TL;DR
At CES 2026, Infinix presented several hardware innovations including an always-connected satellite-capable phone, a family of modular magnetic accessories, and novel dynamic backplate designs. The company, known for growing presence in Southeast Asia and Africa, used the show to showcase ideas that prioritize both aesthetics and utility.
What happened
Infinix used CES 2026 to introduce a range of devices and accessories that emphasize visual design alongside functional innovation. The company showed an Android phone with full satellite connectivity intended to compete with flagship devices from the likes of Google and Samsung, plus a series of magnetic modular accessories that share a single design language. Those accessories include audio recording and vlogging modules, a stabilized camera module, and a stackable power-bank system split into three slim units. Infinix also demonstrated "Active Visual Backplate Technology," a set of optical microstructures that produce color shifts, 3D effects and temperature- or light-dependent changes on rear panels without affecting device performance. Other items such as a gaming controller and cooling hardware were on display but were less central to the company’s CES presentation.
Why it matters
- Expanding satellite connectivity beyond emergency use could reduce connectivity blind spots for more users.
- A unified modular accessory ecosystem may simplify accessory compatibility and encourage innovation beyond common MagSafe items.
- Dynamic backplates show manufacturers can add striking design features without sacrificing performance or battery life.
- Infinix’s CES showcase could pressure larger vendors to explore similar hardware innovations rather than focusing only on software or AI features.
Key facts
- Infinix is increasing market share in Southeast Asia and Africa but has not yet made significant inroads in Europe or North America.
- At CES 2026 the company demonstrated an Android phone with always-on satellite connectivity that the coverage describes as able to stand alongside flagship Google and Samsung devices.
- The modular magnetic accessory lineup includes Meeting Modu (recording hardware), Mic Modu (standalone mic functionality), Sportscam Modu (gimbal-stabilized mount), VlogCam Modu (AI-powered face-following camera), and StackPower Modu (three-piece stackable power bank).
- StackPower Modu consists of three slimmer battery blocks that can be combined for increased capacity or used individually for smaller boosts.
- Active Visual Backplate Technology uses various optical microstructures (examples named in demos) to produce color changes, perceived depth and other visual effects on phone backplates.
- Some backplate effects depend on light or temperature, and certain color shifts reportedly triggered at freezing temperatures during demos.
- The naked-eye 3D effect was noted as impressive in person but difficult to capture accurately on video.
- Infinix also showed a gaming controller and cooling technology at CES, though those items attracted less attention than the phone, accessories, and backplates.
What to watch next
- The Infinix Note 60 launch and independent reviews to confirm real-world satellite performance and everyday usability.
- Whether major manufacturers adopt always-on satellite connectivity across broader phone lineups (not confirmed in the source).
- If Active Visual Backplate Technology reaches production devices at scale and how consumers respond to the visual effects (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- Satellite connectivity: A form of wireless communication that uses satellites to provide voice or data connections in areas without cellular coverage.
- Modular magnetic accessories: Add-on devices that attach magnetically to a phone and can be swapped or combined to extend functionality, such as batteries, cameras or microphones.
- Gimbal: A stabilization device or mount that compensates for motion to reduce camera shake during recording.
- Thermo-chromatic ink: A material that changes color in response to temperature shifts.
- Optical microstructure: Tiny engineered surface patterns that manipulate light to produce visual effects such as color shifts, iridescence or perceived depth.
Reader FAQ
Is Infinix a big player in the US and Europe?
No — the company is expanding in Southeast Asia and Africa but has not yet made a significant impact in Europe or North America.
What is the Note 60?
The Note 60 is the Infinix phone shown with always-on satellite connectivity at CES; details about release timing and pricing are not confirmed in the source.
Do the dynamic backplates drain battery or reduce performance?
According to the CES demo coverage, the backplate visual technologies do not affect the phone’s performance.
Will Infinix’s modular accessories work with other brands?
Not confirmed in the source.
Forget boring slabs: Infinix just proved that smartphones can be beautiful and practical Credit: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police | Infinix By Jon Gilbert Published 12 minutes ago Jon has been…
Sources
- Forget boring slabs: Infinix just proved that smartphones can be beautiful and practical
- Infinix Unveils A Joyful Tech Era with Always-On Satellite …
- CES Showstoppers 2026: Infinix Brings Satellite Phones, …
- CES 2026: Infinix Showcases Infinix Note 60 Series' …
Related posts
- Fujifilm X-E5 Review: 40MP Compact Rangefinder-Style Camera with IBIS
- WIRED’s 50 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now — Top Picks to Watch Today
- WIRED’s Tested Picks: 12 Best Coffee Subscriptions to Try in 2026