Infinix Note 40 Review

The Infinix Note 40 series is the latest addition to Infinix’s lineup, bringing numerous improvements over last year’s Note 30. With a strong emphasis on wireless charging, enhanced design, and performance, this phone promises a lot for its price point. In this detailed review, we will delve into the various aspects of the Infinix Note 40, highlighting its strengths and areas where it could improve.

Unboxing and First Impressions

In an era where many smartphone brands are reducing the contents of their packaging, Infinix takes a different approach. The Note 40’s box is packed with accessories, including wired earphones and a wireless charging pad. This generous inclusion sets a positive tone right from the start, ensuring that users have everything they need to fully utilize their new device.

Wireless Charging in Infinix Note 40

Wireless charging is one of the standout features of the Note 40. Unlike the Note 30, which required a special case to charge wirelessly, the Note 40 can do so on its own. This year, Infinix has also added magnets to aid the wireless charging process. Setting it up is simple: place the phone in its case, connect the Type-C cable to the wireless charging pad, plug it into a power source, and then place the phone near the pad. The magnets will align the phone correctly, and it will start charging wirelessly. This feature not only adds convenience but also a touch of modernity to the device.

Design and Build

The Infinix Note 40 has undergone a significant design overhaul compared to its predecessor. The phone now has a more squared-off, flat, and boxy design, which feels premium and modern. The Obsidian Black variant, although appearing more blue, offers a sleek and minimalistic look. The matte finish on the back is complemented by a glossy rectangular camera module, adding a sophisticated touch.

However, there are a couple of design choices that might not appeal to everyone. The Note 40 lacks both a headphone jack and a microSD card slot. While the absence of a headphone jack is becoming increasingly common in modern smartphones and might not be a dealbreaker for most users, the lack of expandable storage could be a significant drawback for some. On the upside, the Note 40 comes with a generous 256GB of internal storage, which should suffice for most users.

Display: A Significant Upgrade

The display on the Note 40 is one of its most impressive features. Infinix has increased the screen-to-body ratio to 89.9%, added a punch-hole cutout for the front camera, and upgraded the refresh rate from 60Hz to 120Hz. The peak brightness has also been enhanced from 600 nits to 1300 nits. These upgrades result in a visually stunning and smooth display, with vibrant colors and minimal bezels. The only aspect that remains unchanged is the resolution and the type of display panel, which still delivers excellent visual quality.

Software: Enhanced Personalization

Running on XOS 14, based on Android 14, the Note 40 offers a refined and customizable user experience. New features under the personalization settings allow users to edit the lock screen, change clock styles, fonts, colors, and even the appearance of notifications. The AI wallpaper generator and new live wallpaper styles provide additional ways to personalize the device. These enhancements make the user interface more engaging and visually appealing.

Performance: Solid and Reliable

The Note 40 is powered by the G99 Ultimate chipset, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. With 8GB of RAM (expandable to 16GB with virtual RAM), the phone can handle multiple apps without lag. While it is a 4G device, the performance it delivers at its price point is commendable. Whether you’re playing games, streaming videos, or switching between apps, the Note 40 performs reliably and efficiently.

Camera: Impressive Quality

The camera setup on the Note 40 includes a 108MP main sensor, a 2MP depth sensor, and an AI camera. Despite defaulting to 12MP photos, the main camera can take detailed 108MP shots if desired. The image quality is impressive, producing clear and vibrant photos in various conditions. For video recording, the best results are achieved at 1080p at 30fps, which offers stabilization and excellent quality in good lighting.

Battery Life and Charging

The Note 40 is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, providing ample power for a full day of use. The phone supports 45W wired charging, which can charge the phone from 0 to 50% in just 20 minutes using the HyperCharge mode. Additionally, it supports wireless charging, reverse charging, and bypass charging, offering versatile and efficient power management options.

Conclusion

The Infinix Note 40 is a well-rounded smartphone that offers substantial upgrades over its predecessor. With its improved wireless charging capabilities, sleek design, enhanced display, and solid performance, it provides excellent value for money. Despite the missing headphone jack and microSD card slot, the ample internal storage and other premium features make it a compelling choice in the budget smartphone market. If you’re looking for a feature-rich phone without breaking the bank, the Infinix Note 40 is definitely worth considering.