In the rapidly evolving smartphone market, Xiaomi and Realme have emerged as significant players, particularly dominating the mainstream and mid-range segments. Both brands frequently release innovative smartphones, capturing the attention of customers. However, smaller competitors like Infinix are also making strides by offering compelling features at competitive prices. One such product is the Infinix Zero 5G, the only smartphone available for under ₹20,000 that boasts a 2X optical zoom telephoto camera. Additionally, it represents the company’s debut in the 5G smartphone arena, launched in February 2022. With many 5G devices flooding the market below the ₹20,000 price point, let’s evaluate whether the Infinix Zero 5G holds its ground.
Infinix Zero 5G Pricing and Variants
The Infinix Zero 5G is offered in a single configuration featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, priced at ₹19,999. Presently, you can snag it for ₹17,999 on Flipkart. The smartphone is available in three visually appealing colors: Cosmic Black, Horizon Blue, and Skylight Orange.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Infinix Zero 5G is sleek yet elongated, making it a bit challenging to operate with one hand. Measuring 8.77mm in thickness and weighing 199g, it feels manageable, though the glossy back of the black variant may attract fingerprints quite easily, making maintenance a chore.
The rear camera module offers a distinctive look reminiscent of more premium smartphones, emerging elegantly from the back panel. Made of polycarbonate, the back panel showcases minor scratches after a few weeks of use without a case.
The placement of volume and power buttons on the right side lacks tactile feedback which can be frustrating. The power button doubles as a fingerprint scanner, and the left side hosts dual nano-SIM slots and a microSD card slot. At the bottom, you’ll find the headphone jack, USB Type-C port, and a speaker.
The Infinix Zero 5G features a 6.78-inch IPS LCD Full HD+ display with a refresh rate of 120Hz and a touch sampling rate of 240Hz, providing a vibrant viewing experience. However, it’s worth noting that the display does not confirm scratch-proof glass.
Specifications and Software Features
Under the hood, the Infinix Zero 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 900 processor, a chip commonly found in higher-end models like the OnePlus Nord CE 2 and Oppo Reno 6. This processor supports 13 5G bands and comes equipped with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, which is quite impressive for this price segment.
Basic sensors and satellite navigation are included, alongside Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 support. However, it’s important to note the absence of stereo speakers and an IP rating. Nevertheless, it features a 5,000mAh battery capable of lasting a full day on moderate use.
The smartphone runs on XOS 10, which is based on Android 11 and is expected to receive an update to Android 12. While it brings many features, the UI can feel cluttered and may confuse some users.
Performance and Battery Life
The phone offers a satisfactory user experience, though the black variant may prove cumbersome to keep clean. The display is bright, making outdoor readability easy. However, the lack of dynamic refresh rates detracts from the experience, as the refresh rate is fixed at 120Hz.
Performance-wise, benchmark tests revealed impressive capabilities, scoring 475,637 on AnTuTu and achieving solid results on Geekbench. Gaming performance is commendable, with popular titles running smoothly, though minor heating was observed during prolonged sessions.
The battery life shines through extensive usage, lasting over a day. In simulated video playback tests, it performed admirably, making it a reliable companion, especially with fast charging capabilities that reach 92% within an hour.
Camera Performance
One of the standout features of the Infinix Zero 5G is its telephoto camera, which is uncommon in its price range. It provides 2X optical zoom with a resolution of 13 megapixels, capturing decent detail in bright light, though quality diminishes beyond 10X zoom.
The primary camera, with a 48-megapixel sensor, struggles with exposure, particularly in bright conditions, often producing washed-out images. Low-light performance also requires improvement, though the Supernight mode helps enhance detail slightly.
The device is capable of recording videos up to 4K at 30fps without stabilization, which may not satisfy users seeking high-quality video capture. The selfie camera does a mediocre job, with results lacking detail in both daylight and low-light conditions.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Infinix Zero 5G | Alternative Options |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹17,999 – ₹19,999 | Motorola Edge 20 |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 900 | Similar |
| Display | 6.78” IPS LCD, 120Hz | 144Hz AMOLED available |
| Camera Setup | 48MP (main), 13MP (telephoto) | Similar higher resolution options |
| Battery Capacity | 5,000mAh | Similar |
| Charging Speed | 33W | Fast charging available |
Conclusion
The Infinix Zero 5G presents a good assortment of features for its price, with commendable battery life, respectable processing power, and a unique telephoto camera. However, its overall camera performance leaves something to be desired, and the software experience could be improved significantly.
If you’re seeking a smartphone in this range with a solid telephoto camera, it might be wise to consider stretching your budget to check alternatives like the Motorola Edge 20, which offers better imaging capabilities and a more refined display. For tighter budgets, other options like the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G and Realme 9 5G Speed Edition are equally worth exploring.