Insights At a Glance:
- Infinix Note 50S 5G continues the Note legacy with a sleek design, curved 144Hz AMOLED display, Android 15, and 5G connectivity all at around KES 33,000.
- It offers solid day-to-day performance, decent 4K video recording on both front and rear cameras, but with the usual bloated XOS UI.
- Battery life is dependable, charging is fast, and for casual users and content creators, it’s one of the best midrange packages Infinix has ever put out.
If you’re a regular Techish Kenya reader, you already know Infinix has held a tight grip on the sub-KES 20K to 40K smartphone market. Year after year, especially through the Note series, the brand has consistently offered a mix of eye-catching design, big batteries, and capable cameras all wrapped in budget-friendly packages.
So when the Infinix Note 50S 5G dropped on my desk with a price tag of about KES 33,000, it didn’t really come as a surprise. In fact, that price is right in line with where recent Note models, including the Infinix Note 50 Pro currently in my possession for review, have landed. The big question isn’t “Why is it more expensive? It’s “What’s different this time?”
Design & Build: More Than Just a Budget Look
Infinix has always nailed design for its price, but the Note 50S 5G+ feels like a step above even compared to the last few Note releases.
- You get a curved AMOLED front with very small bezels, which is rare in this segment.
- A sleek, smooth back (yes, it’s plastic) that feels like metal.
- IP64 water and dust resistance, TÜV SÜD fall impact resistance, and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the front.
- JBL branding on the top, hinting at better audio tuning.
- Dual 5G connection, meaning both SIM cards are connected to 5G at the same time.
- It’s light and thin, weighing in at 180g (for the Ruby Red and Titanium Grey model in my possession) and measuring just 7.6mm thick.
It even features a bold octagonal camera bump that stands out without looking tacky.
All in all, it doesn’t just look more premium. It feels like Transsion is positioning this device closer to the TECNO Camon 40 Pro crowd than its previous Infinix Notes.
Display: The Highlight Feature
The 6.78-inch AMOLED panel is easily one of the most exciting features of this phone:
- 144Hz refresh rate, unheard of in this range.
- 1300 nits of peak brightness on paper seems average, but in real use, it handles outdoor visibility just fine.
- Curved edges and ultra-thin bezels, although at times annoying, elevate the experience during video watching or gaming.
Colors are punchy, contrast is deep, and the touch response is smooth. For users coming from the Note 30 or even the Note 40 series, this is a notable upgrade in display quality and design refinement.
Performance: Everyday Reliability with Midrange Limits
The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate chipset is built on a 4nm process and brings reliable day-to-day performance:
- Multitasking with apps like Instagram, Facebook, X, WhatsApp, and YouTube? No problem.
- Casual gaming like PUBG, Asphalt, and FIFA? Smooth on medium settings.
- Heavier titles like Genshin Impact? You’ll need to lower your expectations.
You also get Android 15 out of the box, which is a big win in terms of software longevity.
I’ve never been a fan of XOS owing to the heavy customization. XOS is always bloated out of the box. And while I had to uninstall more than 10 pre-loaded apps that I’m pretty sure I’ll never use, XOS 15 is starting to grow on me. I’ll for sure have more to say in the full review.
That said, you can uninstall most of the bloat, and performance doesn’t feel sluggish. It’s just the polish that’s missing.
Camera: Capable for Its Class
The 64MP (main) + 2MP (macro) rear camera setup and 13MP front camera both support 4K video recording at 30fps and 1080p slow motion at 120fps, and that alone is impressive at this price.
- Daylight shots are decent, with good detail and punchy colors.
- Low-light performance is still a weak point but still reasonably good. Expect some noise and loss of detail, though.
- Video stabilization is solid, and the 4K selfie video should come in handy for content creators.
- Mic quality is average. Ambient noise tends to creep in, so don’t expect pro-level audio.
Still, if you’re a first-time content creator or a student looking to vlog, the Infinix Note 50S 5G+ gives you tools that usually require higher-end phones. Below are a few camera samples I took over the weekend.
Battery & Charging: Good Balance
Powering everything is a 5200mAh battery, which gave me easily a full day, and often a day and a half for the few days I’ve had the phone, with moderate usage.
Charging is handled by a 45W fast charger, which gets you from 0 to 100% in about an hour. It also supports reverse wired charging at 10W, so you can top up accessories like earbuds or even another phone. But I’m yet to test this so far.
Verdict: Familiar Price, Sharper Execution
Unlike what some might assume, KES 33,000 isn’t a leap in pricing for the Infinix Note series. It’s simply where the lineup has naturally settled over the past few generations. So the question isn’t “Is this overpriced?” It’s “Is it a better value than last year’s Note?”
And honestly? Yes, it is.
What you’re getting:
✅ A genuinely premium curved AMOLED 144Hz display
✅ Android 15 out of the box
✅ Good-looking, sturdy build with IP64 and Gorilla Glass 5 and fall protection
✅ 4K video on both front and back cameras
✅ Reliable battery and 45W fast charging
✅ 5G network support for faster, future-ready connectivity
The Infinix Note 50S 5G+ doesn’t reinvent the Note formula. It simply polishes it. The pricing is consistent, but the experience feels more refined than before. It’s not for heavy gamers or clean UI fanatics, but for everyday users and aspiring creators, it’s a confident step forward.
Watch out for the full review.
