Infinix officially unveiled the HOT 70 Pro on July 16, 2026, and it's already sitting on shelves at Kenyan retailers barely a week later — a faster turnaround than most budget launches manage. For anyone shopping under KES 40,000 who still wants 5G, a 144Hz screen and IP68 protection, this is the most relevant new release to check out right now.
The Pro model sits above the standard HOT 70 that launched earlier in 2026, and the upgrade list is genuinely substantial rather than cosmetic. Here's what actually changed, what it costs in Kenya, and who it makes sense for.
What's new in the HOT 70 Pro
The headline upgrade is the move to a MediaTek Dimensity 7100 chipset (6nm, 5G-capable) paired with a Mali-G610 GPU, replacing the 4G-only Helio G100 Ultimate in the base HOT 70. Infinix rates it for gaming up to 90fps. RAM options run 4GB to 8GB, with up to 8GB of additional virtual RAM, and storage comes in 128GB or 256GB.
The display grows sharper too: a 6.76-inch FHD+ LCD panel (up from HD+) with an adaptive refresh rate up to 144Hz, 240Hz touch sampling, and peak brightness of 950 nits — useful for Nairobi's midday glare. It's still LCD rather than AMOLED, which is the main trade-off at this price point.
Battery options vary by market: either a 6,000mAh single-cell or 5,600mAh dual-cell pack, both supporting 45W fast charging. Infinix quotes a full charge in 53–63 minutes depending on the variant. The phone also picks up IP68 water and dust resistance plus MIL-STD-810 durability certification — a genuine step up from the base model's IP64/IP65 rating.
5G on Safaricom and Airtel: is it actually useful yet?
The HOT 70 Pro supports 5G, but coverage in Kenya is still concentrated in Nairobi, Mombasa and a handful of other urban centres on both Safaricom and Airtel networks. If you're upcountry, you'll be running on 4G most of the time regardless of the phone's capability — so treat 5G here as future-proofing rather than a day-one necessity. The 144Hz display and Dimensity 7100's general snappiness are the upgrades you'll actually feel immediately, 5G is the one that pays off as network rollout continues.
Price in Kenya and where to buy
Infinix has not published an official global price for the HOT 70 Pro; the brand says pricing varies by market and channel. In Kenya specifically, retailer listings have been consistent: Gadgets Leo at KES 35,999, Phone Place Kenya at KES 36,500, and Phones Store Kenya at KES 37,999, all for the 8GB/256GB configuration — roughly $280. Some retailers list a 13MP front camera versus Infinix's official 8MP spec, so treat the selfie camera figure as market-dependent until confirmed.
Whichever retailer you buy from, budget for the accessories separately — most budget phones ship with a basic cable and no wall adapter, or a slower charging brick than the phone supports.
Frequently asked questions
Is the HOT 70 Pro worth it over the standard HOT 70?
If 5G, a smoother 144Hz display and better drop/water protection matter to you, yes — those are real upgrades, not marketing spin. If you mainly want a reliable 4G phone with a big battery and don't care about the extras, the standard HOT 70 is cheaper and still gets a 6,000mAh battery.
Does the HOT 70 Pro come with a charger in the box?
Infinix's regional bundling varies, and retailer listings in Kenya don't always specify. If your unit ships without a full 45W-capable adapter, a compatible fast charger and USB-C cable are worth having on hand from day one.
Can I pay via M-Pesa for accessories while I wait for stock?
Yes — trewrld accepts M-Pesa, Visa/Mastercard and bank transfer, with same-day delivery in Nairobi.
trewrld | Queensway House, Kaunda Street, 2nd Floor Room 13, Nairobi | 0722 700 018 | @trewrldke
M-Pesa, Visa/Mastercard & Bank Transfer accepted | Same-day delivery in Nairobi, 1 to 4 days countrywide, and delivery across East Africa (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan)
