Infinix Note 40S review
The Note 40S suits everyday users and media consumers who prioritize display and battery life over gaming performance or camera prowess. Skip it if you regularly play demanding games, shoot video, or expect fast charging—rivals at this price deliver more on all three counts.
This review is based on Infinix’s published specifications and public benchmark data for the Infinix Note 40S, and the rating is spec-based. GoSolo does not physically test devices; where we estimate real-world behaviour such as battery life or charge time, we say so. How we rate phones.
Overview
The Note 40S is a straightforward big-screen phone built for all-day use, with a bright AMOLED display and solid battery life at a price that doesn't try to punch above its weight. The Helio G99 handles everyday tasks without fuss, but don't expect it to chase gaming or heavy workloads.
Design & build
At 176 grams and 7.8mm thin, the Note 40S is light and compact for its 6.78-inch footprint. The IP54 rating protects against dust and water splashes but not immersion, so it can survive accidental spills but not a dunk in a pool. Build quality feels assured without being showy—this is a workhorse designed for real use, not a showpiece. The Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM setup keeps dual connectivity options, and the dual speakers promise passable audio without relying on a headphone jack.
Display
The 6.78-inch AMOLED panel is the phone's calling card. At 1080 × 2436 resolution (393 ppi), it is sharp enough from a typical distance, and the 120Hz refresh keeps scrolling smooth. Peak brightness of 1300 nits is genuinely useful outdoors, though the 550-nit typical brightness trails some rivals in direct sunlight. The nearly 90% screen-to-body ratio maximizes usable space, and Gorilla Glass adds scratch assurance. For a phone in this category and price, this display punches above the line.
Performance
The Helio G99 Ultimate and Mali-G57 GPU are upper-midrange hardware that handles everyday apps, web browsing, and social media without hiccup. Light games run fine, but demanding titles like PUBG or Genshin Impact will demand lower graphics settings or suffer frame dips. The 8GB of RAM keeps multitasking smooth, and UFS 2.2 storage is adequate if not the fastest. This chipset sits comfortably between budget-class and flagship tiers; it is competent but not exciting for anyone who does more than routine tasks.
Software
Android 14 with XOS 14 customization arrives out of the box, and Infinix promises two major Android upgrades. That is standard for this tier in 2024. XOS is light and uncluttered compared to heavier skins from rivals, though it does add its own layer of Infinix apps that some may find redundant. Security patches and OS updates are the real measure of longevity; Infinix has improved here, but long-term support is not its strong suit.
Camera
The 108MP main sensor with f/1.9 aperture and PDAF is ambitious on paper but practical in daylight. Shots are well-detailed and the wide aperture helps in moderate low light, though don't expect miracles in dim rooms. The 2MP macro lens is nearly useless, and the third camera remains unspecified in the sheet, suggesting it may not add meaningful range. The 32MP selfie is standard fare—sharp in good light and adequate for video calls. Video tops out at 1440p at 30fps, which is behind the 4K standard competitors now expect at this price. Quad-LED flash is a plus for low-light shooting.
Battery & charging
The 5000mAh battery, paired with the efficient Helio G99, should deliver about a full day of mixed use—around 24 to 28 hours before needing a charge. That is solid endurance for a large-screen phone. The 33W wired charger is brisk, hitting 50 percent in 31 minutes and full charge in roughly 45 to 55 minutes. The inclusion of 20W wireless and reverse charging is a nice touch, though neither is essential. However, 33W has become ordinary at this price; rivals frequently offer 65W to 100W wired, which is a real difference when you are in a hurry.
Value & verdict
The Note 40S is a sensible large-screen phone for buyers who value display and battery life over raw power or cutting-edge cameras. It does not reach for flagship status and does not pretend to, which is a strength in a crowded market. The AMOLED screen and one-day endurance are genuine daily-use wins. The Helio G99 is honest about its limits, and slow charging relative to rivals at the price is the main trade-off. Infinix has built something that works well for its intended audience: people who want a spacious, bright screen for reading and video without paying flagship prices or dealing with heavyweight software.
Verdict
The Note 40S suits everyday users and media consumers who prioritize display and battery life over gaming performance or camera prowess. Skip it if you regularly play demanding games, shoot video, or expect fast charging—rivals at this price deliver more on all three counts.
- 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh and 1300-nit peak brightness makes scrolling smooth and outdoor visibility real
- 5000mAh battery paired with the Helio G99's efficiency delivers a full day of mixed use without strain
- 33W charging reaches half full in 31 minutes, which is competitive for this price tier
- Slim 7.8mm profile and 176g weight keep a huge phone from feeling like a brick
- 33W charging is fine for the class, but rivals now offer 65W to 100W at similar or lower prices
- Helio G99 Ultimate is a mid-tier performer that stumbles on demanding games and heavy tasks—expect frame drops if you push it
- Camera shoots at 1440p max, and the 32MP selfie feels ordinary in 2024
Infinix Note 40S Key Specifications
The essentials at a glance. See the full spec sheet.
| Released | 2024, September |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.78 inches, 109.9 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio), AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2436 pixels (~393 ppi density) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 Ultimate |
| RAM & storage | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main camera | 108 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.52", PDAF 2 MP (macro) 3rd unspecified camera |
| Selfie camera | 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1" |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 31 min20W wireless MagChargeReverse wiredReverse wirelessBypass charging |
| Software | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, XOS 14 |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 74.6 x 7.8 mm (6.46 x 2.94 x 0.31 in) |
| Weight | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Durability | IP54 dust protected and water resistant (water splashes) |
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
Infinix Note 40S FAQ
Common questions, answered from the spec sheet.
Does the Note 40S support 5G?
No. The Note 40S tops out at GSM / HSPA / LTE, without 5G.
What chipset does the Note 40S use?
The Note 40S runs on the Mediatek Helio G99 Ultimate.
What display does the Note 40S have?
A 6.78 inches, 109.9 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio) AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 1300 nits (peak), 1080 x 2436 pixels (~393 ppi density).
How big is the Note 40S battery?
The Note 40S has a 5000 mAh battery. Charging is rated at 33W wired, 50% in 31 min20W wireless MagChargeReverse wiredReverse wirelessBypass charging.
Does the Note 40S have NFC?
Yes, the Note 40S has NFC.
Is the Note 40S water resistant?
The Note 40S carries a IP54 dust protected and water resistant (water splashes) rating.
Does the Note 40S support a microSD card?
Yes, the Note 40S supports expandable storage (Unspecified).
Does the Note 40S have a headphone jack?
No, the Note 40S does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Alternatives to consider
If the Note 40S isn’t quite right, these are the closest calls.
Note 40
Note 40 5G
Note 40 Pro
Note 50s 5G+
Galaxy A35 5G
