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We finally got our hands on the new Infinix Hot Note and it looks like an interesting device.

The Hot Note is a beauty. Whether it will live up to the hype, though, is the real question. We’ll find out in the experiential review coming later.

Until then, here is our first look at the device.

Hello Hot Thang

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Infinix Hot Note held nothing back in aesthetics. From the packaging to the metallic-type phone itself, everything comes together for a richly conservative look.

Also Inside

Inside the box, you have the usual Infinix suspects: white earbuds, USB cable, charger (no, the turbocharger actually, more on that later). No battery? Keep your shirt on, more on that also.

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What’s Hot?

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Lots actually. Have we mentioned the phone phablet is a mid-range device? No?

No, we haven’t. It looks too expensive. Well, it costs N23, 500 ($120). And that’s not all.

The battery: is a 4000mAh Li-Po battery. Infinix says one full charge will get you two days of normal use. So why can’t we see it? The battery is non-removable, unless you are willing to unscrew the whole thing. It’s only fair then that it lasts as long.

The charger: is a 9V turbocharger that is said to fuel the phone battery 3x faster. The battery goes from 0-100% in 90 minutes. I have not tried this out really, but a ten minute charge gave me a quick 30%. Fantastic.

The screen: at 5.5″ is a big statement from Infinix, and it’s impossible to miss. It’s only 0.2″ away from the Galaxy Note 4. The display at 720×1280 pixels with a 1.4GHz Octa Core processor is literally making my palm itch. I can’t wait to see how those high-graphic shooter games with nuanced details will play on it.

MTN’s offering: 2GB free data with every Infinix Hot Note, a 100% data bonus and one month unlimited music streaming as long as stocks last (that notorious epithet).

The Regular Stuff – Specs

After all that, the phone, from what I can see so far, is pretty much back in the hoi polloi of the latest Infinix budget phones.

Android 4.4.2 Kitkat OS

8MP rear camera with LED flash and a 2MP front camera

1GB RAM and 16GB internal memory (expandable to 32GB)

Dual Micro Sim 3G/2G

1.4GHz Octa Core Processor

Mali-450 GPU

IPS, capacitive touchscreen

172g weight, 8.9mm thickness

Unboxing Photos

The phone has all the regular ports and buttons but curiously doesn’t look crowded.

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On the top bezel is the proximity sensor, the receiver and the front camera.

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The volume button and power button are tacked on one side.

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The other side is left bare.

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The 3.5mm headset jack is drilled in at the top…

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…and, unlike its cheaper forebearer, Infinix Hot, the Note’s charging/USB port is at the bottom with the mouthpiece right beside it.

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You can’t detach the battery, but you can still open the Hot Note’s back cover, it’s how you insert SIM cards and the microSD. This is unlike the Infinix Zero where you can pop out the SIMs docks beside the phone.

More? Stay tuned for the full review.

Gbenga Onalaja Author

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