Are Infinix Budget Phones Worth It or Just Dead Weights?

A “dead weight” phone can be described as a device that looks appealing at purchase but quickly loses value or usefulness due to poor software support, lack of updates, and limited access to new features. The big question is: Are Infinix budget phones falling into this category?

Infinix: Affordable but Falling Behind?

Infinix, under Transsion Holdings, is well known for producing affordable, spec-rich smartphones. This strategy has helped Transsion climb into the top 5 global smartphone vendors (Q2 2025 report from Canalys (now part of Omdia) alongside giants like Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, and Vivo.

For years, Infinix (alongside TECNO and itel) attracted millions of buyers across Africa, Asia, and emerging markets with stylish designs, low prices, and competitive hardware. But as smartphone buyers become more educated, these factors are no longer enough. Rivals are offering better long-term value through reliable Android upgrades and support—an area where Transsion still lags.

Poor Android Software Updates at the Core

Some days ago, Infinix released it’s final list of smartphones that will be receiving the XOS 15 based-Android 15 OS. Surprisingly, recently launched devices like the Infinix HOT 50 Series and XPAD Series were excluded, despite being just a year old.

This decision reinforces a growing concern: microeconomic pressures and consumer awareness are redefining smartphone value. Buyers are no longer satisfied with a pretty phone that stops receiving updates within months—they now prioritize security, longevity, and future-proofing.

In fact, a recent survey we carried out for Infinix and TECNO users showed that 80% of respondents were unhappy with the lack of Android OS upgrades and access to new features.

While Transsion holds its place in the top 5, it is the weakest in Android OS upgrade commitments among the smartphone leaders.

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Case Study: Redmi 14C vs Infinix HOT 50

So how does a budget phone from Infinix compare against a similarly priced competitor? Let’s compare the Infinix HOT 50 (8/256GB) against Xiaomi’s Redmi 14C (8/256GB)

Feature	Redmi 14C	Infinix HOT 50
Launch OS	Android 14 (HyperOS 1)	Android 14 (XOS 14)
Update Policy	Up to Android 16 (HyperOS 3)	Stuck on Android 14 (no upgrade)
Display	6.6" FHD+, 120Hz	6.78" FHD+, 120Hz
SoC	MTK Helio G81-Ultra processor	MTK Helio G100 (6 nm)
Storage & RAM:	8GB + 256GB	8GB + 256GB
Cameras	50MP + 13MP	50MP + 8MP
Battery	5000mAh, 18W	5000mAh, 18W
Price	₱6,499 (~$114)	₱7,507 (~$132)

The Redmi 14C and Infinix HOT 50 share similar specs, but Redmi takes the lead in two areas that matter most: Android updates and pricing.

Android Updates:

Both phones were launched with Android 14 last year. However, the Redmi 14C has been upgraded to Android 15 (HyperOS 2) and is expected to get Android 16 (HyperOS 3) next year. In contrast, the Infinix HOT 50 is stuck on Android 14 (XOS 14), with Android 15 reserved only for the HOT 50 Pro Plus. This leaves the HOT 50, HOT 50i, HOT 50 5G, and HOT 50 Pro behind.

Pricing:

In the Philippines (via Shopee), the Redmi 14C sells for ₱6,499 (~$113.99), while the Infinix HOT 50 costs ₱7,507 (~$131.67). Once again, Redmi wins.

While the HOT 50 is sleek and stylish, today’s buyers care about long-term value, not just looks. Redmi’s strategy is paying off—sales of the 14C have helped Xiaomi reclaim ground in Latin America, Africa, and other markets throughout 2025.

Why Android Upgrades Matter—even for Budget Phones

Security & Privacy
Without updates, phones become vulnerable to hackers. Budget phones without patches can compromise sensitive data.
Long-Term Value for Money
A $150 phone with 2–3 years of updates is a better investment than a $200 phone that dies after launch.
Access to New Features
Updates bring UI improvements, performance boosts, and battery optimizations that keep even budget devices fresh.
App Compatibility
Apps drop support for outdated Android versions, turning non-updated phones into “dead weight.”
Resale Value
Updated devices retain higher secondhand value compared to abandoned models.
Brand Reputation
Companies like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Nokia are winning loyalty through long-term support. Infinix risks losing trust if it doesn’t evolve.

Infinix’s Current Update Policy

Infinix doesn’t have a clear Android software update policy, but as of Sept 2025, this is what it’s been operating with.

ZERO Series: 2 major Android upgrades + 36 months security patches
NOTE Series: 2 major Android upgrades + 36 months security patches
GT Series: 2 major Android upgrades + 36 months security patches
HOT Series: 24 months security patches, no major OS upgrades
XPAD Series: 24 months security patches, no major OS upgrades
SMART Series: 24 months security patches, no major OS upgrades

Clearly, Infinix’s midrange and budget users (HOT, SMART, XPAD) are left behind, while premium buyers get slightly better support.

Conclusion: Time for Infinix to Step Up

Infinix has built its empire on affordable, attractive devices, but in today’s competitive smartphone market, design and specs aren’t enough. Longevity, software support, and trust are the new benchmarks of value—even for budget phones.

Unless Infinix reforms its update policies and begins to prioritize long-term usability, more buyers will gravitate toward brands like Xiaomi, Samsung, and Nokia that guarantee lasting support. Otherwise, Infinix budget phones risk becoming exactly what critics call them: dead weight.

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