In a tech landscape that relentlessly pushes boundaries, the Infinix Hot 60i’s recent release in Bangladesh is, unfortunately, a case study in missed potential. Positioned as the inaugural model in Infinix’s upcoming Hot 60 series, it strikingly resembles its predecessor, the Hot 50i, narrating a familiar story of incremental rather than meaningful innovation. The device’s 6.78-inch IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate gives a nod to contemporary trends but remains firmly planted in mediocrity, lacking the vibrancy and clarity that OLED or AMOLED screens deliver at this price point. The phone’s peak brightness of 800 nits is sufficient under direct sunlight; however, the LCD panel still feels like a compromise in a market flooded with better display options.
Underwhelming Performance That Falls Flat
The heart of the Hot 60i lies in the MediaTek Helio G81 Ultimate processor—a chipset that once offered decent mid-range prowess but now feels dated amidst fierce competition. Paired with up to 8GB of RAM and generous storage up to 256GB, the specs on paper seem reasonable but fail to translate into a smooth user experience, especially with the device running XOS 15.1 built on Android 15. The software layer is often criticized for its bloat and sluggishness, dampening the otherwise acceptable hardware. In a segment where real-world performance and software optimization can make or break a phone, Infinix’s apparent neglect to refine the software experience is a glaring oversight.
Battery and Camera: Safe Choices That Lack Boldness
The phone’s massive 5,160mAh battery and 45W fast charging capability might stand out in official specs lists, but in practice, it offers nothing revolutionary. Given the device’s power-hungry components and the inefficient chipset, users may not see the endurance they expect when compared to rivals offering similar or smaller batteries with better optimization. On the camera front, the 50-megapixel primary sensor sounds impressive but is let down by an unspecified 2-megapixel secondary camera, which feels like an afterthought rather than a complementary addition. The front-facing 8-megapixel shooter is average at best. In this price bracket, phone cameras have become one of the main differentiators, and Infinix’s lazy approach here is yet another missed chance to stand out.
Pricing and Market Positioning Show a Lack of Vision
At BDT 13,999 (approximately Rs. 9,800) for the base model and BDT 16,499 (around Rs. 11,500) for the higher-end variant, the Hot 60i attempts to attract budget-conscious consumers. Yet, the value proposition is undermined by its uninspired hardware choices and outdated software experience. Moreover, the device’s current availability limited solely to Bangladesh, with no plans announced for expansion into the lucrative Indian market or beyond, suggests a lack of confidence in its global appeal. In an increasingly competitive smartphone ecosystem, such hesitation risks ceding market share to nimbler, more innovative rivals from brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and Samsung.
Lack of Boldness in a Dynamic Market
By failing to aggressively innovate—whether in refining design, upgrading camera technology, or optimizing software—the Infinix Hot 60i positions itself as a safe but dull option. It echoes a broader trend among certain manufacturers to prioritize rapid model releases over genuine product advancements. For a company looking to cultivate a loyal user base in South Asia, the Hot 60i is a disappointing signal that sticking to safe formulas might preserve sales in the short run but risks alienating discerning consumers in the long term. In a mid-tier market that is heating up with compelling choices, Infinix needs to recognize that playing it safe is, in fact, its biggest weakness.