The budget tablet market is packed with options, but finding the right balance of price, functionality, and quality can be tricky. Enter the Infinix XPad, a device that positions itself as a worthy contender for value-driven buyers. Priced competitively at ₹12,999 for its base variant, this is the first tablet from the brand. But does the XPad deliver where it matters most? Let’s take a deep dive into its design, display, performance, and overall value proposition.
Design and Build Quality
The Infinix XPad offers a look and feel that punches above its price tag. It boasts a sturdy metal unibody design, paired with a textured plastic strip at the top for improved signal reception. The mix of brushed aluminum and textured plastic gives the tablet an aesthetically pleasing yet functional appearance.
Key specs:
- Dimensions: 257.04 x 168.62 x 7.58mm
- Weight: 496 grams
- Color options: Titan Gold, Frost Blue, Stellar Grey
While the metal back exudes quality, it’s prone to smudges. Unfortunately, the box does not include a protective case, meaning you’ll need to get one separately, especially considering its 496g weight, which demands support during prolonged use for consuming media. On the bright side, cellular connectivity allows for placing calls, making it a versatile device for those looking for a budget option without sacrificing functionality.
Display Performance
One of the highlights of the XPad is its 11-inch, full-HD+ IPS LCD display. Its 90Hz refresh rate adds a touch of smoothness to browsing and user interactions. However, there are a few trade-offs to keep in mind.
Features:
- Resolution: 1200 x 1980 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 16:10
- Type: IPS LCD
The display’s natural color reproduction makes it pleasant for watching movies or reading. However, it lacks adaptive brightness, which means you’ll need to manually tweak the brightness depending on your environment. Viewing angles are decent but fall short of the depth and richness provided by AMOLED panels.
Bottom line? While the display suffices for casual entertainment, the lack of automation in brightness adjustment might disappoint some users.
Software Experience
The XPad runs near-stock Android 14 with a user interface that is relatively clean and devoid of excessive bloatware.
Unique software highlights:
- OS: XOS v14 (Android 14)
- A few pre-installed apps like Folax AI and My Health for added functionality
- Folax AI serves as an assistant, relying on OpenAI’s GPT technology
This minimalist approach works in its favor, providing an intuitive user experience. That said, Folax AI feels like a missed opportunity compared to Google’s more robust Gemini integration, as it struggles with basic system tasks like setting timers.
For productivity buffs, this uncluttered software interface is a delight, but power users might be left wanting due to missing advanced tools.
Performance Under Pressure
The MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, combined with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB storage, keeps the XPad running smoothly for light to moderate tasks.
Performance breakdown:
- Processor: Helio G99, 2.2GHz (6nm architecture)
- RAM options: 4GB or 8GB
- Storage options: 128GB or 256GB, expandable to 1TB
While app switching and multitasking is manageable, the tablet does struggle with retaining apps in memory. More demanding tasks, such as gaming, reveal its limitations. Casual gaming is possible, but performance dips significantly with graphics-intensive titles like Call of Duty: Mobile or Asphalt Legends Unite.
Benchmark results include:
- Geekbench score of 731 (single-core) and 1,984 (multi-core)
- AnTuTu score of 472,167
For everyday activities like streaming, browsing, or light productivity use, the XPad holds up well. However, it’s clear this device is not built for users expecting high-end performance.
Camera Capabilities
Cameras on a tablet are rarely a strong selling point, and the XPad proves no different. It features:
- Rear camera: 8-megapixel with flash
- Front camera: 8-megapixel with a front-facing flash
The cameras produce decent results under proper lighting but fail to capture fine details. The front flash, however, serves as a useful addition for video calls under dim conditions. Video recording maxes out at 2K at 30fps but suffers from stabilization issues, making it unsuitable for professional use.
Battery Life
Equipped with a 7,000mAh battery, the XPad provides respectable performance for a budget device.
Key highlights:
- Video streaming: Up to 7-8 hours on a single charge
- Local video playback (video loop test): 11 hours and 7 minutes
- Charging with the included 18W charger takes 3 hours and 5 minutes to fully recharge
While the battery performance is on par with other devices in this segment, the slow charging speeds may leave impatient users frustrated.
What’s Missing?
No device is perfect, and the XPad does have its shortcomings:
- No adaptive brightness feature, requiring manual adjustments
- No biometric authentication options like fingerprint or facial unlock
- Lack of official accessories, such as a case or stylus
Is the Infinix XPad Worth It?
Despite its flaws, the XPad stands out as a solid contender in the budget tablet segment, offering an excellent mix of affordability and functionality. The ₹15,999 top-end variant, with its 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, provides plenty of storage and multitasking capability for casual users.
While devices like the Redmi Pad 4G and Honor Pad X8a vie for attention in this space, the XPad sets itself apart with features like 90Hz refresh rate, cellular connectivity, and quad speakers with Dolby Atmos.
For users looking for a tablet for day-to-day tasks like streaming, browsing, or casual gaming, the XPad delivers great bang for your buck. However, advanced users may find its lack of performance optimization and missing features limiting.