The Infinix Note 10 Pro: A Jumbo-Sized Budget Phone With Big Promises
Infinix has thrown its hat into the ring with the Note 10 Pro, aiming to capture the sub-Rs. 20,000 segment with a phone boasting a massive 6.95-inch display, 90Hz refresh rate, and a capable MediaTek Helio G95 processor. But is size everything? My first impressions of the Infinix Note 10 Pro reveal a phone with some strong points, but also some areas that might make potential buyers think twice.
A Phone That’s Big… Literally
The Infinix Note 10 Pro is a phone that makes a statement. Let’s be upfront, it’s huge. Holding this phone with one hand is pretty much impossible, and while that might be a dealbreaker for some, others will appreciate the vast canvas it offers for consuming content. The display itself is a full-HD+ panel with a 90Hz refresh rate and 180Hz touch-sampling rate, a combination that promises smooth scrolling and responsive gaming.
The phone’s frame is made of plastic, lending a somewhat budget-friendly feel. While the edges are curved for a comfortable grip, the top and bottom are flat. The Note 10 Pro comes equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack, primary microphone, USB Type-C port, and a loudspeaker at the bottom. The top edge is bare, leaving more space for a truly immersive viewing experience.
The placement of the side-mounted fingerprint scanner is a curious choice, positioned slightly higher than ideal. Reaching it requires a slightly awkward thumb stretch. The volume buttons are nestled above the fingerprint scanner, also requiring a good reach. This is a minor inconvenience, but worth mentioning if you’re someone who prioritizes effortless one-handed access.
Packed With Features, But Is It ‘Pro’ Enough?
Flipping the phone over reveals a familiar sight: a quad-camera module perched on the top left corner. This module boasts a 64-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera that doubles as a macro shooter, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and a 2-megapixel black & white sensor. The camera module itself is a bit of a standout, protruding noticeably from the back.
The Note 10 Pro feels surprisingly heavy at 207g, which isn’t a surprise considering the sheer size. The back panel is flat with slightly curved edges for a comfortable hold. The phone is powered by the MediaTek Helio G95 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. This configuration makes a strong case for the Note 10 Pro’s performance potential, especially in demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking.
Infinix runs XOS 7.6 based on Android 11, bringing a touch of customisation to the experience. However, the March security patch on my review unit felt a bit outdated. The phone is also pre-installed with a number of apps, some of which might get a little pushy with notifications, something that can be annoying for those who prefer a minimal experience.
A Contender, But Not Quite A Champion
The Infinix Note 10 Pro does offer some solid offerings: a large display, a capable processor, and decent cameras. But when you factor in the sheer size and the competition in the sub-Rs. 20,000 segment, things get a little more complicated.
The Note 10 Pro will appeal to consumers seeking a large-screened budget phone, especially those who value multimedia consumption. But the lack of a more streamlined design and the presence of bloatware might deter those searching for a more minimalist experience.
A Wait-And-See Situation
My first impressions of the Infinix Note 10 Pro point to a phone with both strengths and weaknesses. While the phone boasts a big screen, an adequate processor, and a capable camera setup, the sheer size and the presence of bloatware might not resonate with everyone.
The Note 10 Pro will certainly be a contender in the sub-Rs. 20,000 segment, but its success hinges on whether it can overcome these inherent hurdles. Only a full review can tell us how it truly stacks up against competitors like Xiaomi, Realme, and Poco. Until then, the Note 10 Pro remains a phone that offers big promises but needs to prove it can deliver.
