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, I’ve been checking out the highest-end device yet from a manufacturer many readers won’t have heard of—but it’s one that marks an unusual collaboration with another brand that might be more familiar. Infinix is a sub-brand of Chinese company Transsion, which also owns the smartphone maker Tecno. The manufacturer is 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 largely targets young consumers in the markets where it operates. Its ultra-popular Hot series is designed to be affordable and stylish, while the Note is a step up in performance and functionality. The new Note 60 Ultra, however, is Infinix’s first attempt to compete in truly premium terms. The spec sheet 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
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 device that boasts Ferrari-like styling. Infinix, a sub-brand of Chinese company Transsion, which also owns the smartphone maker Tecno, has unveiled its new Note 60 Ultra, marking an unusual collaboration with another brand that might be more familiar.
Transsion 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, the brand in question, largely targets young consumers in the markets where it operates. Its ultra-popular Hot series is designed to be affordable and stylish, while the Note is 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 smartphone that exudes the Italian brand’s signature style. The phone’s sleek curves and bold colors pay homage to Ferrari’s iconic racing heritage, making it a visually striking addition to the premium smartphone market. The collaboration extends to the phone’s interior, with the Note 60 Ultra featuring a carbon fiber back panel and a Ferrari-inspired user interface.
While the specs of the Note 60 Ultra may not match those of flagship devices from established brands, its design and partnership with Ferrari set it apart from the competition. The phone is priced competitively, making it an attractive option for consumers looking for a premium-looking device without breaking the bank.
Infinix’s entry into the premium smartphone market is a testament to the company’s ambition and innovation. With its unique collaboration with Ferrari and a focus on style and performance, the Note 60 Ultra is poised to make a significant impact in the global smartphone market. As the company continues to expand its reach and offerings, it’s clear that Infinix is not afraid to challenge the status quo and carve out its own niche in the competitive landscape.
