Infinix Note 40S: The Midrange Contender With AMOLED Brilliance And 108 MP Power

Design: Sleek with a Halo Glow

Right off the bat, the Infinix Note 40S strikes a balance between style and durability. Its dimensions - 164.1×74.6×7.8 mm - make it feel slim and comfortable in hand, while its weight of 176 grams means it won't weigh you down. The Corning Gorilla Glass protection on the display ensures resilience against scratches and minor drops.

One of its coolest aesthetic features is the Active Halo Design on the back, an AI LED lighting that lends a futuristic vibe and gives notifications a unique flair. The phone is available in two stunning shades: Obsidian Black for those who love the classic sleek look, and Vintage Green for users who prefer something a little more adventurous.

Here are the relevant specs:

The body of the Infinix Note 40S is thoughtfully designed to strike a balance between form and function. With those dimensions and weight, it is quite lightweight for a phone with such a large (6.78-inch) display. The slim profile (7.8 mm thickness) makes it comfortable to hold, even during extended sessions of scrolling, gaming, and chatting. You're not likely to experience hand fatigue thanks to its ergonomic design.

It also fits snugly in your pocket, making it easy to carry around without bulking up your jeans or jacket. In a bag, its thin and lightweight build ensures it won't add noticeable weight, making it a great companion for those on the go.

The Corning Gorilla Glass protection on the display adds a significant layer of durability to the Note 40S. Gorilla Glass is renowned for being tough, scratch-resistant, and able to withstand minor drops and impacts. This is especially useful for those who tend to be a little rough with their phones or use them frequently outdoors. In day-to-day use, it helps keep your screen in pristine condition for longer, resisting unsightly scratches from keys, coins, or rough surfaces.

In short, the Gorilla Glass gives the display much-needed protection without compromising on touch sensitivity or display clarity. It's a feature that gives peace of mind for accidental bumps or scrapes.

The Infinix Note 40S comes in two color options, each of which reflects a different personality and taste:

• Obsidian Black: This is a classic choice for users who prefer sophistication and minimalism. Black is always stylish, sleek, and professional, making it perfect for users who want a phone that can fit into both casual and formal settings. If you're someone who prefers an understated, elegant look, Obsidian Black suits the vibe.
• Vintage Green: This color is for those who like to stand out a little more or embrace a bit of flair. Vintage Green has a fresh, vibrant energy without being too flashy, making it a great choice for users with a more adventurous or creative personality. It's ideal for those who like their phone to reflect their individuality but still want something classy and tasteful.

Infinix Note 40S Active Halo Design (AI LED lighting). Image credit: Infinix

Both color options come with the Active Halo Design on the back, where the AI-powered LED lighting adds a futuristic touch, especially when notifications light up. It's an eye-catching feature that adds a bit of high-tech flair to both color variants.

Overall, the body of the Infinix Note 40S is designed for comfort, durability, and style, making it a well-rounded choice for everyday use. Whether you're drawn to the sleekness of black or the vibrancy of green, this phone has an aesthetic that appeals to different personalities while ensuring it's comfortable and tough enough for daily life.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

With an IP54 rating, the Infinix Note 40S can withstand dust and light splashes, giving you a bit of extra peace of mind.

The "IP" in IP54 stands for Ingress Protection, and the two digits that follow each have a specific meaning. The first digit, the 5 in this case, refers to protection against solid particles. In Note 40S's world, that means it's dust-resistant. It's not completely dust-proof, but dust won't enter it in amounts that interferes with its safe operation. So, if you find yourself in a desert adventure or just have a knack for dropping your phone in the sandbox, fear not - the Infinix Note 40S's got you covered.

Next, the second digit, the 4, is all about protection against liquids. In this case, it's splash-resistant. So, a bit of rain or an accidental spill won't send your phone into panic mode. Just don't go tossing it into the pool for a dramatic entrance - that's a bit beyond its splash-resistant superpowers.

Now, about shielding your precious gadget from the environmental elements. While the Note 40S can handle the occasional splash, if you're planning a deep-sea expedition, I'd recommend a protective case. Think of it as a stylish armor for your phone - it wards off more than just evil scratches.

And let's not forget the screen - a screen protector is like a superhero shield against scratches and scuffs. It's the unsung hero that takes the hits, leaving your display unscathed and shining like a beacon of resilience.

So, dear users, embrace the case, adorn your screen with a protector, and let your Infinix Note 40S venture fearlessly into the world. After all, a little extra armor never hurt anyone, right?

Display

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

The 6.78-inch AMOLED curved display is where the Note 40S shines - quite literally. With a peak brightness of 1300 nits, you'll have no trouble seeing your screen even under direct sunlight. The 120 Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and gaming, making this phone ideal for anyone who loves fast-paced action or enjoys buttery-smooth animations. The 1080×2436 pixel resolution delivers crisp images, while the nearly 90% screen-to-body ratio makes for an immersive viewing experience.

Infinix Note 40S display. Image credit: Infinix

Here are the relevant specs:

The display of the Infinix Note 40S is one of its standout features, offering an AMOLED panel that combines vibrant colors, high brightness, and smooth performance. Unlike traditional LCDs, AMOLED displays allow each pixel to emit its own light, offering several advantages. With the ability to display deep blacks and rich, vibrant hues, AMOLED displays are perfect for everything from streaming videos to viewing photos. The colors truly pop, giving you a more immersive viewing experience.

AMOLED screens only light up the necessary pixels, which helps in conserving battery life, especially when viewing darker images or using dark mode. This makes it a more efficient option, particularly for those who spend a lot of time on their phones.

Also, the contrast ratio is practically infinite, thanks to the true blacks created by turning off individual pixels. This results in better depth and clarity, especially in darker scenes of videos and games.

The 120 Hz refresh rate is a key feature that ensures the display is incredibly smooth, making every swipe, scroll, and animation feel fluid and responsive. Whether you're scrolling through social media feeds, browsing the web, or playing fast-paced games, the higher refresh rate results in a more seamless experience. For gamers, this is a significant boost, as the higher refresh rate makes fast-moving visuals much clearer and more enjoyable.

The 120 Hz refresh rate is especially useful for people who are used to traditional 60 Hz displays; once you've experienced 120 Hz, going back feels sluggish. It's a feature that enhances daily interactions with the phone, making everything feel more polished and premium.

The 1080×2436 pixels resolution, at about 393 PPI (pixels per inch), ensures sharpness and clarity in every image and text you see on the screen. Whether you're watching high-definition content, reading an article, or gaming, the resolution provides excellent detail without visible pixelation. Even small text remains sharp, which improves readability and overall usability.

At this size, the pixel density is perfect for a phone that balances high-resolution output without unnecessarily draining the battery, offering you the best of both worlds.

The 550 nits of typical brightness ensures that the display is easily viewable in most lighting conditions, from indoor environments to outdoor shade. It's bright enough for comfortable viewing without having to squint, even in well-lit environments.

However, where the Infinix Note 40S really shines is in its 1300 nits peak brightness, which kicks in under high-brightness scenarios such as direct sunlight. This means that whether you're outside in broad daylight or under bright lighting, the screen remains highly readable, making the phone perfect for users who are always on the move and rely on their phone even in challenging conditions.

The ability to display 1 billion colors sets this phone apart from those with standard displays. Most phones are limited to 16 million colors, but the Infinix Note 40S offers 64 times more color depth. This results in smoother gradients and more accurate color representation, especially in media content like high-quality photos, videos, and games.

If you're into photography or simply enjoy watching high-definition video content, this feature means you'll get to experience more lifelike images, where subtle shades and hues are more distinguishable. It's a great choice for those who appreciate high-quality visuals.

The touch sampling rate measures how often the screen registers touch inputs per second. A high touch sampling rate improves the responsiveness of the touchscreen, making it quicker to react to user inputs. The instantaneous touch sampling rate is used during moments of rapid touch activity, such as in gaming or complex gestures.

It temporarily increases the sensitivity and response speed, ensuring that every touch is registered with minimal delay. The high 1500 Hz instantaneous touch sampling rate enhances the Note 40S's responsiveness, particularly noticeable during fast-paced gaming or when performing rapid gestures.

Finally, like all of us, your eyes deserve a spa day. And the Note 40S delivers. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) dimming at 2160 Hz is the techy way of saying your display adjusts its brightness in a way that's gentle on your eyes. No more headaches or eye strain after those long Netflix binges.

Overall, the Infinix Note 40S offers an excellent viewing experience, whether you're a casual user, a gamer, or someone who watches a lot of videos on one's phone. The AMOLED panel provides vivid and energy-efficient visuals, the 120 Hz refresh rate keeps interactions buttery smooth, and the 1080×2436 px resolution ensures everything looks sharp and crisp.

The brightness levels make it usable in a wide variety of environments, and support for 1 billion colors ensures a truly immersive, high-fidelity viewing experience. This display, with all its advanced features, positions the Note 40S as a great choice for users who value smooth performance, vibrant colors, and sharp visuals in their smartphones.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

The Infinix Note 40S supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring decent network connectivity for most users.

GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality.

SIM

The dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by) setup keeps you connected, making the Infinix Note 40S an ideal companion for those on the go.

Chipset - Performance

Powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 Ultimate chipset, the Infinix Note 40S's octa-core CPU (consisting of two types of cores) delivers a solid mix of performance and efficiency. With the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, gaming on this device is a treat, offering smooth frame rates for most popular mobile games, though it may not handle the highest graphics settings for AAA titles as nicely as flagship processors. Here are the relevant specs:

The Infinix Note 40S is powered by the Mediatek Helio G99 Ultimate chipset, which brings solid midrange performance to the table. The Helio G99 is part of Mediatek's G-series chipsets, designed with mobile gaming and efficiency in mind. It is built on a 6-nm process, which means it offers excellent power efficiency without sacrificing too much performance. The smaller process size makes the chipset more energy-efficient, reducing heat output and extending battery life, a big plus for users who rely on their phone for prolonged periods throughout the day.

This chipset sits comfortably in the midrange segment, meaning it offers more than enough performance for everyday use and light gaming, but isn't meant for power-hungry applications or high-end gaming.

The octa-core CPU of the Infinix Note 40S is divided into two types of cores:

• Two Performance Cores (2×2.2 GHz Cortex-A76): These are the heavy lifters of the CPU. The Cortex-A76 cores are designed for more demanding tasks that require higher performance, such as gaming, multitasking with resource-intensive apps, and handling 3D graphics. When you're playing a game or editing a photo, these cores kick in to handle the heavier workload and keep things running smoothly.
• Six Efficiency Cores (6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55): The Cortex-A55 cores are optimized for less demanding tasks, such as browsing, texting, watching videos, and using social media apps. These cores prioritize power efficiency to save battery life, ensuring that the phone handles lighter tasks without draining power unnecessarily.

This dual-core setup is called a big.LITTLE architecture, a common design in modern smartphones that ensures the Note 40S can deliver power when needed while conserving energy when handling less intensive operations.

The Mali-G57 MC2 GPU is a capable midrange graphics processor, perfectly suited for tasks such as casual gaming, media consumption, and graphic rendering in apps. While it's not a powerhouse for cutting-edge 3D gaming, it can handle most popular mobile games at medium settings without issue.

For users who enjoy gaming, the Mali-G57 MC2 delivers smooth gameplay in titles like PUBG Mobile, Asphalt 9, and other moderately demanding games. However, if you're looking for ultra-high graphics performance in AAA mobile games with maxed-out settings, a more powerful GPU (like those found in flagship devices) would be necessary.

The Helio G99 Ultimate chipset, combined with the octa-core CPU and Mali-G57 GPU, provides enough power for most tasks the average user would throw at it, including:

• Day-to-Day Tasks: The Infinix Note 40S breezes through common activities like social media scrolling, web browsing, video streaming, and light multitasking. The two performance cores provide quick responses, while the efficiency cores keep background apps and smaller tasks running smoothly.
• Casual Gaming: With the Mali-G57 MC2, you can enjoy smooth gameplay in popular titles at medium settings. Games like Call of Duty Mobile and Fortnite should run reasonably well at lower to mid-level settings.
• Multimedia: Watching videos in high resolution, editing photos with basic tools, and even light video editing is within the capabilities of this phone, thanks to the combined CPU and GPU performance.

However, there are certain tasks that may demand a more powerful configuration, such as:

• High-End Gaming: While the Mali-G57 GPU can handle casual games, more graphically demanding titles at high settings or future AAA mobile games may struggle on this configuration. If you're a serious mobile gamer looking for high frame rates and maximum visual fidelity, a more powerful GPU (like the Mali-G76 or Adreno GPUs found in higher-end models) would be necessary.
• Heavy Multitasking: Although the Helio G99 can handle basic multitasking, juggling several resource-heavy applications simultaneously (e.g., video editing software, photo editors, and large file transfers) might cause the phone to lag a bit. Professionals who regularly use their phone for work-intensive tasks might find it underwhelming compared to flagship devices.
• Future-Proofing: The Helio G99 is built for today's midrange needs, but as apps and games become more demanding, this configuration might struggle to keep up in a few years, especially as more power-hungry software comes to market.

In summary, the Infinix Note 40S strikes a great balance in terms of performance for a midrange phone. The Helio G99 Ultimate chipset, combined with the octa-core CPU and Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, ensures it can handle a wide range of tasks with ease, especially for users who don't require top-tier gaming or processing power.

For everyday users, casual gamers, and those looking for a reliable phone for multimedia consumption, the Note 40S offers more than enough processing prowess. However, power users and hardcore mobile gamers may need to look toward devices with more advanced hardware.

Memory and Storage

Here are the relevant specs:

Paired with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of UFS 2.2 storage, multitasking and app load times are snappy. You can store all your apps, photos, and videos without worry, but the lack of confirmation regarding expandable storage may be a potential downside for users who need even more space.

Camera System: A 108MP Shooter to Rule Them All

The triple-camera setup on the Note 40S is led by a whopping 108 MP wide lens. This lens features PDAF for sharp, detailed shots, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Joining the main sensor is a 2 MP macro camera, which might feel a bit underwhelming considering the powerful main camera, but it still offers some versatility for up-close shots. The third camera is unspecified, which could leave you wondering about its specific role or performance.

If selfies are your thing, the 32 MP front camera with an f/2.2 aperture will deliver some impressive shots, and the dual-LED flash helps brighten things up in low-light conditions. The 32 MP sensor is also capable of recording 1080p video, perfect for vloggers or social media content creators looking for a front-facing camera that performs well.

Rear Camera

Infinix Note 40S main camera setup. Image credit: Infinix

The Infinix Note 40S comes with a triple-camera setup on the rear, designed to offer versatility for different photography styles. Each lens has a specific role, enhancing the camera's ability to perform in various shooting conditions. Let's break down the lenses and the features of the main camera setup. Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	Infinix Note 40S
Number of Cameras	3 (Triple)
Resolution (Megapixels)	108 MP (wide), 2 MP (macro), N/A (unspecified)
Focal Length	24 mm, N/A, N/A
Aperture	f/9, f/2.4, N/A
Sensor Size	1/1.52″, N/A, N/A
Autofocus	PDAF, N/A, N/A
Video Recording	1440p at 30 fps, 1080p at 30/60 fps
Other Features	Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR

The star of the show is the 108 MP primary camera, which packs an impressive resolution for a smartphone in this segment. With an f/1.9 aperture and a wide 24 mm lens, this camera is ideal for capturing detailed photos, especially in well-lit environments.

With 108 megapixels, this camera captures incredible detail, allowing for sharp images that retain quality even when zoomed or cropped. It's especially beneficial for landscape shots or large group photos where fine details matter.

The large, 1/1.52” sensor allows more light to hit it, which improves image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Combined with the wide aperture, it makes the main camera capable of decent night photography.

The 2 MP macro camera may not have the high resolution of the main lens, but it serves a specialized purpose: capturing extreme close-up shots. With its f/2.4 aperture, this lens is ideal for macro photography and detail enhancement.

If you're into photographing small objects up close - think flowers, insects, or intricate textures - this lens allows you to get within a few centimeters of the subject while maintaining focus. Although the resolution is limited, it's still sufficient for capturing textures and details that aren't visible to the naked eye. It's a nice addition for those who like experimenting with different types of photography.

The exact function of the third camera lens remains unspecified, but based on common setups in similar devices, it could be a depth sensor or an ultrawide lens.

Among the camera features, PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) ensures that focusing is fast and accurate, especially for moving subjects. Traditional contrast-detection autofocus systems can be slower and may hunt for focus, but PDAF uses dedicated phase-detection sensors embedded in the camera. This makes it easier to capture fast-moving objects and focus in low light.

Whether it's a pet running around or a busy street scene, PDAF locks onto your subject quickly to reduce blur. It also works well in lower lighting situations, allowing the camera to focus faster than contrast-based systems.

The quad-LED flash on the Infinix Note 40S provides a significant boost to low-light photography. Compared to standard single or dual-LED flashes, the quad-LED flash emits a more powerful and evenly distributed light, which reduces shadows and improves clarity in dimly lit environments.

This is especially helpful for night shots, indoor photography, or any situation where the ambient lighting is poor. Combined with the large sensor on the 108 MP camera, this allows the phone to perform better than most in low-light conditions.

The panorama mode lets you capture ultra-wide, sweeping shots that are perfect for landscapes and large group photos. When you activate this mode, the camera stitches multiple photos together to create a single wide image. This feature is useful for capturing wide scenes - think of panoramic shots for sunsets, mountain ranges, or even a large gathering of friends and family.

Thanks to the high resolution of the 108 MP camera, the stitched image retains a lot of detail, so you won't notice as much loss in quality when zooming into a panorama.

And HDR (High Dynamic Range) enhances the quality of photos by balancing the exposure in both the darkest and brightest parts of an image. It combines multiple exposures into a single image, allowing the camera to capture details in the shadows and highlights that would otherwise be lost. This results in more balanced photos, especially in tricky lighting conditions like backlit scenes or sunsets.

For example, if you're taking a photo of a building with a bright sky in the background, HDR ensures that both the building and the sky are well-exposed, without one being too dark or too bright.

The Infinix Note 40S can record video in 1440p at 30 fps and 1080p at 30/60 fps, which gives you flexibility depending on your preference for higher resolution or smoother frame rates. Whether you're recording fast action or just a casual video, the camera setup provides solid video quality. The inclusion of quad-LED flash also enhances video recording in low-light conditions.

In conclusion, the camera setup of the Infinix Note 40S offers a solid balance of high resolution and versatility. The 108 MP primary camera delivers impressive detail for general photography, while the macro lens provides options for close-up shots. The third camera (possibly depth sensor or ultrawide lens) adds flexibility, especially if you enjoy experimenting with different types of photos.

Features like PDAF, HDR, and quad-LED flash make the camera more functional across different lighting conditions and photography styles. For a midrange device, this setup provides you with a lot of creative options and solid performance, though serious photographers may still look for higher-end configurations if they need more specialized features.

Battery Life: Fast and Versatile Charging

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

Battery life won't be a concern with the 5000 mAh battery tucked inside this phone. Infinix has equipped the Note 40S with 33 W wired fast charging, which claims to juice up 50% of the battery in just 31 minutes. It also supports bypass charging, so your phone stays cool during gaming or intensive tasks while charging.

Bypass charging expedites the charging process by directing power directly to the device's battery, bypassing certain components, to maximize charging efficiency. This feature is particularly prominent in smartphones and other portable electronic devices, where fast and convenient charging is highly valued by users, though manufacturers must implement robust safety mechanisms and adhere to industry standards to ensure the safe and reliable operation of devices equipped with bypass charging technology.

Wireless charging is another pleasant surprise, with 20 W MagCharge support, a feature often reserved for higher-end phones. On top of that, reverse wired and reverse wireless charging make this phone a mini power bank, letting you share your juice with other devices.

Sound: JBL-Tuned Audio for Audiophiles

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

Audiophiles will appreciate the stereo speaker setup, which is tuned by JBL for a richer, more immersive audio experience. Whether you're gaming, watching movies, or listening to your favorite tunes, the Hi-Res 24-bit, 192 kHz audio will elevate your experience. However, the lack of a 3.5 mm headphone jack might disappoint wired audio enthusiasts.

Hi-Res Audio (High-Resolution Audio) is an audio technology that goes beyond the limitations of standard audio formats, delivering a richer, more immersive listening experience. Its higher bit depth can capture more detail in the sound, and its higher sampling rate (standard CD-quality audio often has a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz) allows the audio system to capture more nuances in the music. In essence, Hi-Res Audio transforms your listening experience from ordinary to extraordinary. It's about hearing your favorite tunes and audio content in a way that's truer to the artist's vision. With the Infinix Note 40S supporting Hi-Res Audio, you're not just listening; you're diving deep into a sonic universe, where every note, every beat, and every whisper comes alive in exquisite detail.

Tuning by JBL promises exceptional audio quality and a superior listening experience. The Note 40S's sound profile has been meticulously fine-tuned and optimized by audio experts from JBL, a renowned name in the world of audio technology. This precision means you'll hear every note, every beat, and every nuance in your music or media content.

JBL is known for its impressive bass technology. When your device is tuned by JBL, you can expect enhanced bass response. This means richer, deeper lows in your music, adding a new dimension to your audio experience, especially while listening to genres like hip-hop, EDM, or action-packed movie soundtracks. JBL's expertise extends to ensuring that vocals are crystal clear. Whether you're enjoying music, watching movies, or making phone calls, JBL-tuned audio ensures that voices come through with exceptional clarity.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Infinix Note 40S leaves little to be desired. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.

The Note 40S features Bluetooth, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices.

The Infinix Note 40S features the GPS positioning system for accurate navigation and location services.

Depending upon the market where you get your Note 40S, it may have NFC, the digital magician! This technology allows you to make contactless payments, share files, and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your device interactions effortless.

Plus, FM radio adds a touch of nostalgia for those who enjoy traditional broadcasts.

Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your device to act as host and connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives, keyboards, cameras, and more, without needing a computer as an intermediary.

Sensors

The Infinix Note 40S comes equipped with the following sensors:

• Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is the in-display, optical type in the Note 40S.
• Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
• Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Infinix Note 40S release date?

  The Infinix Note 40S has been released in October 2024. It was announced in September 2024.