Infinix NOTE 50 Pro+ 5G: An Unbiased Full Review | Performance, Features, and Value Unpacked

Unveiling Infinix’s Latest 5G Contender

Infinix has consistently aimed to shake up the smartphone market by offering compelling features at competitive price points. The Infinix NOTE series, in particular, has carved a niche for itself by often pushing boundaries in terms of specifications and innovation within the mid-range segment. As a brand well-known for its budget-friendly yet capable smartphones, the launch of the Infinix NOTE 50 Pro+ 5G has generated considerable excitement.

This device stands out with its “Pro+” branding and 5G connectivity, signaling Infinix’s intent to deliver a camera-centric smartphone that also excels in gaming, positioning it as a true all-rounder. This comprehensive, unbiased review will delve into every aspect of the device, from its design and performance to its camera capabilities and battery life, to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs.

2. Design and Build Quality: A Closer Look

The Infinix NOTE 50 Pro+ 5G presents a sophisticated aesthetic with a focus on durability and a premium feel.

• 2.1 First Impressions and Ergonomics: The device incorporates an ArmorAlloy structure with an all-metal design, enhancing its durability. It also includes ShockAbsorb Architecture to improve resistance against accidental drops, and HyperCasting Technology contributes to a lightweight build while reinforcing overall resilience. The phone has dimensions of 163.4 x 74.5 x 8 mm and weighs 209 g.
  
  In terms of ergonomics, it feels good in hand, offering a decent grip, and is notably fingerprint smudge-proof, which is a welcome practical feature. However, due to its dimensions and weight, it might be a little difficult for people with smaller hands to comfortably operate. It is available in striking colors like Titanium Grey, Enchanted Purple, and Racing Edition, with the Enchanted Purple variant being described as “absolutely gorgeous” in person. The glass front and back, combined with an aluminum frame, contribute to a premium feel. The device also boasts an IP64 rating, providing adequate dust and water splash resistance.
  
• 2.2 Port Placement and Button Tactility: The Infinix NOTE 50 Pro+ 5G features a USB Type-C port. It supports dual Nano-SIMs but does not include a card slot for expandable storage. It also includes an IR Blaster. The button placements are intuitive and feel decent, offering nothing particularly fancy but are functionally reliable.

3. Display: Visual Brilliance or Just Bright?

The display of the Infinix NOTE 50 Pro+ 5G is one of its standout features, designed to deliver an immersive visual experience.

• 3.1 Panel Type and Size: The device features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with an FHD+ resolution of 2436 x 1080 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 393 ppi. It’s a 10-bit panel capable of displaying up to 1 billion colors. The screen is impressively huge, contributing significantly to the immersive viewing experience.
• 3.2 Refresh Rate and Brightness: The screen boasts a high 144Hz refresh rate, promising exceptionally smooth scrolling and gaming. While it somehow makes a noticeable difference in fluidity, it’s observed that using the 144Hz setting drains the battery quite fast and causes the phone to warm up, particularly when using the camera. The display can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, but in real-world use, its brightness is just decent—nothing too special really for ensuring good visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
• 3.3 Special Features: The display supports Always-On Display and has TÜV Rheinland certifications for low blue light and flicker-free viewing. It also has an Instant Touch Sampling Rate of 2160Hz. Notably, we’ve observed that these certifications genuinely help in reducing eye strain, which is a commendable achievement for Infinix on this front. The colors are vibrant and pretty, adding to the overall visual appeal.

4. Performance: Powering Your Daily Tasks

At its core, the Infinix NOTE 50 Pro+ 5G is built for robust performance, capable of handling demanding applications and games.

• 4.1 Processor and GPU: The phone is powered by a 3.35GHz 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Ultimate octa-core processor. Graphics are handled by the Mali-G615 MC6 GPU. Infinix claims the phone can run PUBG Mobile at 120 frames per second.
• 4.2 RAM and Storage Configurations: The device comes with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, which can be expanded by an additional 12GB via virtual RAM. It features 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage. As mentioned earlier, there is no external card slot for storage expansion.
• 4.3 Real-World Performance & Gaming: Benchmarking tests show impressive results, with the Dimensity 8350 Ultimate achieving over 1.1 million points in AnTuTu V10. This indicates solid performance for daily tasks. However, for heavy games like Honkai: Star Rail and Genshin Impact, while it performs well at medium settings at 60 fps, be wary of throttling for prolonged gaming periods. The phone also features a VC vapor chamber with graphite cooling and an X-axis vibration motor for haptic feedback, which aids in thermal management, but for extended heavy gaming, a cooler should be considered ideal to maintain optimal performance. The virtual RAM feature, in practical use, appears to be negligible in improving overall performance or multitasking experience.

5. Software and User Experience: XOS in Action

The software experience on the Infinix NOTE 50 Pro+ 5G is driven by Infinix’s custom UI, XOS.

• 5.1 Operating System: The device runs Android 15 out of the box with the XOS 15 skin. It is expected to receive up to 2 major Android upgrades. It now also has an anti-theft feature(seen above).
• 5.2 XOS Features and Customization: XOS 15 brings commendable improvements, particularly in UI design, with “nice” icons and a consistent design language across first-party apps, giving it a modern aesthetic. However, initially, the UI can feel quite cluttered, making uninstalling pre-installed bloatware a necessary step for a cleaner user experience. The phone includes various AI-powered functions such as AI Eraser, Cutor, Writing Assistant, Note Summarizer, Wallpaper Generator, Translator, Auto Answer, and the XBOOST AI Engine. While these features are generally pretty helpful, it’s noted that the broader concept of AI in smartphones can feel “overhyped” at times.
• 5.3 Software Updates and Support: Infinix promises up to 2 major Android upgrades for the device. This update policy is considered “bad, really bad” for a mid-range phone, especially when compared to competitors offering longer support. However, it’s also acknowledged as a “decent drawback” considering the numerous other pros this phone offers.

6. Camera System: Capturing Moments

The Infinix NOTE 50 Pro+ 5G boasts a versatile camera setup, highlighted by a powerful periscope telephoto lens.

• 6.1 Rear Camera Specifications: It features a triple rear camera setup:
  • A 50MP Sony IMX896 main sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization).
  • An 8MP ultra-wide lens.
  • A 50MP periscope camera capable of up to 3x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom. This telephoto lens also features OIS.
  • Additional features include LED Flash and Bio-Active Halo AI Lighting.
• 6.2 Front Camera Specifications: For selfies and video calls, there’s a 32MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture and Dual Flash. The quality for selfies and video calls is great, leaving you satisfied.
• 6.3 Image Quality (Daylight, Low Light, Portraits): Image quality Image quality is described as “superb” with “sharp detail, accurate colors, and good dynamic range.” The image processing does not “overboard in optimizing clarity, even at long zoom ranges.” In our experience, the overall photo quality in daylight is really good, capturing scenes with clarity and natural colors. Sample images showcase its ability to render outdoor environments and capture detailed subjects.
  
  For portrait shots, the camera delivers with good subject separation and background blur, as seen in the samples.
  
  The telephoto capabilities allow for impressive zoomed-in shots, maintaining good detail even at higher magnifications.
  
  The super macro capabilities are impressive, allowing for very close-up shots with varying levels of zoom.
  
  However, the low light photos need improvement, indicating an area where the camera could perform better, as shown in the night mode sample.
  
• 6.4 Video Recording Capabilities: The rear camera supports 4K video recording at 30/60fps and 1080p at 30/60/120/240fps, with gyro-EIS and OIS for stabilization. While video stabilization is somewhat effective, we’ve noted that it still isn’t quite enough for truly smooth footage in all scenarios. The front camera can record 4K@30fps and 1080p@30/60fps.

7. Battery Life and Charging: Powering Through Your Day

The Infinix NOTE 50 Pro+ 5G is equipped with a substantial battery and impressive charging capabilities.

• 7.1 Battery Capacity: The device packs a large 5,200mAh Silicon Carbon (Si/C) battery. In terms of real-world usage, the battery typically lasts almost a whole day with moderate use. However, when engaged in heavy gaming, it will last around 8-10 hours.
• 7.2 Charging Speed: It supports 100W wired fast charging (All-Round FastCharge3.0), capable of charging the device from 0% to 100% in just 32 minutes in Hyper mode. From our testing, the charging speed is very fast, with approximately 2.5% of the battery charged in just 1 minute. This means you could gain about 130 mAh of charge in that short time, making quick top-ups incredibly efficient.
• 7.3 Wireless Charging: Additionally, it supports 50W wireless MagCharge and offers 10W reverse wired and 7.5W reverse wireless charging. While we haven’t had a chance to test the wireless charging, 50W is indeed considered quite fast for wireless charging standards, promising convenience for those with compatible accessories. There are also useful features (seen below)

8. Connectivity and Audio: Staying Connected

The Infinix NOTE 50 Pro+ 5G offers a wide range of connectivity options and a notable audio experience.

• 8.1 5G Capabilities: The device supports 5G connectivity, which is great and reliable.
• 8.2 Other Connectivity: It includes Wi-Fi 6 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/6), Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, and NFC for mobile payments. It also has an FM Radio and an IR Blaster.
• 8.3 Audio Experience: The phone features JBL stereo speakers, but despite the branding, the sound quality is unfortunately “bad”. While “not THAT bad,” when compared to other phones, the audio is considered sub-par, with bass being almost non-existent. The JBL stereo speakers don’t deliver the expected audio performance. There is no 3.5mm headphone jack; while its inclusion “would have been great,” its absence is “fine.” Also, the microphone is a bit weird – especially when talking to someone, the receiver might tell you that you sound like you’re underwater.

9. Unique Features and Ecosystem Integration

Beyond its core specifications, the Infinix NOTE 50 Pro+ 5G integrates several unique features to enhance the user experience.

• Biometric security: It features an in-display optical fingerprint sensor and face unlock. In practice, the fingerprint sensor is observed to be slow, especially when unlocking from a turned-off display. However, the face unlock is consistent, though “not too special” in its speed or features.
• Other features: The device includes a multi-function RGB LED light at the back for notifications. While we haven’t had a chance to extensively use it, it’s noted as a good and unique addition. It also integrates SpO2 and heart-rate monitoring via a rear sensor and a dedicated My Health app, which we found to be reliable and provide a good overview of our health metrics.

10. Pros and Cons: A Balanced View

10.1 The Good (Pros):

• Superb cameras with a versatile setup, including a 50MP Sony IMX896 main sensor with OIS, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical and 100x digital zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide.
• Razor-thin display bezels and an excellent 6.78-inch 144Hz AMOLED display with 1300 nits peak brightness.
• Solid performance driven by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Ultimate processor.
• Inclusion of 50W wireless charging alongside 100W wired fast charging.
• Premium metal unibody design with an IP64 dust and splash resistance rating.
• JBL stereo speakers for enhanced audio.
• Advanced UFS 4.0 storage.
• Effective TÜV Rheinland certifications for reduced eye strain.
• Reliable SpO2 and heart-rate monitoring.

10.2 The Not-So-Good (Cons):

• The display does not support HDR capabilities.
• No memory card slot for expandable storage.
• Only promises 2 major Android OS updates, which is considered inadequate for a mid-range device.
• Does not support eSIM.
• Battery life can be “a bit underwhelming” for heavy users.
• Thermal throttling and warm temperatures during heavy gaming sessions.
• Slow fingerprint scanner when activating from a turned-off display.
• Sub-par audio quality from the JBL stereo speakers, with almost non-existent bass.
• Video stabilization is somewhat effective but not quite enough.
• The microphone is a bit off and finicky.

11. Price and Availability: Is It Worth It?

The Infinix NOTE 50 Pro+ 5G is priced aggressively, positioning it as a strong value proposition in its segment.

• Official pricing in the Philippines: The suggested retail price is PHP 17,999.
• Promo pricing: It was available for an early bird promo price of PHP 15,999 on Shopee.
• Where to buy: It is available through official Infinix Shopee and Lazada stores.
• Competitors: Within its price class, its features like the periscopic telephoto lens, powerful chipset, and wireless charging set a high bar. You believe it offers good value for money. However, it’s noted that other competitors, particularly phones from the POCO X series, might offer better gaming performance in comparison, which is a key consideration for power users.

12. Conclusion & Final Verdict: Who is the Infinix NOTE 50 Pro+ 5G For?

The Infinix NOTE 50 Pro+ 5G emerges as a highly capable smartphone that punches above its weight in terms of features and specifications, particularly considering its price point. With its powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Ultimate chipset, a stunning 144Hz AMOLED display, a versatile camera system with a periscope lens, and comprehensive fast charging solutions (both wired and wireless), it offers an experience typically found in higher-priced devices.

While it has a few drawbacks like the lack of HDR on the display, no expandable storage, and limited OS update commitment, its strengths far outweigh these concerns for many users. The inclusion of an IP64 rating and premium build materials further solidify its appeal.

Final Verdict: The Infinix NOTE 50 Pro+ 5G is a great choice if you’re looking for a phone with good performance and a decent camera. It feels really good in hand, and considering its price, it offers great value for money. Even if it falls short in some departments, this is a great mid-range phone for most people. However, it’s important to note that heavy gamers, particularly those who demand maxed-out graphics, should likely stay away from this phone due to observed thermal throttling during prolonged intensive sessions. For everyone else, it strikes a compelling balance between features and affordability.

Link to its full specs page: https://techpipino.com/specs-page/infinix-note-50-pro-5g/