The Infinix Note 5 Stylus is a mid-range smartphone that aims to bridge the gap between affordability and functionality, particularly for users who value productivity and creativity. With its built-in stylus, large display, and decent hardware, it targets a niche audience looking for a budget-friendly alternative to premium note-taking devices. But does it live up to expectations? Let’s dive into the details.

At first glance, the Infinix Note 5 Stylus stands out with its sleek design and premium build. The phone features a metal unibody construction that feels sturdy in hand, while the matte finish reduces fingerprint smudges. The 5.99-inch IPS LCD display dominates the front, offering an 18:9 aspect ratio and Full HD+ resolution (2160 x 1080 pixels). Colors are vibrant, and brightness levels are adequate for indoor use, though outdoor visibility could be better under direct sunlight.

One of the key selling points of this device is its stylus support. Unlike many budget phones, the Note 5 Stylus includes an active stylus with pressure sensitivity, making it a viable option for sketching, note-taking, and precise navigation. The stylus itself is lightweight and responsive, though it lacks the advanced features found in more expensive counterparts like the Samsung S Pen. Still, for casual users or students, it’s a welcome addition.

Under the hood, the phone is powered by a MediaTek Helio P23 chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD). While this configuration won’t blow anyone away, it handles everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming without major hiccups. Multitasking is manageable, though heavy apps or prolonged gaming sessions may reveal some limitations. The device runs on Android 8.1 Oreo with Infinix’s XOS skin on top, which adds some bloatware but also useful features like gesture controls and app cloning.

Battery life is another strong suit of the Infinix Note 5 Stylus. The 4,000mAh battery easily lasts a full day of moderate to heavy use, and with conservative usage, you might even stretch it to two days. Unfortunately, fast charging isn’t supported, so topping up the battery takes a bit longer than ideal. On the audio front, the single bottom-firing speaker is loud but lacks depth, and the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack might disappoint some users.

Photography enthusiasts will find a mixed bag with the 13MP rear camera and 16MP front camera. In good lighting, the rear shooter captures decently detailed shots with accurate colors, but low-light performance is mediocre, with noticeable noise and softness. The front camera, while high in megapixels, tends to overprocess images, resulting in an artificial look. Video recording maxes out at 1080p, and stabilization is average at best.

Connectivity options include dual SIM support, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, and a micro-USB port (a downside in an era of USB-C). The rear-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, and face unlock works reasonably well in bright conditions. Software updates have been sporadic, which might be a concern for long-term users.

Here’s a quick rundown of the Infinix Note 5 Stylus specifications:

Display: 5.99-inch IPS LCD, 2160 x 1080 resolution, 18:9 aspect ratio

Processor: MediaTek Helio P23 (MT6763V)

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 64GB, expandable via microSD (up to 128GB)

Rear Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, PDAF, LED flash

Front Camera: 16MP, f/2.0

Battery: 4,000mAh, non-removable

OS: Android 8.1 Oreo (XOS 3.3)

Stylus: Active stylus included (pressure-sensitive)

Connectivity: Dual SIM, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, micro-USB

Security: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, face unlock

Dimensions: 158.2 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm

Weight: 173g

In conclusion, the Infinix Note 5 Stylus is a compelling option for budget-conscious users who want stylus functionality without breaking the bank. It excels in battery life and offers a decent display, but its performance and camera capabilities are merely average. If you’re after a productivity tool for light tasks and note-taking, this phone delivers. However, power users or photography enthusiasts might want to look elsewhere.