Infinix Zero 40 5G hands-on review

Introduction

The Zero 40 5G is the latest flagship model in Infinix' smartphone range. Compared to the previous generation Zero 30 model, the Zero 40 is somewhat of a modest upgrade with a lot of specifications being carried over.

For starters, the display is largely the same with a similar 6.78-inch sized AMOLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, except the newer model has a few extra pixels worth of horizontal resolution. Similarly, the camera system is mostly the same with a 108MP main unit on the back with a 2MP depth sensor and a 50MP unit on the front but the 13MP ultrawide has been replaced with a new 50MP unit with autofocus that also can also be used for macro shots.

The biggest difference is in the chipset with the Zero 40 5G replacing the Mediatek Dimensity 8020 on its predecessor with a faster Dimensity 8200 Ultimate. You also get upgraded IP54 ingress protection, speakers tuned by JBL, and, finally, a revamped design.

Infinix Zero 40 specs at a glance:

• Body: 164.3x74.8x7.9mm, 195g; IP54, dust and splash resistant.
• Display: 6.78" AMOLED, 1B colors, HDR, 144Hz, 1300 nits (HBM), 1080x2436px resolution, 20.3:9 aspect ratio, 393ppi; Always-on display.
• Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate (4 nm): Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G610 MC6.
• Memory: 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM; UFS 3.1.
• OS/Software: Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, XOS 14.5.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 108 MP, f/1.8, 1/1.67", PDAF, OIS; Ultra wide angle: 50 MP, f/2.0, 120˚, 1/2.76", PDAF; Depth: 2 MP, f/2.4.
• Front camera: 50 MP, f/2.5, 21mm (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF.
• Video capture: Rear camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS; Front camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps.
• Battery: 5000mAh; 45W wired, 60% in 25 min (advertised), 20W wireless, 10W reverse wired, Bypass Charging 2.0.
• Connectivity: 5G; Dual SIM; Wi-Fi 6e; BT; NFC; FM radio; Infrared port.
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (under display, optical); dual speakers.

We were reasonably pleased with the Zero 30 when we reviewed it last year. Let's see how the Zero 40 5G fares.

Unboxing

The Zero 40 5G comes in a mostly standard package, which includes the phone, a 45W fast charger, and a cable. The phone does not have a screen protector installed by default like some other phones. Instead, Infinix provides it in the box and you will have to install it yourself.

The case that is included is peculiar. On the plus side, it includes a magnetic charger support that works with Infinix' magnetic wireless chargers. On the other hand, calling it a case is generous, since it is exceptionally thin and only covers the back along with the top and bottom of the phone. Meanwhile, the sides are left completely unprotected. This case only makes sense if you plan on using the wireless charging accessories. Otherwise, you are better off getting your own.