusive advertisements, which can somewhat detract
from the overall user experience. However, Infinix's commitment to software
updates, including the anticipated Android 16-based XOS 16 update starting in
July 2025 for eligible devices (including the Hot 60i), suggests ongoing
improvements and security enhancements. The XOS 16 update is expected to bring
features like Live Updates, Material 3 Expressive design, Desktop Windowing
(for larger screens), enhanced security features, and an improved Photo Picker.
Connectivity and Other
Features
The Infinix Hot 60i comes with a
comprehensive set of connectivity options, including dual Nano SIM support, 4G
LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (Wi-Fi 5), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and GPS/A-GPS. It
uses a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, and retains the
increasingly rare 3.5mm headphone jack. A side-mounted fingerprint scanner
provides secure and convenient biometric authentication, complemented by face
unlock. The inclusion of an IR Blaster allows the phone to function as a
universal remote control for various appliances. Sensors on board include an
accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass.
Price and Availability
The Infinix Hot 60i has initially
launched in markets like Bangladesh and Kenya, with an expected eventual
rollout to other regions, including the Philippines. The pricing is highly
competitive, reflecting its budget-friendly positioning. In Bangladesh, the 6GB
RAM + 128GB storage variant is priced at approximately BDT 14,000 (around PHP
6,400), while the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage option costs around BDT 16,500
(approximately PHP 7,600). These prices solidify the Hot 60i's position as an
attractive option in the entry-level to lower mid-range smartphone segment.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender
in the Budget Segment
The Infinix Hot 60i is a
compelling package that punches above its weight in the budget smartphone
category. Its elegant and durable design, impressive 120Hz refresh rate display
(despite the HD+ resolution), capable camera system for everyday use, and particularly
outstanding battery life coupled with rapid 45W charging, make it a strong
contender. The inclusion of the MediaTek Helio G81 Ultimate ensures smooth
performance for daily tasks and light gaming, while the feature-rich XOS 15.1
with its new AI button adds a layer of smart convenience.
While the HD+ display might be a
slight drawback for those accustomed to higher resolutions, the overall value
proposition of the Hot 60i is undeniable. It's a device clearly designed for
users who prioritize long battery life, fast charging, a fluid user interface,
and a durable build, all within a tight budget. For students, casual users, or
anyone looking for a reliable daily driver that doesn't compromise on essential
features, the Infinix Hot 60i stands out as a smart choice in 2025.
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