The Itel S25 Ultra is the latest budget smartphone that has stirred up quite a conversation, thanks to its design and features. With a name that closely mirrors the flagship Samsung S-series, many have wondered if Itel is stepping up its game, or if the S25 Ultra is merely riding the coattails of its more expensive counterparts. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the specs, design, and performance to determine if the Itel S25 Ultra is truly worth the price.
Itel S25 Ultra Review Guide
Design and Build: A Bold Yet Familiar Approach
The Itel S25 Ultra’s design immediately catches the eye for its resemblance to high-end Samsung devices, particularly the S24 Ultra. The 3D curved AMOLED display, a rarity in this price range, boasts vibrant colors and high brightness, making it an appealing option for those seeking a premium look on a budget. While the design may appear derivative, it’s clear that Itel is aiming for a striking visual appeal. The device is also impressively slim and lightweight, weighing in at just 160 grams and measuring only 6.9mm in thickness.
However, the imitation doesn’t end with the curves. The camera layout, especially the prominent ring around the flash, is directly lifted from Samsung’s design language, leaving little to the imagination. While some may appreciate the familiar look, others might feel that Itel lacks a distinct identity. Despite this, the S25 Ultra does feel sturdy and comes with protective features such as Corning Gorilla Glass 7I and IP64 water resistance.
Display: Bright, Crisp, and Smooth
One of the standout features of the Itel S25 Ultra is its 6.78-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. For a budget phone, this screen is a significant upgrade, offering vibrant colors and sharp visuals that are hard to find in this price range. Whether you’re watching videos, playing games, or just browsing, the display performs well in both indoor and outdoor conditions, with excellent brightness levels that ensure visibility even in direct sunlight.
The screen’s 120Hz refresh rate also makes for a smoother scrolling and gaming experience, though it’s worth noting that the phone is limited to a 60Hz frame rate when gaming. This is a minor drawback for those looking for higher performance in mobile gaming.
Performance: A Mixed Bag
When it comes to performance, the Itel S25 Ultra isn’t exactly a powerhouse. Equipped with a Unisoc T620 chipset, the phone struggles in terms of raw processing power, especially when compared to competitors in the same price bracket, such as the Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus. The Unisoc T620 processor offers a relatively low Antutu benchmark score of 320,000, which translates to lower performance in demanding applications and multitasking. For gaming, it handles casual games like Mobile Legends decently, but heavier titles such as PUBG and Genshin Impact will likely face frame drops and stuttering.
While the chipset might not be a deal-breaker for everyday tasks like browsing or social media, users who prioritize performance or gaming may find this phone underwhelming.
Camera: Good for the Price, but Inconsistent
The camera setup on the Itel S25 Ultra includes a 50MP main camera and a 32MP front-facing camera, both of which are decent for the price. In bright conditions, photos are vibrant with accurate colors, though the dynamic range could use some improvement. However, the camera tends to struggle in low-light conditions, with inconsistent focus and occasional noise.
Night mode offers some improvement, but results can be hit or miss. The 50MP camera can produce some surprisingly sharp images in good lighting, but it’s clear that the camera processing doesn’t quite match the quality of more expensive smartphones. For the price, the camera is a solid performer, but it’s not going to win any awards.
Battery and Charging: Solid for Everyday Use
The Itel S25 Ultra comes with a 5000mAh battery, which is more than sufficient for daily use. The battery lasts a full day with moderate use, which includes social media, browsing, and a bit of gaming. Fast charging is supported up to 18W, but this is fairly standard for budget phones. It takes around 2 hours to fully charge the device from 0 to 100%.
Sound: Good, but Not Great
The speaker on the Itel S25 Ultra is loud, but it’s only a single mono speaker, meaning it lacks the depth and stereo effect that many users prefer. While it can get quite loud, the sound quality can feel tinny at higher volumes, with limited bass. This may not be a huge issue for casual users, but audio enthusiasts or those who enjoy media consumption on their phones might find this feature lacking.
Final Verdict: Is Itel S25 Ultra Worth It?
The Itel S25 Ultra offers great value for money, especially when it comes to design and display quality. The AMOLED screen, slim build, and vibrant design are features that are usually reserved for mid-range devices, making it a standout in the budget category. However, when it comes to performance, the phone falls short compared to its competitors, especially in terms of gaming and multitasking.
If you’re looking for a budget phone with a premium look and a solid display for media consumption, the Itel S25 Ultra is a great option. However, if you’re a power user or gamer, you may want to look elsewhere. For those on a tight budget who want a sleek, affordable phone for basic tasks, the Itel S25 Ultra is definitely worth considering. But, for a bit more money, devices like the Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus offer better overall performance without compromising on design.