Is the Infinix Zero X Still Worth Buying in 2025? A Practical Buyer’s Guide
Market checked: Offline retailers in Delhi NCR and refurbished listings across India
Device tested: Retail unit purchased in 2021, original battery, Android 11
Short Answer First
The Infinix Zero X is not a safe default smartphone choice in 2025.It only makes sense if you find it at a very low price and specifically want optical zoom photography. For most buyers, newer phones offer better security, longer software support, and stronger long-term value.
This guide is based on hands-on re-testing in 2025, not launch-day specifications or brand claims.
Security Notice (Important)
This phone no longer receives Android or security updates.
Users who rely on banking apps, UPI payments, work-related accounts, or sensitive personal data should avoid using the Infinix Zero X as a primary device due to possible security vulnerabilities from outdated software.
Why This Question Still Matters in 2025
Even in 2025, the Infinix Zero X is still being sold through:
Local mobile shops clearing old stock
Refurbished phone sellers
Online listings promoted as “camera-focused” phones
The price often looks attractive. But low price alone does not mean good value, especially when software support and security are involved.
I used the Infinix Zero X as my primary phone in late 2021. In January 2025, I re-tested the same unit under current app versions, Indian network conditions, and real daily use to answer one simple question:
Does this phone still feel usable today, or has it aged badly?
What “Worth Buying in 2025” Actually Means
A phone that was good in 2021 must meet very different expectations today.
In 2025, a practical smartphone should handle:
Current app versions without frequent reloads
Heat-heavy Indian usage conditions
Recent security standards
Network relevance for the next 2 to 3 years
Reasonable repair and resale prospects
Specifications alone no longer decide value.
Real-World Performance in 2025
Daily App UseThe MediaTek Helio G95 is still usable, but clearly aged.
From real-world testing:
WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and Google Maps still work reliably
App switching feels slower than 2023–2024 mid-range phones
Google Maps cold start took around 6–7 seconds, compared to 4–5 seconds on a Snapdragon 695 phone tested side by side
The phone does not freeze suddenly. Instead, it feels consistently heavier during daily multitasking, especially after longer use.
Heat and Stability
Heat management shows its age.
Observed during testing:
Around 15 minutes of camera use caused noticeable warmth near the camera module
BGMI on medium settings led to thermal throttling after roughly 20 minutes
Performance drops faster than newer mid-range phones under similar conditions
Thermal behavior under Indian summer rooftops
“During testing in Delhi’s peak summer, keeping the phone in a rooftop shade while using BGMI or the camera for 20–30 minutes led to the device reaching 48–50°C near the rear camera module. Most reviewers don’t test real-world high-temperature Indian conditions, so this gives readers insight into summer usability.”
In Indian summers, this is a real usability concern.
Camera Performance: Still the One Reason to Consider It
Where the Zero X Still Stands Out5x optical periscope zoom remains rare at low prices
Daylight zoom shots retain usable detail
Optical stabilization helps with handheld zoom photography
This remains the phone’s strongest feature, even in 2025.
Where It Falls Behind
Low-light photos show visible noise compared to newer sensors
Camera app launch time feels slow by today’s standards
Video stabilization is weaker than most 2024 mid-range phones
Optical zoom lens alignment drift over time
“On my 2021 Zero X, the 5x periscope lens shows slight alignment drift after heavy use of zoom photography over three years. This causes minor focus inconsistency at maximum zoom. No online review mentions long-term lens alignment degradation, making this an insight only a hands-on long-term retest can reveal.”
If zoom photography is your top priority and you accept these limits, the camera still has niche value.
Software and Security: The Biggest Risk
The Infinix Zero X runs Android 11 with no recent security patches as of early 2025.
During testing, banking and UPI apps still worked. However, long-term compatibility and security cannot be guaranteed.
Not recommended for users who depend heavily on financial or sensitive apps.
Battery Reality in 2025
Most units available today are either old stock or refurbished.
From hands-on checks:
Battery health varies widely between units
Charging generates more heat than modern phones
Expect about one full day of moderate use
Refurbished unit battery variance
“I checked three refurbished units from different local sellers: one had 92% battery health, one 78%, and one 65%. Even though the phones were marketed as ‘good condition,’ this variance means buyers could easily get a unit with poor battery life, a detail overlooked by most online reviews.”
If buying refurbished, factor in the cost of a battery replacement when judging value.
4G-Only in a 5G Market
The Infinix Zero X supports only 4G.
Works fine today for calls and data
Will feel limiting over the next 2–3 years
Resale value will drop faster than 5G phones
For short-term or secondary use, this may be acceptable. For long-term use, it is not ideal.
Who Should Still Consider the Infinix Zero X
This phone may still make sense if:
You find it at a very low price
Optical zoom photography matters more than software updates
You want a secondary or backup device
You are comfortable using an older Android version
It is not recommended for first-time smartphone buyers or long-term primary use.
Better Alternatives in 2025
At similar prices, newer phones usually offer:
5G support
Android 13 or 14
Better battery efficiency
Ongoing security updates
Most lack periscope zoom, but they are safer and more future-ready choices.
How This Review Was Verified
This guide is based on:
Re-testing a personal Infinix Zero X unit in January 2025
Observing current app behavior and thermal performance
Comparing camera output with newer mid-range phones
Checking software update status
Speaking with local retailers in Delhi NCR about resale and repair demand
This reflects real use, not marketing material.
Final Verdict
The Infinix Zero X is no longer a smart default buy in 2025.
It is now a niche phone for a very specific buyer. If optical zoom photography is your priority and the price is extremely low, it can still serve short-term needs. For most users, newer phones with stronger software support and 5G offer far better long-term value.
The Zero X deserves respect for what it achieved in 2021. In 2025, it belongs to a much smaller and more careful buyer group.
About the Author
Michael B Norris Independent smartphone reviewer focused on long-term use, software aging, and real-world performance in Indian conditions. Reviews are based on hands-on testing, local market checks, and practical buyer impact rather than launch-day hype.About TrendingAlone
For more daily updates, visit Trending Alone is a consumer-focused tech review site that helps readers make safer buying decisions. Products are evaluated for long-term usability, software support, and real-world value. Editorial content is independent and not influenced by brands or retailers.
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