Infinix, a brand that has carved
a significant niche for itself in the budget and mid-range smartphone markets,
particularly in emerging economies, has once again refreshed its popular
"Smart" series with the introduction of the Infinix Smart 10.
Launched in mid-June 2025, this device aims to continue Infinix's legacy of
delivering feature-rich experiences at highly competitive price points. In a
market saturated with budget offerings, the Smart 10 seeks to stand out with a
blend of modern design, enhanced display capabilities, and a promise of a
smooth user experience, all while maintaining an accessible price tag. This
comprehensive overview will delve into the Smart 10's design, display,
performance, camera system, battery life, software, and overall value
proposition, examining where it excels and where it might face challenges in
the crowded entry-level smartphone arena. ( Watch the video review by JayTime TV HERE )
Design and Build: A
Contemporary A esthetic for the Budget Segment
One of the immediate impressions
the Infinix Smart 10 aims to make is through its design. Infinix has
increasingly focused on contemporary aesthetics, even in its most affordable
devices, and the Smart 10 is no exception. Measuring approximately 165.6 x 77 x
8.3 mm and weighing around 187 grams, the phone strikes a balance between a
sizeable display and manageable ergonomics. The build typically comprises a
glass front and a plastic back and frame, a common construction choice for
phones in this price bracket. This plastic construction helps keep costs down
and weight reasonable, while also offering some degree of durability against
minor drops.
The Smart 10 distinguishes itself
with an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance, a commendable inclusion for
a budget phone. This offers a degree of peace of mind against everyday spills
and dust exposure, a feature often omitted in this segment. Furthermore,
Infinix highlights its drop resistance up to 1.5 meters, suggesting a more
robust build than one might typically expect. Color options for the Smart 10
are diverse, including Sleek Black, Titanium Silver, Iris Blue, and Twilight
Gold, providing consumers with choices to match their personal style. The back
panel often features a textured or patterned finish, which not only adds to the
aesthetic appeal but also provides a better grip and resists fingerprints more
effectively than a smooth, glossy surface.
The placement of physical buttons
and ports adheres to standard conventions. A side-mounted fingerprint sensor,
integrated into the power button, is a practical and increasingly common
feature, offering quick and intuitive unlocking. The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio
jack is a welcome sight for those who prefer wired headphones, and a USB Type-C
port ensures modern connectivity and charging. Overall, the Infinix Smart 10’s
design language is modern and thoughtful, making it look and feel more premium
than its price point might suggest, while also incorporating practical
durability features.
Display: A Smooth Visual
Experience
The display is often a major
selling point for budget smartphones, and the Infinix Smart 10 attempts to
deliver a compelling visual experience. It features a large 6.67-inch IPS LCD,
which is generous for media consumption and Browse. The resolution stands at
720 x 1600 pixels (HD+), resulting in a pixel density of approximately 263 ppi.
While not Full HD+, this resolution is standard for entry-level devices and
generally sufficient for everyday tasks, though sharper text and images would
be noticeable on higher-resolution screens.
What truly sets the Smart 10's
display apart in its category is the 120Hz refresh rate. This is a significant
upgrade over the typical 60Hz or even 90Hz displays found in many budget
phones. A higher refresh rate translates to noticeably smoother scrolling, more
fluid animations, and a more responsive overall user interface experience. This
feature alone could be a decisive factor for users who prioritize a fluid
visual interaction with their device. Additionally, the display boasts a peak
brightness of 700 nits (HBM – High Brightness Mode), ensuring decent visibility
even under direct sunlight, which is crucial for outdoor use. The
screen-to-body ratio, around 84.2%, is respectable, with a punch-hole cutout
for the front camera, contributing to a modern, immersive viewing experience.
Performance: Balancing
Efficiency and Everyday Use
Under the hood, the Infinix Smart
10 is powered by the Unisoc T7250 chipset. This octa-core processor is built on
a 12nm fabrication process, featuring a configuration of 2x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A75
cores for performance and 6x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency. Graphics
are handled by the ARM Mali-G57 GPU. This combination is designed to offer a
balance of performance for daily tasks and energy efficiency.
For typical usage scenarios, such
as social media Browse, messaging, video streaming, and light gaming, the
Unisoc T7250 should provide a smooth and responsive experience. However, users
should manage their expectations when it comes to demanding applications or
graphically intensive games. While it can handle casual games, high-end gaming
might exhibit frame drops and require reduced graphics settings.
The Smart 10 comes with various
RAM and storage configurations to cater to different user needs and budgets.
Options include 3GB or 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM, paired with 64GB, 128GB, or even
256GB of eMMC 5.1 internal storage. The inclusion of microSDXC expansion (up to
2TB) is a major advantage, allowing users to significantly boost their storage
capacity for photos, videos, and apps without relying solely on internal
memory. Infinix also touts "Extended RAM" technology, which virtually
expands the RAM by utilizing a portion of the internal storage, further
enhancing multitasking capabilities. This memory fusion technology can provide
up to 8GB of combined RAM, which is a significant boost for an entry-level
device.
Camera System: Functional for
Casual Photography
The camera setup on the Infinix
Smart 10 is designed for casual photography, focusing on simplicity and
functionality. It features an 8MP primary rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture.
While an 8MP sensor might seem modest in an era of multi-megapixel cameras, it
is often paired with AI enhancements and software optimization to deliver
decent results in well-lit conditions. The rear camera is accompanied by a
dual-LED flash for improved low-light performance. Features like Panorama and
Autofocus are also included.
For video recording, the Smart 10
supports resolutions up to 1440p (2K) at 30 frames per second, along with 1080p
at 30fps. This 2K recording capability is a notable inclusion for a budget
phone, providing slightly higher detail than standard Full HD videos.
On the front, there's also an 8MP
selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture, capable of recording 1440p and 1080p
videos at 30fps. It also includes a front flash, which is beneficial for taking
selfies in dimly lit environments. While the Smart 10's cameras are unlikely to
win any awards for photographic prowess, they are perfectly adequate for social
media sharing, video calls, and capturing everyday moments, especially when
lighting conditions are favorable. The emphasis here is on providing a
functional and accessible camera experience rather than professional-grade
photography.
Battery Life and Charging:
Powering Through the Day
Battery life is often a critical
factor for users in the budget segment, and Infinix has consistently excelled
in this area. The Smart 10 is equipped with a substantial 5000mAh battery, a
capacity that is more than sufficient to power the device through a full day of
moderate to heavy usage, and likely two days for lighter users. This large
battery capacity, combined with the power-efficient Unisoc T7250 chipset and
the HD+ display, promises excellent endurance.
In terms of charging, the Infinix
Smart 10 supports 15W wired fast charging via its USB Type-C port. While 15W
isn't the fastest charging speed available, it's a decent inclusion for this
price point and should allow for reasonably quick top-ups compared to older,
slower charging standards. The inclusion of a USB Type-C port also adds to the
convenience and modern connectivity.
Software: Android 15 with XOS
15.1
The Infinix Smart 10 runs on
Android 15 out of the box, layered with Infinix's custom user interface, XOS
15.1. Running the latest version of Android is a significant advantage,
ensuring access to the newest features, security updates, and a generally optimized
software experience. Infinix's XOS is known for its extensive customization
options, theme engine, and various utility features.
XOS typically includes features
like "XOS Lab" for experimental functionalities, "Game
Mode" for optimizing gaming performance, and various privacy and security
tools. While XOS can sometimes be criticized for containing pre-installed
bloatware, Infinix has generally been improving its UI to be cleaner and more
user-friendly. The "48-Month TÜV Fluency" certification mentioned by
Infinix suggests that the software is optimized for long-term smooth
performance, which is reassuring for budget phone users who typically keep
their devices for several years. The "One-Tap Infinix AI" feature
also hints at AI-powered optimizations for various aspects of the user
experience, from performance to power management.
Connectivity and Other
Features
The Infinix Smart 10 offers a
comprehensive suite of connectivity options. It supports 4G LTE for cellular
connectivity, with dual Nano-SIM slots, allowing users to manage two phone
numbers simultaneously. While it does not support 5G, 4G remains widely available
and provides sufficient speeds for most daily online activities.
Other connectivity features
include Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) with dual-band support, Bluetooth 5.1, and
GPS with A-GPS for navigation. Notably, the Smart 10 also includes NFC (Near
Field Communication), which is an excellent addition for a budget phone,
enabling contactless payments and easy pairing with other NFC-enabled devices.
This is a feature often omitted in this price range.
For audio, besides the 3.5mm
headphone jack, the Smart 10 boasts dual speakers with "300% Ultra
Volume" and DTS sound technology. This suggests a focus on a loud and
immersive audio experience, which is a definite plus for media consumption without
headphones. Sensors include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer,
proximity sensor, and compass. An infrared blaster is also listed for some
variants, allowing the phone to function as a universal remote control.
Price and Value Proposition
The Infinix Smart 10 is
positioned as a highly affordable smartphone. In the Philippines, for instance,
the starting price for the 4GB RAM + 64GB storage variant is around PHP 4,599
(approximately €70 or $75 USD), with higher configurations incrementally
priced. This aggressive pricing strategy is key to Infinix's market
penetration.
At this price point, the Infinix
Smart 10 offers a compelling package. The 120Hz display is a standout feature,
typically found in more expensive devices. The large 5000mAh battery, IP64
rating, 2K video recording, and NFC support further enhance its value. While
the processor and camera might not be top-tier, they are perfectly adequate for
the target audience of budget-conscious users who need a reliable smartphone
for everyday communication, social media, and media consumption. The focus on
durability with IP64 and drop resistance also adds to its appeal.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender
in the Entry-Level Landscape
The Infinix Smart 10, newly
released in June 2025, presents itself as a robust option in the highly
competitive entry-level smartphone market. Infinix has clearly identified the
key priorities for budget-conscious consumers and delivered a device that focuses
on a large, fluid display, long-lasting battery life, and practical durability
features, all while maintaining an accessible price.
Its 120Hz refresh rate is a
significant differentiator, offering a premium visual experience rarely seen in
this segment. The substantial 5000mAh battery, coupled with 15W charging,
ensures users won't be tethered to a charger. The IP64 rating and enhanced drop
resistance provide added peace of mind, making it a more resilient daily
driver. While the Unisoc T7250 chipset is suitable for general use, and the 8MP
cameras are functional rather than exceptional, these are acceptable
compromises for the price.
For users seeking an affordable
smartphone that prioritizes a smooth display, extended battery life, and a
durable build for everyday use, the Infinix Smart 10 emerges as a highly
attractive and noteworthy contender. It reflects Infinix's continued commitment
to democratizing modern smartphone features, making them accessible to a
broader audience. As the market evolves, the Smart 10 is poised to be a popular
choice for those looking for maximum value without breaking the bank.
Comments
Post a Comment