Infinix Smart 10 Plus: The budget smartphone market often feels like a race to the bottom, with manufacturers cutting corners to hit aggressive price points. Yesterday’s launch of the Infinix Smart 10 Plus in New Delhi challenged this narrative entirely. Priced at just ₹8,999, this device brings features typically reserved for phones costing twice as much, proving that entry-level doesn’t have to mean bare-bones. For millions of first-time smartphone buyers and those seeking capable secondary devices, the Smart 10 Plus represents remarkable value.
Design That Defies Budget Expectations
Pick up the Smart 10 Plus, and the first surprise is how premium it feels. The textured back panel, available in Meta Black, Meta Blue, and Meta Gold, resists fingerprints while providing excellent grip. The gradient finish catches light attractively without looking gaudy – a mature approach unusual in budget phones. At 8.4mm thickness, it feels modern rather than chunky, while the weight distribution ensures comfortable one-handed use despite the large screen.
The camera module design shows thoughtful execution. Rather than a cheap-looking bump, Infinix created a sleek rectangular housing that integrates naturally with the back panel. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor doubles as the power button, positioned perfectly for both right and left-handed users. Even small touches like the textured volume buttons and the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack show understanding of budget phone buyers’ priorities.
Display Size That Impresses
The 6.8-inch IPS LCD display immediately grabs attention with its sheer size. While the HD+ resolution of 1640 x 720 pixels might seem modest on paper, spread across this screen size it remains adequately sharp for everyday use. The 90Hz refresh rate – almost unheard of at this price point – makes scrolling through social media and navigating the interface feel remarkably smooth. This isn’t just a specification checkbox; it genuinely improves the user experience.
Brightness levels reach sufficient heights for outdoor visibility, though direct sunlight remains challenging. The display’s color reproduction leans toward the vivid side, making content look engaging if not entirely accurate. The waterdrop notch housing the front camera feels dated compared to punch-hole designs, but it maximizes screen real estate effectively. For watching videos or playing games, the expansive display provides an immersive experience that belies the phone’s budget status.
Performance Tuned for Real-World Use
The MediaTek Helio G70 processor powers the Smart 10 Plus, a chip that balances performance and efficiency well for this segment. Paired with 4GB of RAM (expandable to 7GB through virtual RAM), the phone handles daily tasks competently. Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube run smoothly, with minimal lag during normal use. The processor shows its limitations with heavy multitasking or demanding games, but remains perfectly adequate for typical budget phone usage.
Storage comes in 64GB and 128GB variants, using eMMC 5.1 technology. While not as fast as UFS storage in pricier phones, it provides reasonable app loading times and file transfers. The dedicated microSD slot supports expansion up to 512GB, acknowledging that budget phone users often store large media libraries. The Android 13 (Go Edition) operating system optimizes performance for limited hardware, ensuring smooth operation despite modest specifications.
Camera Capabilities Beyond Price Expectations
The dual-camera setup features a 50-megapixel main sensor that captures surprisingly detailed photos in good lighting. While it won’t match flagship phones, the results easily surpass what budget phones typically deliver. Colors appear natural without excessive processing, and the autofocus works reliably for static subjects. The AI scene detection actually helps, adjusting settings appropriately for landscapes, portraits, or food photography.
Low-light performance predictably struggles, but the included LED flash helps for close-up subjects. The 8-megapixel front camera handles video calls and selfies adequately, with AI beautification that can be adjusted or disabled entirely. Video recording tops out at 1080p 30fps, sufficient for capturing memories even if it won’t win cinematography awards. The camera app remains simple and responsive, avoiding the lag that plagues many budget phone cameras.
Battery Life That Goes the Distance
The 6,000mAh battery represents one of the Smart 10 Plus’s strongest features. This massive capacity easily powers through two days of moderate use or a full day of heavy usage. For users in areas with inconsistent charging access, this endurance proves invaluable. The efficient processor and optimized software contribute to impressive standby time, with the phone losing minimal charge overnight.
Charging happens via micro-USB at 10W speeds – admittedly slow by modern standards but acceptable given the price point. A full charge takes about three hours, though most users will simply plug in overnight. The lack of fast charging feels less problematic when the battery lasts long enough that daily charging isn’t necessary. Infinix includes a charger in the box, a welcome inclusion when many manufacturers have eliminated accessories.
Software Experience That Stays Clean
XOS 13 based on Android 13 (Go Edition) provides a surprisingly clean interface. While some bloatware exists, most can be uninstalled, and the aggressive ads that plagued earlier Infinix phones have been significantly reduced. The Go Edition optimizations ensure smooth performance despite limited RAM, with lightweight versions of Google apps that load quickly and use less storage.
Useful additions include a system-wide dark mode, gesture navigation, and smart panel for quick access to frequently used apps. The phone handles the basics well without overwhelming users with unnecessary features. Security updates arrive quarterly, reasonable for a budget device, while the Android version should remain current for at least two years.
Infinix Smart 10 Plus Value That Redefines Entry-Level
At ₹8,999, the Infinix Smart 10 Plus delivers remarkable value. The combination of a large 90Hz display, massive battery, capable cameras, and clean software creates a package that genuinely surprises. For first-time smartphone buyers, students, or anyone needing a reliable secondary device, it offers features that matter without unnecessary premiums. The Smart 10 Plus proves that budget phones have evolved far beyond basic communication devices into capable digital companions.