The itel S25 Ultra represents an ambitious attempt to bring flagship-inspired design and curved display technology to the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Priced between $120-180 USD, the S25 Ultra targets price-conscious consumers in emerging markets who desire premium aesthetics without premium pricing. With its eye-catching curved AMOLED display, stylish design, and "Ultra" branding suggesting flagship aspirations, itel positions this device as offering maximum visual impact at minimum cost. In this comprehensive review, we examine whether the S25 Ultra delivers genuine value or represents style prioritized over substance, and who will benefit most from its distinctive approach to budget smartphone design.
Technical Specifications
| Category | Specification | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Size | 6.78 inches |
| Type | Curved AMOLED, 120Hz | |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+) | |
| Peak Brightness | 1000 nits (claimed) | |
| Protection | No specified protection (basic glass) | |
| Performance | Chipset | Unisoc T620 (12nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 + 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | |
| RAM Options | 8GB + 8GB virtual RAM (16GB total claimed) | |
| Storage | Internal Storage | 128GB / 256GB |
| Expandable Storage | microSD up to 1TB | |
| Camera System | Primary Camera | 50MP (marketed as 108MP via interpolation), f/1.8 |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | |
| AI Lens | AI enhancement (software-based) | |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | |
| Front Camera | 32MP (marketed as 50MP via interpolation), f/2.0 | |
| Features | Night mode, Portrait mode, AI beautification, HDR | |
| Battery & Charging | Battery Capacity | 5,000mAh |
| Wired Charging | 33W Fast Charging | |
| Charging Time | 0-100% in approximately 90 minutes | |
| Software | Operating System | itel OS based on Android 13 |
| Update Policy | 1 year OS update, 2 years security patches (estimated) | |
| Connectivity | Network | 4G LTE (dual SIM) |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), dual-band | |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | |
| NFC | No | |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | |
| Audio Jack | 3.5mm headphone jack | |
| Design & Build | Dimensions | 165.5 x 76.2 x 7.8mm |
| Weight | 185g | |
| Build Materials | Plastic frame, plastic back, glass front | |
| Water Resistance | No IP rating | |
| Color Options | Starry Black, Aurora White, Glacier Blue | |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | |
| Audio | Speakers | Single bottom-firing speaker |
| Features | Basic audio output |
Design and Build Quality: Premium Aesthetics on a Budget
The itel S25 Ultra's most striking feature is its design language clearly inspired by flagship devices, featuring a curved display that wraps around the edges creating premium visual aesthetics uncommon in the ultra-budget segment. At 7.8mm thickness and 185 grams, the device feels remarkably slim and lightweight, with the curved edges contributing to comfortable ergonomics despite the large 6.78-inch display.
The rear panel employs a glossy plastic construction with gradient color finishes that catch light attractively, mimicking the iridescent effects found on premium glass-backed devices. While close inspection reveals the plastic materials, casual observation creates impressions of premium construction that belie the budget pricing. The camera module design with prominent circular housing suggests flagship aspirations, though the actual camera hardware remains firmly budget-oriented.
| Design Element | Assessment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Curved Display | Excellent for price | Premium feature rare in ultra-budget segment |
| Build Materials | Fair | All-plastic construction, feels decent but not premium |
| Ergonomics | Good | Slim profile, comfortable grip, curved edges aid handling |
| Durability | Fair | No IP rating, basic glass, plastic shows wear over time |
| Color Options | Good | Attractive gradient finishes, eye-catching aesthetics |
However, the budget positioning reveals itself through material quality and construction details. The plastic frame and back panel feel less substantial than metal or glass alternatives, showing scratches and scuffs more readily with daily use. The absence of any water resistance rating means users must exercise caution around moisture, as the device lacks protection against even basic splash exposure. The display glass appears to be basic tempered glass without Gorilla Glass protection, creating vulnerability to scratches from keys, coins, and daily pocket storage without screen protectors.
The curved display, while visually impressive, introduces practical concerns including accidental touch registration along edges, increased screen protector complexity and cost, and higher repair costs should the display break. These considerations, while not deal-breakers, represent trade-offs inherent to bringing premium design features to budget price points.
Display Performance: Curved AMOLED at Budget Pricing
The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate represents the itel S25 Ultra's headline feature and primary selling point. The inclusion of both AMOLED technology and high refresh rate at sub-$200 pricing creates a value proposition that challenges conventional budget smartphone displays, which typically employ basic LCD panels with 60Hz refresh rates.
The curved edges create immersive viewing experiences with minimal bezels, while the 120Hz refresh rate delivers smooth scrolling and animations that rival mid-range devices costing significantly more. The AMOLED technology provides perfect blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast ratios that dramatically improve media consumption compared to LCD alternatives common in this price segment.
Display Quality Analysis
| Aspect | Performance | Comparison to Segment |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh Rate (120Hz) | Very Good | Excellent - Rare in ultra-budget segment |
| Panel Type (AMOLED) | Excellent | Outstanding - Most competitors use LCD |
| Brightness | Fair | Adequate indoor, struggles in direct sunlight |
| Color Accuracy | Good | Vibrant but oversaturated, typical AMOLED |
| Touch Response | Good | Responsive, occasional accidental edge touches |
| Viewing Angles | Excellent | AMOLED provides consistent colors at all angles |
However, brightness limitations become apparent in outdoor usage, with the claimed 1000 nits peak brightness proving optimistic in real-world testing. Direct sunlight reduces display legibility significantly, forcing users to seek shade or maximum brightness settings that drain battery rapidly. The color calibration leans heavily toward oversaturated, punchy colors—typical AMOLED behavior that creates eye-catching visuals but sacrifices color accuracy for professional work or photography evaluation.
The curved edges, while aesthetically pleasing, introduce occasional accidental touch inputs along the display perimeter, particularly during one-handed use or when gripping the device firmly. Users adapt to this behavior over time, though it represents a learning curve absent from flat displays. Screen protector options prove limited and expensive due to the curved design, with most users relying on film protectors offering minimal impact protection compared to tempered glass alternatives available for flat displays.
Performance: Unisoc T620 Reality Check
The Unisoc T620 processor represents the itel S25 Ultra's most significant limitation, with the older 12nm chipset delivering entry-level performance that struggles with anything beyond basic smartphone tasks. The octa-core CPU configuration with dual Cortex-A75 performance cores and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores provides adequate responsiveness for light usage but reveals its limitations quickly under any intensive workload.
Performance Across Use Cases
| Task Category | Performance Level | User Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Tasks | Acceptable | Messaging, calls, social media browsing work adequately |
| Web Browsing | Fair | Simple sites okay, complex pages load slowly |
| Multitasking | Poor | Frequent app refreshing, struggles with multiple apps |
| Social Media Apps | Fair | Facebook, Instagram usable but with noticeable lag |
| Video Streaming | Good | YouTube, Netflix play smoothly at 1080p |
| Casual Gaming | Poor | Only very basic games run smoothly |
| Intensive Gaming | Very Poor | PUBG, COD Mobile barely playable even at lowest settings |
| Camera Processing | Fair | Slow processing, noticeable shutter lag |
The 8GB physical RAM supplemented by 8GB virtual RAM expansion (marketing claims of "16GB RAM") provides marginal multitasking improvements, though virtual RAM's limited benefits become apparent during actual usage. Applications frequently refresh when switching between them, indicating insufficient memory management and processing power rather than genuine 16GB capability. Heavy applications including modern games, photo editing apps, and productivity suites exhibit significant lag, stuttering, and slow loading times.
Gaming performance proves particularly disappointing, with even casual titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile struggling to maintain playable frame rates even at minimum graphics settings. The Mali-G57 GPU lacks the horsepower for anything beyond very basic games, making the S25 Ultra unsuitable for users who prioritize mobile gaming. Thermal management during sustained usage results in noticeable device warming and gradual performance degradation through aggressive thermal throttling.
Camera Performance: Marketing vs Reality
The camera specifications require careful interpretation, as marketing materials claim "108MP" and "50MP" cameras that reveal themselves as 50MP and 32MP sensors respectively, with higher megapixel counts achieved through software interpolation that adds no genuine detail or quality. Understanding this distinction sets realistic expectations for camera performance.
Primary 50MP Camera
The actual 50MP main camera (marketed as 108MP) performs acceptably in favorable lighting conditions, capturing adequate photographs suitable for social media sharing and casual photography. Colors lean toward oversaturated, punchy reproduction—typical budget smartphone processing creating immediately eye-catching images that appear artificially enhanced upon closer inspection. Dynamic range remains limited, with bright skies often overexposing while shadows lose detail in high-contrast scenes.
| Lighting Condition | Image Quality | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Bright Daylight | Fair to Good | Acceptable detail, oversaturated colors, limited dynamic range |
| Overcast/Shade | Fair | Reduced detail, colors lose vibrancy, increased noise |
| Indoor Lighting | Fair | Noticeable noise, color shifts, soft details |
| Low Light | Poor | Heavy noise, muddy details, inaccurate colors |
| Night Mode | Poor to Fair | Marginal improvement, overly processed, soft details |
The absence of optical image stabilization results in motion blur during handheld shots in anything less than bright lighting, requiring steady hands or very still subjects for sharp results. The slow processing speed creates noticeable shutter lag—the delay between pressing capture and actual image recording—frequently resulting in missed moments when photographing moving subjects or spontaneous scenes.
Low-Light and Night Photography
Low-light performance represents the camera system's weakest area, with image quality deteriorating rapidly as lighting diminishes. Noise increases dramatically, colors lose accuracy shifting toward unnatural tones, and details become soft and muddy. The dedicated Night mode attempts to improve results through multi-frame processing, with mixed outcomes—sometimes producing marginally brighter images, other times creating overly processed results with artificial appearance and persistent noise.
Depth Sensor and AI Features
The 2MP depth sensor exists primarily for marketing purposes, providing minimal actual benefit to photography. Portrait mode produces inconsistent edge detection with frequent errors around hair, glasses, and complex boundaries. The AI beautification and scene optimization features apply aggressive processing that often over-smooths skin textures and oversaturates colors beyond natural appearance.
32MP Front Camera
The front-facing camera (marketed as 50MP via interpolation) captures acceptable selfies in good lighting with heavy beautification applied by default. The beauty mode aggressively smooths skin and enlarges eyes—appealing to users preferring enhanced appearance but creating artificial results that may not appeal to those seeking natural selfie aesthetics. Video calls perform adequately, though camera quality remains mediocre compared to devices costing slightly more.
Video Recording
Video recording maxes out at 1080p@30fps with basic electronic stabilization providing minimal shake reduction. Video quality proves acceptable for casual recording and social media content but trails devices offering 4K recording or better stabilization. Audio recording through a single microphone captures basic sound without advanced noise reduction or directional recording capabilities.
Battery Life and Charging
The 5,000mAh battery delivers reliable all-day endurance under light to moderate usage patterns, comfortably powering through typical days including social media, messaging, web browsing, and media streaming. The efficient AMOLED display and modest processor contribute to reasonable power consumption, with screen-on time typically ranging from 6-8 hours depending on usage intensity and display brightness settings.
Light users primarily using the device for communication and occasional media consumption can extend usage toward two days between charges. However, any intensive usage including gaming (when attempted), extensive camera usage, or maximum brightness outdoor usage drains battery significantly faster, reducing endurance to partial-day capacity requiring mid-day charging.
The 33W fast charging provides reasonably quick wired charging, reaching 0-50% in approximately 40 minutes and full charge in roughly 90 minutes. While not the fastest charging available—competitors offer 67W or higher—the 33W speed proves adequate for overnight charging or during extended breaks. The inclusion of a 33W charging adapter in the retail package represents welcome value, ensuring users can immediately utilize maximum charging speeds without additional purchases.
Software Experience: itel OS
The itel S25 Ultra ships with itel OS based on Android 13, providing a heavily customized Android experience that diverges significantly from stock Android aesthetics and functionality. The interface features colorful icons, animated wallpapers, and extensive visual customization options creating a distinctive look targeting younger demographics.
| Software Aspect | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Interface Design | Fair | Colorful but busy, many visual effects, inconsistent design |
| Pre-installed Apps | Poor | Extensive bloatware, many unremovable apps, ads present |
| Performance | Fair | Occasional lag, animations sometimes stutter on T620 |
| Features | Good | Includes useful utilities, customization options, game mode |
| Update Frequency | Poor | Infrequent updates, limited long-term support expected |
| Privacy Controls | Fair | Basic Android 13 privacy features, some data collection |
| Ads | Poor | Ads in system apps, notifications, lockscreen (can be reduced) |
However, the software experience reveals budget positioning through extensive bloatware comprising pre-installed applications, promotional content, and advertisements appearing in system apps, notifications, and even the lock screen. Users encounter app recommendations, suggested content, and promotional notifications that can feel intrusive and detract from the user experience. While many unwanted applications can be uninstalled and some ads disabled through settings, this requires significant time investment during initial setup.
Software update prospects appear limited, with itel's track record suggesting minimal ongoing support. Users should expect perhaps one major Android update (to Android 14) and sporadic security patches for approximately 1-2 years—significantly shorter than the 3-5 year support offered by established brands. This limited support timeline means the device becomes increasingly vulnerable to security threats and incompatible with new applications as software ages.
Positive aspects include numerous utility features such as screen recording, app cloning, game mode, basic phone manager tools, and customization options enabling theme changes and interface adjustments. However, these features often feel unpolished compared to implementations from major manufacturers, with occasional bugs and inconsistent behavior.
Connectivity and Features
The itel S25 Ultra supports 4G LTE connectivity across common bands, though the absence of 5G represents a limitation for users in markets with mature 5G infrastructure or those planning extended ownership into the 5G era. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) provides adequate wireless connectivity for streaming and downloads, while Bluetooth 5.0 enables connections to wireless headphones, speakers, and other accessories.
Notable omissions include NFC (preventing contactless payments and quick device pairing), faster USB standards (USB 2.0 limits data transfer speeds), and any form of water resistance rating. The retention of the 3.5mm headphone jack provides welcome compatibility with wired headphones without requiring adapters—a practical feature increasingly rare in modern smartphones.
The side-mounted fingerprint sensor provides reliable unlocking, while face unlock offers convenient alternative authentication, though the 2D facial recognition proves less secure than fingerprint unlocking and can be fooled by photographs. The single bottom-firing speaker produces basic audio output adequate for speakerphone calls and notification alerts but lacking quality for media consumption, with minimal bass response and moderate maximum volume.
Value Proposition and Target Audience
The itel S25 Ultra occupies a unique market position, offering visual premium features—curved AMOLED display, attractive design, large screen—at ultra-budget pricing typically associated with basic smartphones. This strategy appeals specifically to users prioritizing aesthetics and display quality over performance, camera quality, or brand recognition.
| User Profile | Suitability | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Design-Conscious Buyers | Recommended | Curved display and premium aesthetics at budget price |
| First-Time Smartphone Users | Moderately Suitable | Impressive display, but performance limitations may frustrate |
| Light/Basic Users | Recommended | Adequate for messaging, social media, media consumption |
| Media Consumers | Recommended | Excellent display for video streaming, good battery life |
| Budget Gaming | Not Recommended | T620 processor inadequate for anything beyond basic games |
| Photography Enthusiasts | Not Recommended | Camera quality mediocre, inconsistent, weak in low light |
| Power Users | Not Recommended | Insufficient performance, limited multitasking capability |
| Students | Moderately Suitable | Good for online classes and basic studying, but slow for research |
| Elderly Users | Recommended | Large display, simple needs, adequate for communication |
| Secondary/Backup Device | Recommended | Attractive price for occasional use or emergency backup |
Pricing and Regional Availability
| Region | Price Range (USD) | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Africa | $120-150 | Widely Available | Primary market, strong after-sales support |
| South Asia | $130-160 | Available | Growing presence, moderate support |
| Latin America | $140-180 | Limited | Select markets, varying support quality |
| Middle East | $150-180 | Available | Moderate availability, decent support |
| Southeast Asia | $130-170 | Available | Competing with stronger brands, moderate presence |
Strengths and Limitations
Key Strengths
- Curved AMOLED display: Premium visual feature rare at this price point, creates flagship-like aesthetics
- 120Hz refresh rate: Smooth scrolling and animations enhance daily interactions
- Attractive design: Eye-catching aesthetics mimicking flagship devices at fraction of cost
- Large 6.78-inch screen: Excellent for media consumption, web browsing, social media
- Ultra-budget pricing: $120-180 makes premium design accessible to price-sensitive markets
- Good battery life: 5,000mAh provides reliable all-day endurance for light usage
- Included accessories: 33W charger, case often included in box varying by market
- 3.5mm headphone jack: Wired audio without adapters
- Expandable storage: microSD support up to 1TB for media storage
- Dual SIM support: Convenient for users managing multiple numbers
Significant Limitations
- Weak Unisoc T620 processor: Insufficient performance for multitasking, gaming, or intensive apps
- Mediocre camera quality: Acceptable only in good light, poor low-light performance, marketing exaggeration (50MP marketed as 108MP)
- Extensive bloatware and ads: Pre-installed apps, system ads, promotional notifications detract from experience
- No 5G connectivity: 4G-only limits future-proofing as 5G becomes standard
- Limited software support: Estimated 1-2 years updates, short longevity
- No water resistance: No IP rating, vulnerable to moisture damage
- Basic build quality: All-plastic construction, no premium glass protection, shows wear quickly
- No NFC: Prevents contactless payments, limits connectivity options
- Curved display drawbacks: Accidental touches, expensive repairs, limited screen protector options
- Single speaker: Mono audio with poor quality for media consumption
- Slow camera processing: Noticeable shutter lag, slow HDR/Night mode
- Modest brand recognition: Limited after-sales support outside primary markets, uncertain resale value
Comparison with Key Competitors
| Feature | itel S25 Ultra | Xiaomi Redmi 13C | Realme C55 | Samsung A05 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $120-180 | $110-150 | $150-180 | $120-160 |
| Display | 6.78" Curved AMOLED 120Hz | 6.74" IPS LCD 90Hz | 6.72" IPS LCD 90Hz | 6.5" PLS LCD 60Hz |
| Processor | Unisoc T620 | MediaTek Helio G85 | MediaTek Helio G88 | MediaTek Helio G85 |
| Main Camera | 50MP (no OIS) | 50MP (no OIS) | 64MP (no OIS) | 50MP (no OIS) |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, 33W | 5,000mAh, 18W | 5,000mAh, 33W | 5,000mAh, 25W |
| Software Support | 1-2 years | 2-3 years | 2-3 years | 4 years OS + security |
| Best For | Display quality, design | Balanced value, gaming | Camera, charging | Brand trust, longevity |
Competitive Analysis
vs Xiaomi Redmi 13C: The Redmi offers better processor (Helio G85 vs T620), more reliable software support, and established brand reputation. However, itel counters with superior curved AMOLED display and faster 33W charging. For users prioritizing display, itel wins; for performance and reliability, Xiaomi prevails.
vs Realme C55: Realme provides better performance, higher resolution camera, and more polished software experience justifying its slightly higher pricing. The itel S25 Ultra's advantage lies purely in its curved AMOLED display—a singular premium feature versus Realme's more balanced approach.
vs Samsung Galaxy A05: Samsung offers superior brand reputation, significantly longer software support (4 years), and more reliable after-sales service. However, the A05's basic 60Hz LCD display and older design feel dated compared to itel's modern curved AMOLED. The choice depends on whether users prioritize cutting-edge display or established brand reliability.
Long-Term Ownership Considerations
Performance Degradation: The already-modest Unisoc T620 performance will feel increasingly inadequate as applications grow more demanding. Users should expect noticeably slower performance after 12-18 months as software updates (if received) and newer applications tax the limited processing power further.
Software Obsolescence: With minimal update commitment, the device will likely stop receiving security patches within 2 years, creating vulnerability to emerging threats. Application compatibility may suffer as developers drop support for older Android versions, limiting usable app selection over time.
Physical Durability: The plastic construction shows wear through scratches, scuffs, and discoloration more readily than premium materials. The curved display increases repair costs should breakage occur, with replacement parts often costing significant percentages of the device's original price. Screen protector application proves difficult, and quality tempered glass options remain scarce.
Battery Longevity: Typical lithium battery degradation means approximately 20% capacity loss after 500 charge cycles (18-24 months daily charging). The budget-focused design may use lower-quality battery cells exhibiting faster degradation than premium devices, potentially requiring replacement sooner.
Resale Value: Budget devices depreciate rapidly, with itel's limited brand recognition exacerbating resale challenges. Expect 50-60% value loss in the first year and 70-80% by the second year. However, the low initial purchase price means absolute depreciation remains modest—a $150 device losing 60% value represents just $90 depreciation.
Tips for Optimizing itel S25 Ultra Experience
| Optimization Area | Recommended Actions |
|---|---|
| Remove Bloatware | Uninstall pre-installed apps you don't use. Disable notifications from promotional apps. Use ADB tools (advanced) to remove system bloatware |
| Disable Ads | Go through each system app (Browser, Music, Video) and disable recommendations/ads in settings. Disable lockscreen ads in Display settings |
| Performance Boost | Limit background apps, disable animations (Developer Options), clear cache regularly, avoid resource-heavy apps, restart device weekly |
| Battery Optimization | Reduce display brightness, use Dark Mode (AMOLED saves power), disable 120Hz when not needed (switch to 60Hz), restrict background data |
| Camera Improvement | Clean lens regularly, disable beauty mode for natural photos, use HDR selectively, ensure good lighting, hold phone steady (no OIS) |
| Curved Display Management | Enable edge touch rejection in settings, use cases with raised edges, apply quality film screen protector, be mindful of edge touches |
| Storage Management | Use microSD card for photos/videos, regularly clear cache, move apps to SD when possible, use cloud storage for backups |
Essential Accessories
| Accessory | Recommendation | Price Range | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Protector | Film protector (tempered glass difficult for curved screen) | $3-8 | Essential |
| Protective Case | TPU case with raised edges (protects camera and screen) | $5-12 | Essential |
| microSD Card | 64GB-128GB Class 10 card for media storage | $10-20 | Recommended |
| Spare Charging Cable | USB-C cable for work/car (33W support) | $5-10 | Optional |
| Wired Earphones | Budget earphones with 3.5mm jack | $8-15 | Optional |
Final Verdict
The itel S25 Ultra represents a fascinating experiment in ultra-budget smartphone design—prioritizing visual premium features over internal specifications to create a device that looks and feels more expensive than its $120-180 pricing suggests. The curved AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate genuinely impresses, delivering flagship-adjacent visual experiences that significantly exceed expectations for the price segment.
However, this display-first approach requires accepting significant compromises. The Unisoc T620 processor limits the device to basic smartphone tasks, rendering it unsuitable for gaming, intensive multitasking, or demanding applications. Camera quality proves mediocre at best, adequate only in ideal lighting conditions. Software bloatware, advertisements, and limited update support further detract from the experience, creating frustrations that accumulate over time.
The itel S25 Ultra succeeds for a specific audience: users prioritizing aesthetics and display quality above all else, who primarily use smartphones for communication, social media, and media consumption rather than gaming or productivity. For elderly users, first-time smartphone buyers with basic needs, or those seeking secondary devices for media consumption, the S25 Ultra delivers impressive visual experiences at accessible pricing.
Conversely, users requiring reliable performance, quality cameras, clean software experiences, or long-term support should invest slightly more in devices from established brands offering better-balanced specifications. The $30-50 additional investment in a Xiaomi Redmi or Realme device provides dramatically improved performance, camera quality, and software support that justify the incremental cost for most users.
Overall Rating: 6.5/10
| Category | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Build | 8/10 | Impressive curved design, but plastic construction and no protection |
| Display | 8.5/10 | Outstanding curved AMOLED 120Hz for the price, brightness could be better |
| Performance | 4/10 | Weak Unisoc T620, adequate for basic tasks only |
| Camera | 5.5/10 | Acceptable in good light, poor otherwise, marketing misleading |
| Battery Life | 7.5/10 | Good endurance for light use, 33W charging decent |
| Software | 5/10 | Heavy bloatware, ads, limited support expected |
| Value for Money | 7/10 | Good value if display is priority, poor if performance matters |
Final Recommendation
You Can Also Checkout A List Of Other Budget SmartphonesRecommended For: Users prioritizing display quality and design aesthetics, light/basic smartphone users, elderly users with simple needs, media consumption enthusiasts, extremely budget-conscious buyers ($120-150 range), secondary/backup device seekers, markets with limited alternatives in this price range.
Not Recommended For: Mobile gamers (even casual), photography enthusiasts, power users requiring multitasking, those needing 5G connectivity, users expecting long-term software support, anyone requiring reliable performance, those preferring clean software experiences.
Alternative Considerations: If you can stretch your budget by $30-50, consider Xiaomi Redmi 13C (better performance), Realme C55 (more balanced), or Samsung A05 (better support). These alternatives sacrifice the curved AMOLED display but provide significantly better overall experiences for most users' needs.
The itel S25 Ultra proves that impressive displays and attractive designs need not cost a fortune. However, the device serves as a reminder that specifications tell only part of the story—balanced performance, reliable software, and quality execution matter as much as headline features. For the right user with the right expectations, the S25 Ultra delivers genuine value. For everyone else, slightly higher investment yields dramatically better long-term satisfaction.