When introducing the latest Infinix Note series some time ago, Infinix Indonesia announced their plans to expand into the IoT ecosystem, by presenting more types of accessories. Not only wearables, even expanding to smart TVs. And Infinix 43X5 is its first smart TV offering at a very affordable price.
Generally, affordable smart TVs are priced at IDR 2 million, come with simple specifications, with a 32-inch screen size. However, this is different from the Infinix 43X5 which, as the name suggests, carries a 43-inch panel. Automatically when I found out this fact, I immediately adjusted my expectations. “It's called an affordable smart TV, so there must be some cuts, right?”
However, after several weeks of trying out Infinix's first smart TV, it turns out that the experience I got was quite satisfying. Indeed, in some aspects, there are some that feel simplified. But the main feature, namely the screen, provides quality that, I would say, is best in its class. Here is a review of the Infinix 43X5 smart TV!
Design
It could be said that the design of one smart TV to another is similar to a smartwatch or wearables, where there is no significant difference, because it only prioritizes the screen display. For a cheap smart TV with a large screen size, in my opinion the design of the Infinix 43X5 smart TV is premium and pleasing to the eye, as well as modern.
The left, right and top bezels have been made very thin, in line with the latest smart TV releases. Meanwhile, on the bottom side, there is a gray accent that is not too bright, so it is not so striking. Including the Infinix 43X5 logo in the middle, the size of which is also not too big. Overall, the design is easy to combine with the interior of the room.
It is relatively light in weight when first setting it up and taking it out of the box, making it easier to install the device. The two below are also very easy to install, requiring a standard screwdriver. Each leg is located close to the end, so it requires a wider table or base, considering the dimensions of the Infinix 43X5 are quite large, even though the body is relatively thin.
While the front looks stylish, I appreciate the port setup on the back of the Infinix 43X5. Important ports such as two HDMI and two USB-A ports are placed on the left side, making it easy to attach accessories. While other ports such as additional HDMI (yes, there are three in total)!) is embedded in the bottom, which is probably designed to make it easier to place on a table.
Infinix 43X5 Display
To be honest, I didn't expect much from this part, considering that this is Infinix's first smart TV and its price is really cheap—even only IDR 22 million during the first flash sale. But when I first set it up, I was immediately blown away. Here's why.
The Infinix 43X5 screen panel has a full HD resolution in a 43-inch span, has a maximum brightness level of 270 nits which is more than enough for indoor spaces, with a coverage of 167 million colors, NTSC 72%, and already supports anti-blue-ray features to prevent eye irritation. What I appreciate is the screen contrast, it is considered optimal.
Then, when first set up, the Infinix 43X5 smart TV can display pitch black, and there is no visible brighter side of the screen or backlight bleeding—I found this issue on two TCL TVs that I have bought myself, to varying degrees. Am I lucky? It could be. To be sure, the unit I reviewed carried a flawless panel. Bravo, Infinix.
The color reproduction is also quite satisfactory, with color temperature approaching accuracy. HDR broadcasts from several platforms including YouTube can be played well, without adding excessive effects that can sometimes be found on some other smart TVs. It seems that Infinix is indeed more focused on providing the best screen quality in its class through the presence of the Infinix 43X5.
Also read: Gizmo of The Month: Infinix Note 40, The Best Smartphone for IDR 2 Million
Audio
The last sentence on the screen above actually means that the speaker quality on this Infinix TV is not special at all. In terms of hardware, it is equipped with two 10W speakers, which are enhanced by Dolby Audio. The output sounds quite loud, which is very suitable for filling various room sizes.
What I think is a bit lacking is the clarity of the sound. When it comes to bass, it's only natural that the smart TV's built-in speakers can't deliver a thunderous thump. However, with the various options provided in the audio settings menu, I could not achieve satisfactory sound output. Just standard, enough for podcasts and movies, but maybe a little lacking for listening to music.
Alternatively, Gizmo friends can certainly pair the Infinix 43X5 smart TV with additional speakers or soundbards—there are already many affordable ones. Overall, not bad at all, but not the best in the Rp 2 million smart TV class. At least it can be overcome by adding speakers, as an optimal partner for the already maximum screen.
Feature
There are no special features provided by Infinix via this Infinix 43X5 smart TV. Running Android 11, the front display can be updated like Google TV, as long as Gizmo friends have updated all system applications via the Play Store. Including adding other applications such as other video streaming platforms, including TikTok.
What I would like to appreciate is the remote provided to control the Infinix 43X5. The design is different from most affordable smart TVs, designed to be more comfortable in the hand. There are also many shortcuts, including buttons to access Google's voice assistant and mute when needed. It's just that the volume buttons are separated far from the up-down buttons, which is a bit different from most.
Control is relatively easy, and of course Gizmo friends can control the Infinix 43X5 directly from their smartphone, via the Google Home application, so they don't always need to look for the remote when they want to watch their favorite series. There aren't many built-in apps either—I appreciate that it doesn't weigh down the system.
Performance
Apart from the built-in speakers, another aspect that is relatively simple on the Infinix 43X5 is the combination of hardware used. This large, affordable Smart TV is powered by a quad-core Cortex A55 (RTD2841A) processor, 1GB RAM, and 8GB internal storage. It is indeed far compared to today's Rp 2 million smartphones, but it is still common among affordable smart TVs in its price class.
Overall, the Infinix 43X5 has fairly good performance. Once the app is open, browsing the content and options within it is smooth. However, when you have to switch applications, Gizmo friends have to be a little more patient, it takes a few extra seconds for it to finally be fully processed, before you can explore the content in it.
In my opinion, it's not just about the hardware, but also the old version of Android TV which seems to be less than optimal. Because I also experienced similar performance on an Android smart TV with higher specifications and twice as much RAM. The good news is, while streaming movies or series from various platforms, there was never any lag or crash on the Infinix 43X5.
Conclusion
Want to get a new smart TV with a large screen size, has a quality panel, but the budget is only IDR 2 million? Infinix 43X5 is certainly one of the best options right now. For the price, the looks are truly impressive. It comes in a design that is also quite elegant, without any unnecessary flashy accents.
Regarding speakers and performance, it might not be a problem for Gizmo friends, considering that it is also available on other IDR 2 million smart TVs, including those with 32 inch screens. What I think needs to be paid attention to is Infinix's after-sales service, as a new brand that is expanding more into IoT.
Of course, the Infinix 43X5 smart TV still can't provide proof of its durability, because it's still new. However, considering Infinix's existence in Indonesia for quite a long time, with many repair centers spread across Indonesia (plus the repair performance is quite good from personal experience), it seems legitimate for Gizmo friends to buy this latest Infinix smart TV as the best entertainment choice at home.
