Introduction of Infinix Hot S3
The Infinix Hot S3 review looks at the phone’s 20MP front camera, 4000mAh battery, and Snapdragon 430 performance. This clear, hands-on guide tests cameras, batteries, and value in 2025. Buy the Infinix Hot S3 if you want a selfie-first budget phone with long battery life. Avoid it if you need strong gaming power, a Full HD display, or guaranteed long-term software updates.
Key specs
| Category | Specification |
| Model | Infinix Hot S3 |
| Display | 5.65″ HD+ (1440×720), 18:9 |
| SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 (Octa-core) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 |
| RAM / Storage | 3GB / 32GB (also 4GB / 64GB variants) |
| Rear camera | 13MP, PDAF |
| Front camera | 20MP (selfie-centric) |
| Battery | 4000mAh non-removable |
| OS at launch | XOS (based on Android Oreo) |
| Fingerprint | Rear-mounted |
| Release | February 2018 |
Pros & cons
Pros
- 20MP front camera — excellent for daytime selfies and social sharing.
- 4000mAh battery — class-leading endurance for its era and form factor.
- Clean, light design with a rear fingerprint sensor — ergonomic and practical.
- Good value for selfie-centric buyers or as a reliable backup phone.
Cons
- Snapdragon 430 is entry-level — not built for modern heavy gaming or intense multitasking.
- HD+ (720p) display is softer than Full HD rivals — text and fine detail lack crispness.
- XOS updates are limited — official software support is weak.
- Low-light camera performance is mediocre compared with modern sensors and computational photography.
Design & build
The Infinix Hot S3 follows a pragmatic design philosophy: ergonomic, functional, and lightweight. It uses a plastic unibody shell with a matte finish that resists fingerprints and keeps production costs down, which translates to lower repair bills when compared with glass-backed devices.
Why it works: The Hot S3 focuses on comfort and usability rather than premium materials. For many budget buyers—students, parents, or people who want a fuss-free daily driver—this approach is smart. The dimensions and weight make one-handed operation simple, and the button placement is conventional and reliable.
Everyday examples
- One-handed texting, scrolling social feeds, and quick selfies are easy and natural.
- Pocket fit is good due to the compact 5.65″ footprint.
- The rear fingerprint sensor is in a natural thumb/rear-finger position for fast unlocking.
Design notes
- The device doesn’t aim to look luxurious — it’s practical.
- Launch colorways like Sandstone Black and Brush Gold give the phone a bolder appearance than plain plastic.
- Plastic construction makes the Hot S3 slightly more forgiving in drops (though not unbreakable).
Display
The Hot S3 uses a 5.65-inch HD+ (1440×720) panel with an 18:9 aspect ratio. For everyday tasks — messaging, browsing, social media, and casual video — the panel is competent. If you frequently read small text or expect crystal-clear video quality, the lower pixel density will be noticeable.
Real-world expectations
- Indoor: Colors and brightness are perfectly usable for social apps and chat.
- Outdoor (sunny): Expect average visibility; ramp up brightness and use Adaptive Settings.
- Media/streaming: Videos look acceptable but lack the fine detail seen on 1080p displays.
Practical tips
- Turn on adaptive/automatic brightness for better visibility under changing light.
- Increase display scaling or font size if you find tiny UI elements difficult to read.
- Use a good screen protector to reduce glare and protect the panel from scratches.
Why it’s not a dealbreaker for some buyers: The Hot S3’s display trades sharpness for battery life and lower cost. If you prioritize selfies and battery over pixel density, the HD+ panel is a fair compromise.
Performance
The Snapdragon 430 and Adreno 505 GPU position the Hot S3 in the entry-level performance tier. In real-world usage that focuses on social apps, web browsing, calls, and streaming, the phone performs adequately. Heavy multitasking and modern 3D games are where the SoC shows its age.
Typical daily behavior
- App launching: Noticeably slower than modern midrange phones, but perfectly usable for common apps.
- Web browsing: Smooth for text-based sites and social feeds — heavy pages with many scripts may stutter.
- Multitasking: Keep active background apps limited; 3GB RAM is workable but not abundant.
- Gaming: Casual titles run fine; GPU-heavy games require low settings and may still stutter.
Benchmark framing
- Benchmark numbers are not the whole story; synthetic scores will lag modern entry-to-midrange chips, but most people will find the phone acceptable for everyday tasks.
Performance recommendations
- Choose the 4GB variant if you can find it used — it offers better headroom for background apps.
- Use lighter versions of apps (Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite) to improve responsiveness and save battery.
- Keep storage free — low internal storage can slow the device down, so use a microSD for media if available.
Cameras
The 20MP front camera is the Hot S3’s core differentiator. At launch, it was marketed as a selfie phone, and that remains the device’s strongest appeal. However, photography expectations in 2025 have shifted toward better low-light sensors and more advanced computational photography.
Front camera (20MP)
- Daylight selfies: Good detail, pleasing colors, and strong, sharpness for a budget phone.
- Portrait/selfie bokeh: Often convincing in good light thanks to software blur and face detection.
- Beauty modes: Aggressive by default; they smooth skin and brighten faces for social-ready shots.
Front camera
- Low light: Performance drops: screen flash and software denoising help, but images get noisy and lose fine detail.
- Dynamic range: In high-contrast scenes, faces can look slightly flat, or blown highlights may occur.
Rear camera (13MP)
- Daytime: Decent colors and acceptable detail for social sharing.
- Close-ups: Works well for quick macro/food shots.
- Low light: Noisy, soft detail, and less dynamic range compared with modern budget sensors.
Video
- Casual clips are fine for social reels. No advanced stabilization means handheld footage can be shaky.
Practical camera advice
- For the best selfies, shoot in daylight and disable beauty mode if you prefer natural texture.
- Use portrait mode in good lighting for pleasing bokeh; it struggles with fine edges in low light.
- Keep expectations realistic for nighttime and shadowed interior shots — they will be noisy.
Battery life & charging
The 4000mAh battery is one of the Hot S3’s most enduring strengths. In day-to-day use, it gives reliable runtimes and can comfortably serve power users who favor social apps and moderate media playback.
Real battery expectations
- Moderate use: 1 to 1.5 days (social apps, streaming, calls).
- Light use: Up to 2 days possible with conservative settings.
- Heavy gaming: Expect around a day or less, depending on intensity and screen brightness.
Example test you can reproduce.
- Screen-on-time test: Start at 100% with Wi-Fi and automatic brightness. Play a local video at 50% brightness for one hour — you’ll typically see 6–10% drain depending on background activity and network conditions. (Results vary by unit and battery health.)
Charging
- No modern high-watt fast charging. Expect longer top-up times compared with 2025 fast-charge standards. Using higher-quality chargers and cables helps, but the phone’s charging circuit limits speed.
Battery care tips
- Use adaptive brightness and battery saver mode when you need extra hours.
- Turn off background refresh for apps you rarely use.
- If buying used, check battery health and consider a replacement battery for peace of mind.
Software & updates
The Hot S3 launched with XOS based on Android Oreo. XOS adds features and some preinstalled apps that aim to deliver useful shortcuts and customization, but the brand’s budget phones historically receive limited official update support.
2025 software reality
- Official OS upgrades beyond what shipped are unlikely. Don’t expect regular security patches or major Android version updates in 2025.
- Community ROMs may exist — these provide a path to newer Android versions but carry complexity, potential bugs, and security tradeoffs.
Practical guidance
- Treat the phone’s software as mostly static in 2025. If you care about the latest Android features or consistent security patches, buy a newer device.
- If you’re comfortable with rooting and flashing, research active forums (XDA, device-specific threads) before attempting a custom ROM.
Infinix Hot S3 vs rivals
The Hot S3’s value proposition in the used market focuses on selfies and battery. Let’s match common buyer priorities to alternatives.
Use case — best pick.
- Selfies & social use: Infinix Hot S3 (20MP front).
- Gaming & high FPS: Used Redmi/Realme devices with 1080p and stronger SoCs.
- Software & updates: Newer budget phones from mainstream brands (better update policy).
- Battery endurance: Hot S3 competes well thanks to 4000mAh.
Comparative notes
- Many later budget phones trade battery for faster displays and SoCs. If your priority is battery and selfies, Hot S3 remains competitive; if you need a crisp display or modern gaming performance, used models from Xiaomi/Realme/Tecno are better bets.
Price & where to buy
The Hot S3 launched at an aggressive price in emerging markets; by 2025, it’s primarily a used-market item. You’ll find it on marketplaces like eBay, OLX, Daraz, Facebook Marketplace, and Regional Classifieds.
Buying tips
- Battery health: Ask the seller for battery capacity or test in person. Replace if health is low.
- IMEI / blacklist check: Ensure the device isn’t blacklisted.
- Accessories: Charger and box can be indicators of care.
- Seller reliability: Prefer sellers with returns, ratings, or local meetups where you can inspect the phone.
Who should buy the Hot S3 in 2025?
Buy if
- You want an inexpensive spare or backup phone with a great selfie camera.
- You prioritize long battery life and simple daily tasks.
- You’re buying for a teen, an elder, or as a travel backup.
Avoid if
- You play heavy 3D mobile games daily.
- You need a razor-sharp display for reading or photo editing.
- You expect years of official OS updates and a strong security patch cadence.
Example buyer scenarios
- Parent purchasing for a teen: Good — selfies and battery outweigh performance needs.
- Traveler needing a backup phone: Great — long battery and lightweight.
- Gamer or heavy multitasker: Not recommended — modern midrange phones are a better match.
FAQs
Yes. The 20MP front camera continues to produce detailed selfies in good lighting conditions, serving as the phone’s primary selling point.
The 4000mAh battery typically gives a full day of heavy use and 1–1.5 days on moderate use. Light users can get longer.
Light and casual games run fine. Heavy 3D games require reduced settings and may stutter due to the Snapdragon 430.
Official OS updates are unlikely in 2025. Check for community ROMs if you need a newer Android version, but that has risks and requires technical knowledge.
As a backup phone or for selfies and battery on a tight budget — yes.
Final verdict
The Infinix Hot S3 is a selfie-focused budget phone that pairs a standout 20MP front camera with a robust 4000mAh battery and a light, ergonomic design. In 2025, it’s ideal for buyers who require a low-cost phone for making calls, social media, and taking selfies — or for those seeking a dependable backup device. It is not recommended for heavy gamers, users who need a crisp Full HD display, or those who require guaranteed long-term OS and security updates.
