We had time to review the Note 3 giving you the specs and price, first impressions and a complete review. We now bring you our first impressions with the Infinix Hot 4.
Summary
The Infinix Hot 4, even though a budget device, shocks you with its quality and functionality. You instantly realise that for it’s price, it is a steal. It comes with 2GB RAM, 16GB ROM, an HD display, a 4000 mAh battery, a fingerprint scanner among others. So if you are looking for a budget phone that packs in some really good specs and performance, read on.
Unboxing
The Infinix Hot 4 comes neatly wrapped in a branded yellow long box with an image of the gold version of the Hot 4 printed on top. At the bottom of the box are the basic specifications and IMEI numbers. In the box is the Hot 4 with a white portable charger, USB cable, earphones and a manual.
Specifications
Announced: 2016, August Available: 2016 October Model: X557 Hot 4 Colors: Scarlet Red/ Sandstone Black/ Turquoise Dream/ Luxurious Gold/ Sapphire Blue SIM: Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual standby) OS: XOS based on Android v6.0 Marshmallow Network: GSM, WCDMA,GPRS, EDGE, HSPA, Dimensions: 152.676.28.8mm Weight: 175g Display: 5.5″ FHD IPS Touchscreen CPU: Octa-core 1.3GHz, 64bit, ARM Mali-T720 Memory: 16GB ROM, 2GB RAM, microSD, up to 32 GB (dedicated slot) Camera: 8MP, autofocus, LED flash, 5MP front Camera with Flash Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot, Bluetooth v4.1, OTG, Quick Charge, GPS Sensors: Accelerometer, Light, Gyro, Proximity, Compass, Fingerprint Battery: Non -Removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery
Apps
The Hot 4 comes with all the basic apps you need to get started. Unfortunately, most of them will be needing updates. Among the pre-installed apps are the usual Google suite, basic Android apps like calculator, clock, radio etc. then the Infinix family of apps. Infinix has built custom apps for their devices which include, Xcloud for cloud storage of your files (we aren’t sure how much space is given), Xmanager and Xpower are inbuilt phone optimisers that help you clean up and optimise your smartphones performance. Xshare is an equivalent of Xender or Flash share that allows 2 devices share files over WiFi. Xthemes helps you customise your device while Xweather provides localised weather forecasts, Xhide helps keep your device private, Xaccount and Xclub help you access a community of Infinix users who offer lots of useful information. Other apps include an inbuilt manual, the Carlcare app to help you locate places you can get your device fixed or user guide and a compass.
XOS
XOS is Infinix’s custom skin or call it operating system based on Android. XOS offers an easy to use interface with a host of relevant apps to make your experience satisfactory. The device is highly customisable to suit the different needs of users. Most importantly there seems to be more regular OS updates to Infinix devices.
Design
The Hot 4 comes in a basic but user friendly design. The design features a textured back for better grip, 5.5 display that’s not too big or too small – just enough. Both the power button and volume rockers were placed to the right while the charging port is at the bottom left. The earphone jack is at the top left and the speaker is at the back – bottom centre..
Camera
The Hot 4 sports an 8MP rear shooter and a 5MP selfie camera. Even though basic, it met the bare minimums for a good enough camera performing better in full light than low light. The Hot 4 camera had some interesting features though. For instance, the rear camera had a pro mode that allows you have more creative control over the settings. Also, the selfie camera has a flash and a wide angle mode for better selfies.
Battery
The Hot 4 comes with a 4000 mAh battery which is amazing for a device of it’s size and budget. However, we didn’t stay with the Hot 4 long enough to rate the battery but for the few days we had it, it performed well. Charging for between 60-90 minutes and lasting us about a day with moderate usage. There are many inbuilt apps to help you make the best of your battery including the ultra power mode that could give you about 20minutes on 2% battery.
What we liked
2GB RAM Fingerprint scanner XOS Price OTA updates overall experience
What we didn’t like
Non removable battery No screen protector No accessories on the market yet
Price and Where to buy
The Infinix Hot 4 is exclusively sold on online on Kilimall in Uganda and will not be in shops and physical stores anytime soon. We wrote about how to order for the device just in case it’s challenging for you. The Infinix Hot 4 is going for the price of Ugx 360,000
The last word
The Infinix Hot 4 is the perfect first smartphone giving you a peak into premium features on a budget. For it’s price and what it can do, it’s a steal. It would also be a perfect replacement device when say you’ve lost your phone or if it’s gone on a break.
