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Why Kenya Was Chosen for the World’s First Android 16 Smartphone

NOTE Edge Full Series Colorways

Infinix has officially launched the NOTE Edge in Kenya, positioning the country at the centre of a global smartphone milestone. The device becomes the world’s first smartphone powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 5G platform and the first to ship with Android 16 paired with XOS 16, underscoring Kenya’s growing importance as a priority market for next-generation mobile technology.

The launch reflects a strategic pivot in smartphone innovation, with Infinix moving away from short-lived performance peaks toward long-term reliability, intelligent efficiency, and extended device lifespan—features increasingly demanded by Kenyan consumers navigating work, content creation, and always-on digital lifestyles.

Designed for Kenya’s Always-On Digital Life

Built around Infinix’s new “Dream Booster” concept, the NOTE Edge is engineered to support heavy daily usage without compromise. The device blends a premium curved display with 5G connectivity, AI-powered system intelligence, and a slim 7.2mm ultra-light design, making it both powerful and practical for extended everyday use.

At its core is the MediaTek Dimensity 7100, making its first commercial appearance globally. Unlike chipsets optimised for short bursts of peak speed, the platform prioritises sustained efficiency, enabling smooth gaming, streaming, and multitasking while conserving power—an important consideration for users who depend on their smartphones throughout long, uninterrupted days.

Self-Healing Battery Sets New Longevity Benchmark

One of the NOTE Edge’s most notable innovations is its self-healing battery technology, paired with a massive 6,150mAh battery, the largest ever introduced by Infinix in the Kenyan market.

The intelligent battery system actively repairs micro-damage during charging cycles, allowing it to retain over 80 percent capacity after 2,000 full charge cycles, equivalent to up to six years of everyday use. This directly addresses one of the most common pain points for smartphone users—battery degradation over time.

Despite the large capacity, advanced battery packaging allows the device to maintain a slim profile, weighing just 185 grams, ensuring comfortable one-handed use and pocket portability.

In real-world terms, the NOTE Edge delivers up to 25.4 hours of continuous Google Maps navigation or 20.9 hours of YouTube playback, offering true all-day—and beyond—power reliability.

AI-Driven Software and Long-Term Updates

Running Android 16 with XOS 16, the NOTE Edge integrates AI-powered features designed to enhance productivity, content creation, and system optimisation. Intelligent scheduling, adaptive performance tuning, and AI-assisted tools ensure a smooth, responsive experience even under heavy multitasking.

Up to 8GB of RAM, expandable to 16GB via MemFusion, supports demanding workloads such as office applications, social media, and creative tools. Performance is further optimised through Perception Scheduling 3.0, improving app responsiveness and system fluidity.

In a move that aligns with growing consumer focus on device longevity, Infinix has committed to three major Android-based XOS upgrades and five years of security updates, reinforcing its emphasis on digital safety and long-term value.

A Human Story Behind the Technology

Adding a powerful human-interest layer to the launch, Infinix is spotlighting Sabrina Simader, Kenya’s first-ever female Winter Olympian. Simader returns to the global stage ahead of the Winter Olympics 2026 in Milano Cortina, with the NOTE Edge positioned as her companion for capturing and sharing the next chapter of her journey.

Having broken barriers for athletes from tropical nations, Simader’s story reflects themes of resilience, legacy, and possibility—values Infinix says mirror the NOTE Edge’s focus on endurance and long-term performance. Her journey will later be expanded into a standalone feature exploring how technology supports bold ambitions across new frontiers.

Kenya as a Strategic Launch Market

Commenting on the launch, an Infinix Kenya spokesperson said the company is responding to evolving consumer expectations.

“Kenyan consumers are increasingly focused on reliability, battery endurance, and how long their phones remain secure and useful. The NOTE Edge reflects this shift, combining world-first technology with intelligent features that genuinely support everyday life,” the spokesperson said.

Priced from KES 32,999, the Infinix NOTE Edge is now available across authorised retail outlets nationwide, bringing premium 5G performance, AI-driven software, and self-healing battery technology to the mid-premium segment.