Infinix Note 5 Android One first impression: Gorgeous budget phone with pure Android experience

After the successful launch of the feature-rich budget phones—Hot 6 Pro and Smart 2 -- Transsion Holding subsidiary Infinix Mobile, has launched a brand new smartphone Note 5. The interesting part of the launch is that it is an official Google Android One affiliated device.

It comes in two configurations -- 3 GB RAM + 32 GB storage and 4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage -- for Rs 9,999 and Rs 11,999, respectively and will be available exclusively on Flipkart. Infinix Note 5 Android One comes with pretty good design language, vanilla Android experience, a big battery and a decent set of hardware including camera and processor. I had the chance to test the device before the official launch, here is my take on it.

Design, display and build quality:

Infinix's new Note 5 looks stunning from the back. Its glossy glass shell exudes premium feel and the rounded edges around the corners along with the smooth tapering of edges makes up for a gorgeous design. It is one of the most, if not the best, visually appealing phone in the budget category.

Though shell is a fingerprint magnet, it's not a deal breaker considering the fact the device comes with glass-back and needs to be protected at all time. Thankfully, the company is offering a see-through cover, which not only protects the device from accidental drops but also keeps the glossy smooth feel. The device also offers a good grip for the hand.

As far as the display is concerned, it comes with 5.99-inch full HD+ (2160x1080p) FullView screen. During my brief time using the phone, I found that its high-resolution screen offers good viewing experience.

Performance:

The new Note 5 Android One comes packed with MediaTek P23 octa-core backed by 3 GB / 4 GB RAM and 32 GB / 64 GB storage. It performed well in terms of faster app loading, switching between multiple apps, camera loading and photo processing.

The most impressive part of the new Infinix phone is the pure Android Oreo experience. Its interface is clean with no extra layer of confusing interface like in rival brands and is easier to find any feature -- be it in the settings or to locate apps -- as it doesn't come with any pre-loaded third-party apps. It will also be getting Google's latest Android Pie update soon.

Camera:

Infinix Note 5 Android One houses a pretty photography hardware. It comes with a 12 MP sensor with 1.25µm pixel size, LED flash on the back and a 16MP selfie camera with a dedicated LED flash of its own.

The quality of the images is really good for the price range. The photos shot through primary camera retain near-accurate natural colour and also maintains sharpness. Even the front-snapper took some really fine snaps worthy of posting on social media platforms.

Battery:

It comes with a massive 4,500mAh cell. I needed some more time to fully assess the battery life, but with years of experience doing phone reviews, I can assure that it will last a minimum of one and half days under regular usage. If used conservatively, the device can make it for two days.

The company has said that it has incorporated Artificial Intelligence power-management code into Note 5's software and will be able to keep the phone running for three days. I am looking forward to its AI capabilities and ensure to fully assess and report it in my final review article in the coming week.

Initial thoughts:

Going by the aggressive price-tag and impressive spec-sheet, Infinix Note 5 Android One is shaping up to be a promising budget phone and has the potential to give popular brands --Xiaomi, Motorola, Nokia (HMD Global Oy) and Honor -- a run for their money.

In the last quarter, Infinix Mobile, along with sister brand Tecno Mobiles, (offline brand) grew 26 percent and 45 percent respectively. It also helped the parent company Transsion Holding make it to the top-5 mobile-makers chart (according to IDC). I believe the new Infinix Note 5 Android One, will definitely help the company make further inroads in the Indian market.