The Infinix Hot 60i has quietly entered the market in Bangladesh, but its arrival feels more like a missed opportunity than a breakthrough. Positioned as the first device in the upcoming Hot 60 series, this handset largely recycles the specifications and design of its predecessor, the Hot 50i, with only minor tweaks. While some specs might catch the eye on paper, a deeper look shows the device struggles to stand out in a fiercely competitive budget smartphone segment.
Specifications Don’t Translate Into User Experience
The phone’s key selling points—a large 6.78-inch IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate and a sizeable 5,160mAh battery charging at 45W—are surface-level features that many affordable phones now offer. However, the reliance on the aging MediaTek Helio G81 Ultimate chipset, built on a 12nm process, signals an outdated internal core that undermines performance, especially when paired with a GPU that may struggle with gaming or intensive multitasking. Up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage might seem adequate, but the slow, inexpensive chips and XOS 15.1 overlay on Android 15 raise doubts about smoothness and long-term efficiency.
Camera capabilities—with a 50MP main sensor—also seem inflated due to the lack of detail about the secondary lenses and the modest 8MP selfie camera. Pricing the base model at roughly Rs. 9,800 and the higher spec version at Rs. 11,500 could feel reasonable initially, but without strong distinguishing characteristics, consumers might gravitate toward better-optimized competitors.
Neglecting Software Optimization and Futureproofing
Infinix’s software approach remains problematic. While XOS 15.1 is based on the latest Android 15, customization layers often introduce bloat and reduce performance on mid-range chips like the Helio G81. The market sees this time and again—manufacturers cramming budget devices with brand skins that promise extra features but often degrade usability. Coupled with the absence of 5G connectivity, this phone quickly looks out-of-touch in an era where fast data speeds are becoming the norm, even for budget consumers.
Additionally, the lack of clarity on availability outside Bangladesh and the unannounced India launch suggests poor confidence in the product’s wider appeal or readiness. Infinix seems to have settled for a ‘safe release’ rather than innovating or addressing user demands that are shifting rapidly.
Design and Miscellaneous Features Offer Little Excitement
Physically, the Hot 60i is thin and light, sporting side-mounted fingerprint sensors and basic connectivity options such as 4G LTE and Wi-Fi 5. But the device’s design, available only in Sleek Black and Titanium Grey, offers no bold statement or feel of premium quality. At 7.7mm thickness, it’s slim, but this matters less without significant improvements to materials or ergonomics.
Perhaps the inclusion of NFC is a small win amidst otherwise standard hardware. Yet, such features have become expectations rather than selling points.
A Cautionary Tale of Compromised Progress
Ultimately, the Infinix Hot 60i is a textbook example of incrementalism gone wrong. The smartphone market’s budget segment is more discerning than ever, and merely tacking on bigger battery numbers or high megapixel counts fails to sway consumers who demand balanced, well-optimized devices. Given its outdated internals, questionable software polish, and lack of future-proof connectivity, the Hot 60i faces a steep uphill battle swimming against better-equipped rivals. This launch reflects an industry tendency to play it safe, yet consumers deserve bold, thoughtful innovation—not mere repetition dressed in new packaging.
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