Introduction of Infinix Smart 3 Plus
Infinix Smart 3 Plus is a budget-first handset that at launch was unique as it fitted a triple-camera system, a 6.2-inch HD + display, and a sleek look in a very cheap package. In its daily activities, i.e., calls, messaging, social media, and informal photography, it is satisfactory. Its 2GB RAM and battery feature will be limiting to heavy multitaskers, mobile gamers, and long-haul power users.
At-a-glance
- Launch / Release: April–May 2019 (India / Pakistan region).
- Display: 6.21″ HD+ (1520×720) IPS, waterdrop notch.
- Chips & memory: MediaTek Helio A22 / variant notes; typically 2GB RAM / 32GB storage (expandable).
- Rear cameras: 13MP main + 2MP depth + QVGA low-light sensor (AI triple-camera marketing).
- Front camera: ~8MP selfie.
- Battery: ~3500 mAh (non-removable).
- OS: Android 9 Pie with XOS 5.0 (Infinix skin).
- Typical Pakistan price (snapshot): ~PKR 15,499 (varies; some listings now show discontinued stock).
What’s in the box
- Infinix Smart 3 Plus handset
- Basic charger (often 5V/1A) + USB cable
- SIM eject tool, warranty card, quick start guide
- Clear TPU case (region-dependent)
- Factory seal and box — always confirm charger specs printed on the box
Full specs
- Display: 6.21-inch IPS, 1520×720 (HD+), waterdrop notch
- Processor: MediaTek Helio A22 / P22 family (region/variant dependent)
- GPU: Budget-class GPU (PowerVR / IMG family depending on chip)
- RAM / Storage: 2 GB RAM, 32 GB storage; microSD expansion slot
- Rear cameras: 13 MP (main) + 2 MP (depth) + QVGA low-light assist + dual LED flash
- Front camera: 8 MP (approx.), AI beauty modes
- Battery: ~3500 mAh, non-removable; slow charging with included charger
- OS: Android 9 Pie with XOS 5.0 skin
- Connectivity / Sensors: 4G LTE (bands depend on SKU), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS; no IP rating typically
- Ports: microUSB (likely), 3.5mm audio jack
- Colors: Midnight Black, Sapphire Cyan, Champagne Gold, Mocha Brown (region dependent)
- Weight / Dimensions: light and pocketable — manufacturer sheet varies by SKU
Design & build
The Smart 3 Plus presents a modern, budget-friendly aesthetic: a glossy plastic back with curved edges, a narrow waterdrop notch up front, and slim display bezels for the category. It looks and feels more refined than its price suggests. The plastic body keeps weight low and reduces fragility compared with glass-backed rivals, but it also offers a less premium tactile impression. Buttons are sensibly placed, the rear camera module sits flush enough, and color finishes are lively — especially Sapphire Cyan and Mocha Brown options.
Durability & ergonomics: expect the usual trade-offs for a cheap polycarbonate shell: comfortable one-handed reach for most users, no official water/dust seal rating, and a design that hides fingerprints better than glossy glass but isn’t scratch-proof.
Display
The HD+ IPS screen offers usable clarity in terms of social applications, video streaming, and browsing. With 1520×720 pixels, fine typography and small UI elements are not as sharp as on Full HD screens, but the size of the screen and its design are pleasant for media consumption. Colors are tilted instead of color-true and brightness is satisfactory indoors, but might have trouble under direct light of the sun – something to take into account when you spend much of your time out of doors.
Performance
Under the hood sits a budget MediaTek chip (A22 / similar), tuned toward energy efficiency and everyday responsiveness rather than raw power. Paired with 2GB RAM, the Smart 3 Plus copes well with communications — calls, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram — and light multitasking. Expect app switching to be slower when many apps live in memory, and background reloads will be common.
Gaming: casual titles and older 2D games run fine. Heavy 3D games like PUBG Mobile or Asphalt will require low graphics presets; frame rates are limited,t and device thermals climb under prolonged gaming. If gaming is a priority, look for rivals with higher RAM and stronger GPUs.
Storage & expandability
The typical SKU ships with 32GB storage and supports microSD expansion. With Android and XOS overhead, usable space will be lower than the listed capacity — add a microSD if you store lots of photos, video clips, ps or offline media.
Camera
One of the Smart 3 Plus’s marquee selling points was its triple-camera package in a budget shell: a main 13MP sensor, a 2MP depth sensor for portrait blur, and a tiny QVGA low-light sensor marketed as a “night detector” to improve dim lighting Performance.
Daylight photography: pleasantly competent. The main sensor captures enough detail and natural color for social sharing. Look for decent dynamic range in typical daylight scenes and good color rendition for a phone in this tier.
Portrait mode: the depth sensor helps separate the subject from the background and produces usable bokeh at arm’s length. Edge-detection is average: it handles clear subjects well, but messy hair or complex edges can confuse the algorithm.
Low-light & night: the QVGA low-light sensor offers incremental improvement in very low illuminance, but doesn’t match the output of larger sensors or dedicated night modes on higher-end contenders. Expect noise and reduced detail after sunset.
Video: video capture is serviceable for casual recording — likely capped at 1080p on many SKUs — but expect no OIS and limited stabilization. Use a steady hand or gimbal for smoother clips.
Strengths: surprising daytime results for price, helpful portrait separation, and social-ready shots without extra processing.
Weaknesses: limited low-light detail, no optical stabilization, and modest video stabilization.
Camera gallery
- Daylight wide shot (outdoor, midday)
- Indoor sample (controlled lighting)
- Low-light / night photo (streetlamp scene)
- Portrait mode headshot (background blur test)
- Macro/close-up (if supported)
- Wide / tele comparison (if variant supports it)
- Video sample (1080p 30fps clip)
- Selfie sample (indoor and daylight)
Benchmarks & performance
- AnTuTu (latest available version at the time of testing) — total and sub-scores
- Geekbench single-core / multi-core scores
- 3DMark (Sling Shot / Wild Life) for sustained GPU load
- Real-world in-game FPS logs for PUBG Mobile and Asphalt at set graphics presets (record 10-minute sessions)
- App launch time for heavy apps (camera, Chrome with 10 tabs, etc.)
Battery tests
Recommended tests and how to report them:
- Video loop test (local file, airplane mode, 50% brightness) — time until shutdown.
- Charging profile — measure 0→100% with included charger and note charger model; time to 50% and 100%.
- Mixed-use 24h test — messaging, browsing, light camera use, a few calls; report final percentage after 24 hours and screen-on-time (SOT).
- 3-day SOT average — test across three typical usage days and report the mean SOT.
Typical outcome: with ~3500 mAh, expect light-to-moderate users to see a full day; heavy gaming or prolonged camera sessions reduce endurance significantly. The included charger is typically low-wattage, so charging times are long.
Software & updates
The Smart 3 Plus ships with Android 9 Pie under Infinix’s XOS 5.0 skin. XOS adds convenience features — Smart Panel, Game Boost, gesture controls — but also brings preinstalled apps and some promotional content. For long-term owners, verify OTA update history with Infinix support pages: inexpensive models often receive limited major OS updates.
Bloatware & UX: list preinstalled apps, note any ads in system apps or launcher, and explain how to disable/remove extra apps to improve responsiveness.
Real-world usage notes
- Smooth for everyday tasks: texting, calls, and social apps run reliably.
- Multitasking limits: 2GB RAM constrains background app retention and makes heavy multitasking awkward.
- Camera surprise: owners frequently praise daylight shots as better than expected.
- Battery: acceptable for casual use; gamers and power users will want a Power Bank.
- Software quirks: occasional preinstalled apps and promotional prompts; clearing or disabling them improves the experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent value for money at launch — triple-camera setup in a budget package.
- Large, modern-looking display suitable for media.
- Lightweight, comfortable design and attractive color options.
- MicroSD expansion for added storage flexibility.
- XOS offers useful features like Game Boost and helpful utilities.
- Decent daytime camera performance for social sharing.
- Affordable price — an accessible option for first-time smartphone buyers.
Cons
- Low RAM (usually 2GB) limits multitasking and future-proofing.
- Average battery endurance under heavy use; the included charger is slow.
- Limited low-light camera performance despite the extra sensor.
- Not ideal for high-end gaming — modest GPU and thermal headroom.
- Sparse long-term software update guarantees.
Comparison table
| Model | Display | SoC | RAM | Battery |
| Infinix Smart 3 Plus | 6.21″ HD+ | Helio A22 / P22 | 2GB | ~3500 mAh |
| Realme C (equivalent) | 6.2″ HD+ | Snapdragon / Helio variant | 2–3GB | 4000 mAh+ |
| Redmi low-end | 5.99–6.2″ HD+ | Snapdragon | 2–3GB | 4000–5000 mAh |
FAQs
A: It can still be a pragmatic pick if you find a well-priced unit and your needs are basic: calls, messaging, lightweight apps, and casual daylight photos.
A: Depending on the regional SKU, some similar Smart-series models include a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner.
A: The camera surprised many buyers at launch — the 13MP main sensor and depth module deliver good daytime shots and usable portrait blur for social sharing.
A: Typical retail units ship with 32GB internal storage and include a microSD slot for expansion.
A: The handset ships with Android 9 Pie and Infinix’s XOS 5.0 skin layered on top.
Final verdict
Infinix Smart 3 Plus, as long as they have the inventory, is a viable, low-cost option, although the photos in the daylight are surprisingly good, and it looks and functions modern in everyday use. In case longevity, multitasking, and gaming are important, spend more on a newer model with increased RAM and battery.
