We managed to get our hands on Infinix S3 a few days ago, and after unboxing the device and using it for a single day, am positive that the undeniably game-filled selfie camera will set the smartphone on fire. In this article, I want to share my first first impressions with this brilliant budget friendly smartphone. But first, the specs sheet.
Infinix S3 Key features
OS: Android 8.0 Oreo with XOS v3.0
SIM Type: Dual SIM (Nano)
4G LTE: YES, LTE
Screen Size : 5.65 Inches HD IPS Touchscreen.
Screen Resolution: 720 x 1440 pixels (~285 PPI).
Processor Type: Octa-core 1.40 GHz, Snapdragon 430 chipset.
RAM: 3GB.
Internal Storage: 32GB.
External Storage: microSD, up to 128GB.
Back / Rear Camera: 13MP camera & dual LED Flash.
Front Camera: 20MP with dual LED flash.
Battery: 4000 mAh (non-removable).
The retail box of the Infinix S3 is a green one with the S3 name and “Low light selfie” slogan written out loud. After opening the perfectly sealed box, I was all smiles because the Infinix S3 comes in an all in one package. There is the phone (of course), a micro USB cable, a screen protector, a charger plug, a pair of headsets, a pin (to remove the SIM card tray), a semi transparent rubber case, a manual and a warranty card. There is absolutely no need to go shopping for accessories keeping the budget lower further. The included accessories may not be the best in the business but we are glad they were there.
I couldn’t wait to power on the S3 but while it was starting, I took time to look at the design of the phone. The curved front glass panel, trimmed off bezels and the metal body really rock. It gave me the impression of holding a really high end smartphone because the phone doesn’t feel cheap in the hands.
Starting the phone and setting up things only takes a few seconds and within 4 minutes, I had successfully registered my finger print and secure start up pin. My eyes were soon greeted by the home screen. The included pin helped me eject the tray and insert my SIM cards and memory card loaded with media.
The display really looks tall and most times one hand use of the smartphone required steady hands, and almost impossible when pulling down the notification panel but the One-hand feature that infinix included was a welcome feature that reignited the fading smile.
Like many of you, I’m particularly interested in the camera, so it’s the first application that I opened. The Infinix S3 really packs a punch in the camera department. The 20MP front camera shoots some detailed selfies. I was impressed by the prowess of the camera in low light situations when taking selfies (More on this in the final review). They were very clear and detailed even without the need to use the availed front LED light. The LED enabled clear selfies even at pitch black. The 13MP rear camera also impressed with its bokeh effects. Am yet to test the cameras in different light environments and play around with the settings. That will be in the blown out review of this device in just a few days.
After toying with the cameras and taking a few random pics, I turned to the back of the phone and noticed that the fingerprint scanner was perfectly placed away from the camera and in the comfort of the index finger. It delighted me not going through the trouble to adjust my hands to unlock the phone. I was also carefree when unlocking the phone because the camera was put away from the finger print sensor and there was no chance of accidentally touching the camera and covering the lens with fingerprints.
The fact that it rocks Android 8 Oreo out of the box mesmerized me. The phone came preload with some applications like social media apps, an app freezer and many others. I really missed the dedicated home button again because it was a fuss accessing the home screen. It required some getting used to so afterwards, I forgot I ever needed a home button.
After 4 hours of playing around with the smartphone, the battery was still having 40% juice left on battery from the initial 68% that was present when I first powered on the Infinix S3.
The speaker on the phone worked just fine but nothing spectacular. The headsets also didn’t impress that much, but we are glad that they were included in the first place. Another thing that excited me was the presence of an FM radio as most smartphones are ditching the feature.
In summary
The Infinix S3 impressed within a few minutes as it kept things natural. The handset feels nice in the hand, its rounded casing and metal design brought a feel of importance. Android Oreo with XOS 3.0 on top is really fast and nice on the eye. Aside from the below par included accessories, the only other thing I missed was the dedicated home button but got used after an hour of usage.
Will it be a better all-around choice?
Will you need to upgrade to this? We shall review this device and all its features in a few days. Be sure to check the site as we shall get into the software, deeper breakdown of the camera, and other specs. It will cost around UGX 680,000 – UGX 700,000
