Overview and specifications
The Hot 40 series by Infinix was recently launched and falls between the Smart series and the Note series. This review focuses on the most advanced Hot 40 model, known as the Free Fire Edition.
Although the Free Fire Edition is identical to the standard Hot 40 Pro in terms of design and features, it comes with an extensive retail package, which will be covered in the next section of this review.
Despite being marketed as a Garena Free Fire Edition, this device is not specifically designed for gaming. Rather, it is an affordable entry-level device that serves as an alternative to other popular low-end series like Xiaomi’s Redmi and Samsung’s A lineup.
Infinix Hot 40 Pro specifications at a glance:
- Build: 168.6×76.6×8.3mm, 199g; Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame.
- Display: 6.78″ IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits (peak), 1080x2460px resolution, 20.5:9 aspect ratio, 396ppi.
- Processor: Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm): Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G57 MC2.
- Storage: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM; UFS 2.2; microSDXC (dedicated slot).
- OS/Software: Android 13, XOS 13.5.
- Back camera: Wide (main): 108 MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm, AF; Macro: 2 MP, f/2.4; Depth: 0.08 MP, (auxiliary lens).
- Front camera: 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide).
- Video capture: Rear camera: 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps; Front camera: 1080p@30fps.
- Battery: 5000mAh; 33W wired, 20-75% in 35 min (advertised), Reverse wired.
- Connectivity: LTE; Dual SIM; Wi-Fi 5; BT; NFC; FM radio; 3.5mm jack.
- Miscellaneous: Fingerprint reader (side-mounted); stereo speakers.
One of the key advantages is the large 6.78-inch screen. This would be an attractive feature for anyone seeking a budget-friendly large-screen smartphone. Although it’s an LCD display, it offers a decent 1080p resolution compared to some similarly priced alternatives with 720p panels.
The handset is powered by the Helio G99 chipset along with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage by default, which is quite generous for a device under $200. Not many phones offer 8GB of RAM even in the mid-range segment.
Other notable features include a 108MP main camera capable of recording 1440p videos, which is enabled by the Helio G99. Many competitors are limited to 1080p video recording. The Hot 40 Pro also includes a 5,000 mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging and the ability to charge other devices via cable.
These features may seem relatively small, but they contribute to the overall affordable package and make a difference in the long run. It’s nice to have a couple of extra useful features when budget is a top priority.
We will evaluate how the Infinix Hot 40 Pro performs in our tests and against its natural competitors in the upcoming sections, so stay tuned for more information.
Unboxing the Infinix Hot 40 Pro
For customers not purchasing the Free Fire Edition of the Hot 40 Pro, the standard retail box includes user manuals, a 33W charger, and a USB-A to USB-C cable for charging and data transfer. Additionally, it comes with a bonus case for the phone.
However, the Free Fire Edition comes with a more comprehensive retail package that includes an external cooling fan for intense gaming sessions and a lanyard for attaching your phone.
