Apart from the Zero 4 Plus, Infinix has recently introduced the Zero 4 in the country, a more affordable offering w/ priority in mobile photography in mind. This handset highlights the well regarded 16 MP f/2.0 Sony IMX298 sensor with laser autofocus and optical image stabilization.
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| Will this handset be the next great affordable photography phone? |
To refresh our minds, its the same camera sensor (minus PDAF focus) found the likes of OnePlus 3 and Huawei Mate 8. Of course, we are not expecting this device to match the camera performance of those higher-end devices. But, the point is, we now have a smartphone in the sub PHP 12K region that has this promising type of camera.
On top of that, Infinix also developed an easy to use camera "Pro" mode with ISO, shutter speed, and focus adjustments.
However, critics like us arent too happy with its use of the ageing MT6753 octa core chip by MediaTek. Anyway, given that this is a photography centric device, not a "power user" phone, it could be forgivable.
Disclaimer: This Zero 4 review unit was borrowed from Infinix Mobile Philippines. Rest is assured of our unbiased review.
Infinix Zero 4 Specs
Display: 5.5 Inch FHD IPS 1920 x 1080 resolution w/ 2.5D curved glass at 401 ppi
CPU: 1.3 GHz 64 Bit MT6753 octa core processor
GPU: Mali T720
RAM: 3 GB
ROM: 32 GB expandable via micro SD card slot up to 128 GB (dedicated)
Back Camera: 16 MP f/2.0 Sony IMX298 w/ laser AF, OIS, and dual tone LED flash
Selfie Camera: 8 MP w/ wide angle lens and LED flash
Battery: 3,200 mAh Li Pol w/ Quick Charge
OS: Android 6.0 Marshmallow w/ XOS
Connectivity: WiFi, 3G, LTE, Bluetooth 4.0, OTG, GPS, A GPS, dual SIM
Others: Fingerprint sensor, Colors: fibre brown, barbie pink, galaxy blue, purple silver
Sensors: Accelerometer, proximity, compass, gravity, light, voice, gyroscop e
Price: PHP 11,990
Unboxing / Accessories
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| The packaging! |
The Zero 4 is packaged in a "premium" like black box. It has complete accessories from a 2A wall charger, USB to micro USB cable, in-ear monitors w/ mic, SIM ejector tool, clear case, and tempered glass.
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| Many inclusions inside |
This is the type of package we want to have and see on every mobile phones. Great effort from Infinix.
Build Quality / Design
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| Solid bar of metal! |
This device is constructed in a very similar way compared with the higher-end and bigger Zero 4 Plus. Its crafted using a very tough type of metal unibody w/ proper chamfered edges thats nice in the eyes and hands. In front, the screen is protected with Gorilla glass protected 2.5D curved glass. With no doubt, this is a very solid phone!
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| 3.5 mm headphone slot found on top! |
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| Single speaker, micro USB port, and microphone located below |
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| Dedicated micro SD card slot at left |
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| Power button, volume rocker, and dual SIM slots at right |
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| SIM and micro SD card trays ejected |
In terms of aesthetics, the Zero 4 is arguably the most premium looking sub PHP 12K handset in the country as of this writing. It looks outstanding from the chamfered edges, corner curves, speaker holes, antenna lines, and screen! Speaking of the screen, the 2.5D curved glass is an eye candy. We also liked the fact that it doesnt have big black border bezels on the screen. Our only grip here is its protruding camera design at the back.
The Zero 4 is arguably the most premium looking sub PHP 12K handset today!
The device is also nice in the hands and has proper heft. Buttons and ports are on standard locations too. Its dot like non-lit capacitive keys are confusing to use at first though.
Initial findings
1. The 5 points touch ready 5.5 inch FHD screen w/ 2.5D glass is nice in the eyes. Sunlight legibility is good too. Border bezels are slim as well.
2. Construction and design is great like the Zero 4. Like what we said before, it can easily be mistaken as a high-end device.
3. The use of the ageing MT6753 chip is a little disappointing. It is still capable, bu t a higher-end chip like the MT6750 would have made this handset better. Fortunately, for social media use and general photography, we havent encountered major slowdowns yet.
4. The main camera is amazing for the price. It could be the best photography phone in the sub PHP 12K region yet. OIS and manual controls are always nice to have. Selfie camera w/ wide angle lens and flash looks decent so far too.
5. Like its bigger brother, this phone is packed with a basic sensors that includes gyroscope for VR and AR. It also has a fingerprint scanner behind, LED notification in front, and USB OTG support. Whats missing is LED lighting for the capacitive keys. Familiarization is also required to master the use of its dot like keys with no markings .
Related: Infinix Zero 4: First Camera Samples!
As of the moment
For its main purpose of providing great mobile photography experience on a budget, it appears that Infinix did a fine job with the Zero 4. We are pleased with what its main camera and even its selfie camera so far. The build quality is also outstanding and the performance is quite smooth (even with the use of a dated chip) for social media and basic Android task.
Stay tuned for our full report soon!
