Infinix Note 5 Stylus: A Creator’s Dream on a Budget
In late
2018,
Infinix shook up the midrange smartphone scene by unveiling the
Infinix Note 5 Stylus, a rare budget device with a built-in pen, the
X-Pen. For creatives, note-takers, and stylus fans who didn’t want to spend top-tier money, this was a bold move. In this post, we’ll dive deep into what this phone offers, its strengths and trade-offs, and why it could be a compelling value buy.
What Is the Infinix Note 5 Stylus?
At its core, the Infinix Note 5 Stylus is an
Android One smartphone, which means it runs a clean, near-stock version of Android, in this case, Android 8.1 Oreo, giving users a smooth, bloat-free experience.
But the real highlight is the
X-Pen, a stylus with
4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity that’s housed inside the phone’s body. This gives users a surprisingly refined drawing and writing experience, especially at a price point that’s far below what you’d pay for premium stylus-equipped devices.
Key Specifications
Here’s a rundown of the main specs that make up the Note 5 Stylus’s appeal:
- Display: ~6.0-inch (or ~5.93-inch in some reporting) Full HD+ IPS panel, 1080×2160 pixels, 18:9 aspect ratio.
- Processor: MediaTek Helio P23 (MT6763T), octa-core, paired with Mali-G71 MP2 GPU.
- Memory & Storage: 4 GB RAM; 64 GB internal storage (some sources also mention a 32 GB variant), plus microSD expansion.
- Operating System: Android 8.1 Oreo (Android One).
- Rear Camera: 16 MP, f/1.8, dual LED flash.
- Front Camera: 16 MP, f/2.0, soft LED flash.
- Battery: 4,000 mAh, with 18 W “X-Charge” fast charging.
- Stylus (X-Pen): 4,096 pressure levels, quick charge (20 seconds in the silo gives ~90 minutes of pen use).
- Build: Full-metal unibody, fingerprint sensor on the rear.
- Connectivity: Dual SIM (hybrid slot), dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, micro USB.
Pricing at Launch
When Infinix released the Note 5 Stylus in
2018, here’s roughly how much it cost in various currencies:
- In Nigeria (Naira): According to Naijaknowhow, the 32GB version sold for about ₦70,500, while the 64GB version retailed for around ₦83,000.
- In India (Rupee): Launch price was ₹15,999.
- In US Dollars: About US$227, according to the Gizchina launch report.
- In British Pounds (£): While there’s no direct official UK-launch figure in sources, converting from ~$227 at that time (approximate rate) gives around £175–£185 (rough estimate).
Why the Infinix Note 5 Stylus Stands Out
Here are some of the standout strengths and occasional compromises of this device — from a 2018-era perspective:
Pros
- X-Pen stylus with high pressure sensitivity
The 4,096 pressure levels make the stylus feel quite natural, ideal for sketching, note-taking, or annotating.
- Fast stylus charging
With only 20 seconds of charging in the silo, you reportedly get around 90 minutes of pen use.
- Clean Android One software
The Android One program ensures a near-stock Android experience, which many power users appreciate for its simplicity, speed, and timely security updates.
- Good cameras for the price
Both front and back cameras are 16 MP, which is quite generous in this price bracket, and the rear camera has AI scene detection and a bright f/1.8 aperture.
- Metal unibody design
The build feels premium thanks to the all-metal body, which is less common in lower-cost stylus phones.
- Solid battery with fast charging
A 4,000 mAh battery coupled with 18W charging offers good endurance and relatively quick top-ups.
Cons
- Hybrid SIM / microSD slot
The phone uses a hybrid slot for SIM and microSD, so you might have to choose between a second SIM or extra storage.
- Mediocre performance for high-end tasks
The Helio P23 chipset is capable, but not ideal for very heavy gaming or demanding productivity compared to some more powerful chips.
- Micro-USB, not USB-C
In 2018, USB-C was fast becoming the norm, but Infinix stuck with micro USB on this device.
- Video capture limitations
According to some reviewers, video recording is capped around 1080p at 30fps, which limits the quality for video creators.
- Stylus lag / speed trade-off
While the stylus is very capable, it may not match the speed, latency, or refinement of premium alternatives like the S-Pen on Galaxy Note series.
Who Is This Phone Best For?
- Students & creatives: If you like sketching, taking lecture notes, or doodling, the X-Pen offers real value.
- Budget-conscious users: You get stylus functionality without paying flagship Note-series prices.
- Productivity users: Ideal for note-taking, annotating documents, or quick sketches.
- Stylus skeptics: If you’re curious about styluses but don’t want to spend a fortune, this is a friendly entry point.
Final Thoughts
The Infinix Note 5 Stylus, launched in
2018, is a standout in its segment, An upgraded version of the regular
Infinix Note 5. For just
₹15,999 (~US$227), Infinix delivered a full-metal Android One phone with a high-pressure stylus, capable cameras, and a 4,000 mAh battery with fast charging. While it has trade-offs, like the hybrid SIM/microSD slot and a mid-range chipset, the
value proposition is compelling. If you’re looking for creative freedom without breaking the bank, the Note 5 Stylus could be your perfect companion.
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