Welcome to my review of the Infinix Hot 40 Pro and the Infinix Hot 40. At first glance, they look like twins! This year, Infinix introduced a Pro model to the Hot lineup, which now includes the Hot 40 Pro, the Hot 40, and the Hot 40i. When there are three options available—a high-end, mid-tier, and low-end variant—most people tend to choose the middle option, believing it offers the best value for money. So, with the Hot 40 being that middle option, does it truly provide the most value? Let’s find out!
Design-wise, the Hot 40 is very similar to the Pro model. It features a triple camera setup in a raised module on the top left of the phone. You can see that Infinix took some inspiration from the iPhone, although their camera module is slightly more rectangular than Apple’s square design. The only noticeable design difference is the text that reads “50MP triple camera” on the Hot 40, while the Pro model boasts a 108MP camera. Other than that, they are quite similar. The Hot 40 has a glittery matte finish on the back, with a glossy camera module, and flat sides with a shiny gloss finish. The dimensions, buttons, ports, fingerprint sensor, and even the dual stereo speakers are the same. The only difference is that the Pro model is slightly heavier. So, when it comes to design, you’re not missing out on anything significant with the Hot 40. Even the hole-punch cutout on the front is identical to the Pro.
With the Hot 40, you get a 6.78-inch 90Hz 1080p LCD display. It’s the same display as the Hot 30 from last year, and when compared to the Hot 40 Pro, the only thing you’re missing is the 120Hz refresh rate. The display looks good, but how does it perform in everyday use? Well, it’s perfectly fine! The large 6.78-inch screen is more than adequate for all your content consumption needs. The 1080p resolution is sharp enough for viewing content, and I found it enjoyable to engage with. While it’s an LCD panel and may not be as vibrant as an AMOLED display, it holds its own at this price point. The 90Hz refresh rate contributes to a fluid and responsive experience. However, the brightness is capped at 500 nits, which is usable outdoors, but you might struggle to see the screen under direct sunlight.
We also need to mention the magic ring feature, which is similar to Dynamic Island but only appears during specific actions. Some users appreciate it, while others do not, but you can easily disable it in the settings if you prefer.
On the software side, the Hot 40 runs on Android 13 with XOS version 13.5. If you’ve used any Infinix device in the past couple of years, you’ll find this interface familiar. The homepage includes a suggestions widget that displays frequently used apps and smart suggestions that you can customize. Accessing the control panel is done by swiping from the top right, while notifications can be accessed by swiping from the top left. The voice assistant, Follax, is now multilingual and can assist with translations, which is a neat feature.
One important setting to enable is Google’s Find My Device. Just search for it in the settings and ensure it’s activated, as it can help you locate your phone if it goes missing. Another feature I like is themed icons, which match your wallpaper and create a visually appealing look. While it’s not the best implementation of Material You, it’s a decent start. As for software updates, there’s no official word from Infinix, but I personally doubt there will be any major OS updates.
The Hot 40 is powered by the same Helio G88 processor as its predecessor, which is quite decent for its price range. The only phone I believe has a better processor in this category is the Redmi Note 12 with the Snapdragon 685, but it comes at an additional cost. Even though it features the same chipset as last year, it remains a solid performer. Multitasking is excellent, allowing you to have multiple apps open simultaneously and switch between them effortlessly, thanks to the 8GB of RAM. If that’s not enough, you can add an extra 8GB of virtual RAM.
As for gaming, I’m not an avid gamer, but from an average gamer’s perspective, this phone performs admirably. I played Asphalt 9 at default settings, and it looked and felt great without any frame drops or overheating. The dual speakers are impressively loud, and I had a similar experience with FIFA Mobile, where gameplay was smooth even at medium graphics settings.
The camera setup includes a 50MP main camera, a 2MP macro lens, and an AI lens, with a 32MP selfie camera on the front. You can expect good quality photos in well-lit conditions, especially in sunlight. The dynamic range and colors are impressive, and the camera captures detailed images. The selfies also look great, accurately representing skin tones and colors. The night mode works effectively, producing more detailed images. The camera can shoot videos up to 2K resolution, and while the quality is decent, the footage can be shaky due to the lack of stabilization, even at 1080p. Using a tripod is recommended for better results.
The Hot 40 is equipped with a 5000mAh battery and supports 33W fast charging. This large battery should last most users throughout the day, although heavy gaming may reduce that to about 9 hours. When it does run out of charge, the included 33W charger can quickly get you back up and running. In my testing, it charged from 0 to 47% in just 30 minutes and took a little over an hour to fully charge. Another handy feature is reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge your friends’ phones using the Hot 40.
In summary, the Hot 40 holds its own against other phones in its price range. While the Pro variant is superior with features like a 120Hz refresh rate, a 108MP main camera, and a better processor, the Hot 40 still offers enough value to attract a wide audience. Priced at around $170, it is positioned as a budget-friendly option, costing approximately 168,000 Naira due to the exchange rate in Nigeria.
That wraps up my review of the Infinix Hot 40. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Hot 40 in the comments section. Stay tuned for more exciting content coming your way!
