Infinix Zero X Pro review

 

Introduction

Infinix is a brand we don't review too often, mostly due to its regionally limited popularity. In certain markets, particularly in Africa and South Asia, however, Infinix has its fair share of market pull. To provide additional context, Infinix is one of the Chinese Transsion Holding brands, with the other major ones including Tecno and Itel. Also, Oraimo for accessories and Carlcare for after-sales service. But, we digress.

Actually, we've been on a bit of a roll with Infinix latterly, since we just recently checked out the new Infinix Note 11 Pro.

And now we have the Infinix Zero X Pro in for review. It is the current flagship in the Infinix lineup and, as such, is quite well equipped in terms of hardware. Pricing is a bit difficult to precisely pinpoint since the Infinix Zero X Pro is still not on sale in most online stores we checked. Some sourced we've seen hint at an MSRP of around $300, which seems pretty low. Another more believable alleged price tag is right around $456 or EUR 390 for the 256GB/8GB variant. It is hence fairly safe to assume that the base 128GB/8GB variant should retail at around $400.

That sounds impressive, given the kind of specs the Zero X Pro is rocking. The triple main camera setup is a major highlight. It has a 108MP, f/1.79 OIS-enabled camera at the helm, along with an 8MP, f/2.25, 120-degree ultrawide and last, but definitely not least, an 8MP periscope telephoto, with 5x optical and up to 60x digital zoom and OIS. All three cameras actually have autofocus, which allows the ultrawide to double as a macro cam. Infinix is so hyped about its zoom tech that there is even a special system for photographing the moon on the Zero X Pro, dubbed Galileo Engine.

Infinix Zero X Pro specs at a glance:

• Body: 164.1x75.7x7.8mm, 193g; Glass front, glass back, plastic frame.
• Display: 6.67" AMOLED, 120Hz, 700 nits (peak), 1080x2400px resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, 395ppi.
• Chipset: Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm): Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G76 MC4.
• Memory: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM; UFS 2.2; microSDXC (dedicated slot).
• OS/Software: Android 11, XOS 7.6.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 108 MP, f/1.8, 1/1.52", 0.7µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS; Telephoto: 8 MP, f/3.4, 125mm, 1/4.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, 5x optical zoom, OIS; Ultra wide angle: 8 MP, f/2.3, 13mm, 120-degree, 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF.
• Front camera: 16 MP, (wide), 1/2.76", 1.12µm.
• Video capture: Rear camera: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps; Front camera: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps.
• Battery: 4500mAh; Fast Charging 45W, 40% in 15 min (advertised).
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (under display, optical); FM radio; 3.5mm jack.

And the camera is far from the only impressive part of the specs sheet. In no particular order, the Zero X Pro also has a large 6.67-inch AMOLED display, with 700 nits of advertised brightness and 120Hz refresh rate, with a dedicated display controller Infinix seem particularly keen on in marketing. You also get a 4,500 mAh battery with 45W fast charging and a stereo speaker setup.

The Zero X Pro is definitely a bit of a departure from the typical Infinix budget MO. It even has the looks to go along with the beefed-up specs sheet, actually incorporating a glass back in its design. We can't wait to dive in and see how well these specs on paper translates to the real world.

Unboxing

First, though, a quick unboxing session. The Zero X Pro comes in a solid cardboard box, just like all other Infinix models we've seen. Unlike the Note 10 Pro and Note 11 Pro, however, it does not rock a flashy bright green color. Infinix went for subdued colors and some subtle patterns instead. There is plenty of cardboard on the inside of the box as well to keep everything nice and secure.

Infinix did not skimp on the accessory package. First and foremost, you get the 45W charger, along with a USB Type-A to Type-C cable. You probably want to hold on to it as well, since we assume that it is rated for more current than your typical cable to accommodate the way Infinix has its 45W charging set up. Beyond that, you also get a nice textured and grippy case. It even has a nifty lip to protect the camera island. No complaints there. Last but not least, Infinix has thrown in a pair of wired earbuds with an inline microphone. Nothing particularly flashy, but still great added value overall.

Design

The Infinix Zero X Pro definitely has a distinct look to it. Dare we say even memorable and unique in certain aspects. In terms of the overall shape and the silhouette of the device, there is some obvious iPhone inspiration going on. All of the sides are flat and shiny, and the corner curves look quite familiar, too.

We definitely won't knock Infinix for drawing inspiration from Apple's design, though. It definitely works and looks good-no denying that. Infinix even managed to do a very nice job emulating a shiny metal finish on the otherwise plastic frame.

The frame definitely goes a long way in conveying a premium feel. But so does the back panel on the Infinix Zero X Pro. You get a choice of three colors: Starry Silver, Nebula Black and Tuscany Brown. The first two variants advertise a "dual-glass back finish" and we can see what they mean on our Nebula Black unit. It has a distinctive starry pattern on a lower layer and another layer of glass on top of that.

Nebula Black looks nice and distinctive, but it can be a bit of a too bold look for some, too. Starry silver looks to be a lot more neutral and low-key. Though, we haven't really seen it in person. Tuscany Brown seems bold in its own particular way, mostly due to the color, which appears orange more than anything else. Apparently, this one also has a different material on the back advertised as "environmentally-friendly fiberglass".

Our Nebula Black unit tends to gather some fingerprints and smudges, but they don't really show up too much due to the dark color and the pattern.

The camera island on the Zero X Pro has a very commanding design to it. Much like on the Note 11 Pro, Infinix cleverly decided to separate out the main camera, with plenty of empty space around it and wide black rims, which gives the impression of a massive camera module. Not that it's super special in any way, though , to be fair, the 108MP unit here is definitely mode deserving of such a distinction than the 64MP snapper on the Note 11 Pro.

The multi-layer layout and the particular chamfering of the edges also look quite professional. The white and red text is also an interesting touch. While it can be off-putting for many, it is an undeniable throwback to classic camera or lens markings of old. It fits the whole pro-camera angle Infinix has going as well.

Moving on to the front of the Zero X Pro, we find more similarities to recent Apple design, particularly in the shape of the rounded display edges. Again, we won't knock Infinix for drawing inspiration. It is a good look.

The bezels around the display are on the thicker side, particularly the top and the bottom one. But then again, the iPhone 13 doesn't exactly have an edge-to-edge display either. The Zero X Pro still looks premium, even with the bezels, and it works well in terms of ergonomics. Plus, the top bezel actually has some nifty extra concealed hardware to boot - a dedicated selfie LED setup.

The selfie punch hole is not too large, but it does have a bit of a rim, which can be distracting.

Materials and build quality

The Infinix Zero X Pro feels very well made. There is practically no flex anywhere on the device. No creaking, hollowness or any other obvious issues. Measuring 164.1 x 75.7 x 7.8 mm, it is not a small device, yet at 193 grams, it is not overly heavy. For reference, an iPhone 13 Pro Max, with its roughly similar dimensions, weighs 240 grams. It strikes a good balance between actual weight and feeling dense enough to appear premium if that makes any sense.

A lot of the lightness of the Zero X Pro can be attributed to the choice of materials. Despite pulling off a metallic look, the middle frame on the Zero X Pro is made of plastic. That doesn't prevent it from being structurally sound, though. Plus, plastic doesn't dent entirely as metal does. It will probably scratch more, though.

Speaking of scratching, the back on the Zero X Pro is made of glass or fiberglass in the Tuscany Brown model. Infinix doesn't comment on the hardness or particular origin of the glass, which is slightly disconcerting, though. The same goes for the front of the device. We know it has some sort of glass finish, but no idea exactly what level of protection it provides. At least it is glass, and there is no included screen protector in the box, in contrast to the Infinix Note 11 Pro, which has a plastic display surface, and a screen protector comes standard.

And while the glass on the Zero X Pro is a bit of a mystery in terms of protection, what is certain is that there is no official ingress protection rating on the Zero X Pro. Granted, having actual IP certification is not particularly common at this price point, but it can still be had from some competitors.

Controls and connectivity

The Infinix Zero X Pro has a standard control layout. Nothing out of the ordinary. The volume rocker and power button sit in the right-hand frame. They are positioned well vertically and are wide enough to be comfortable to use. The power button is a bit wider. Both also have great tactile feedback. No complaints.

Unlike the cheaper Infinix Note 11 line, which has a side-mounted fingerprint reader, the Zero X Pro uses an under-display one. It is a standard optical unit. These have come a long way in terms of performance since their inception, and the one on the Zero X Pro does not disappoint. It is snappy and accurate.

The left-hand side of the phone only houses a Dual Nano-SIM tray, which also has a dedicated microSD card slot. An appreciated little bonus since you don't have to choose between a second SIM or more storage. The two SIM slots support LTE and dual standby.

The top of the Zero X Pro is empty. There is no stereo speaker setup, so ne second speaker or a beefier earpiece here.

The bottom side houses the one dedicated bottom-firing speaker, as well as the main mic, a trusty old 3.5mm audio jack and a Type-C port. The latter supports up to 45W charging and has a USB 2.0 controller with OTG.

There is also an FM radio receiver on the Zero X Pro. In case you were wondering - no notification LED.