Finding a truly capable smartphone under ₹10,000 feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want something that doesn’t just survive the day but thrives, with a screen big enough for movies and a battery that laughs at your binge-watching habits. Enter the Infinix Note 50s. It lands squarely in that sweet spot, promising exactly what its name suggests: substantial screen real estate, endurance that impresses, and a price tag that genuinely surprises. Forget compromises; this is about focused value where it counts most.
Unboxing the Essentials: What the Note 50s Brings to the Table
Right out of the box, the Infinix Note 50s makes its intentions clear. The star attraction is undeniably that expansive 6.78-inch HD+ display. It’s an IPS LCD panel pushing a 90Hz refresh rate. While it won’t challenge premium OLEDs for colour depth or blacks, what it offers is immense real estate and smooth scrolling for everyday tasks, social media, and video playback. Watching YouTube or catching up on your favourite OTT shows becomes a genuinely immersive experience on this canvas, especially considering the price bracket. The waterdrop notch housing the selfie cam is unobtrusive, maximizing screen space effectively. Brightness is adequate for indoor use, though direct sunlight might require some squinting.
Keeping the Lights On: The Marathon Battery
If the display grabs your attention, the 5000mAh battery is the workhorse that keeps it going. This is where the Note 50s truly earns its stripes. In real-world Indian usage patterns – hours of WhatsApp, some browsing, music streaming, and moderate video consumption – this phone consistently pushes well into the second day for many users. It’s built for those who dread the evening low-battery warning. While it supports 18W fast charging via the included adapter, going from empty to full takes a respectable couple of hours. The peace of mind this battery offers, especially for students, travelers, or anyone constantly on the move, is arguably its strongest selling point in a market obsessed with battery life.
Performance Punch: Handling Daily Grind
Under the hood, the Infinix Note 50s relies on the MediaTek Helio G99 Ultimate chipset. Paired with configurations like 8GB of RAM (with extended RAM support) and either 128GB or 256GB of storage, this combination is tuned for efficiency and smooth daily operation. Don’t expect flagship-level gaming prowess; demanding titles like Genshin Impact will require significant graphical compromises. However, for everyday essentials – browsing, social apps, casual gaming (think Subway Surfers, Ludo King), multitasking between messaging apps, and streaming – the G99 handles it competently without major hiccups. The inclusion of Android 13-based XOS 13 is a plus, offering a relatively clean interface with useful customizations, though future OS updates remain a question mark typical for the segment.
Capturing Moments: The Camera Setup
Camera expectations need careful calibration at this price. The Note 50s features a dual rear setup: a primary 50MP AI camera accompanied by a secondary auxiliary lens (AI Lens). The results, as expected, are serviceable in good daylight. You get decent detail for social media shares and casual snaps. However, dynamic range is limited, and low-light performance sees noticeable noise and a struggle for focus. The 8MP front camera handles video calls and basic selfies adequately. It’s functional rather than fantastic – perfectly fine for documentation and video calls, but don’t expect pixel-perfect Instagram masterpieces in challenging light. Video recording tops out at 1440p/30fps, which is decent for the class.
Pricing and Where to Find It in India
Infinix has hit a very aggressive price point. The Infinix Note 50s starts at a compelling ₹8,999 for the 8GB+128GB variant. The higher storage model (8GB+256GB) bumps the price to ₹9,999. Converted, that’s roughly $108 and $120, respectively, though pricing is purely focused on the Indian market. This positions it as a direct challenger to popular models from Redmi (like the Redmi 13C), Realme (C-series), and Samsung’s entry-level Galaxy M0x offerings. It officially went on sale in India in early 2024 and is readily available through Flipkart and major offline retail partners across the country.
Market Context: Why This Formula Works
The sub-₹10,000 segment in India is fiercely competitive but often dominated by compromises. Buyers here prioritize longevity (battery), media consumption (display size), and basic performance reliability above all else. The Infinix Note 50s zeroes in precisely on these demands. Its large 90Hz display caters perfectly to the video and mobile gaming boom. The massive 5000mAh battery addresses the universal anxiety of running out of juice. The Helio G99 offers a noticeable step up in efficiency compared to older budget chips, making everyday use smoother. By excelling in these core areas and keeping the price remarkably low, Infinix delivers undeniable value that resonates strongly with its target audience.
The Expert Verdict: Who Should Seriously Consider the Note 50s?
Having tested numerous devices in this segment, the Infinix Note 50s makes a genuinely strong case for itself. Its strengths are crystal clear: that large, smooth 90Hz display is fantastic for media, and the 5000mAh battery life is genuinely exceptional, easily lasting a day and a half or more for moderate users. Performance is solid for daily tasks, and the base storage is generous. The starting price under ₹9,000 is incredibly aggressive for what you get.
Naturally, there are trade-offs. The cameras are strictly average, performing best in ideal lighting. Low-light photography is a weakness. The plastic build feels functional rather than premium, though it keeps the weight manageable. Long-term software support beyond the current Android 13 is uncertain.
Hi, I’m Ricky, the founder of OKSociety.in. I’m a tech enthusiast with a deep passion for smartphones, mobile technology, and everything that makes our digital lives smarter. I started OKSociety to share honest reviews, the latest phone updates, and practical buying guides to help people make better choices in this fast-paced tech world.