Infinix InBook Air 13th-Gen Core i5 Laptop Review

I’ve been using the Infinix InBook Air for a good while now. When I first reviewed an Infinix laptop, my key takeaway was that there was no need to buy a second-hand device when brand-new options like this exist. That feeling remains unchanged as I review this new model. This is a brand-new machine available in the market for just under KES 60,000.

I believe Infinix added “Air” to the name of this laptop not just because Apple calls their thin and light laptop the MacBook Air, but because this is genuinely an impressive thin and light machine. Weighing just 1.2 kg, it stands out at this price point. Carrying it around – whether as a student heading to class or an entrepreneur on the go – is effortless. It fits into most 13-inch laptop sleeves, despite being a 14-inch laptop. This is due to the ultra-slim bezels, which make me look at my M1 MacBook Pro differently when switching back.

What a Notebook Should Be

In every sense, the Infinix InBook Air fits the definition of a notebook – a laptop designed primarily for tasks related to note-taking, content consumption, and light productivity. These include using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, PDF readers, web browsing with multiple tabs open, streaming content, and listening to music or podcasts. Essentially, it bridges the gap between what you can do on a smartphone and what requires a larger screen and better processing power.

If you’re an aspiring developer, you may get away with basic coding tasks before running into performance limitations. If you’re a content creator, you can handle simple photo and video editing—emphasis on “simple.” This means tasks like editing a basic YouTube video with a minimal timeline or a quick TikTok video using apps like CapCut or Wondershare.

For these tasks, the InBook Air will serve you well. However, if you require more power, consider a device with a stronger processor and more RAM. Speaking of which, let’s get into the specifications.

Specifications

While it shares similarities with the InBook X2 that I reviewed last year, this model introduces several key changes under the “AIR” branding, making it not only lighter but arguably a better device – provided you don’t mind the limited ports.

Processor & Performance

The InBook Air is powered by the Intel Core i5 13th Gen (1340P) processor, clocked at 1.9 GHz. This processor, launched in January 2023, is specifically designed for ultra-thin and lightweight laptops requiring active cooling. As a result, you will occasionally hear the fans activate, especially during demanding tasks or when the laptop is plugged in.

The Core i5 1340P features 4 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores, with hyper-threading enabled on the performance cores, allowing for a total of 16 threads. According to Netbookcheck.net, its real-world performance is comparable to the older Core i7-1250P. This means it can handle light creative tasks like photo and video editing and multiple browser tabs without much struggle.

Memory & Storage

• 8GB RAM + 256GB SSD (Base model)
• 16GB RAM + 512GB SSD (Higher variant)

I recommend opting for the 16GB RAM + 512GB storage variant for better performance. The laptop ships with Windows 11 Home pre-installed, requiring no additional activation fee.

Display

• 14-inch LED-backlit Full HD (1920×1080) display
• Matte anti-glare finish

The anti-glare finish is excellent for outdoor use, though it doesn’t achieve smartphone-like brightness under direct sunlight.

Battery & Charging

• 57Wh battery
• 45W USB-C power adapter with Power Delivery (PD) support
• USB-C to USB-C charging cable

The charger resembles those used for smartphones, and most USB-C chargers will charge the laptop without issues.

Keyboard & Trackpad

• Backlit keyboard with two brightness levels
• Precision trackpad (better click response at the bottom than the middle or top)

The trackpad’s sensitivity and clicking mechanism could be improved, especially if you’re used to MacBook trackpads. However, with time, you get accustomed to it.

Ports

• 2 x USB-A ports
• 2 x USB-C ports (one for charging)
• 1 x HDMI port (full-size)
• 1 x Headphone/microphone combo port

For a laptop in this category, the port selection is decent, though an additional USB-C port for peripherals would have been ideal.

Graphics

The Infinix InBook Air relies on Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, which delivers efficient performance for daily tasks, media consumption, and light creative work.

Webcam & LED Lighting

• 720p HD webcam with two LED lights
• Fn + Space Bar toggles LED lights for better video call lighting

The LED lights are noticeably brighter this time, making video calls better even in dim environments.

Infinix Ecosystem Integration

My first Infinix laptop had no brand-specific software – just a clean Windows experience. While that wasn’t a bad thing, it felt odd that there were no Infinix customizations or ecosystem integrations. That has changed with the InBook Air.

The laptop now includes two Infinix apps for driver updates and system health monitoring, along with new phone connectivity features. While the interfaces of these apps aren’t particularly polished, this is a good step toward building an ecosystem similar to what Apple and Samsung offer.

What I Loved About This Laptop

Here are the standout features on the InBook Air:

• Affordable pricing for a brand-new device
• Newer processor offering decent performance
• Good port selection
• Fast SSD read/write speeds
• Decent battery life (4 to 6 hours of usage)
• Thin and lightweight – ideal for portability
• A solid notebook for note-taking, browsing, and light editing
• Matte anti-glare display with ultra-thin bezels
• Comfortable typing experience
• Infinix ecosystem integration (though Windows’ Phone Link already does a great job for Android phones)

What Could Be Improved

While I mostly enjoyed using the InBook Air, a few things need improvement:

1. Trackpad sensitivity and clicking mechanism – It’s too sensitive, and clicking at the top or middle isn’t as responsive as at the bottom.
2. Power button placement – It’s too close to other keys, leading to accidental sleep mode activation.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy It?

If you’re looking for an affordable, well-built notebook, the Infinix InBook Air is a great choice. Instead of opting for an older refurbished laptop, this brand-new option offers good performance for everyday tasks. Plus, Infinix has local offices and service centers, ensuring better customer support compared to many other laptop manufacturers.

For students, professionals handling light tasks, or anyone looking for a portable work machine, this is a solid investment.