Categories
Android Gadgets Review

Itel S24: Name Sounds Familiar, Price Sounds Fantastic

Itel’s S series naming conventions are always a bit of a mystery. We jumped from the S17 to the S18, then last year it was the S23, and now we have the S24! It’s almost like a certain German car manufacturer which uses the same naming style in their ‘Luxury’ car series. But hey, who cares about names when the price is right? The S24 packs a surprising punch for a phone that costs between $105 and $150 USD.

Let’s dive into the specs! The S24 boasts a large 6.6-inch IPS LCD display, perfect for watching videos or endlessly scrolling through social media. It comes with a generous 8GB of RAM, which is a welcome surprise at this price point, allowing you to run multiple apps and switch between them smoothly. Storage options include either 128GB or 256GB, giving you plenty of space for your photos, videos, and ever-growing app collection. It’s no surprise that itel cut some corners to hit that sweet price point. The display resolution isn’t the highest, and the build is more plastic than glass. But the overall construction feels surprisingly sturdy for a budget phone. One cool feature is the color-changing back, reminiscent of the itel S23. And of course, there’s the ‘Dynamic Bar’ – a feature that definitely wasn’t inspired by a certain fruit-branded tech giant. Let’s just say the designers were clearly fans of the S24’s sleek design!

Under the hood, the S24 represents a major upgrade with the switch to a MediaTek Helio G91 processor. This is a significant improvement over the Unisoc chips used in previous models, which were known for their, ahem, ‘enthusiastic’ performance. I reviewed both the S23 and the P40+, and let’s just say gaming wasn’t exactly their strong suit. While the Helio G91 won’t turn the S24 into a gaming powerhouse, it’s a clear step up that makes everyday tasks smoother and allows for some light gaming And get this – the S24’s default wallpaper has a seriously familiar vibe. It’s got that swirly look and those nature-y colors that kinda remind you of staring at your desktop screen. Makes you wonder if someone at itel is a fan of a certain super popular operating system, you know?.

The 108MP camera on the S24 seems a bit too good to be true at first glance. Sure, it won’t compete with the Pixel 7a or the Nothing Phone 2a(my favorite midrange devices), but remember the price difference! Compared to its predecessors, the S24 should deliver noticeably better image quality, which is a win for budget-minded users.

Itel has a well-deserved reputation for excellent battery life, and the S24 doesn’t disappoint. The 5000mAh battery should easily get you through a full day of use, and potentially more if you’re not constantly glued to the screen. And if you’re a battery life champion, the itel P40+ might be your soulmate, boasting a whopping 7000mAh battery.

As with many Chinese smartphones, the itel S24 comes with its own custom software experience. There will be some pre-installed apps, some of which could be considered bloatware. Itel also has a fondness for including various ‘features’ that may not be quite as useful as they seem. However, itel’s custom Android skin, while not top-of-the-line, has a clean aesthetic. You might even run into their AI assistant, Aivana, who’s always eager to help (but might not quite measure up to Google Assistant, I’m just saying).

Overall Impressions (Without a Test Drive)

While I haven’t personally reviewed the S24 (this whole review is based on insights from other reviewers, so maybe I might have said too much for someone who doesn’t have first-hand information), it’s clear that you’re getting a lot of smartphone for a remarkably low price. The S24 strikes a great balance between features and affordability. If you’re not a power user who demands the latest and greatest technology, this could be the perfect daily driver. The big display, decent performance, surprisingly capable camera, and long-lasting battery should cover most people’s needs without breaking the bank.

When to Consider Alternatives

However, there are some scenarios where itel’s other offerings or even competing brands might be a better fit. If 5G connectivity or wireless charging is a must-have for you, the itel P55 lineup is worth considering. Additionally, if you prioritize camera performance above all else, the Google Pixel 7a or even the Nothing Phone 2a(yes, these two again) might offer a more satisfying experience, although be prepared to pay a bit more for those upgrades.

The Bottom Line

The itel S24 is a compelling option for anyone seeking a capable smartphone on a tight budget. It won’t blow your mind with high-level specs, but it delivers remarkable value. If you simply need a phone that handles everyday tasks smoothly, has a decent camera, and keeps going all day long, the S24 is well worth a closer look.

Here’s a table summarizing the key specs of the Itel S24:

FeatureSpecification
Display6.6-inch, 720 x 1612 pixels IPS LCD
RAM8GB LPDDR4x
Storage128GB or 256GB eMMC 5.1
ProcessorMediaTek Helio G91
Front Camera8MP
Rear Camera108MP + QVGA
Battery5000mAh
Operating SystemAndroid 13
Categories
Android Apple Comparison Gadgets Gaming iOS Review

The Best Smartphones of 2023: A Comprehensive Categorized Review

The year 2023 has been a remarkable one for the smartphone industry, with many new innovations, features, and designs that have pushed the boundaries of mobile technology. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly device, a powerful performer, a camera beast, a gaming monster, or something else, there is a smartphone for you in 2023. In this article, I will share my personal opinion on the best smartphones of 2023 in different categories, based on the available information and reviews from various sources. Note that this article is not based on any hands-on experience, but only on research.

Best Affordable Phone: Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

If you are looking for a smartphone that offers 5G connectivity, a decent performance, a good battery life, and a nice design, without breaking the bank, then the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is a great choice. This phone was launched in January 2023, and it is priced at $199.99. It features a 6.5-inch HD+ LCD display, a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, a 48MP main camera, a 5MP ultra-wide camera, a 2MP macro camera, a 2MP depth camera, a 13MP selfie camera, a 5000mAh battery, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. It runs on Android 12 with One UI 4.0 on top. The Galaxy A14 5G is a solid mid-range phone that can handle most tasks and apps smoothly, and it supports 15W fast charging. It also has a sleek design with a gradient back and a punch-hole display. The Galaxy A14 5G competes with other affordable 5G phones such as the Motorola Moto G Power 5G, the OnePlus Nord N200 5G, and the TCL 20 5G.

Best Performance Phone: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

When it comes to performance, no other phone can match the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, which was launched in September 2023. This phone is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic chip, which is the most advanced processor in the market, with a 5nm+ process, a six-core CPU, a five-core GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, and 8GB of RAM. The iPhone 15 Pro Max also has a stunning 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 2778×1284 resolution, and HDR10 support. It has 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage options, and it runs on iOS 17. The iPhone 15 Pro Max also has an impressive camera system, with a 12MP wide-angle camera, a 12MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a LiDAR scanner. It can record 4K video at 60fps, and it supports Dolby Vision, ProRAW, and Cinematic mode. The front camera is also a 12MP sensor with Face ID and Animoji support. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 4500mAh battery that supports 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. It also has stereo speakers, IP68 water and dust resistance, MagSafe accessories, and 5G connectivity. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the ultimate performance phone that can handle any task or game with ease, and it offers a smooth and fluid user experience. It is priced at $1,199, and it faces competition from other flagship phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, the Google Pixel 8 Pro, and the OnePlus 12 Pro.

Phone with the Best Camera: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

If you are a photography enthusiast, or you just want to capture the best moments of your life, then the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the phone for you. This phone was launched in February 2023, and it has a remarkable camera system that consists of a 108MP main camera, a 12MP periscope telephoto camera with 10x optical zoom, a 12MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a laser autofocus sensor. It can record 8K video at 30fps, and it supports HDR10+, Super Steady mode, and Director’s View. The front camera is a 40MP sensor that can record 4K video at 60fps, and it supports Night mode and Live Focus. The Galaxy S23 Ultra also has a gorgeous 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 1440×3200 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection. It is powered by the Exynos 2200 chipset in some regions, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset in others, both of which are based on a 4nm process and have an integrated AMD GPU. It has 12GB or 16GB of RAM, and 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. It runs on Android 12 with One UI 4.0 on top. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 5000mAh battery that supports 45W wired charging, 25W wireless charging, and 15W reverse wireless charging. It also has stereo speakers, IP68 water and dust resistance, an in-display fingerprint scanner, an S Pen support, and 5G connectivity. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is the best camera phone of 2023, as it offers a versatile and powerful camera system that can capture stunning photos and videos in any situation. It is priced at $1,199.99, and it rivals other camera phones such as the Huawei P60 Pro, the Xiaomi 13 Pro, and the Oppo Find X5 Pro.

Best Gaming Phone: Asus ROG Phone 7

If you are a hardcore gamer, or you just want to enjoy the best mobile gaming experience, then the Asus ROG Phone 7 is the phone for you. This phone was launched in July 2023, and it is a gaming beast that has a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 1440×3200 resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, a 300Hz touch sampling rate, and HDR10+ support. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which is the most powerful processor for Android phones, with a 4nm process, an octa-core CPU, an Adreno 730 GPU, and a Snapdragon Elite Gaming suite. It has 12GB, 16GB, or 18GB of RAM, and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage. It runs on Android 12 with ROG UI on top. The ROG Phone 7 also has a massive 6000mAh battery that supports 65W wired charging, 30W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging. It also has dual front-facing speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a quad-microphone system, an RGB logo, an AeroActive Cooler 7 accessory, and a side-mounted port for other accessories. The ROG Phone 7 also has a decent camera system, with a 64MP main camera, a 13MP ultra-wide camera, a 5MP macro camera, and an 8K video recording support. The front camera is a 24MP sensor that can record 1080p video at 60fps. The ROG Phone 7 is the best gaming phone of 2023, as it offers a superb performance, a smooth and responsive display, a long-lasting battery, a loud and clear sound, and a range of gaming features and accessories. It is priced at $999, and it competes with other gaming phones such as the Lenovo Legion Phone 3, the Nubia Red Magic 7, and the Black Shark 5.

Phone with the Best Battery: Motorola Moto G Power 5G

If you are looking for a phone that can last for days on a single charge, then the Motorola Moto G Power 5G is the phone for you. I know you thought I was going to talk about an itel device, but no we’re with Motorola. This phone was launched in April 2023, and it has a huge 6000mAh battery that supports 20W wired charging. It also has a 6.8-inch LCD display with a 1080×2400 resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a punch-hole design. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, which is a 5G-enabled processor with a 7nm process, an octa-core CPU, and a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. It has 4GB or 6GB of RAM, and 64GB or 128GB of storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. It runs on Android 12 with My UX on top. The Moto G Power 5G also has a decent camera system, with a 48MP main camera, a 5MP ultra-wide camera, a 2MP macro camera, a 2MP depth camera, and a 1080p video recording support. The front camera is a 16MP sensor that can record 1080p video at 30fps. The Moto G Power 5G is the best battery phone of 2023, as it offers a phenomenal battery life, a large and smooth display, a 5G connectivity, and a clean and simple software. It is priced at $249.99, and it faces competition from yes, the itel S23+, P40 and P40+, it’s hard not to mention these two.

Best Foldable Phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

If you want a phone that can transform into a tablet, then the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the best foldable phone for you. This phone was launched in August 2023, and it has a stunning 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 2208×1768 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an under-display camera. It also has a 6.2-inch cover display with a 2268×832 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which is the most powerful processor for Android phones, with a 4nm process, an octa-core CPU, an Adreno 730 GPU, and a Snapdragon Elite Gaming suite. It has 12GB or 16GB of RAM, and 256GB or 512GB of storage. It runs on Android 12 with One UI 4.0 on top. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 also has an impressive camera system, with a 12MP main camera, a 12MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and an 8K video recording support. The cover camera is a 10MP sensor, and the under-display camera is a 4MP sensor. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 has a 4400mAh battery that supports 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. It also has stereo speakers, IPX8 water resistance, an in-display fingerprint scanner, an S Pen support, and 5G connectivity. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the best foldable phone of 2023, as it offers a versatile and powerful device that can switch between a phone and a tablet mode, with a seamless and smooth user experience. It is priced at $1,799.99, and it competes with other tablet-style foldable phones such as the Huawei Mate X3, the Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold, and the Google Pixel Fold.

Best Customizable Phone: OnePlus Open

If you want a phone that you can customize to your liking, then the OnePlus Open is the best customizable phone for you. This phone was launched in October 2023, and it has a unique design that allows you to swap the back cover, the camera module, and the battery with different options. You can choose from various materials, colors, and styles for the back cover, such as leather, wood, metal, glass, or fabric. You can also choose from different camera modules, such as a 50MP main camera, a 12MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, a 16MP ultra-wide camera, a 5MP macro camera, a 2MP depth camera, or a 48MP monochrome camera. You can also choose from different battery capacities, such as 4000mAh, 4500mAh, or 5000mAh, and different charging speeds, such as 30W, 50W, or 65W. The OnePlus Open also has a 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 1440×3216 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which is the most powerful processor for Android phones, with a 4nm process, an octa-core CPU, an Adreno 730 GPU, and a Snapdragon Elite Gaming suite. It has 8GB or 12GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of storage. It runs on Android 12 with OxygenOS 13 on top. The OnePlus Open also has a 32MP selfie camera, an in-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, and 5G connectivity. The OnePlus Open is the best customizable phone of 2023, as it offers a modular and flexible device that you can personalize to your preference, with a premium and elegant design. It is priced at $1,699, and it faces competition from other customizable phones such as the Nothing Phone (2), Motorola Moto Z5, the LG Wing 2, and the Fairphone 4.

Best Selling Phone: Apple iPhone 15

If you want a phone that is popular and widely used, then the Apple iPhone 15 is the best selling phone for you. This phone was launched in September 2023, and it has sold over 100 million units worldwide as of November 2023, according to Counterpoint Research⁵. It features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 1170×2532 resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and HDR10 support. It is powered by the Apple A17 Bionic chip, which is the most advanced processor in the market, with a 5nm+ process, a six-core CPU, a four-core GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, and 4GB of RAM. It has 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage options, and it runs on iOS 17. The iPhone 15 also has an Impressive camera system, with a 12MP wide-angle camera, a 12MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a LiDAR scanner. It can record 4K video at 60fps, and it supports Dolby Vision, ProRAW, and Cinematic mode. The front camera is also a 12MP sensor with Face ID and Animoji support. The iPhone 15 has a 3095mAh battery that supports 20W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. It also has stereo speakers, IP68 water and dust resistance, MagSafe accessories, and 5G connectivity. The iPhone 15 is the best selling phone of 2023, as it offers a reliable and smooth performance, a stunning and durable design, and a loyal and satisfied customer base. It is priced at $799, and it competes with other popular phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S23, the Google Pixel 8, and the OnePlus 12.

Phone with the Best Speakers: Sony Xperia 1 V

If you want a phone that can deliver loud and clear sound, then the Sony Xperia 1 V is the best speakers phone for you. This phone was launched in June 2023, and it has a dual front-facing speaker system that consists of a top speaker and a bottom speaker. The speakers support Dolby Atmos, which enhances the sound quality and creates a surround sound effect. The speakers also have a dedicated amplifier, which boosts the volume and reduces distortion. The Xperia 1 V also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, which supports high-resolution audio and LDAC. It also has a built-in DAC, which converts digital signals to analog signals for better sound quality. The Xperia 1 V also has a stunning 6.5-inch OLED display with a 4K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which is the most powerful processor for Android phones, with a 4nm process, an octa-core CPU, an Adreno 730 GPU, and a Snapdragon Elite Gaming suite. It has 8GB or 12GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. It runs on Android 12 with Xperia UI on top. The Xperia 1 V also has an impressive camera system, with a 12MP main camera, a 12MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 3D ToF sensor. It can record 4K video at 120fps, and it supports Cinema Pro, Photo Pro, and Real-time Eye AF. The front camera is an 8MP sensor that can record 1080p video at 30fps. The Xperia 1 V has a 4500mAh battery that supports 30W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 5W reverse wireless charging. It also has IP68 water and dust resistance, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and 5G connectivity. The Xperia 1 V is the best speakers phone of 2023, as it offers a superb sound quality, a high-resolution display, a powerful performance, and a professional camera system. It is priced at $1,399.99, and it competes with other phones with great speakers such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, the Google Pixel 7 Pro, and the Asus ROG Phone 7.

Best Dynamic Phone: Nothing Phone 2

If you want a phone that can adapt to your needs and preferences, then the Nothing Phone 2 is the best dynamic phone for you. This phone was launched in July 2023, and it has a unique design that features multiple LED lights on the back, which can be used for notifications, charging progress, camera fill light, and more. It also has a blinking red light on the back, which indicates video recording. The Phone 2 also has a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 1080×2412 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an under-display camera. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and has a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It has 8GB or 12GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB or 512GB of storage. It runs on Android 13 with Nothing OS 2.0.2a on top. The Phone 2 also has a dual-camera system on the back, with a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP ultrawide sensor. It can record 4K video at 60fps, and it supports live HDR, OIS, and EIS. The front camera is a 32MP sensor that can record 1080p video at 30fps. The Phone 2 has a 4700mAh battery that supports 45W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 5W reverse wireless charging. It also has stereo speakers, NFC, an in-display fingerprint scanner, and 5G connectivity. The Phone 2 is the best dynamic phone of 2023, as it offers a novel and customizable device that can change its appearance and functionality according to your mood and situation. It is priced at $599, and it faces competition from other dynamic phones such as the OnePlus Open, the LG Wing 2, and the Fairphone 4.

Best Rugged Phone: CAT S63

If you want a phone that can survive harsh conditions and environments, then the CAT S63 is the best rugged phone for you. This phone was launched in October 2023, and it has a 5.7-inch LCD display with a 1080×2160 resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection. It is powered by the MediaTek Helio P95 chipset, which is a reliable and efficient processor with a 12nm process, an octa-core CPU, and a PowerVR GM9446 GPU. It has 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. It runs on Android 12 with CAT UI on top. The CAT S63 also has a decent camera system, with a 16MP main camera, a 8MP ultra-wide camera, a 2MP macro camera, a 2MP depth camera, and a FLIR thermal imaging camera. It can record 1080p video at 30fps, and it supports HDR and Panorama. The front camera is a 8MP sensor that can record 1080p video at 30fps. The CAT S63 has a 5000mAh battery that supports 18W wired charging, 10W wireless charging, and 5W reverse wireless charging. It also has dual speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, and 4G connectivity. The CAT S63 is the best rugged phone of 2023, as it offers a durable and tough device that can withstand drops, shocks, water, dust, extreme temperatures, and more. It also has a thermal imaging camera that can detect heat sources and measure temperatures. It is priced at $799, and it rivals other rugged phones such as the Blackview BV9900 Pro, the Ulefone Armor 13, and the Doogee S97 Pro.

Conclusion

These are some of the best smartphones of 2023, in my opinion, in different categories. Of course, there are many other great phones that I did not mention, and you may have your own preferences and opinions. However, I hope this article gave you some insight and information about the latest and greatest smartphones of 2023, and helped you decide which one suits you best. This article is part of a 2023 wrap up series, where I list the best tech gadgets made in the year. The series also includes laptops, tablets, electric cars, and audio devices. Stay tuned for more articles in this series, and feel free to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below. Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful day!

Categories
Android Comparison Gadgets Review

itel A70: A Budget Phone with a Dynamic Bar Feature

itel, a Chinese smartphone brand, has recently launched its latest model, the itel A70, in the Philippines. The itel A70 is an entry-level smartphone that runs Android 13 Go Edition and is powered by Unisoc T603 CPU and Mali-G57 GPU. The gadget has internal storage options of 128GB and 256GB and RAM capacities of 3GB and 4GB. It comes with a dual-rear camera setup of 13MP + 0.08MP and a single 8MP selfie camera. The display is 6.6 inches IPS LCD while the screen resolution is 720 x 1612 pixels. It also supports Dual SIM (Dual stand-by). It is fueled with a 5000mAh battery + 10w wired charging. The sensors include a Face ID, fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, etc.

One of the most interesting features of the itel A70 is the dynamic bar, which is a notification bar that mimics the notch or pill-shaped cut-out found on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Max. The dynamic bar is a small dialog that shows all the notifications and can be swiped to see them one by one. It also supports music controls, text message controls, and volume controls. The dynamic bar can be customized to fit the user’s preferences, such as the size, position, background color, transparency, and edges. The dynamic bar can also be accessed from the lock screen and has a small setting bar that provides useful accessibility features like taking a screenshot, phone screen lock, and power options.

The dynamic bar feature is not exclusive to the itel A70, as it was also seen on the itel S23 Plus, which is a higher-end smartphone that was launched in September 2023. The itel S23 Plus has a 6.78-inch AMOLED curved display with 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution and 90 Hz refresh rate. It also runs on Android 13 with itel OS 13 and has a Unisoc Tiger T616 CPU and Mali-G57 GPU. The itel S23 Plus has a 50MP + 0.08MP dual rear camera and a 32MP front camera. It has 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It also has a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging. The itel S23 Plus also has an in-display fingerprint sensor, NFC, and a Dynamic Island feature, which is similar to the dynamic bar but has a different shape and design.

The greatest question is how itel managed to incorporate the dynamic bar feature on a phone with a waterdrop display, which is the case for the itel A70. The waterdrop display is a type of display that has a small notch at the top center that houses the front camera. The dynamic bar feature is usually seen on phones that have a punch hole notch or a pill-shaped cut-out, such as the iPhone 14 Pro series. The answer to this question lies in the software implementation of the dynamic bar feature, which does not depend on the hardware design of the display. The dynamic bar feature is essentially a software overlay that can be placed anywhere on the screen, regardless of the shape or size of the notch. The dynamic bar feature can also be hidden or shown according to the user’s preference. Therefore, itel was able to create a dynamic bar feature for the itel A70 by using a software solution that does not interfere with the waterdrop display.

The dynamic bar feature is a creative and innovative way to use the notification bar on Android phones. It adds a touch of style and functionality to the phone’s display and makes it more interactive and customizable. The itel A70 is one of the few budget phones that offer this feature, along with the itel S23 Plus, which is a more premium phone. The dynamic bar feature is a unique selling point for the itel A70 and the itel S23 Plus, as it sets them apart from other Android phones in the market.

Categories
Android Comparison Gadgets

Itel S23 and P40 Plus: Budget Phones with Poor Gaming Performance

If you are looking for a cheap smartphone that can handle gaming, you might want to avoid the Itel S23 and P40 Plus. These phones are powered by the same chipset, the Unisoc T606, which is a low-end processor that struggles to run demanding games like Call Of Duty Mobile and PUBG Mobile.

The Unisoc T606 is an octa-core chipset with four Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz. It also has a Mali-G57 GPU and supports up to 4 GB of RAM. According to the benchmark results from AnTuTu, the Unisoc T606 scores around 130,000 points, which is significantly lower than other budget chipsets like the MediaTek Helio G80 around 200,000 points or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 around 180,000 points.

I tested the gaming performance of the Itel S23 and P40 Plus on two popular games: FIFA Mobile and PUBG Mobile. Both games were set to the lowest graphics settings and the frame rate was capped at 30 fps. The results were disappointing, to say the least.

FIFA Mobile is a soccer simulation game that requires fast and smooth gameplay. However, on the Itel S23 and P40 Plus, the game was barely playable. The frame rate was unstable and often dropped below 20 fps, making the game laggy and choppy. The graphics quality was also poor, with blurry textures and jagged edges. The game also crashed several times during the matches.

PUBG Mobile is a battle royale game that involves shooting and survival. On the Itel S23 and P40 Plus, the game was also unplayable. The frame rate was even lower than FIFA Mobile, averaging around 15 fps. The graphics quality was also terrible, with low-resolution models and textures. The game also suffered from frequent stuttering and freezing, especially during combat situations.

It is clear that the Itel S23 and P40 Plus are not suitable for gaming, especially for games that require high performance and graphics. The Unisoc T606 chipset is simply too weak to handle these games, even on the lowest settings. If you are looking for a budget phone that can run these games smoothly, you might want to consider other options.

Some of the alternatives that you can find in Zimbabwe are the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+, the Tecno Camon 18 Premier, and the Infinix Zero X Pro. These phones are powered by more powerful chipsets, such as the MediaTek Helio G96, the MediaTek Helio G95, and the MediaTek Helio G90T, respectively. They also have larger screens, higher resolutions, more RAM, and better cameras. They are priced between $200 and $300, which is still affordable for many consumers.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ is the best bang for your buck among these phones. It has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 50 MP AI dual rear camera, a 8 MP selfie camera, a 5000 mAh battery with 33W fast charging, and a 128 GB internal storage with 8 GB RAM. It also supports 4G LTE and has a fingerprint sensor and a face unlock feature. It runs on Android 13 with MIUI 14. You can buy it for $250 on Pindula.

The Tecno Camon 18 Premier is another good option for gaming. It has a 6.8-inch IPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 64 MP quad rear camera, a 48 MP selfie camera, a 4500 mAh battery with 33W fast charging, and a 128 GB internal storage with 8 GB RAM. It also supports 4G LTE and has a fingerprint sensor and a face unlock feature. It runs on Android 13 with HiOS 8. You can buy it for $280 on Pindula.

The Infinix Zero X Pro is the most expensive option among these phones, but it also has some unique features. It has a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 108 MP quad rear camera with a periscope lens, a 16 MP selfie camera, a 4500 mAh battery with 45W fast charging, and a 256 GB internal storage with 8 GB RAM. It also supports 4G LTE and has a fingerprint sensor and a face unlock feature. It runs on Android 13 with XOS 8. You can buy it for $300 on Pindula.

These phones are much better than the Itel S23 and P40 Plus in terms of gaming performance and overall quality. They can run FIFA Mobile and PUBG Mobile smoothly on high graphics settings and offer a more enjoyable gaming experience. They also have other advantages, such as better displays, cameras, batteries, and software. If you are looking for a budget phone that can handle gaming, you should consider these phones instead of the Itel S23 and P40 Plus.

Categories
Gadgets Review

My Experience with the Itel Smart Watch 1

I have been using the Itel Smart Watch 1 for a few weeks now and I am very impressed with its features and performance. Here are some of the aspects that I liked the most about this smart watch:

  • Battery life: The Itel Smart Watch 1 has a long-lasting battery that can last up to 10 days on a single charge. This is very convenient as I don’t have to worry about running out of power in the middle of the day or carrying a charger with me everywhere. The watch also has a fast-charging feature that can fully charge it in less than an hour.
  • Water resistance: The Itel Smart Watch 1 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, which means I can wear it while swimming, showering, or washing my hands without any fear of damaging it. The watch also has a swim mode that can track my swimming distance, calories burned, and heart rate.
  • Sports: The Itel Smart Watch 1 has a variety of sports modes that can monitor my physical activities and provide me with useful data and feedback. Some of the sports modes include running, cycling, hiking, yoga, and more. The watch can also connect to the GPS on my phone to show me my real-time location, speed, and distance.
  • Heart test feature: The Itel Smart Watch 1 has a heart test feature that can measure my heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen, and electrocardiogram (ECG) in a matter of seconds. This is very helpful for keeping track of my health and detecting any potential problems early. The watch can also alert me if my heart rate is too high or too low.
  • Sleep monitor: The Itel Smart Watch 1 has a sleep monitor that can analyze my sleep quality and duration every night. It can also provide me with tips and suggestions on how to improve my sleep habits and get better rest. The watch can also wake me up gently with a vibration alarm that does not disturb anyone else.
  • Easy connection with phone: The Itel Smart Watch 1 can easily connect to my phone via Bluetooth and sync all the data and notifications from my phone to the watch. I can also control my phone’s music, camera, and calls from the watch. The watch has a large and clear display that shows me the time, date, weather, and other information at a glance.
  • Bluetooth calls: The Itel Smart Watch 1 has a built-in speaker and microphone that allow me to make and receive calls directly from the watch. This is very convenient as I don’t have to take out my phone from my pocket or bag every time I get a call. The sound quality is clear and loud.

Overall, I am very satisfied with the Itel Smart Watch 1 and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a smart watch that is affordable, durable, and functional. It has everything I need and more, and it has made my life easier and healthier.

Categories
AI Android Review

itel AI, Aivana: The Future of Artificial Intelligence in itel Smartphones?


itel Mobile has announced its new itel AI, Aivana. Aivana is a powerful AI engine that will be integrated into itel’s future smartphones and has been seen on the S23+ flagship device.

Aivana offers a number of features that will benefit itel users, including:

  • Improved camera performance: Aivana can automatically detect and optimize scenes and objects in photos and videos, resulting in better image quality.
  • Enhanced voice assistant: Aivana can understand and respond to natural language commands more accurately and efficiently.
  • Smarter battery management: Aivana can learn user habits and optimize battery usage accordingly, resulting in longer battery life.
  • More personalized user experience: Aivana can learn user preferences and customize the user experience accordingly.

itel Aivana is still under development, but it has the potential to revolutionize the budget smartphone market. By integrating Aivana into its future smartphones, itel can offer users features that are typically only found on flagship smartphones.

Benefits of Aivana

Aivana offers a number of benefits to itel users, including:

  • Improved camera performance: Aivana can automatically detect and optimize scenes and objects in photos and videos, resulting in better image quality. This is especially useful for budget smartphones, which typically have less powerful cameras than flagship smartphones.
  • Enhanced voice assistant: Aivana can understand and respond to natural language commands more accurately and efficiently. This makes it easier for users to control their smartphones with their voice.
  • Smarter battery management: Aivana can learn user habits and optimize battery usage accordingly, resulting in longer battery life. This is important for budget smartphones, which typically have smaller batteries than flagship smartphones.
  • More personalized user experience: Aivana can learn user preferences and customize the user experience accordingly. This makes the smartphone more user-friendly and efficient.

Conclusion

itel Aivana is a powerful AI engine that has the potential to revolutionize the budget smartphone market. By integrating Aivana into its future smartphones, itel can offer users features that are typically only found on flagship smartphones. itel Aivana is still under development, but it is an exciting development for itel and its users. It is likely that we will see more and more budget smartphones with AI features in the near future.

Categories
Android Review

Itel S23+: The First Itel Phone With An AMOLED Display


Itel Mobile, a popular budget smartphone brand, has launched its first smartphone with an AMOLED display, the itel S23+. The phone was announced in Ethiopia in August 2023, and is expected to be released in other markets soon.

The itel S23+ features a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED curved display with a peak brightness of 900 nits. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. Under the hood, the itel S23+ is powered by a Unisoc T616 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The phone runs on itel OS 13, which is based on Android 13.

In the camera department, the itel S23+ has a dual-rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. At the front, there is a 32MP selfie camera.

The itel S23+ is backed by a 5000mAh battery that supports 18W fast charging.


Benefits of an AMOLED display



AMOLED displays offer a number of advantages over traditional IPS LCD displays, including:

  • Better contrast: AMOLED displays can produce deeper blacks and brighter whites, resulting in a better contrast ratio.
  • More vibrant colors: AMOLED displays can produce a wider range of colors than IPS LCD displays, resulting in more vibrant and realistic images.
  • Lower power consumption: AMOLED displays consume less power than IPS LCD displays, which can lead to longer battery life.
  • Thinner and lighter displays: AMOLED displays are thinner and lighter than IPS LCD displays, which makes them ideal for smartphones and other mobile devices.

Conclusion


The itel S23+ is a significant milestone for the brand, as it is the first itel phone to feature an AMOLED display. The phone also offers a number of other attractive features, such as a powerful processor, a large battery, and a capable camera system.

The itel S23+ is expected to be priced competitively, making it a great option for budget-minded consumers who are looking for a phone with an AMOLED display.