Infinix Hot S, The Infinix Hot S, one of Infinix’s earlier entries into the budget smartphone market, carved a niche for itself when it launched in 2016. Known for its sleek design and lifestyle-oriented features, it was marketed as a device that blends affordability with functionality. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what made the Infinix Hot S stand out, its key features, and why it remains a noteworthy piece of tech history for budget-conscious consumers. Written in a conversational tone, this post is tailored for general readers who are curious about affordable smartphones and their evolution.
Why the Infinix Hot S Caught Attention
When the Infinix Hot S hit the market, it was a breath of fresh air for those seeking a budget phone that didn’t feel like a compromise. Infinix positioned it as a “lifestyle phone,” and it’s easy to see why. With a lightweight build (weighing just 140g) and a sleek metal body, it was designed to fit comfortably in your hand while looking premium. The champagne gold color option, in particular, gave it a touch of elegance that wasn’t common in its price range at the time.
What really set it apart, though, was its focus on user experience. From the vibrant display to the inclusion of a fingerprint sensor—a rarity in budget phones back then—the Hot S aimed to deliver more than just the basics. Let’s break down the features that made it a fan favorite.
Key Features of the Infinix Hot S
1. Sleek and Lightweight Design
The Infinix Hot S was all about aesthetics. Its full metal body with slim edges made it feel more expensive than it was. At just 140g, it was easy to carry around, whether you were snapping selfies or scrolling through social media. The design wasn’t just about looks—it was practical, fitting comfortably in your pocket or hand.
2. Crisp Display
The phone’s display was a standout feature. Images and web pages looked sharp and vibrant, making everything from Instagram feeds to videos pop. Compared to other budget phones of its time, the Hot S offered a clearer and more appealing visual experience, which was a big win for media lovers.
3. Camera Capabilities
The Hot S came equipped with a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera, both of which performed well for the price point. The rear camera handled low-light conditions better than its predecessor, the Hot 2, and the front camera’s wide-angle selfie feature was a fun addition for group shots. Whether you were capturing a sunset or a night out with friends, the Hot S delivered decent results.
4. Fingerprint Sensor
In 2016, fingerprint sensors were mostly found in pricier phones, so the Hot S’s inclusion of one was a big deal. Located on the back, it wasn’t just for unlocking the phone—you could use it to snap selfies or answer calls with a quick tap. This added a layer of convenience and security that made the phone feel modern.
5. Fun Extras
Infinix sprinkled in some unique touches, like inspirational quotes that appeared on the lock screen. Small details like this gave the Hot S a personality that resonated with users looking for a device that felt personal. The “Magic Movie” feature, while not a game-changer, was a fun way to create and edit videos, especially for younger users.
How It Compared to Its Predecessor
Having used the Infinix Hot 2, I noticed several upgrades in the Hot S that made it a step up. The camera quality was noticeably better, with sharper images and a white torchlight (compared to the Hot 2’s blue-tinted one). The Hot S also came with a built-in FM radio app, eliminating the need to download third-party apps for radio access. These small but meaningful improvements showed Infinix was listening to user feedback.
The Trade-Offs
No phone is perfect, especially in the budget category, and the Hot S had a few quirks. For one, it had a non-removable battery cover, which some users found limiting. The dual-SIM setup meant sacrificing the microSD slot if you wanted to use two SIMs, which could be a hassle for those needing extra storage beyond the 16GB internal memory and 2GB RAM. Additionally, the note-taking app capped entries at 1,500 characters, which could frustrate users who liked jotting down longer thoughts.
Despite these drawbacks, the Hot S was a solid package. A screen protector and case were recommended to keep it scratch-free, but overall, it was a reliable daily driver for its time.
Why It Still Matters
The Infinix Hot S is a great example of how budget smartphones can punch above their weight. It showed that you didn’t need to spend a fortune to get a phone that looked good, performed well for everyday tasks, and offered features like a fingerprint sensor. For general readers, especially those new to the smartphone world or looking for affordable options, the Hot S serves as a reminder of how far budget phones have come—and how brands like Infinix have been part of that journey.
If you’re nostalgic for the early days of budget smartphones or just curious about what made devices like the Hot S tick, it’s worth appreciating the role it played in making tech accessible to more people. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a bold step toward balancing style, functionality, and affordability.
FAQs
A: The Infinix Hot S is a budget-friendly Android smartphone released in 2016 by Infinix, designed as a “lifestyle phone” with a sleek metal body, a 13MP rear camera, an 8MP front camera, and a fingerprint sensor.
Q: How much storage does the Infinix Hot S have?
A: It comes with 16GB of internal storage and 2GB of RAM. You can expand storage with a microSD card, but using one means giving up the second SIM slot in the dual-SIM setup.
Q: Does the Infinix Hot S support 4G?
A: Yes, the Hot S supports 4G LTE, making it suitable for faster internet browsing and streaming at the time of its release.
Q: Is the Infinix Hot S good for gaming?
A: The Hot S can handle light gaming and everyday apps, but its 2GB RAM and mid-range processor aren’t suited for heavy gaming or multitasking compared to modern standards.
Q: How good is the camera on the Infinix Hot S?
A: The 13MP rear camera and 8MP front camera are decent for a budget phone, offering good photo quality in well-lit conditions and a wide-angle selfie feature. Low-light performance is average but improved over the Hot 2.
Q: Is the Infinix Hot S still worth buying today?
A: As of 2025, the Hot S is outdated compared to newer budget phones with better specs and software updates. It’s better suited for collectors or those interested in tech history rather than as a primary device.
Q: Does the Infinix Hot S have a fingerprint sensor?
A: Yes, it has a fingerprint sensor on the back, which can be used to unlock the phone, take selfies, or answer calls.
Q: What are the main drawbacks of the Infinix Hot S?
A: Key drawbacks include the non-removable battery cover, the trade-off between dual-SIM use and microSD storage, and a 1,500-character limit on the note-taking app.