The recent quiet launch of the Infinix Hot 60i in Bangladesh leaves one with a mixed bag of impressions. While the company markets it as a member of its new Hot 60 series, the device largely feels like a rehash of its predecessor, the Hot 50i, rather than a bold step forward. In an increasingly competitive budget smartphone market, iteration without meaningful innovation risks being forgotten, and the Hot 60i treads dangerously close to this pitfall.
Specs that Play it Safe but Fail to Excite
At first glance, the hardware specifications seem adequate for a budget device — a sizable 6.78-inch LCD screen boasting a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a Full HD+ resolution. But beneath the surface, mediocrity reigns. The MediaTek Helio G81 Ultimate chipset powering the device is hardly cutting-edge. Despite being energy-efficient, it struggles to keep up with rival SoCs offering better performance and future-proofing. The inclusion of up to 256GB storage is a nod to modern necessities, yet the RAM options topping at 8GB feel pedestrian in 2024’s context.
The camera setup doesn’t inspire much confidence either. A 50-megapixel primary sensor paired with a 2-megapixel secondary shooter — whose purpose remains vague — suggests quantity over quality. The 8-megapixel front camera is modest but nothing that will impress selfie enthusiasts or social media aficionados craving sharp, vivid images.
Battery and Software: Dependable Yet Uninspiring
One redeeming feature is the 5,160mAh battery with 45W charging capability, which offers tangible value in a budget segment dominated by feature compromises. This should ensure respectable endurance, catering to users who need their phone to last through a busy day. Coupled with XOS 15.1 layered atop the latest Android 15, the software experience is positioned to be smooth and feature-rich. However, Infinix’s XOS has historically garnered mixed reviews for bloat and inconsistent updates, which creates skepticism about long-term usability.
Design and Connectivity: Adequate but Dull
Design-wise, the Hot 60i is bland — a grey silhouette in a sea of vibrant and innovative devices. Offered in Sleek Black and Titanium Grey, it lacks any distinctiveness or flair. The added bonus of dual SIM and modern connectivity options like NFC and Wi-Fi 5 match industry standards but do little to elevate the user experience.
The side-mounted fingerprint sensor remains a reliable biometric option, but it’s hardly groundbreaking. Sensors such as the accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass are standard but indicate that Infinix aims to tick all checkboxes rather than innovate.
Pricing and Market Position: Playing Catch-Up in a Cutthroat Arena
The asking price of approximately Rs. 9,800 for the base model and Rs. 11,500 for the higher variant positions the Hot 60i in a fiercely competitive space where every rupee counts. At these price points, consumers expect either raw power, exceptional software experience, or standout features. Unfortunately, Infinix delivers a product that feels more like an incremental update than a game-changer.
The lack of announced plans for launching outside Bangladesh, especially in major markets like India, further limits its potential impact. In markets flooded with compelling offerings from Xiaomi, Realme, and Samsung’s budget lines, the Hot 60i’s lukewarm upgrades and unremarkable design will likely struggle to justify buyer attention.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity for True Progress
Infinix’s Hot 60i, while competent on paper, feels trapped by cautious design choices and underwhelming hardware improvements. Its release serves as a reminder that in the budget segment, bland repetition hardly translates to success. Consumers deserve value that pushes boundaries rather than retreads old turf — a lesson Infinix would do well to heed moving forward.
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