Infinix is set to stir things up in the smartphone AI space with its upcoming Note 50 series launch in Indonesia next month. According to multiple reports, the mid-range lineup will feature a major AI upgrade, thanks to the integration of DeepSeek R1 into Infinix’s Folax voice assistant.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve already heard of this groundbreaking AI. DeepSeek R1 is a Chinese-developed reasoning model designed to compete with heavyweight AI systems like OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Google’s Gemini.
Unlike traditional pre-trained models, DeepSeek R1 attempts to mimic human-like thinking processes, making it particularly proficient at complex tasks including coding, scientific research, and multi-step planning.
DeepSeek R1 stands out due to its “mixture of experts” (MOE) approach. While conventional AI systems like ChatGPT query their entire knowledge base for every prompt, DeepSeek only consults relevant “expert” sections of its model. This targeted approach supposedly results in faster response times and greater energy efficiency.
Infinix’s current Folax voice assistant, first introduced in 2021 with the Zero X series, relies on Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI APIs to leverage GPT-3.5. The assistant can be activated by long-pressing the power button or using a voice command, but it has reportedly struggled with complex queries.
Infinix’s decision to integrate DeepSeek R1 into its system could considerably enhance Folax’s capabilities. According to GSMArena, internal testing has apparently shown impressive results, with the upgraded assistant demonstrating improved contextual understanding of user requests, faster search handling, and more accurate responses to voice commands.
One popular feature in testing has been DeepSeek’s “show your working” approach, which allows users to see how the AI reaches its conclusions.
This integration could give Infinix a unique edge in the increasingly AI-focused smartphone market. While Google and Samsung rely on their own AI systems, and Apple has incorporated ChatGPT into Siri, Infinix may become the first smartphone brand to make use of DeepSeek R1.
READ: Xiaomi Is Adding DeepSeek to Its Devices
A major advantage for Infinix is that DeepSeek R1 is open-source and free to use, which allows the company to add powerful AI features without paying massive licensing fees. This accessibility could be especially valuable for a brand focused on the mid-range market.
Infinix is expected to make an official announcement about the DeepSeek integration on February 26, just ahead of Mobile World Congress. The company has already teased AI features for the Note 50 series but hasn’t revealed specific details.
The Infinix Note 50 Pro has reportedly been spotted on Indonesia’s SDPPI certification site with the model number X6855, although no additional specifications have been revealed.
It’s worth mentioning that despite DeepSeek’s popularity (it was the most downloaded free app in the US in January 2025), it does come with some concerns.
The app originates from China and has faced criticism for allegedly censoring content disapproved of by the Chinese government and taking pro-government stances on certain political and human rights issues.
These concerns have led to its ban in South Korea, and users are advised to exercise caution when handling sensitive information.
