Phone under BDT 20000
itel S25 Ultra Review: Budget-Friendly Phone with AMOLED Display, Reliable Battery, and More
The itel S Series is known for offering budget-friendly smartphones with AMOLED displays, standard camera specs, and long-lasting batteries. Launched in November 2024, the itel S25 Ultra continues this trend, but what sets the "Ultra" version apart? Let’s dive into its key features.
Key Features of itel S25 Ultra
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Design and Build Quality
The itel S25 Ultra boasts a sleek and lightweight design, measuring just 6.9 mm in thickness and weighing 163 grams, making it a slim and lightweight device. The phone's rear panel features a premium dual-shade pattern and comes in three attractive colors: Bromo Black, Meteor Titanium, and Komodo Ocean. The RGB ring notification light on the back is a standout feature, adding a modern touch.
Additionally, the device is IP64 certified for dust and water resistance, offering some level of protection against splashes. Compared to its predecessor, the itel S24, which is bulkier at 192 grams and 8.3 mm thick, the S25 Ultra is more refined and ergonomic.
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However, against the similarly priced competitors realme P3x and Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G, which have stronger builds with IP68 ratings and better materials like glass and aluminum frames, the S25 Ultra falls behind in durability.
Display Quality
The itel S25 Ultra comes with a stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED display that supports 1 billion colors, 1080 by 2436 resolutions, about 393 PPI density, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 1400 nits. This makes it an excellent device for content consumption, offering vibrant colors and deep contrasts. The Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection adds an extra layer of durability.
Compared to the itel S24, which features an IPS LCD with just a 90Hz refresh rate and lower resolution (720 by 1612 pixels), the S25 Ultra provides a significantly better visual experience. However, when stacked against the realme P3x and Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G, which offer 120Hz IPS LCDs, the itel S25 Ultra’s AMOLED panel has the upper hand in display quality, providing richer colors and better contrast.
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Camera Performance
The itel S25 Ultra is equipped with a dual-camera setup, featuring a 50 MP primary sensor and an auxiliary lens. It can record videos at 1440p@30fps and 1080p@30fps. The front camera houses a 32 MP sensor, ensuring crisp and detailed selfies. Compared to the itel S24, which has a superior 108 MP main sensor, the S25 Ultra falls short in terms of raw camera resolution.
However, the S25 Ultra's image processing software has been improved, leading to better color accuracy and detail in daylight shots. Against the realme P3x and Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G, both of which also sport 50 MP primary sensors, the S25 Ultra performs on par in well-lit conditions but struggles with low-light photography due to the absence of advanced night modes and OIS support.
Processor Performance
Under the hood, the itel S25 Ultra runs on the Unisoc T620 chipset, a 12nm octa-core processor that includes two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz. While the performance is adequate for daily tasks, it lacks the power needed for heavy multitasking and demanding applications. Compared to the itel S24, which runs on the MediaTek Helio G91 Ultra, the S25 Ultra offers better power efficiency but marginally slower processing speeds.
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The Realme P3x, powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 6400 (6 nm) chipset, and the Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G, running on the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) processor, both provide significantly better performances, especially in multitasking and app loading speeds. The lack of 5G connectivity in the itel S25 Ultra is also a downside when compared to its competitors.
Gaming Performance
Gaming on the itel S25 Ultra is decent but not exceptional. The Unisoc T620 chipset, combined with the Mali GPU, can handle casual and moderately demanding games, but struggles with high-end titles like Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact at higher settings. The 120Hz refresh rate helps smoothen animations, but frame drops and heating issues become noticeable during extended gaming sessions.
In contrast, the Realme P3x and Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G, both equipped with more powerful chipsets and better GPUs, offer a superior gaming experience with fewer frame drops and better thermal management. The itel S24, while slightly weaker in raw performance, offers similar gaming capabilities due to its MediaTek Helio G91 Ultra chipset.
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Battery Life
The itel S25 Ultra houses a 5000 mAh battery, offering solid battery life for moderate users. The phone supports 18W wired bypass charging, which is standard at this price point but slower compared to some competitors. Under normal usage, the battery lasts a full day with ease, but heavy users might need a top-up by the evening. The itel S24 has a similar battery with the same charging speed.
However, the realme P3x takes the lead in terms of endurance and charging speed with its 6000 mAh battery, 45W fast charging, and 5W reverse charging options, which significantly reduces downtime. The Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G offers quite similar battery and charging as the S25 Ultra.
Software and User Interface
Running on Android 14 with itel OS 14.5, the S25 Ultra provides a fairly smooth user experience with some pre-installed apps. The UI is functional but lacks the polish and customization options found in Realme UI 6.0 on the Realme P3x or HyperOS on the Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G.
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The presence of bloatware is another downside, as users might have to spend time disabling or uninstalling unnecessary apps. The itel S24, which runs on Android 13, feels slightly outdated compared to the S25 Ultra. However, both the Realme and Xiaomi devices offer a cleaner and more feature-rich software experience.
Storage Options
The itel S25 Ultra comes in three storage configurations: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, all paired with 8GB of RAM and using UFS 2.2 storage technology. This ensures faster read and write speeds compared to eMMC storage found in older budget-friendly phones. The itel S24, on the other hand, maxes out at 256GB with eMMC 5.1, making the S25 Ultra a better choice for those needing more storage and faster performance.
The realme P3x and Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G offer expandable storage via microSDXC cards, which the itel S25 Ultra lacks, making the competitors a more flexible choice for users needing additional storage beyond the built-in options.
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Pros and Cons of itel S25 Ultra
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Pros
- 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.- 8GB RAM with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage options.- Dual rear cameras with a 50MP primary sensor.- 32MP front camera for high-quality selfies.- In-display fingerprint scanner for quick access.- NFC and infrared port for added functionality.- 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support.- Runs on Android 14 with itel OS 14.5 UI.- Always-on display feature for convenience.- Gorilla Glass 7i protection and IP64 dust & water resistance.- RGB ring notification light on the back.
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Cons
- No 5G support.- Unisoc T620 processor may limit performance.- No 4K video recording capability.- Lacks Gyro-EIS for video stabilization.- No ultrawide or optical zoom camera.- No reverse or wireless charging.- Missing 3.5mm audio jack.- Heating issues during heavy use.- No expandable storage via microSDXC card slot.
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Price of itel S25 Ultra in Bangladesh
The itel S25 Ultra is priced at BDT 19,990 in Bangladesh. However, the price may vary depending on the sellers.
Takeaways
The itel S25 Ultra can be a good choice for users seeking a stylish phone with a high-refresh AMOLED display and decent cameras at an affordable price. However, it is not ideal for gamers, power users, or those needing 5G connectivity and expandable storage. If performance and future-proofing are priorities, you may consider other alternatives.
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2 months ago
Samsung Galaxy A15 4G Review: An Efficient Budget-friendly Smartphone
When it comes to Samsung, there is a remarkable and relentless process through which they put forth their devices, whether it’s a flagship or a budget-friendly device. The same is true for the Galaxy ‘A’ series. A15 is the latest addition to this series. In the Galaxy A15 model, Samsung brings improvements in several aspects over last year's A14. Let’s take a detailed look.
Key Specifications of the Samsung Galaxy A15 4G
Design and Build Quality
One of the key selling points of Samsung smartphones is the design symmetry in each of their lines. Whether you’re going for the A series, M series, or the flagship S series, the main design elements remain more or less the same. The only difference is in the materials.
The Galaxy A15 is also no different here as it looks much like the more expensive A35 and even the flagship S24. Except on the A15, the entire body is made from plastic.
The dimension of the A15 comes in at 160.1 mm by 76.8 mm by 8.4 mm with 200 g of effective weight. In terms of physical footprint, the A15 is much more compact than the A14 which is a great thing for compact phone enthusiasts.
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The plastic back has a frosted finish to give it a glass-like look and the frame comes with a matte coat. Ports and buttons are in their usual spot including the coveted 3.5 mm headphone jack. The power button this time also doubles as the fingerprint scanner.
The only drawback with the A15 being a budget-friendly device would be the waterdrop notch, large chin, and the lack of a water protection rating.
The Display
The display on the Galaxy A15 is a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel with a 90 Hz refresh rate and 800 nits of peak brightness. The resolution comes in at 1080 by 2340 pixels with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio. It makes for around 396 ppi density on the panel.
The large chin at the bottom might be out of standard for 2024, but the 84.3% screen-to-body ratio is what users will be getting for an affordable price. Aside from the specs, it's hardly contentious that the A15 has one of the best budget smartphone displays today.
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The Super AMOLED tech from Samsung combined with the 90 Hz refresh rate brings a crisp and smooth user experience to the table. Needless to say, content consumption and browsing on this panel would bring a mid-range feel for its price.
The Camera
There is a triple camera setup on the Galaxy A15 vertically aligned on the back. Unlike most budget-friendly smartphones Samsung has included two useful sensors out of the three. The main sensor is a 50 MP f/1.8 shooter with AF. The secondary ones are a 5 MP f/2.2 ultrawide and a 2 MP f/2.4 macro shooter.
The front shooter is a 13 MP f/2.0 sensor.
In terms of camera performance, the main shooter produced similar results to the A14. Pictures taken in bright light had great details and a characteristic warm tone to them. The dynamic range was pretty good as it showed a good balance overall. However, pictures taken in low light showed lens flare and occasional grains. Thankfully, the night mode did a pretty good job of dissipating them.
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Portrait mode on the main sensor worked well with good edge detection and subject focus. The ultrawide sensor produced some decent images in well-lit environments without any fish-eye effect. The front shooter can take decent social media-ready selfies with Samsung post-processed beautification and softening in place.
The videography on the A15 is limited to 1080P at 30 fps. The low capacity is a bit surprising considering the A15 comes with an updated processor.
Processor and Performance
The Galaxy A15 is powered by Mediatek Helio G99 based on the 6 Nm architecture. The octa-core processor has a chip design of 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 with Mali-G57 MC2 GPU.
The G99 is a processor that has been seen on devices going up to 30K in the Bangladeshi market. So seeing the same processor on a sub-20K smartphone is a steal of a deal in itself.
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In terms of performance, the G99 doesn’t slack. Games like PUBG can be played at Ultra with smooth fps. We didn’t notice any major hiccups or frame drops during the test. Similar titles like Genshin Impact, Asphalt 9, and COD ran with medium to high settings. The device did heat up after some time but it wasn’t anything unmanageable for the processor.
Benchmark Scores
Benchmark
Score
Geekbench 6 Multi-score
1890
GFX Aztec Open High
8.9 fps
GFX Manhattan 3.1
23 fps
PCMark Battery
15:15
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Software
The software on the A15 is One UI 6 based on Android 14. One UI replaced the Samsung Experience to entirely revamp their UI/UX. It is fast, smooth, and with minimal bloatware making it an ideal experience even in a budget smartphone like the A15.
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What’s even better? Samsung has committed to four years of software updates and five years of security updates on the A15.
Battery and Charge Time
The battery on the A15 is 5000 mAh. The device supports up to 25W of wired charging. However, the charger isn’t included in the box. Expect to get around 6 to 8 hours of screen time from a full charge.
Pros and Cons of Samsung Galaxy A15
Pros
- Super AMOLED panel with 90 Hz refresh rate - Side-mounted fingerprint scanner - 3.5 mm headphone jack - Updated Helio G99 processor - 25W wired fast charging - One UI 6 based on Android 14.
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Cons
- No charger in the box - No dust/ water resistance IP rating- No 4K video recording option - No wireless charging support - No reverse charging support - Doesn’t have OIS or EIS
Price of Samsung Galaxy A15 4G in Bangladesh
The Samsung Galaxy A15 4G’s 4/128 GB configuration is available in the Bangladeshi market for around 17,000 Taka. However, the price may vary depending on the sellers.
Verdict
The Galaxy A15 4G brings a semi-updated design, a new chipset, a better display, and better post-processing compared to the outgoing Galaxy A14. With each year, Samsung is perfecting its ultra-budget line to blur the line between budget and mid-range even further.
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However, some intrinsic issues like no 4K recording, no water resistance rating, and an outdated display design might be disadvantageous for some users.
Regardless, the Samsung Galaxy A15 4G is nearly a perfect option compared to other budget options in the market.
10 months ago
Motorola Moto G54 Review: Can It Hold the Legacy?
Motorola is a popular brand who manufacture stylish, quality, and feature-oriented smartphones under diverse price segments. The Motorola Moto G54 was released on September 6, 2023, in India, targeting the budget-friendly user segment. Motorola offers some premium features in this phone within budget. Can the Motorola Moto G54 carry on the reputation? Let’s find out.
Key Features and Specs of Moto G54
Design
The Moto G54 5G maintains a similar design to its predecessor, the G53 5G, but with slight size reductions, measuring 161.6 mm by 73.8 mm by 8mm and weighing 177g.
Available in Midnight Blue, Indigo Blue (vegan leather-backed), Glacier Blue, and Mint Green, it offers options for different preferences. Its physical features remain consistent, with ports at the bottom, a power button (with fingerprint reader), volume keys on the right, and a SIM tray on the left. It supports dual SIMs and a microSD card up to 1TB.
Its front is glass and the backside is made of plastic. The frame is also built with plastic. It lacks an official IP rating and boasts a "water-repellent" design.
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The bezels surrounding the screen are slim. Despite its subdued appearance and lack of flashy elements, its refined design exudes sophistication and practicality, making it a reliable choice for professionals.
The phone is equipped with dual stereo speakers supporting Dolby Atmos. The Dolby Atmos logo signifies an equalisation app, though the built-in stereo speakers are more suitable for calls than music or videos. Nonetheless, with a headphone socket and Bluetooth 5.3, users can enjoy audio through external devices.
Display
The Moto G54 5G addresses the display shortcomings of its predecessor and offers a better display. With a resolution of 2400 by 1080 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, its 6.5-inch screen delivers smooth visuals and remarkable colour accuracy, scoring just 1.09 on the Delta E variance scale.
While it's not OLED or AMOLED, its IPS LCD technology still impresses with crispness and sharpness. However, it falls short in brightness compared to some high-end phones, reaching around 500 nits.
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Cameras
The Moto G54 5G features a 50 MP main camera with an f/1.8 aperture, similar to its predecessor, offering decent image quality with improved auto-enhancement processing for better balance between light and dark areas. However, night photography remains a challenge, with minimal artificial brightening and noticeable noise in low-light conditions.
The 2MP (f/2.4) macro camera delivers acceptable detail but may not always be the best option compared to using the main lens up close.
Video recording capabilities have been enhanced, now supporting 1080p at 60fps and featuring optical image stabilization (OIS) for smoother footage. Despite efforts to boost colours and sharpness, image quality may suffer in challenging lighting conditions, and the night mode doesn't provide significant improvements, especially for moving subjects.
The selfie camera 16 MP (f/2.4) performs reasonably well, producing decent shots in both regular and portrait modes, while video recording is capped at 1080p/30fps but remains suitable for everyday use, such as social media sharing and video calls.
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1 year ago