Infinix is attempting to offer a 5G experience at a more affordable price point with the launch of its budget 5G smartphone, the Hot 20 5G. With 5G networks now available in major cities in Nigeria, many consumers are still paying a “5G tax” – choosing a 5G-capable smartphone often means sacrificing other hardware and features in favor of 5G connectivity. This is especially evident in the budget segment, as the cost of 5G hardware has risen. Infinix hopes to change this with the Hot 20 5G, which promises strong 5G connectivity and a range of other features at a price of #86,000.
Design and Features
The Hot 20 5G has a basic design that feels more entry-level than budget. The phone features a polycarbonate unibody and a waterdrop display notch, which gives it a somewhat dated appearance. However, the textured back with its fine grooves helps with grip and keeps the phone smudge-free during use.
The phone has a single speaker, a Type-C USB port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom, with volume and power buttons on the right side. The left side houses the SIM tray, which can hold two nano-SIMs and a microSD card. The display is prone to gathering fingerprints and smudges, but these can be easily wiped off. Despite being made primarily of polycarbonate, the Hot 20 5G feels heavy at 204g and lacks an IP rating.
In terms of specifications, the Hot 20 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 810 SoC and supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.0. It claims to be one of only a few smartphones to support 12 5G bands (n1/ n3/ n5/ n7/ n8/ n20/ n28/ n38/ n40/ n41/ n77/ n78), which should provide a seamless 5G experience wherever networks are available. The phone has 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, which can be expanded up to 1TB with a microSD card. It has a 5,000mAh battery and comes with an 18W charger in the box.
Software and Performance
The Hot 20 5G runs the company’s XOS software, based on Android 12. The latest version includes larger home screen folders and a customizable Power Boost mode that allows users to select the apps they want to optimize. The software also includes a notification that plays once the battery is fully charged, as well as a smart charging feature that slows down the charging speed as the battery nears capacity.
In terms of performance, the Hot 20 5G delivers strong 5G connectivity and good battery life. However, the camera and display could be improved. The rear camera setup includes a 48-megapixel main camera, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and a 2-megapixel macro camera, while the front camera has an 8-megapixel sensor. While the camera is capable of producing decent images in well-lit conditions, low-light performance is somewhat lacking. The display is a 6.6-inch HD+ LCD panel with a 60Hz refresh rate, which is adequate but not particularly impressive.
Conclusion
Overall, the Infinix Hot 20 5G is a budget 5G smartphone that delivers strong 5G connectivity and good battery life at a competitive price. However, the design, camera, and display could be improved. When compared to other smartphones in the same price range, such as the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G or the Moto G52, the Hot 20 5G falls short in terms of specifications and features. Nevertheless, for those seeking a budget 5G option, the Infinix Hot 20 5G is worth considering.
