This new phone from a little-known Chinese manufacturer has Ferrari-like styling

Amid the usual barrage of new launches around this time of year from the likes of Samsung and Xiaomi, a lesser-known Chinese manufacturer has entered the fray with a phone that boasts Ferrari-like styling. Infinix, a sub-brand of Transsion Holdings, has unveiled its Note 60 Ultra, a device that marks an unusual collaboration with another brand that might be more familiar. Transsion, which also owns the smartphone maker Tecno, has been particularly successful in developing smartphone markets like Africa and the Middle East. Across all of its brands, Transsion accounts for about half of Africa’s smartphone market share, according to figures from Canalys last year. Infinix, which largely targets young consumers in the markets where it operates, is known for its ultra-popular Hot series, designed to be affordable and stylish, and the Note series, which offers a step up in performance and functionality.

The new Note 60 Ultra, however, is Infinix’s first attempt to compete in truly premium terms. By global standards, the Note 60 Ultra doesn’t really justify the “Ultra” designation if you look at its spec sheet, though it’s certainly at the high end of what Infinix typically produces. It’s based on a midrange MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate system-on-chip, topping out at 512GB of storage and 12GB of RAM. The camera setup, meanwhile, is capable but cuts corners. The main camera uses a reasonably sized 200-megapixel sensor, backed by a 50-megapixel 3.5x telephoto and a pokey 8-megapixel ultrawide. Results are fine for the price point, but you might expect more from something with Ultra in the name.

It’s harder to pick nits with the display—you get a 6.78-inch 144Hz 2644-by-1208 OLED panel, which looks great in any environment. There’s also a very high-capacity silicon-carbon battery at 7,000mAh (milliampere-hours) that can be charged at up to 100 watts, getting you a 50% charge in about 18 minutes, and there’s support for wireless charging at 50 watts.

The standout feature of the Note 60 Ultra, however, is its design. Infinix has partnered with Ferrari to create a phone that exudes the Italian automaker’s signature style. The phone’s design language is inspired by Ferrari’s iconic racing cars, with bold lines, a sleek silhouette, and a focus on aerodynamics. The back of the phone is adorned with a unique texture that pays homage to Ferrari’s iconic red color, while the edges are finished in a brushed metal that gives the phone a premium feel.

The collaboration with Ferrari doesn’t just extend to the design—it also influences the phone’s performance. The Note 60 Ultra is designed to deliver high-performance capabilities, with a focus on speed and agility. The phone’s hardware, including its MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chipset, is optimized for smooth performance, while the 144Hz refresh rate display ensures that everything on the screen looks sharp and responsive.

Despite its premium design and performance, the Note 60 Ultra remains an affordable option compared to other high-end smartphones on the market. Infinix has priced the phone competitively, making it accessible to a wider audience. The phone is available in select markets, and its success will likely depend on its ability to capture the attention of tech enthusiasts and casual users alike.

Infinix’s Note 60 Ultra is a bold move for the manufacturer, which has traditionally focused on the mid-range and budget segments of the smartphone market. By partnering with Ferrari and aiming for a premium design and performance, Infinix is trying to carve out a niche for itself in the high-end market. While the phone’s spec sheet may not be as impressive as some of its competitors, its unique design and collaboration with Ferrari make it a standout in the crowded smartphone market. Only time will tell if Infinix’s Note 60 Ultra can make a lasting impact in the world of high-end smartphones.