Xiaomi Redmi 5 vs Infinix Hot S3 Specs Comparison: Best Affordable 18:9 Display Phone?

Xiaomi, today, introduced its entry-level phone, dubbed as Redmi 5, with full vision display in India. Even though the budget handset is little late to the party, considering the global launch was in China last December, the Redmi 5 still gets the limelight for its impressive spec-sheet.

One of the phones that will be challenging the Xiaomi Redmi 5 is Infinix Hot S3 (Review). The phone was recently launched in India and is one of the best camera and battery-centric phone in the budget segment.

We decided to pit the two equally powerful devices against each other to figure out the ultimate winner. Here’s what we found out:

Xiaomi Redmi 5 vs Infinix Hot S3

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Design and Build

The Redmi 5 and Hot S3 both boast a modern unibody design with 18:9 display, up front. Both devices are compact and comfortable to operate with slim-bezels and curved rear edges, however, they do differ in design.

The Redmi 5 borrows the looks from its elder sibling Redmi 5 Plus – launched in India as Redmi Note 5. The handset has a semi metal-unibody design on the back cover (metal in the middle, plastic on top and bottom) and Corning Gorilla Glass protection, up front.

The Infinix Hot S3, on the other hand, has a fully plastic body with a metal finish on top and the Dragontrail glass protecting the display. The new age glass is considered to be more resistant than gorilla glass and suppose to resist scratch better. It has a rear-camera aligned on the top-right corner of the back panel, and fingerprint sensor embedded in the middle.

Out of the two, we find the design of Infinix Hot S3 more appealing and refreshing. The Redmi 5 has a more accustomed design, which may work better for some buyers.

Display

At display front, both devices have a minuscule difference from one another – only in terms of size. The Redmi 4 sports a 5.7-inch display compared to Hot S3’s 5.65-inch. Both have 18:9 screen aspect ratio and HD+ (720X1440 pixel) resolution. The Hot S3 shows a tad oversaturated and punchy colors, and the Redmi 5 is more inclined to neutral tones. Overall, you can’t go wrong with either of the two screens.

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Processor and Software

Xiaomi Redmi 5 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 paired with up to 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage. Whereas the Infinix Hot S3 rock Snapdragon 430 SoC with up to 4GB RAM and 32GB ROM. Both are the octa-core processor, but the Snapdragon 450 gives Redmi 5 a clear edge.

The Redmi 5 wins the race with its slightly faster and powerful processor, but the Hot S3 doesn’t get left behind, very far. The Hot S3 chipset is also quite competent and should be apt for basic and moderate users.

At the software front, both phones come running on custom UI. The Hot S3 has Android Oreo-based XOS 3.0 UI whereas the Redmi 5 has its MIUI 9 garnished on top of now-dated Android Nougat.

Camera and Battery

This is a segment where the Infinix Hot S3 clearly holds an edge over Redmi 5. The phone scores big both in terms of camera and battery.

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The Inifinix Hot S3 features a 13MP primary camera and a 20MP secondary camera, both with f/2.0 aperture lens and LED flash. The sensors have the ability to click good images in daylight and can even capture details in places with low light using LED flash.

In comparison to this, the Redmi 5 comes with a 12MP rear sensor and 5MP front sensor with f/2.2 aperture and dual-tone LED flash is an average performer. The phone will give decent images in broad daylight, but struggles in the low light ambiance.

As far as the battery goes, the Hot S3’s 4000mAh battery will outlast Redmi 5’s 3200mAh battery. Both batteries are non-removable and don’t support fast charging.

Verdict

Both Redmi 5 and Hot S3 offer best in class hardware and are quite competent.

What’s good about the Xiaomi Redmi 5?

The Redmi 5’s biggest advantage is its better and up-to-date chipset. The MIUI skin also enjoys better community support in India. Also, the Redmi 5 base variant starts from Rs. 7,999. If you can manage with 2GB RAM and 16GB storage, you can go for the cheaper option (though, we’d recommend that you go with at least 32GB storage option).

What’s good about Infinix Hot S3?

The Infinix Hot S3 offers the latest Android Oreo software and is better looking of the two. It also benefits from a bigger battery, has a better selfie camera, and additionally includes Face Unlock.