Infinix Note 50 Pro+: An Affordable Smartphone That Exceeds Expectations
In a landscape flooded with budget smartphones often lacking in performance, design, or camera functions, the Infinix Note 50 Pro+ stands out as a notable exception. Featuring exceptional cameras, a high-end design, and robust internals, this device is changing the game for what consumers can anticipate from a smartphone priced below $400.
A New Contender in the Budget Market
As Samsung’s Galaxy A series maintains a stronghold on global sales, models including the Galaxy A36 and A56 have faced criticism for disappointing performance and uninspired aesthetics. In contrast, the Infinix Note 50 Pro+ presents an enticing alternative that not only offers a more appealing price but also surpasses these competitors in almost every significant aspect.
With a price tag around $370, the Note 50 Pro+ is set to shake up the budget sector. It competes directly with popular rivals like the POCO X7 Pro and Nothing Phone 3a Pro, delivering an impressive range of features that are uncommon at this price level.
High-End Design with Unique Features
The Note 50 Pro+ displays a design that feels far from budget-friendly. It incorporates an aluminum mid-frame — an uncommon feature in this price range — and a distinctive octagonal camera housing made of glass, resting on a metal platform. The outcome is a device that not only looks but also feels premium, competing with mid-range and flagship smartphones in appearance.
While the flat design may not be as user-friendly as the curved edges found in higher-end options like the Vivo X200 Pro or Pixel 9a, the overall construction quality is commendable. Additionally, the device includes a sleek, smudge-proof back and conveniently positioned buttons for effortless operation.
An unexpected feature is the optical module beneath the rear cameras, capable of measuring heart rate and blood oxygen levels — a functionality typically found in smartwatches and fitness trackers. During testing, it demonstrated reliability and accuracy.
Top-Notch Hardware for the Price Point
The Note 50 Pro+ is equipped with MediaTek’s Dimensity 8350 chipset, providing seamless performance for everyday tasks and gaming. While gaming frame rates are restricted to 60fps — a typical limitation for many Chinese brands — the overall experience remains smooth and engaging.
The 6.78-inch AMOLED display is another standout feature. With a refresh rate of 144Hz and 2,304Hz PWM dimming, the screen delivers vibrant visuals and fluid scrolling. Although it doesn’t reach the brightness levels of the POCO X7 Pro, it still offers an impressive viewing experience, especially for a budget phone.
Infinix also ensures ample memory and storage. The Note 50 Pro+ includes 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage as standard — a setup that can easily outclass many pricier smartphones.
Battery and Charging Capabilities
The device is powered by a 5,200mAh silicon-carbon battery, which comfortably lasts through a full day of use. While it is slightly smaller than the 6,500mAh battery found in the POCO X7 Pro, it makes up for this with 100W fast charging. The phone reaches a full charge in just over 40 minutes, and unlike many competitors, Infinix provides a charger and a generous accessory package in the box.
Camera Setup: A Budget Breakthrough
The camera system is where the Note 50 Pro+ truly excels. It features a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. The inclusion of a telephoto lens is particularly remarkable, as such features are seldom seen in this price category.
Photos taken in daylight are sharp and detailed, and while low-light performance shows some variation, the overall image quality is impressive for the cost. The telephoto lens adds real versatility, making zoomed shots significantly better than those taken with digital zoom. The ultra-wide lens is less impressive but still serves as a valuable addition.
User Experience
Powered by XOS 15 on Android 15, the Note 50 Pro+ provides a clean and highly customizable user interface. Features such as a split notification panel, organized app drawer, and global search enhance usability. Although there is some pre-installed bloatware, it can be easily removed.
The main drawback is the limited software support — the phone is assured only two major Android updates. In a time when even mid-range devices are beginning to promise three or more years of updates, this stands out as a significant concern.
Final Thoughts: A Budget Smartphone with a Unique Edge
The Infinix Note 50 Pro+ distinguishes itself in the budget smartphone category. It fuses a high-end design, impressive internals, and a versatile camera system into a package that is more affordable than many lackluster competitors.
Pros:
– Premium aluminum design
– 144Hz AMOLED display with PWM dimming
– Dimensity 8350 provides solid performance
– 12GB RAM and 256GB storage as standard
