Infinix S5 Review – The Mid-Range Phone
The Infinix S5 is a mid-range smartphone designed to provide a balanced mix of performance, camera features, and battery life at an affordable price point. Infinix, a brand known for its value-for-money devices, has crafted the S5 to cater to users who want a reliable smartphone experience without breaking the bank. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at its design, performance, camera, and overall value for money.
Unboxing the Infinix S5
When you unbox the Infinix S5, you’ll find:
- Infinix S5 smartphone
- Charger and USB cable
- SIM ejector tool
- Protective case
- Screen protector
- User manual and warranty card
The unboxing experience is standard for a mid-range phone, but the inclusion of a protective case and screen protector is a nice touch, providing additional value right out of the box.
Design and Build Quality
The Infinix S5 is a well-built smartphone that balances style and practicality. It features a 6.6-inch display with a punch-hole camera at the top left corner. Here’s a closer look at the design:
- Display: The 6.6-inch display is a IPS LCD panel with a HD+ resolution (1600 x 720). The display is bright and vibrant, offering decent color reproduction for its price range. The punch-hole design gives the screen a modern look, maximizing screen real estate for an immersive viewing experience.
- Build Quality: The phone is made of plastic, which is common in this price segment. While it doesn’t have the premium feel of glass or metal, it is sturdy and comfortable to hold. The phone’s curved edges make it ergonomic and easy to grip, preventing accidental drops.
- Fingerprint Sensor: The fingerprint sensor is located at the back of the phone, offering convenient access to unlock the device. It works reasonably fast and accurately, though it may not be as snappy as some high-end phones.
- Color Options: The Infinix S5 comes in a variety of colors, including Quetzal Cyan, Violet, and Midnight Black, giving users some flexibility to choose a design that suits their personal style.
Infinix has crafted a device that looks sleek and modern without compromising on practicality, making it a solid contender in the mid-range market.
Performance
The Infinix S5 is powered by the MediaTek Helio P22 processor paired with 4GB of RAM. This combination allows the phone to handle day-to-day tasks efficiently, including web browsing, social media, video streaming, and light gaming. Here’s a breakdown of its performance:
- Processor: The Helio P22 is a reliable mid-range chipset built for smooth, energy-efficient performance. While it may not offer the same raw power as flagship processors, it can easily manage most tasks you throw at it without significant lag or slowdowns.
- RAM and Storage: The 4GB of RAM is adequate for multitasking, allowing you to switch between apps without much difficulty. The phone comes with 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card for up to 256GB, offering plenty of room for apps, media, and files.
- Software: The Infinix S5 runs on Android 9.0 Pie with XOS 5.5 custom skin. XOS provides a range of features such as smart panel, gesture navigation, and battery optimization tools to improve the overall user experience.
While the Infinix S5 isn’t a powerhouse in terms of raw performance, it delivers enough processing power for typical tasks, making it suitable for users looking for an affordable, reliable smartphone.
Camera Performance
One of the standout features of the Infinix S5 is its camera setup. In the competitive mid-range segment, cameras often make or break a device, and the S5 shines with its impressive array of camera features:
- Quad Rear Camera Setup: The Infinix S5 comes with a 16MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP depth sensor, and a QVGA low-light sensor. This setup allows for versatile photography, including wide-angle shots, portrait mode with background blur, and better low-light performance.
- Primary Camera: The 16MP camera captures crisp, detailed images in good lighting. It performs well in most scenarios, delivering clear and vibrant photos.
- Ultra-Wide Lens: The 8MP ultra-wide lens is a great addition, allowing you to capture wider scenes, group photos, or landscapes without distortion.
- Depth Sensor: The 2MP depth sensor enhances portrait shots, providing a pleasing bokeh effect that blurs the background, making your subject stand out.
- Low-Light Camera: The QVGA low-light sensor helps improve low-light photography by capturing more light in darker environments, though the results aren’t as good as flagship devices.
- Selfie Camera: The 32MP front-facing camera is another highlight of the Infinix S5. It’s designed to take detailed and sharp selfies, with AI features that optimize your photo based on lighting conditions. The camera also offers AI beautification, ensuring that your selfies are flattering.
The Infinix S5 impresses with its versatile camera setup, particularly the selfie camera, which offers superior resolution compared to many mid-range competitors.
Battery Life
The Infinix S5 is equipped with a 4000mAh battery, which is more than capable of lasting throughout the day. With moderate usage, including web browsing, social media, and light video streaming, you can expect to get around 1.5 days of battery life on a single charge.
- Battery Optimization: The phone also features several battery-saving features, including XOS battery optimization tools and power modes, which help extend battery life when you’re running low on charge.
While the Infinix S5 doesn’t support fast charging, it charges relatively quickly considering its battery size, and the battery is sufficient for most users’ daily needs.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The Infinix S5 offers a solid range of connectivity options, including:
- Dual 4G SIM support, allowing you to stay connected with fast internet speeds.
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless connectivity.
- USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer.
- 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a nice inclusion for users who prefer wired audio.
- Face Unlock and Fingerprint Sensor for secure unlocking of the device.
These features make the Infinix S5 a reliable choice for users who need standard connectivity and security features.
Final Thoughts: Is the Infinix S5 Worth It?
The Infinix S5 is an excellent choice for those looking for a mid-range smartphone that delivers on performance, camera quality, and battery life, all at an affordable price. It strikes a great balance between features, offering versatile cameras, a solid display, and good performance for daily tasks. Whether you’re into photography, gaming, or just need a reliable phone for communication and entertainment, the Infinix S5 holds its own in the competitive mid-range market.
Pros:
- 32MP front camera for high-quality selfies
- Quad rear camera setup with ultra-wide lens and depth sensor
- 4000mAh battery for long-lasting use
- Large 6.6-inch display with punch-hole design
- Expandable storage via microSD card
- Affordable price for the features offered
Cons:
- HD+ display might not be as sharp as Full HD displays
- Processor may not handle heavy gaming or multitasking as well as flagship models
- No fast charging support
Final Verdict: If you’re looking for a mid-range smartphone that offers excellent camera performance, a solid display, and reliable battery life, the Infinix S5 is a great option. It competes well with other devices in its price range and provides great value for money, especially for users who prioritize selfies and social media use. The Infinix S5 is definitely a worthy contender for anyone seeking a budget-friendly smartphone with decent all-around performance.
