Infinix NOTE 60 Pro Builds a Second Interface Around the Active Matrix Display

The most visible part of the Infinix NOTE 60 Pro is not the 6.78-inch front panel, but the interactive LED interface built into the rear camera island. Known as the Active-Matrix Display, this feature represents a shift in smartphone design where the “back” of the device is no longer a passive surface. While early reactions compared it to the Nothing Phone Glyph or the secondary screens on the Xiaomi 17 Pro, the Infinix implementation focuses on a specific mix of utility and “Pixel Art” aesthetics.

Hidden Until Needed

The display sits under a translucent layer in the camera module, remaining completely invisible when idle. Once activated by a notification, a timer, or a specific gesture, the matrix comes alive through a series of discrete LEDs.

This design choice serves a practical purpose for professionals in meeting-heavy environments like Upper Hill or Westlands. By placing the phone face-down, a user can monitor incoming calls or silent alerts through low-distraction light patterns. This reduces the urge to constantly “wake” the main AMOLED screen, which is a major contributor to battery drain.

The “Pixel Pet” Ecosystem

To differentiate from the purely functional lights of its competitors, Infinix has introduced a layer of “Joy Tech” via the XOS 16 software. The matrix display supports:

1. Pixel Pets: Animated digital companions that react to the user’s daily activity and battery levels.

2. Mini-Games: Retro-style titles like Star Blast that can be played using the physical side buttons, turning the rear of the phone into a handheld console.

3. Mood Signatures: Custom scrolling text and emojis that allow users to personalize the device with their names or brand handles.

Integration with “Create Pro”

For content creators, the Active-Matrix Display functions as a tally light or status indicator. When recording 4K video, the rear panel can display a countdown or a recording pulse, providing a visual cue to subjects in front of the lens. The interface also integrates with the Advanced Health Monitor. When using the rear sensors to track heart rate or SpO2 levels, the matrix visualizes the pulse in real-time. This turns a standard health check into a visible, interactive experience.

Thermal and Battery Management

One concern with secondary displays is their impact on power and heat. The Active-Matrix Display uses low-power LED technology that draws less than 1% of the total battery capacity over a 24-hour period.

Additionally, the perforated unibody metal frame of the NOTE 60 Pro ensures that the heat from the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chip does not interfere with the matrix’s performance. The 3D IceCore cooling system handles the thermal load, allowing the rear lights to remain active even during intensive gaming sessions or rapid 90W charging.

At KES 41,999, the NOTE 60 Pro is using the Active-Matrix Display to solve a simple problem: how to stay connected without being consumed by a screen. It is an “expressive” solution that makes the smartphone feel less like a slab of glass and more like a responsive companion.