The Indian smartphone market under ₹15,000 is a crowded space. With countless options on platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, choosing the right phone can feel overwhelming. Some phones offer big batteries but compromise with LCD displays, while others boast good software but skimp on cameras or exclude chargers. Indian consumers, however, have a straightforward expectation: a phone that’s an all-rounder, delivering value for money across design, display, performance, camera, and battery. Enter the Infinix Note 50s 5G+, a smartphone that claims to check all these boxes at a starting price of ₹14,999 (with offers). But does it truly live up to the hype? Is it worth your money? Let’s dive into a detailed review to find out.
Why the Infinix Note 50s 5G+ Stands Out
Infinix has been making waves in the budget segment, and the Note 50s 5G+ is their latest attempt to capture the value-for-money crown. With features like a 144Hz curved AMOLED display, a 5500mAh battery, 8GB LPDDR5X RAM, and a Sony IMX682 camera sensor, it seems like a steal on paper. Add to that a sleek design, fast charging, and AI-powered software, and you’ve got a phone that promises to outshine competitors like the Realme P3, Nothing CMF Phone 1, and Vivo T4X. But promises are one thing—real-world performance is another. Let’s break it down step by step.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Infinix Note 50s 5G+ comes in a generously sized box that immediately grabs attention. Inside, you’ll find:
- The phone itself
- A 45W fast charger
- A USB Type-A to Type-C cable
- A protective case
- Cool stickers
- Standard paperwork
Unlike some competitors, Infinix includes a charger in the box, which is a big win for budget buyers. The unboxing experience feels premium, and the inclusion of a case and stickers adds a nice touch for younger users like college students.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Note 50s 5G+ is one of its standout features. Available in a vegan leather variant with a unique pattern or a metallic back in two other colors, it looks and feels different from the typical budget phone. The vegan leather option enhances grip, making the phone comfortable to hold, while the metallic variants cater to those who prefer a more traditional aesthetic.
Despite its slim profile, the phone feels light and well-balanced in hand. Infinix has also added a halo light around the camera module, which glows during gaming, charging, or incoming calls, adding a playful, modern vibe. The phone carries military-grade certifications, meaning it’s been tested for extreme conditions like heat, cold, vibrations, and shocks. While accidental drops aren’t covered under warranty (a universal truth for smartphones), this certification adds confidence in the phone’s durability. For extra protection, using a tempered glass and the included case is a smart move.
Display: A Game-Changer in the Budget Segment
The display is where the Infinix Note 50s 5G+ truly shines. It features a 144Hz curved AMOLED display, a rarity in the sub-₹15,000 segment. Most budget phones offer either a 120Hz LCD (like the Vivo T4X) or a 60/90Hz AMOLED. The Note 50s combines the best of both worlds: vibrant AMOLED colors and a buttery-smooth 144Hz refresh rate.
In real-world use, the display feels snappy, especially when scrolling through settings or messaging apps, where it hits the full 144Hz. For most other tasks, it defaults to 120Hz, which is still excellent. Compared to the Nothing CMF Phone 1, the Note 50s’ display looks sharper and more colorful, with support for HDR on YouTube and a peak brightness of 1300 nits. Whether you’re watching videos or using the phone under harsh sunlight, the display remains vivid and brighter.
Camera Performance: Surprisingly Consistent
The camera setup on the Note 50s 5G+ includes a Sony IMX682 main sensor and a 2MP macro camera. While the macro lens is more of a filler, the main camera delivers impressive results for the price. In comparisons with the Realme P3 and Nothing CMF Phone 1, the Note 50s stands out for its consistent colors and light control, especially in challenging HDR scenarios like shooting against harsh sunlight.
Photos from the Note 50s are sharp and vibrant, avoiding the dullness seen in CMF Phone 1 shots or the overprocessed blacks in Realme P3 images. Even at 2X zoom, the Note 50s maintains clarity, while competitors struggle with oil-painting-like effects or poor color balance. Selfies are equally impressive, matching the Realme P3’s quality and outperforming the CMF Phone 1’s yellowish tones.
For videos, the Note 50s supports 4K 30fps recording with good stabilization and color accuracy, which is rare in this segment. While budget phones typically compromise on video quality, the Note 50s exceeds expectations, making it a great choice for casual content creators.
Battery and Charging: Reliable and Fast
The Note 50s 5G+ packs a 5500mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of heavy usage, including scrolling, gaming, and photography. In testing, it handled a mix of tasks without needing a recharge. The included 45W fast charger juices up the phone from 0 to 100% in about an hour, which is on par with competitors—except for the Nothing CMF Phone 1, which doesn’t include a charger.
Performance: Smooth for Everyday Tasks
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate processor and paired with 8GB LPDDR5X RAM, the Note 50s 5G+ delivers solid performance for daily tasks. It handles games like COD Mobile at 90fps without overheating, making it suitable for casual gamers. However, the sub-₹15,000 segment isn’t primarily about gaming—it’s about real-life tasks like video editing, multitasking, and browsing.
In video rendering tests, the Note 50s outperformed the Realme P3, thanks to its faster LPDDR5X RAM. Whether you’re editing Reels or Stories, the phone keeps up without lag. For college students or first-time buyers, this level of performance is more than adequate.
Software: Feature-Packed and AI-Driven
The Note 50s 5G+ runs XOS based on Android 15 out of the box, a significant advantage in a segment where most phones ship with older Android versions. The UI is minimal and user-friendly, with thoughtful additions like:
- Gestures: Swipe to change music tracks or lift the phone to answer calls.
- PC integration: Transfer files to a Windows laptop with a double-tap or Ctrl+V.
- AI features: Powered by Infinix’s Folax AI, the phone offers PDF summarization, AI call summaries, and an AI eraser for removing unwanted objects from photos. You can even circle gadgets in images to get buying links—a handy feature for tech enthusiasts.
While some pre-installed third-party apps are present, they’re easily uninstallable, keeping the software clean. Compared to competitors, XOS feels feature-rich and underrated, especially with its AI capabilities, which are rare in this price range.
Specifications
| Feature | Infinix Note 50s 5G+ |
|---|---|
| Display | 144Hz Curved AMOLED, 1300 nits peak brightness, HDR support |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | Not specified (assumed 128GB based on segment) |
| Main Camera | Sony IMX682 + 2MP macro |
| Video Recording | 4K 30fps with stabilization |
| Battery | 5500mAh |
| Charging | 45W fast charging (charger included) |
| Software | XOS based on Android 15 |
| Build | Vegan leather or metallic back, military-grade certification |
| Additional Features | Halo light, AI features (Folax AI), PC integration |
Is the Infinix Note 50s 5G+ Worth It?
The sub-₹15,000 segment is tricky. Many brands push consumers toward pricier “Pro” models with marginal upgrades, but this leaves a gap for true value-for-money phones, and the Infinix Note 50s 5G+ fills it admirably. Here’s why:
- Display: The 144Hz AMOLED is unmatched in this price range, offering a premium viewing experience.
- Camera: The Sony IMX682 sensor delivers consistent, vibrant photos and videos, outpacing competitors.
- Battery: A 5500mAh battery with 45W charging ensures all-day reliability.
- Software: XOS on Android 15 is feature-rich, with AI tools that add practical value.
- Performance: The Dimensity 7300 and LPDDR5X RAM handle daily tasks and light gaming with ease.
- Design: Vegan leather and military-grade build quality make it feel premium.
Should You Buy It?
If you’re a college student, a first-time buyer, or someone looking for a phone for your parents, the Infinix Note 50s 5G+ is a fantastic choice. It’s a solid all-rounder that doesn’t force you to compromise on key features. Compared to the Realme P3 and Nothing CMF Phone 1, it offers a better display, more consistent cameras, and a charger in the box. The only catch? If gaming is your primary focus, you might want to explore slightly pricier options with dedicated gaming chips. For everyone else, this phone is a steal at ₹14,999.
The Dark Reality of Budget Smartphones in India
The sub-₹15,000 segment is underserved. Brands like Realme and Redmi have shifted focus to premium models, leaving budget buyers with fewer compelling options. The average smartphone price in India is now around ₹22,000, driven by this lack of value-driven phones. The Infinix Note 50s 5G+ bucks this trend, delivering everything you need without pushing you to spend more.
Final Verdict
The Infinix Note 50s 5G+ is a breath of fresh air in the crowded sub-₹15,000 market. It’s not perfect—no phone in this segment is—but it gets the basics right and throws in extras like AI features and a stunning display. If you’re looking for a phone that balances style, performance, and affordability, this is as close to an all-rounder as it gets. So, is it worth it? Absolutely. Check it out on Amazon or Flipkart, and you might just find the budget smartphone you’ve been searching for.
Let us know your thoughts on the Infinix Note 50s 5G+ in the comments below!
