Looking for a feature-packed smartphone that won’t break the bank? The Infinix Smart 3 Plus 32GB typically retails between KES 10,500 and KES 13,000 in Kenya, making it a standout contender in the ultra-budget segment. This price point unlocks a world of modern smartphone features for students, first-time users, and anyone seeking incredible value.
Discover why this device has become a popular choice across the country, offering a perfect blend of a large display, capable camera system, and ample storage.
We reveal everything you need to know about its performance, design, and where to find the best deals, ensuring you make a purchase you’ll be completely satisfied with.
Current Price Range and Market Positioning
The Infinix Smart 3 Plus is firmly positioned in the ultra-budget category, offering remarkable features for its cost. Its price is not fixed and fluctuates based on several key market factors.
- Standard Retail Price (KES 11,500 – KES 12,800): This is the most common price bracket you will find at established physical stores and official Infinix retailers. It often includes a basic warranty and sometimes a free screen protector or case.
- Online/E-Commerce Discount Price (KES 10,500 – KES 11,200): Platforms like Jumia, Kilimall, and Masoko frequently offer flash sales and voucher discounts, especially during festive seasons, pushing the price to its absolute lowest.
- High-End Retail (Up to KES 13,000): Some high-street shops in major malls may price it slightly higher, factoring in their overhead costs, but often provide instant after-sales support.
Prices tend to dip slightly during major holiday sales like Black Friday and December holidays due to increased competition and special importer deals. Conversely, prices can experience a minor spike when a new model is announced, as stock of the older Smart 3 Plus begins to dwindle.
Key Specifications and Build Quality
Beyond its attractive price, the Infinix Smart 3 Plus is defined by a set of specifications carefully chosen to deliver a balanced user experience for its segment. Its construction prioritizes a modern aesthetic and practical durability suited for everyday use.
- Display: It features a large 6.21-inch HD+ IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio and a dewdrop notch. The resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels offers a pixel density of approximately 271 PPI, ensuring decent clarity for videos, web browsing, and social media.
- Performance: At its core is a MediaTek Helio A22 (MT6761) quad-core processor, built on a 12nm process for improved power efficiency. This is paired with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a dedicated microSD card slot, supporting up to 128GB additional storage—a critical feature for Kenyans who store lots of music, photos, and documents.
- Camera System: The rear houses a dual-camera setup led by a 13MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture for better low-light performance, accompanied by a low-light vision sensor. The front features an 8MP selfie camera with a dual LED flash housed within the notch.
- Battery: It is powered by a substantial 3500mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery, designed to easily last a full day of moderate use on a single charge.
- Build & Design: The body is constructed from a polycarbonate frame with a glossy plastic back that mimics glass, available in various colors like Midnight Black, Sapphire Cyan, and Bordeaux Red. It features a traditional rear-mounted fingerprint scanner and supports face unlock for security.
- Software: It runs on Android 9.0 (Pie) skinned with Infinix’s XOS 5.0, offering features tailored for the African market, such as low data mode and XClub for social gamers.
Key Factors Influencing the Price in Kenya
The price tag you see on the Infinix Smart 3 Plus is not arbitrary; it is the final result of a complex interplay of economic and market forces. Understanding these factors will empower you to know why prices differ and when to spot a genuine deal versus a mere marketing gimmick.
- Importation Costs and Forex Fluctuations: As a device manufactured overseas, its landed cost is highly sensitive to the exchange rate between the Kenyan Shilling (KES) and the US Dollar (USD). A weaker shilling directly translates to higher import duties, taxes, and freight costs, which distributors inevitably pass on to retailers and, ultimately, consumers.
- Distribution Channel Markups: The journey from the port to your hand involves several players. An official distributor sells to regional wholesalers, who then supply various retailers. Each entity in this chain adds a margin to cover their operational costs and profit, incrementally increasing the final retail price. Large e-commerce platforms that buy in massive volume can often offer lower prices by securing better rates from distributors.
- Retailer Overheads and Value-Adds: A small kiosk in a neighborhood and a glossy store in a premium mall have vastly different operating expenses like rent and staff salaries. The latter will often charge more. Furthermore, some retailers bundle the phone with accessories like cases, screen guards, or even a small amount of data, which can justify a slightly higher price point.
- Seasonal Demand and Promotional Cycles: Prices are dynamic. During high-demand periods like back-to-school seasons, Christmas, or Black Friday, prices may be competitively lowered as retailers vie for customer attention. Conversely, when a new model is launched and stock of the Smart 3 Plus becomes scarce, remaining units might see a slight price increase due to diminished supply.
- Competitive Market Pressure: The ultra-budget segment in Kenya is fiercely contested by brands like Tecno, Samsung, and Nokia. The aggressive pricing of a competing model, such as the Tecno Spark Go, can force retailers to adjust the price of the Infinix Smart 3 Plus to remain attractive to buyers, sometimes leading to unexpected discounts.
Where to Buy the Infinix Smart 3 Plus in Kenya
You can purchase the Infinix Smart 3 Plus from a variety of trusted sources across Kenya, each offering distinct advantages. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize convenience, the ability to physically inspect the device, or getting the absolute lowest price.
- Major E-Commerce Platforms (Jumia, Kilimall, Masoko): These sites are excellent for comparing prices and snagging flash sales or discount vouchers. They offer door-to-door delivery across the country. Always prioritize vendors labeled as “Official Stores” or those with high ratings and positive reviews to ensure you receive a genuine product with a valid warranty.
- Official Infinix Brand Stores and Authorized Dealers: Located in major malls in cities like Nairobi (Westgate, Garden City), Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru, these outlets offer the assurance of buying directly from the source. You can physically handle the phone, confirm build quality, and get expert advice from staff. They often provide instant after-sales support and honor warranties seamlessly.
- Established Electronics Retail Chains (Phone Place Kenya, Simba Corp, Bharti Airtel, Safaricom Shops): These stores have a widespread presence and are known for their reliability. While their prices might be slightly higher, they offer a trustworthy purchase environment and bundle options with data plans or airtime. You can walk in, buy the device, and walk out with a receipt for warranty purposes.
- Local Electronics Markets (Tumu Tower in Nairobi, Kongowea in Mombasa): These markets can offer competitive cash prices and strong negotiation opportunities. However, this option requires extreme caution. You must meticulously verify the phone’s authenticity, check for sealed boxes, and ensure you get a official warranty card stamped by the seller to avoid counterfeit goods.
Popular Alternatives and Competitive Comparison
While the Infinix Smart 3 Plus offers compelling value, the Kenyan ultra-budget smartphone market is highly competitive. It is wise to compare its offerings against key rivals to ensure your final choice perfectly aligns with your specific needs, whether that’s camera performance, battery life, or pure processing power.
| Brand & Model | Price Range (KES) | Key Features & Differentiators | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infinix Smart 3 Plus | 10,500 – 13,000 | Large 6.21″ HD+ display, 13MP+ low-light vision dual rear camera, 3500mAh battery, dedicated microSD slot. | Widely available online and in stores nationwide. |
| Tecno Spark Go | 9,800 – 12,200 | Extremely competitive pricing, similar 6.1″ display, HIOS software with data-saving features, strong brand reputation for durability. | Extremely high; found in virtually every phone shop. |
| Samsung Galaxy A03 Core | 11,900 – 14,500 | Power of the globally trusted Samsung brand, clean Android Go Edition for smoother performance on low memory, renowned long-term software support. | High; available at major retailers and Samsung stores. |
| Nokia C21 | 12,500 – 15,000 | Built with exceptional durability (polycarbonate body),承诺 two years of quarterly security updates, stock Android experience free of bloatware. | Moderate; best found at large retail chains or official online stores. |
When considering alternatives, also explore different configurations. Some models might offer a 3GB RAM variant for a slightly higher price, which can significantly improve multitasking performance.
All major brands in this segment are imported, primarily from China, so build quality and after-sales service networks become more critical differentiators than country of origin.
Essential Buying Tips for Kenyan Consumers
Making a smart purchase involves more than just comparing prices. To ensure you get a genuine Infinix Smart 3 Plus that is fully functional and backed by a proper warranty, follow these critical steps and ask the right questions before handing over your money.
- Physical Inspection is Non-Negotiable: If buying in person, insist on unboxing the device yourself. Check for any scratches, dents, or misalignments on the body and screen. Verify the IMEI number on the box matches the one displayed on the phone (dial *#06#) and that the device has not been activated previously.
- Ask Specific Questions: Demand clarity on the warranty. Ask, “Is this a distributor or store warranty?” and “Which specific service center honors it?” Inquire about the return policy duration and the conditions for a refund or replacement if a factory defect is found.
- Scrutinize the Warranty Card: A genuine warranty must be an official Infinix card, not a retailer’s handwritten note. It should be pre-stamped with the seller’s details and the date of purchase. Without this, you will likely be denied free service at an authorized repair center.
- Heed These Red Flags: Walk away immediately if the price is inexplicably low, the seller refuses to let you inspect the phone, the packaging seems tampered with or is missing official stickers, or the warranty card is absent. Avoid sellers who pressure you to pay before seeing the product.
Conclusion
Priced between KES 10,500 and 13,000, the Infinix Smart 3 Plus delivers exceptional value for budget-conscious users seeking a large display and reliable performance. For brand assurance, consider alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core. Always prioritize authorized dealers, verify the warranty thoroughly, and use the tips provided to make a secure and informed purchase that perfectly meets your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Infinix Smart 3 Plus
Where can I get my Infinix phone serviced under warranty?
You must take it to an official Infinix Service Center. Always carry your original, stamped warranty card and purchase receipt. Service is free for manufacturing defects but not for physical damage or liquid exposure.
Is the 2GB RAM sufficient for smooth performance?
For basic tasks like calls, WhatsApp, light browsing, and social media, it is adequate. However, expect occasional lag when multitasking heavily or running more demanding applications and games.
How does the battery perform with heavy usage?
The 3500mAh battery reliably lasts a full day with moderate use. With heavy usage like prolonged video streaming or gaming, you will likely need to recharge before the day ends.
Can the storage be expanded and how?
Yes, it has a dedicated microSD card slot, meaning you can add up to 128GB of extra storage without sacrificing your second SIM card slot, which is a major advantage.
