Infinix Hot 2 X510 Review: Everything you need to know

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The Infinix Hot 2 X510 is one of the most exciting smartphones to launch in Kenya.

The Hot 2 X510 is the first smartphone from the Android One Program and for the first time ever, Kenyan smartphone buyers will have an opportunity to use a stock version of the Android operating system.

The Infinix Hot 2 X510 officially launched in Kenya a couple of hours ago and I was able to get my hands on a review unit.

So without any much further ado, here is what the Infinix Hot 2 X510 has to offer.

What’s in the box?

The Infinix Hot 2 comes in a decent package, a feature that gives you an early appeal of value. Unboxing the Smartphone is quite easy and the gorgeous smartphone lies directly underneath the top cover of the package.

Inside the box, you will find

Infinix Hot 2 X510

AC Charger

USB Cable

Earphones

USB Cable

Infinix Hot 2 X510 Technical Specifications

Display

Display Size: 5.0 inches

Display Type: TFT Capacitative

Screen Resolution: 720×1280 pixels

Screen Resolution Density: 320ppi

Screen Protection: None

The Infinix Hot 2 X510 features a 5.0-inch display that boasts of a 720×1280 pixels resolution. The display is awesome and its visibility, especially in the outdoors is remarkable. I was able to achieve excellent outdoor visibility even under a 50% display brightness.

However, one important bit that is too critical to ignore is that the Hot 2 X510 display is a TFT LCD not an IPS LCD. TFT displays have a flaw in term of color reproduction and delivering excellent viewing angles. Color accuracy is, therefore, an issue with the Infinix Hot 2.

Most people, however, won’t be able to notice this, since your eyes have to be accustomed to the different types of smartphone display for you to detect the annoyance.

The choice of a TFT LCD rather than IPS is probably a move by Infinix Mobility to cut down on the smartphone’s bill of material in order to keep it well in the price range dictated by the Android One Standards.

Also, the use of a TFT display, makes the smartphone lack the slippery sensation that most people love. You have to stretch an extra muscle to slide your finger across the display. For this reason I would recommend a screen protector. A screen protector will provide a better experience as well as Oleophobic properties to keep smudges at bay.

Other, than that, the display performance is impressive considering that it is on a smartphone priced under Ksh. 10,000.

Design

Dimensions: 154 x 71.86 x 88 mm

The first thing I liked about the Infinix Hot 2 is definitely the design. It is always nice to own a smartphone that radiates a premium appeal even though it doesn’t cost that much.

The Infinix Hot 2 has a generic candy bar design with the rear edges inclined towards the rear cover. The front side is plain and there are no capacitive operation keys. The only branding found on the smartphone is ‘Infinix Hot’ and ‘Android One’ both of which printed elegantly on the rear cover.

You have the primary camera on the top left section of the smartphone, the earphones, & charging ports on the top, and the speakers at the bottom. Also, the smartphone comes with a notification light on the top right side, just beside the selfie camera.

The minimalist design of the Infinix Hot 2 is commendable as it is a feature often overlooked in budget smartphones.

Performance

Operating System: Android 5.1 (Lollipop)

CPU: 1.3GHz Quad-Core

RAM: 1 GB

Internal Memory: 16 GB (11 GB available to you)

Micro SD: Yes, up to 32 GB

The performance profile of the Infinix Hot 2 is one of the prime spots of interest. There has been lots of hype that with the Infinix Hot 2 X510 running the stock version of Android, its performance will be exceptional.

The answer to that is a solid Yes. The performance of the Infinix Hot 2 awed me. I expected it to be good, but not this good. The operating system is very slim with literary nonexistent bloatware. In fact the only Apps that came pre-installed on the smartphone is the Jumia App and the Infinix Customer Care (Calcare) App.

The core benefit with the Smartphone running a stock version of the Android OS is that users will be able to receive firmware updates straight from Google once they become available.

Here is the Antuntu Benchmark score of the Infinix Hot 2.

I did a direct comparison between the smartphone and its predecessor, the Infinix X507. The Infinix Hot 2 X510 was better in all the metrics except just one.

I plan to do more tests using hardware intensive Apps and Games and see if the how the smartphone will perform.

Camera

Rear Camera: 8 MP

Secondary Camera: 2 MP

LED Flash: Yes

The Infinix Hot 2 has an 8MP Rear Camera and a 2 MP camera for your selfies. The performance of the camera is exceptional considering you capture the images using the Android’s default camera App.

A comprehensive review of the smartphone’s camera is in order. Meanwhile, check out a couple sample shots captured by the smartphone.

Music and Video Playback

The Infinix Hot 2 doesn’t have a dedicated music App. Instead in its place is the Google Music App. Most Android users have used the App, thus I can’t really dissect it further.

The Earphones that come with the smartphone render just the basic music output and might make your ears bleed especially if you are an audiophile. The Music Playback is, however, almost perfect if use a pair of high-end earphones.

The Infinix Hot 2 is able to play 1080p Full HD videos effortlessly, which is an impressive feat.

The Audio quality of the external speakers is good and it can get loud, especially in a quiet environment.

Battery and Extras

Battery Capacity: Li-ion 2200 mAh

The Infinix Hot 2 features a Li-ion 2200 mAh camera. So far the battery life has been spectacular, but I have to use the smartphone as my daily driver for a couple of days to confirm if it can cope up with aggressive usage.

Update: The Infinix Hot 2 can effortlessly can last a day and possible 48 hours on moderate usage. This is contributed broadly by the battery saving features of Android 5.1 (Lollipop).

Extras

Dual SIM

Verdict

It was very exciting to hear that Google has collaborated with Infinix Mobility to work on their first Android One smartphone designed for Africa.

The Android One program is populated by cheap smartphones not worth the second look for buyers who can afford better. But by using the Infinix Hot 2 it isn’t hard to realize that Infinix Mobility has made it less about the price and more about the value.

Frankly, I like the Infinix Hot 2. I like how it looks and love what it can do. This was my first time using a smartphone running a stock version of the Android OS out of the box. The experience has been awesome and it’s good that for once you are provided with just what you need and nothing is pushed down your throat.

Why you should buy the Infinix Hot 2 X510

720p Display

16 GB Internal Memory

Guaranteed Firmware upgrades

Impressive battery life

Value for money

Related: A week with the Infinix Hot 2 X510: What i like about it

Cons of the Infinix Hot 2 X510

Lacks 4G

Related: A week with the Infinix Hot 2 X510: What i don’t like about it

Rivals of the Infinix Hot 2 X510

Rivals of the Infinix Hot 2 include Samsung Galaxy J1 (Ksh. 11,999) and Tecno Camon C5 (Ksh. 12,999)

Price in Kenya

The Infinix Hot 2 X510 has a suggested retail price of Ksh. 8,999 in Kenya.

[reviewr]

By the way, it will be awesome if you rate the Infinix Hot 2.

Next: Infinix Hot 2 will receive the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update