Infinix Note 4 Review: Playing Catch Up

The Infinix Note 4 is a device that’s just plain simple in what it offers. It doesn’t try to be impressive with fancy dual cameras or the like, but rather it uses a more straightforward formula with its big screen and feature packed software.

With the line between mid-range and budget devices continuously being challenged by the competition, can this device stand its ground? Let’s find out in this full review.

Infinix Note 4 Specs:

• 1.3GHz MediaTek MT6753 octa-core processor
• 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage expandable via microSD card (up to 128GB)
• 5.7-inch Full HD Display
• 13MP Rear Camera, AF
• 8MP Front Camera, FF
• XOS 2.3 on top of Android 7.0 Nougat
• 4,300mAh battery
• Dual SIM, 4G/LTE
• OTG
• Sensors: G-Sensor, Light, Proximity, Hall, Compass, Fingerprint
• Price: PhP8,999

Package Contents

Design and Build Quality

The front of the Note 4 is covered in 2.5D glass, which adds somewhat a more premium feel to the device.

At the bottom are two capacitive buttons, along with a more traditional Home button. It’s quite odd that there are no indicators to what each does. The right one is for navigating back to the previous screen, and the left one shows you all running apps.

The buttons on the right are responsive and only a require a very light press to work. They are a bit wobbly though.

The back panel feels cheap with its glossy finish, but the curves on the side actually help in better handling.

The 5.7-inch Full HD display shines with a good amount of brightness. Blacks are also deep enough, and colors are oozing with liveliness. Color temperature seems to be on the warm side.

Performance

While the Note 4 performed well as far as daily tasks are concerned, gaming performance is quite the opposite. NBA 2K17 is only decently playable at the lowest setting, and we’ve seen other devices at this price point that can handle it better.

Perhaps its due to the the Full HD screen, which pushes the GPU harder compared to those HD displays. In any case, you shouldn’t have a problem as far as less graphic intensive and more casual games are concerned.

Camera

The 13MP rear camera was able to capture some decent looking shots, though quality is kind of a hit and miss.

While details are satisfactory and color accuracy is on point, there are instances wherein some portions of the image appeared a bit too grainy even when there’s ample lighting.

The front camera performed slightly better as it was able to take selfies with good details and sharpness.

Software

The Note 4 runs on Infinix’s XOS Chameleon 2.3 on top of Android 7.0 Nougat. It’s a pretty simple (and colorful) take on Android that offers a number of useful features.

You can cycle through other folders just by doing a swiping gesture on the title of the one that’s currently open, pretty handy as you don’t have to close and open folders by going back to the home screen again and again to view their contents.

Multi Account lets you sign in to two different accounts with one social media app. This is very useful if you want to keep track of your personal and work accounts in one device.

Freezer, as the name implies can be used to block certain apps from unnecessarily slowing down your device. It also supports the double tap to wake/sleep gesture, which isn’t only faster at times, but also somehow lessens the burden on the power button.

The default camera app has a Picture in Picture mode, which basically involves taking a picture with both the front and rear cameras at the same time. There’s also a wide selfie mode, which is like taking a panorama shot.

Of course, there’s Professional mode for those who want control over individual elements of their photos. The camera app also supports gesture shots and beautification effects.

Battery

The 4300mAh battery should be able to get you through a whole day of light to moderate usage without problems.

Verdict

The Infinix Note 4 is no doubt very capable as a daily driver, you get a big vibrant display suited for media consumption, a software with great features, and excellent battery life.

On the flip, the design and build quality isn’t inspiring, we’ve seen better performance from other devices at this price point, and the camera, while decent, is still a hit and miss.

To conclude, I think that it’s a bit hard to recommend this device, especially in the face of other manufacturers that offer better looks, specs, features, and generally more value for money.

The Good

• Vibrant Display
• Excellent Battery Life
• Optimized, Feature-Packed Software
• Front Camera Performance

The Not So Good

• Gaming Performance
• Choice of Processing Package
• Rear Camera Performance
• Uninspiring Design and Build Quality

Emman Tortoza

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Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.