Infinix Note 50s 5G Review: Most balanced phone under₹20,000

Infinix has made a notable entry into the smartphone market this year with the launch of the Note 50s, its first device of 2023. Priced starting at ₹15,999, this smartphone aims to address the shortcomings of its predecessor while introducing exciting new features. I had the opportunity to use the Note 50s for several weeks, and here’s my take on its performance. The Note 50s comes well-packaged in a classic green box, which includes the phone itself, a Type A to Type C charging cable, a 45W charger, a SIM ejector tool, a matching phone cover, and some documentation. The phone is available in three colors, and I received the Titanium Grey variant with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. I also briefly tried the Marine Drift version, which features a premium vegan leather back that elevates its aesthetic. In terms of design, the Note 50s shares similarities with the Note 50x, featuring the same ‘Gem Cut’ design for the camera module and understated branding. However, it feels noticeably slimmer and lighter, measuring 7.6mm in thickness and weighing only 180 grams. This makes it comfortable to hold and pocket, while retaining MIL-STD-810H certification and an IP64 rating for water and dust resistance. The phone boasts a 6.78-inch Full HD+ 3D curved AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1300 nits, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The display is vibrant, offering excellent color accuracy and deep blacks, which marks a significant improvement over the previous model’s 720p panel. Additionally, stereo speakers with JBL branding enhance the audio experience, making it enjoyable for music and video playback. On the camera front, the Note 50s features a 64MP Sony IMX682 primary lens, a 2MP secondary lens, and a 13MP front-facing camera. Both the front and rear cameras support 4K video recording at 30fps. The main sensor delivers impressive daylight photos with natural color tones, although it may soften hues for human subjects. Low-light performance has improved compared to earlier models, though challenges persist with colorful objects in dim settings. The selfie camera performs adequately, capturing good detail in well-lit conditions, but may struggle in low light. Running on XOS 15, based on Android 15, the Note 50s promises two years of operating system updates and three years of security patches. XOS 15 is streamlined with no ads or bloatware, featuring useful tools like a Dynamic Bar and Smart Panel, although some AI functions feel less refined. Powering the device is a robust 5,500mAh battery that supports 45W fast charging, taking approximately an hour and 20 minutes to charge fully. It easily lasts over a day with moderate usage, which includes photography, gaming, and streaming. Equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, the Note 50s delivers stable performance suitable for everyday tasks and light gaming, although it’s not marketed specifically for gamers. The sub-₹20,000 segment is competitive, but the Infinix Note 50s stands out as an exceptional all-rounder, combining an attractive design, solid performance, and a great display. For anyone shopping in this price range, it’s hard to find a better option at the moment.