Infinix Hot 8

Infinix Hot 8: The Budget Smartphone That’s Changing the Game in 2019

In the world of smartphones, there’s always a constant battle between high-end flagships packed with the latest tech and budget-friendly devices designed to meet the essential needs of everyday users. The Infinix Hot 8, released in late 2019, firmly stakes its claim in the latter category, but in a way that feels anything but basic.

For those looking for a device that delivers impressive features without burning a hole in their pocket, the Hot 8 arrived like a breath of fresh air. Infinix Mobility, a brand that has steadily gained recognition across emerging markets, especially in Africa and parts of Asia, has crafted a phone that perfectly balances price and performance.

Design and Display: Big Screen, Big Presence

Let’s talk about first impressions, the Infinix Hot 8 sports a large 6.52-inch HD+ IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. Now, while some might expect the display to suffer at this price point, the Hot 8’s screen offers a vibrant and clear viewing experience with an impressive 20:9 aspect ratio, perfect for binge-watching your favorite shows or scrolling through social media.

The waterdrop notch design, a popular trend in 2019, houses the front-facing camera and keeps distractions to a minimum. The slim bezels around the screen make it feel more modern, giving you plenty of screen real estate for gaming and videos. The phone’s body is a blend of plastic and glass-like finishes, keeping it lightweight yet sturdy enough to handle daily use.

In terms of ergonomics, the Hot 8 sits comfortably in hand despite its larger size. The textured back adds a grip that reduces chances of accidental slips. Plus, the color options such as Cosmic Purple, Midnight Black, and Quetzal Cyan add a bit of personality to the device, which is always a nice touch.

Performance: Power That Surprises

Underneath the hood, the Infinix Hot 8 is powered by the MediaTek Helio P22 processor, built on a 12nm fabrication process. While it may not rival the speed of flagship chips, this octa-core processor is more than capable of handling everyday tasks smoothly, from browsing the web and running multiple apps to casual gaming.

The phone comes in two main configurations:

• 2GB RAM with 32GB internal storage, and
• 4GB RAM with 64GB internal storage.

The higher-end 4GB RAM model offers noticeably better multitasking performance, making it suitable for users who like to keep several apps open at once. Both models support expandable storage via microSD card, which is a lifesaver if you’re big on music, photos, and videos.

On the software front, the Hot 8 runs XOS 5.0 based on Android 9 Pie. Infinix’s custom skin brings useful features such as Smart Panel for quick app access and gesture navigation to streamline your user experience. Though XOS adds some bloatware, it also offers customizable themes and security options, making the software feel personalized and functional.

Cameras: Capture Life in Decent Detail

Camera performance in budget smartphones can be hit or miss, but the Infinix Hot 8 surprises with its triple rear camera setup:

• A 13MP primary sensor for clear daylight shots,
• A 2MP depth sensor to create pleasing bokeh effects for portraits,
• And a low-light sensor that improves night photography.

While the Hot 8 won’t replace your dedicated camera, the photos are sharp and colorful in well-lit conditions, and the portrait mode adds a professional touch to selfies and pictures of friends and family. The phone also supports Full HD video recording at 30fps, which is great for capturing moments on the go.

For selfie lovers, the 8MP front camera paired with a front flash means you can snap well-lit selfies even in low-light environments, a feature not commonly found in budget phones.

Battery: Marathon-Grade Endurance

One of the biggest selling points of the Infinix Hot 8 is its massive 5,000mAh battery. In a world where many flagship phones hover around 4,000mAh, this is an enormous capacity, especially at this price point.

What does this mean for you? Realistically, you can expect:

• Up to two full days of moderate usage without charging,
• Around 10-12 hours of continuous video playback,
• And quick recovery times to keep you going through the day.

While the phone charges via micro-USB (no USB-C here), the battery life more than compensates for this minor downside. It’s an excellent choice for heavy users who don’t want to worry about carrying chargers or power banks all the time.

Connectivity and Extras

The Hot 8 supports dual SIM, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS, covering all the essential bases for staying connected. Additionally, the phone features a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner and face unlock, adding extra layers of convenience and security.

There’s also a dedicated 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a boon for anyone who prefers wired headphones, something that’s slowly disappearing from higher-end phones.

Pricing and Availability: Affordable Yet Feature-Rich

When the Infinix Hot 8 launched in 2019, it entered the market at a highly competitive price point. The 4GB RAM + 64GB storage variant retailed for around ₦58,000 in Nigeria (roughly $130 USD), while the 2GB + 32GB model was priced even lower, making it accessible for budget-conscious buyers.

This pricing strategy made the Hot 8 extremely popular across emerging markets where affordability often determines purchasing decisions. Despite the low price, Infinix did not compromise on features, making this one of the best value-for-money devices in the segment.

Why Choose the Infinix Hot 8?

• Battery Life: Exceptional 5,000mAh battery ensures long-lasting use.
• Display: Large and vibrant 6.52-inch screen with modern waterdrop notch.
• Cameras: Versatile triple rear cameras with portrait and low-light capabilities.
• Performance: Smooth for daily tasks and casual gaming with MediaTek Helio P22 and up to 4GB RAM.
• Affordability: Competitive price point for budget-conscious buyers.
• Extras: Fingerprint sensor, face unlock, expandable storage, and dual SIM slots.

Final Thoughts: The Hot 8 Is Heating Up the Budget Market

The Infinix Hot 8 isn’t just another entry-level smartphone; it’s a device that proves budget phones can still offer a rich and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or someone who simply needs a reliable secondary phone, the Hot 8 checks many boxes.

It’s a testament to how far budget smartphones have come in 2019, providing excellent battery life, decent cameras, a big display, and smooth performance without sacrificing affordability.

If you’re shopping for a new phone this year and your budget is tight, the Infinix Hot 8 deserves a serious look. It might just be the smartphone that perfectly balances your needs without draining your wallet.

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