For the better part of last year I have been interacting with Infinix smartphones. Actually, I have used nearly all phones launched by Infinix. What Infinix has been doing is launching a new phone in the market like after every 3 months. This has made their presence in the market huge considering most of their Smartphone are budget friendly and with some good quality. In fact, one is always not sure what phone they are launching next, they are always full of surprises.
One of their latest products in the market is the Infinix HOT 3. The Infinix HOT 3 was launched some few weeks ago, we even did an unboxing article and shared with you some cool pictures with you on what to expect when you purchase the Infinix HOT 3.
In case you missed out unboxing piece you can check it out here and tell us what you think.
Previously, we had also shared with some leaks about the phone and it turns out we were right about some features the phone would come with. In this article however, I am going to share with you my experience with the HOT 3 after the unboxing, telling you about the specs and their performances.
The Infinix HOT 3 is an upgrade of the Infinix HOT 2. However, the difference between the two devices is not that huge for instance both devices come with the same Processor and same Operating System. Was this a good thing for Infinix to do by retaining these specs? We will let you decide that.
The only difference between the two phones is just the screen size and battery capacity. Otherwise, everything else is just the same.
Let me first start by giving you the general specifications of the phone:
- Display: 5.5-inch IPS Display, 720 x 1280 pixels (267ppi)
- Platform: Android 5.1 (Lollipop)
- Processor: 1.3GHz quad-core
- Memory: 1GB or 2GB RAM
- Built-in Storage: 16GB Storage
- Rear Camera: 8 MP Camera, LED Flash, with Autofocus
- Front Camera: 5MP Camera
- SIM Count: Dual-SIM, Dual Standby
- Battery: 3000 mAh
Let us now dwell deep into the review.
Design and Display
As I had mentioned earlier, when you purchase the Infinix HOT 3, don’t expect it to be so much different from its predecessor the HOT 2. One thing, the phone is very light. When I first got it from Infinix I actually had to confirm if the battery was in. For a 5.5 inch device, I didn’t expect it to be so light.
There is nothing much to complain about the 5.5 inch display. It’s actually pretty awesome for people who love games and all other stuff that requires a screen that size.
The phone is also covered with a smooth plastic and I love the fact that the back cover is designed to fit the curve of the palm. This combined with the fine diamond texture makes the phone look pretty good, giving you a full definition of style and functionality.
The camera and the LED flash are placed at the usual top position, at the back of the phone. The speakers are also positioned at the usual position, nothing different.
Camera
I always trust Infinix devices when it comes to camera, and the HOT 3 is no exception. The 8MP back camera utilizes OV8865 sensor and 5-element lens camera to enhance light intake and enable you take better photos. The camera also has additional features including, LED flash, autofocus, Smile recognition, Gesture recognition (fun selfies), Voice recognition (smart recognition for the phrase “capture” or “ cheese”), Timed photos (great for selfies), Touch capture (touch screen for instant focus and capture), Focus Tracking essential tool for spontaneous capture）, burst mode. All this ensures you have a good quality photo. For people who love taking photos, all these camera features are worth trying.
Check out some of the photos I took with HOT 3, the quality is pretty good. The camera is far much better than most phones launched in the market this year.
Hardware and Software
Unlike its predecessors, the Infinix Hot 3 runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop with the new Infinix User Interface (XUI) features allowing you to have all of your Infinix apps and settings. Our first interaction with XUI on the Infinix ZERO 3 was not disappointing, same to the HOT 3. The XUI works quite well despite running on a 1 GB RAM device paired with 32bit CPU.
The Infinix HOT 3 is powered by 1.3GHz quad-core; this paired by a 1GB RAM gives you a smooth performance. I am using the 1GB option which and its performance is quite fair, I can say despite the normal lagging when performing heavy tasks.
HOT 3 also feature a MediaTek MT6580 quad-core processor. Its 16GB internal storage expandable to up to 32GB should be enough for average phone users.
Battery
The Infinix HOT 3 packs A 3000mAh battery with quick charging technology and Infinix decided to retain its traditional removable battery design.
I have my reservations for removable batteries though, but I know most users would prefer it for easy swapping of batteries when having battery problems. I put the battery to test and it went from zero to 100% in a record 5 hours and 25 minutes. The full charge was also able to take me for like 8 hours while running apps and having my brightness levels at its highest and also playing some music.
A friend who I gave the phone to test was able to go with the phone 2 days while just making calls and using messaging service WhatsApp.
Overall, the HOT battery life is impressive.
Verdict
I would be lying to you if I don’t tell you that the HOT 3 is a phone you should consider is you are looking for budget friendly Smartphone.
My biggest reservation however is the 1GB RAM, come on Infinix , you could have done better than that, maybe just stick to the 2GB RAM. In this age where people use their phones to perform heavy tasks, a 1GB RAM is just a big NO!. Infinix Mobility however say there is also a 2GB RAM option which we are not sure when it is going to be available in the market.
One thing I can’t ignore is the Infinix HOT 3 battery is a powerful factor. Who doesn’t love a phone that has a long battery life? Something else, the wonderful camera features should make anyone who enjoys taking photos fall in love with this phone.
And did I tell you the price? The phone costs Kshs. 7, 899 which is quite fair.
Overall, Infinix is did not disappoint with the HOT 3.
One more thing, have you checked out the Infinix Xclub, a platform where you can interact and ask any questions about Infinix products? I know you have so many questions to ask so you can join in here and be part of the Infinix Xclub.
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