The itel S25 Ultra is one of the latest additions to the budget smartphone market, released in November 2024. Priced at around 12,000 Rupees this device aims to deliver a balance of performance, design, and affordability. After analyzing its specifications and user feedback, we’re here to provide a comprehensive review of the itel S25 Ultra. Let’s dive into what makes this phone stand out and where it falls short.
Design and Build: Sleek and Durable
The itel S25 Ultra features a sleek design with a thickness of just 6.9 mm and a weight of 163g, making it lightweight and easy to handle. The phone is available in three attractive colors: Bromo Black, Meteor Titanium, and Komodo Ocean. It also boasts an IP64 rating, making it resistant to dust and water splashes—a rare feature in this price range. Additionally, the phone includes an RGB ring notification light on the back, adding a touch of flair to its design.
Display: Vibrant and Smooth
The itel S25 Ultra sports a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2436 pixels and a pixel density of 393 PPI. The screen supports 1 billion colors, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 1400 nits, ensuring vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, offering durability against scratches and minor drops. The always-on display feature is a nice addition, allowing users to check notifications and time without unlocking the phone.
Performance: Decent for the Price
Under the hood, the itel S25 Ultra is powered by the Unisoc T620 chipset, built on a 12nm process. It features an octa-core CPU (2×2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) and is paired with 8GB of RAM. The phone comes in three storage variants: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, all using UFS 2.2 technology for faster read/write speeds. While the Unisoc T620 is not the most powerful chipset in the market, it performs well for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming.
User reviews highlight that the Unisoc T620 outperforms the Helio G81 and Helio G81 Ultra in terms of CPU and GPU performance. However, it lags behind the Helio G99 in battery efficiency. For budget-conscious users, the performance is adequate, but heavy gamers might find it lacking.
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Camera: Capable but Not Outstanding
The itel S25 Ultra features a dual-camera setup on the back, including a 50MP primary sensor with an f/1.6 aperture and a secondary macro lens. The camera supports features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama, and can record videos at 1440p@30fps. On the front, there’s a 32MP selfie camera that captures decent photos and supports video recording at 1440p@30fps.
While the camera setup is impressive on paper, user feedback suggests that the image quality is average, especially in low-light conditions. It’s suitable for casual photography but may not satisfy photography enthusiasts.
Battery and Charging: Long-Lasting but Slow
The itel S25 Ultra is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, which provides excellent battery life. During testing, users reported that the phone easily lasts a full day with moderate to heavy usage, including gaming, streaming, and browsing. However, the 18W wired charging is a letdown, taking 2.5 to 3 hours to fully charge the battery. In a world where fast charging is becoming the norm, this feels outdated.
Software: Up-to-Date but Limited
The phone runs on Android 14 with itel OS 14.5 on top. Itel promises up to two major Android upgrades, which is a plus for a budget device. The software experience is smooth, with minimal bloatware, but it lacks some advanced features found in more expensive smartphones.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The itel S25 Ultra supports dual SIM (Nano-SIM), 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and NFC (market-dependent). It also includes a USB Type-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. The phone features an under-display optical fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones.
User Opinions: Mixed Reactions
User reviews for the itel S25 Ultra are mixed. While many appreciate its affordable price, vibrant display, and long battery life, others criticize its slow charging speed and average camera performance. Some users also expressed disappointment with the Unisoc chipset, preferring more established brands like MediaTek or Qualcomm.
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Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price (around 130 EUR)
- Vibrant 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Long-lasting 5000mAh battery
- IP64 dust and water resistance
- Up-to-date Android 14 with two major upgrades promised
Cons:
- Slow 18W charging
- Average camera performance, especially in low light
- Unisoc T620 chipset may not satisfy heavy users
- Limited availability of NFC in some regions
Final Verdict: Who Is It For?
The itel S25 Ultra is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a lot for its price. It’s ideal for students, first-time smartphone users, or anyone looking for a reliable device for everyday tasks. The vibrant display, long battery life, and durable design make it a solid choice in its segment. However, if you’re a heavy gamer or need faster charging, you might want to explore other options.
Where to Buy
The itel S25 Ultra is available in select markets and can be purchased through authorized retailers or online platforms. With its competitive pricing and decent features, it’s worth considering for budget-conscious buyers.
In conclusion, the itel S25 Ultra is a practical choice for those who prioritize affordability and functionality. While it has its limitations, it delivers where it matters most, making it a strong contender in the budget smartphone category.