When I first got my hands on the Itel S25, I was intrigued by its promises of affordability and modern features. But as someone who prioritizes both practicality and performance, I was eager to dive deeper into its capabilities. Here’s my honest experience with this smartphone, including the highs and the not-so-great aspects.
Price in Pakistan & Launch Status
The Itel S25 is priced at an attractive ₨54,999 in Pakistan, making it a strong contender in the budget-friendly segment. This pricing is undoubtedly a plus for anyone looking for a smartphone with decent features without breaking the bank.
However, I couldn’t help but notice that the pricing feels slightly inflated compared to similar models offering better specs. While it’s available for purchase now, the availability across retailers seems inconsistent. Some popular platforms like Daraz and Whatmobile list it as “coming soon,” which could confuse potential buyers.
Display and Design
The phone features a 6.78-inch IPS LCD touchscreen with 1080 x 2436 pixels resolution. The screen is vibrant, and Corning Gorilla Glass 7i adds a layer of durability.
But here’s where things fall short: the screen lacks the fluidity I expected. With a 120Hz refresh rate, I thought scrolling and animations would be buttery smooth, but occasional lags were noticeable. Also, the bezels are slightly thicker than I’d prefer, giving it an outdated feel compared to competitors.
Camera Capabilities
The 50 MP rear camera and 32 MP selfie camera come with impressive features like Super Night Mode and Portrait Master. I found the photos in well-lit conditions to be clear, with vibrant colors.
However, the macro lens is a disappointment, producing grainy, washed-out images. In low light, the Super Night Mode struggles to balance sharpness and brightness. For someone like me who loves capturing moments on the go, the camera could have been much better optimized for night photography.
Performance and Software
The Unisoc T620 chipset powers this device, paired with 8GB RAM and Android 13 OS. Multitasking felt decent initially, and apps loaded relatively quickly.
But as I pushed the phone with resource-intensive apps, the limitations of the chipset became evident. Gaming, for instance, was a mixed bag. Titles like PUBG Mobile ran on low settings, but frequent frame drops disrupted the experience. The customizable UI is user-friendly but feels cluttered at times, which might not appeal to everyone.
RAM, Storage, and Battery Life
The Itel S25 offers 256GB of internal storage with an additional 8GB of virtual RAM. While this is sufficient for most users, the lack of expandable storage is a letdown, especially for someone like me who stores plenty of media files.
On the battery front, the 5000mAh capacity ensures all-day usage under moderate conditions. However, the 18W fast charging feels underwhelming. It took me nearly two hours to charge the device fully, which is disappointing when competitors offer faster options.
Connectivity Options
The phone supports LTE connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v5.0, and a USB-C port. For basic tasks, the connectivity options perform well.
That said, the absence of 5G feels like a missed opportunity. While I understand that 5G might not be a priority for everyone, having it would future-proof the device, especially as 5G adoption grows rapidly in Pakistan.
Advanced Features
The AI Face Unlock and side-mounted fingerprint sensor are quick and reliable. Features like Split-Screen Multitasking and One-Handed Mode are convenient for everyday use.
However, I noticed that the gesture controls occasionally misfired, making the experience frustrating. Also, while the AI Beauty Mode for selfies works well, it can feel overly aggressive, making photos look less natural.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price at ₨54,999.
- Decent 50 MP rear camera for daylight photography.
- 5000mAh battery provides good endurance.
- Split-Screen Multitasking adds convenience.
- Lightweight design with modern color options.
Cons:
- Poor performance of the macro lens.
- Unisoc T620 chipset struggles with heavy apps.
- Lack of 5G support.
- 18W fast charging is too slow for 2025 standards.
- Limited screen smoothness despite a 120Hz refresh rate.
FAQs
Is the Itel S25 worth buying at ₨54,999?
It depends on your priorities. If you need a budget-friendly phone for basic tasks and occasional photography, it’s a decent option. However, performance limitations and lack of 5G make it less appealing compared to alternatives.
How is the camera performance in low light?
The Super Night Mode struggles in very low light, producing soft and grainy images. While the 50 MP rear camera works well during the day, don’t expect stellar results at night.
Does the Itel S25 support fast charging?
The phone offers 18W fast charging, which is quite slow compared to competitors that provide at least 33W or higher.
Can the RAM and storage be expanded?
No, the 256GB internal storage is fixed, and there’s no option for a microSD card. However, the 8GB virtual RAM helps improve multitasking.
Is the display good for watching videos?
Yes, the 6.78-inch IPS LCD screen is good for streaming videos, thanks to its resolution and vibrant colors. However, the occasional lag can affect the overall experience.
Final Verdict
The Itel S25 tries to deliver a balance of features at an affordable price. While it excels in certain areas like daylight photography, battery life, and multitasking features, it falls short in performance, camera optimization, and charging speeds. For someone who values affordability over cutting-edge technology, it might be a good fit. But for users like me who demand more from a smartphone, it’s clear that the Itel S25 has room for improvement.
