Introduction

The Hot 40i (model numbers X6528B, X6528) arrived on my desk promising a compelling blend of features at a budget-friendly price point. This Middle East version boasts a 50MP dual AI camera, a sizeable 5000mAh battery, and a vibrant 90Hz display. But does it deliver on its promises? After spending several weeks putting it through its paces, here’s my comprehensive review.

Key Features

The Hot 40i packs a punch for its price. Key highlights include the 50MP dual AI camera system, which surprisingly performs well in various lighting conditions. The 32MP front-facing camera is equally impressive for selfies and video calls. The 256GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1TB, ensures ample space for apps, photos, and videos. The 5000mAh battery consistently lasted well over a day on a single charge, even with moderate gaming.

Other notable features include the smooth 90Hz refresh rate display, side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking, and the octa-core Unisoc T606 processor that handled everyday tasks with ease. The inclusion of 8GB of RAM, expandable to 16GB, further enhances multitasking capabilities.

Performance & Battery Life

The Unisoc T606 processor, while not a flagship chip, proved adequate for everyday usage. Browsing, social media, and streaming were all handled smoothly. More demanding tasks like gaming showed some minor lag, but nothing overly disruptive. The 90Hz refresh rate made the user interface feel noticeably smoother than on standard 60Hz screens. The advertised 18W fast charging topped up the battery quickly enough.

The 5000mAh battery was a standout. I consistently achieved well over 24 hours of use on a single charge, even with moderate gaming. This is excellent battery life for a phone in this price range.

Camera Performance

The 50MP dual AI camera system pleasantly surprised me. Image quality in good lighting was excellent, with vibrant colours and good detail. Low-light performance was acceptable, though not as impressive. The 32MP selfie camera produced clear and detailed selfies. Video recording was smooth and stable. While not at the level of flagship phones, the camera performance was better than expected for a device at this price point.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Excellent battery life, smooth 90Hz display, good camera performance for the price, ample storage, fast charging.
• Cons: Performance can lag under heavy load, low-light camera performance could be improved.

Final Verdict

The Hot 40i (X6528B, X6528) offers impressive value for money. Its long battery life, smooth display, and surprisingly capable camera make it a strong contender in the budget smartphone market. While it’s not perfect, and may struggle with very demanding tasks, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses for everyday use. I would recommend this phone to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable device with a great battery.