Fresh off unveiling its ambitious Note 60 series and satellite connectivity plans at CES 2026, Infinix is already turning attention to another major release. The company has officially introduced the Infinix Note Edge, a new smartphone that will be the world’s first device powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 7100, while also debuting XOS 16, Infinix’s first in-house operating system built on Android 16.
The Note Edge is shaping up to be a key part of Infinix’s “premium-accessible” strategy, pushing newer platforms and experiences into price brackets that have traditionally lagged behind flagship innovation.
A new MediaTek chip aimed squarely at real-world 5G
At the heart of the Infinix Note Edge is the MediaTek Dimensity 7100, a brand-new 6nm chipset developed with a strong focus on efficiency and consistent 5G performance. While 5G continues to expand globally, Infinix notes that the actual experience remains uneven, especially outside the flagship tier, where affordability, power consumption, and network stability are ongoing challenges.
Infinix says the Note Edge is designed to bring “true 5G” at near 4G-level pricing, making next-generation connectivity more practical for everyday users rather than a premium-only feature.
Working closely with MediaTek, Infinix has introduced network optimizations aimed at tough, real-world conditions. In crowded areas such as stadiums, malls, or city centers, the phone promises smoother video playback and reduced lag, with performance improvements of up to 30%. In weaker signal environments — including rural areas, factories, and underground locations — the system is tuned for faster loading, more stable live streams, and lower gaming latency.
To put the Dimensity 7100 into clearer context, here’s a breakdown of its key specifications.
MediaTek Dimensity 7100 key specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (8 cores) |
| CPU Configuration | 4× Arm Cortex-A78 up to 2.4GHz 4× Arm Cortex-A55 up to 2.0GHz |
| CPU Bit Architecture | 64-bit |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC2 |
| Memory Support | LPDDR5 up to 5500 Mbps LPDDR4X up to 4266 Mbps |
| Storage Support | UFS 3.1 |
| Max Camera ISP | Up to 200MP |
| Max Display Resolution | Up to 1200 × 2600 |
| Max Refresh Rate | Up to 120Hz |
| Cellular Technologies | 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G multi-mode 4G & 5G Carrier Aggregation (CA) FDD / TDD, GSM, WCDMA, TD-SCDMA |
| 5G Features | 3GPP R16 Global SA & NSA (Option 2, 3 / 3a / 3x) DSS, NR DL 2CC (140 MHz bandwidth) 256QAM (UL), VoNR, Dual VoNR Dual 5G SIM, EPS fallback |
| Peak Download Speed | Up to 3.3Gbps |
| GNSS | GPS (L1CA + L5) BeiDou (B1I + B2a) GLONASS (L1OF) Galileo (E1 + E5a) QZSS (L1CB) NavIC (L5 + N1) |
| Wi-Fi | Up to Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) |
| Wi-Fi Antenna | 1T1R |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Other Connectivity | Bluetooth Long Range BT / Wi-Fi Hyper Coexistence |
Built for gaming, multitasking, and long days
Performance-wise, Infinix positions the Note Edge as one of the strongest devices in its class. The Dimensity 7100 enables support for up to 90FPS gameplay in popular titles like Honor of Kings and Peacekeeper Elite, while maintaining *60FPS in PUBG: Battlegrounds. The focus, according to Infinix, isn’t just peak performance but stability — keeping frame rates smooth without overheating during longer sessions.
Considering Infinix’s heavy involvement in the local scene—having previously partnered with PUBG Mobile in Kenya—this performance target makes perfect sense for their core audience.
Power efficiency is another major talking point. Infinix claims modem power consumption has been reduced by up to 21%, while background power usage for social apps is cut by 4.4%. In practical terms, that translates to longer battery life during gaming, streaming, commuting, and heavy multitasking — areas that matter far more to mid-range buyers than raw benchmark scores.
XOS 16 arrives with a new look and smoother feel
Alongside the new chip, the Infinix Note Edge also marks the official debut of XOS 16, the company’s first Android 16–based operating system. This update introduces a refreshed design language called Glow Space, which emphasizes softer visuals, light-based effects, and smoother transitions.
The interface leans into semi-transparent elements with a frosted-glass look across menus and controls, while new 3D spatial wallpapers add depth by layering icons, clocks, and foreground elements. The goal, Infinix says, is to make the interface feel lighter, more expressive, and more enjoyable to interact with over long periods.
Beyond visuals, XOS 16 also focuses heavily on responsiveness. Animations are dynamically adjusted to match user actions, creating tighter synchronization between touch input and on-screen feedback. Infinix says this results in interactions that feel more immediate and natural, even during fast navigation.
One notable addition is Live Photo sharing with iPhone, allowing users to transfer photos complete with motion and audio across platforms — a small but meaningful feature for users who regularly switch ecosystems.
Hardware and software moving in step
What sets the Infinix Note Edge apart is the coordinated launch of both a new chipset and a new operating system. According to Infinix, this level of hardware–software alignment is rare in the mid-range segment, where devices often rely on recycled platforms or lightly modified software.
By introducing the Dimensity 7100 and XOS 16 together, Infinix says it has achieved tangible gains in efficiency, sustained performance, and overall user experience — positioning the Note Edge as a bridge between affordability and modern smartphone expectations.
The Infinix Note Edge is set to officially launch on January 19, 2026, with more details expected in the coming days. If the company delivers on its promises, the Note Edge could become one of the most interesting mid-range phones to watch in early 2026, especially in markets like Kenya, where value, battery life, and reliable performance matter more than headline specs.
