Itel recently introduced their latest generation smartphone, the Itel S23 Plus. This device is the successor to the S23 series introduced in June 2023.
Despite its name resembling a particular Samsung series, the Itel S23 Plus features that remind us of the iPhone's Dynamic Island.
Furthermore, the rear camera module design, which resembles Boba, is remarkably similar to the style typically found on Apple phones.
The Dynamic bar on the Itel S23 Plus has almost identical functions to the iPhone, including displaying reminder notifications and battery status.
However, the Dynamic bar feature is not directly available upon installation and will be introduced through future software updates.
Based on the information we have received, Itel has ensured that this phone will be officially launched in various countries in October. Let's delve into the details of the Itel S23+.
Itel S23 Plus Specifications Review
To learn more about the specifications of the Itel S23 Plus, check out the complete review from design to performance below.
Display
You'll be surprised to see Itel offering a phone with a curved Amoled screen at a very competitive price. So far, we haven't come across a phone with a curved Amoled screen that is sold for $64.
Usually, phones with such screen features are priced at a minimum of $200 or $300. If this price estimate is accurate, Itel might create a new trend and become a hot topic in various countries. This new phone series has the potential to challenge the popularity of big brands like Xiaomi and Infinix.
It sports a 6.78-inch curved Amoled screen with a touch sampling rate of 240Hz. The touch response is undoubtedly fast, but there's a slight compromise here—the screen's refresh rate is only 60Hz. However, imagine if this phone had a 120Hz refresh rate; it could easily become a top-tier smartphone in the market.
Moreover, this screen can reach a peak brightness of 500 nits and is protected by the durable Corning Gorilla Glass 5, with a screen-to-body ratio of 93% and a DCI-P3 color coverage of 99%.
The visuals it offers are impressive, and don't forget the always-on display feature that adds to its luxury. In other words, for those looking for a high-quality screen on an affordable phone, the Itel S23 Plus could be the answer. A luxurious screen at a friendly price is what Itel offers through the S23 Plus.
Design
Let's start with the design and material of the phone we're discussing. The Itel S23 Plus comes with a plastic back body and has a thickness of only 7.9mm with a noticeably light weight of around 178 grams.
This phone is comfortable to hold for those who want an aesthetic similar to the iPhone, especially with the Boba 3 feature, but also want a lightweight phone. The Itel S23 Plus could be the right choice.
Instead of using flagship chipsets from MediaTek or Snapdragon, this phone takes a different route by using the Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset built on a 12-nanometer fabrication process.
Performance
From a performance perspective, this chipset is equivalent to the MediaTek Helio G80. Referring to AnTuTu scores, it scores around 226.19 points on the latest version, indicating that the Itel S23 Plus might not be the first choice for gamers seeking maximum performance in high-graphic games.
It's possible that this phone may struggle given its price range of $130. The chipset's performance offered by the Itel S23 Plus may not stand out compared to its competitors in the same category.
However, one thing to acknowledge is that this phone is primarily focused on social media usage and other basic functions rather than high-performance gaming.
On one hand, the phone offers a decent amount of RAM, which is 8GB, supported by generous 128GB and 256GB internal storage options.
The choice of a slightly older chipset means that this phone adopts LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.0 storage. While both are still dependable, they are no longer the latest standards in the market.
Thus, the Itel S23 Plus seems to be aimed at consumers with tighter budgets who prioritize basic functions over gaming performance.
Nevertheless, the manufacturer has added a modern touch by introducing Android 13 with the latest version of the Itel OS.
Regarding updates, the Itel S23 Plus has a policy like Infinix smartphone models, where operating system updates may only be done once, but users can still receive security patch updates for up to 2 years.
Camera
Taking a look at the camera specifications, the Itel S23 Plus seems to make an effort not to disappoint. The main camera has a resolution of 50 MP and is complemented by a 2 MP Depth Sensor.
The Itel S23 Plus is expected to produce photos with depth and charm. On the front side, for selfie enthusiasts, the 32 MP front camera is ready to capture every expression with sharp and clear details.
Although equipped with a high-resolution camera, the Itel S23 Plus can only record video in Full HD+ quality at 30fps.
This indicates that the video recording capabilities of this phone are still limited by the chipset it uses and have not reached the 4K standard yet. However, considering its overall features and capabilities, the Itel S23 Plus still seems to offer attractive value, especially for those who prioritize everyday photography.
In this phone category, the Itel S23 Plus goes further in terms of connectivity and security by offering several standout features, one of which is the presence of an in-display fingerprint sensor.
Thanks to its curved Amoled screen, unlocking the phone becomes more intuitive and futuristic. Not only that, the Itel S23 Plus also introduces the Dynamic Island feature, reminiscent of a similar feature on the iPhone, allowing users to view notifications more quickly and conveniently.
Additional Features
For other connectivity aspects, there is a memory card slot, NFC, USB-C, and USB On The Go. Unfortunately, this phone does not come with a 3.5mm audio jack. This could be a drawback for those who prioritize audio quality.
On the other hand, the 5000mAh battery capacity should support daily user activities well, but the 18-watt fast charging support may be considered less than optimal.
The Itel S23 Plus has different price ranges depending on the sales region. In the Southeast Asian market, including Indonesia and India, the phone is priced at around $120 USD. However, in Africa, the price jumps to around $180 USD.
Hopefully, the Itel S23 Plus can maintain its global price tag of around $120 USD. At this price, the phone has the potential to shake up the budget smartphone market, especially against major brands like Xiaomi, Realme, Samsung, and Infinix.
With an estimated price of around $130 USD, Itel clearly aims to ensure that its product is accessible to a wide audience. Given the information available, it's likely that this phone will not be priced at $200 USD.
The presence of the Itel S23 Plus with a curved Amoled screen in the budget price range promises a new revolution in the lower-tier smartphone market. However, there is a price to pay for getting a high-quality screen at an affordable price.
Some features are compromised, such as the 60Hz refresh rate, mono audio quality, and the standard 18-watt fast charging support.
Price & Release Date
Further confirmation regarding the official release date states that the Itel S23 Plus will be introduced on October 10, 2023. However, for more certainty, we suggest keeping an eye on Itel's official social media accounts.
In the global market, the Itel S23 Plus is priced at around $120 USD or approximately $120 USD for the 8GB/256GB variant. Meanwhile, in the African market, it is slightly higher, around $180 USD.
Considering the price consistency between the global market and Southeast Asia, it's expected that the Itel S23 Plus will be offered at around $120 USD when launched in Southeast Asia.
If the price of this phone is indeed around $120 USD, it could disrupt the smartphone industry in Southeast Asia, especially for big brands like Xiaomi, Realme, Samsung, and Infinix.
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