itel S23

The itel S23 4G (released mid-2023) is a highly popular budget smartphone that gained attention for its premium glass-like design and high memory capacity at a very low price point. It is widely considered the device that put the itel "S" series on the map for budget enthusiasts.

Core Highlights

• Color-Changing Design: The "Mystery White" variant features a photochromic back panel that transitions from white to pink/purple when exposed to sunlight or UV rays. It features a large, circular camera module that mimics the look of high-end flagship phones.

   

• Fluid 90Hz Display: Equipped with a 6.6-inch HD+ IPS LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. This was one of the first truly affordable phones to offer high-refresh-rate smoothness for a budget price.

   

• Massive Memory: Typically available in a high-value 256GB storage variant with up to 16GB of total RAM (8GB physical + 8GB virtual "Memory Fusion"). This allows for smooth multitasking and massive storage for photos and videos.

   

• 50MP AI Camera: Features a 50MP main rear camera with a large $f/1.6$ aperture, which helps in capturing better light during evening shots. It supports 10X digital zoom and a dedicated Super Night Mode.

   

• Reliable Battery: Packs a 5,000 mAh battery with a Type-C port. While it supports standard 10W charging, the battery life is easily enough to last 1.5 to 2 days on moderate use.

   

• Performance: Powered by the Unisoc T606 octa-core chipset. While it is an entry-level processor, it is paired with fast UFS 2.2 storage, making app opening speeds and data transfers much quicker than the eMMC storage usually found in this price bracket.