Infinix's latest budget offering packs impressive specs including a 6.78-inch AMOLED display, 6,500mAh battery, and IP65 rating for just $200, though software and camera performance leave room for improvement.
Infinix has been steadily building its presence in emerging markets, and the Note Edge represents the brand's latest attempt to deliver premium features at budget-friendly prices. Priced at just $200, this device challenges the notion that you need to spend flagship money to get a capable smartphone.
Design and Build Quality
The Note Edge features a plastic body and frame that keeps weight down to a manageable 190g despite its large 6.78-inch display. The device measures 163.1 x 77.4 x 7.2mm, making it comfortable to hold despite its size. Infinix has included an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, which is surprisingly premium for this price point.
Gorilla Glass 7i protects the display, while the back panel offers four color options: Lunar Titanium, Silk Green, Stellar Blue, and Shadow Black. The camera island design has drawn attention for its distinctive look, though some readers have noted its similarity to designs from other manufacturers.
Display Excellence
The 6.78-inch AMOLED display is arguably the Note Edge's standout feature. With a resolution of 1208 x 2644 pixels and 429ppi density, it delivers crisp visuals. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and animations, while the 2160Hz PWM dimming helps reduce eye strain.
Infinix claims impressive brightness levels - up to 700 nits typical, 1600 nits in High Brightness Mode, and a peak of 4500 nits. While these numbers should be taken with a grain of salt, the display performs well in various lighting conditions.
The aggressive curvature of the display adds to the premium feel, though it may lead to some accidental touches during use.
Performance and Hardware
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 chipset built on a 6nm process, the Note Edge delivers solid performance for everyday tasks. The octa-core CPU configuration (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) paired with Mali-G610 MC2 GPU handles multitasking and casual gaming adequately.
Memory options include 128GB/8GB RAM and 256GB/8GB RAM configurations using UFS 2.2 storage. While not the fastest storage available, it's sufficient for the target market.
Battery Life and Charging
The 6,500mAh battery (market-dependent, with some regions getting 6,150mAh) is another highlight. Despite the large capacity, some users have reported disappointing battery life, suggesting software optimization may be an issue.
Charging is handled by a 45W adapter that can charge the battery to 50% in approximately 27 minutes. The package includes bypass charging support, which can help reduce heat during intensive gaming sessions. A 10W reverse wired charging feature allows the phone to function as a power bank.
Camera System
The camera setup is straightforward but capable. The 50MP main camera with PDAF should deliver decent photos in good lighting conditions. However, the overall camera system isn't particularly impressive compared to competitors in this price range.
Video recording capabilities include 1440p@30fps for both front and rear cameras, which is respectable for a budget device.
Software and Updates
Running Android 16 with XOS 16, the Note Edge promises three major Android updates and five years of security patches. This update policy is competitive for the price range, though some users have noted that Tecno's (Infinix's sister brand) update policies for certain models are less generous.
The software experience includes features like an under-display optical fingerprint reader, stereo speakers tuned by JBL, and various connectivity options including 5G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, FM radio, and an infrared port.
Unboxing Experience
Infinix provides a comprehensive accessory package that includes:
- 45W proprietary charger with USB Type-A interface
- USB Type-A to Type-C cable (proprietary for full-speed charging)
- Soft TPU case
- Glass screen protector
Note that EU regulations prevent the inclusion of a charger in the box for European markets.
Market Position and Value
At $200, the Note Edge offers impressive value with its display quality, battery capacity, and build features like IP65 rating. However, the actual retail price in some markets like Nigeria reaches $350, which significantly impacts the value proposition.
The device represents Infinix's strategy of bringing premium features to budget-conscious consumers in emerging markets. While it may not compete with flagship devices, it offers a compelling option for users who prioritize display quality and battery life over camera performance and cutting-edge processing power.
The Infinix Note Edge demonstrates how far budget smartphones have come, packing features that were once exclusive to premium devices. While it has some compromises, particularly in camera performance and software optimization, it represents excellent value at its intended $200 price point.
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