📱 Introducing the itel S23: A Budget Powerhouse from itel India
In June 2023, itel India unveiled the itel S23, a budget-centric smartphone designed for value-conscious users seeking essential performance with a sleek, modern design. Priced between ₹6,799–₹8,999, this phone quickly became a favorite in India’s sub‑₹10,000 segment, offering solid specs rarely seen at this price.
4 GB variant
itel S23 (4 GB / 8 GB + 128 GB)
₹7,999
8 GB variant
itel S23 (Flipkart/BhatiaMobile)
₹8,999
Bhatiamobile
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🗓 Launch Timeline & Availability
Launch: Officially introduced on June 14, 2023, the itel S23 made its debut on Amazon India.
Variants: Offered with either 4 GB+128 GB or 8 GB+128 GB, and some listings hint at 16 GB virtual RAM through Memory Fusion tech—an industry-first at this price.
Pricing:
₹6,799–₹6,999 for the 4 GB version.
₹8,999 for the 8 GB version—as seen on Smartprix and Flipkart.
🔍 Design & Display
The itel S23 offers a polished and ergonomic experience:
Dimensions: Around 164 × 76 × 8 mm, weighing between 185–195 g, comfortable to hold.
Finish: The Mystery White variant exhibits a unique UV-sensitive gloss, shifting to lavender shades under sunlight.
Display:
6.6‑inch IPS LCD with a smooth 90 Hz refresh rate (rare in this price band).
HD+ resolution (1600×720) – adequate, though pixel density (~263 ppi) feels average.
Waterdrop notch, side fingerprint sensor, and 3.5 mm headphone jack add to convenience.
⚙️ Performance & Software
Chipset: Unisoc T606 (12 nm), octa‑core CPU clocked around 1.6 GHz.
RAM & Storage:
4 GB or 8 GB RAM, with up to 8 GB Virtual RAM expansion via Memory Fusion.
Generous built‑in 128 GB UFS 2.2 storage, plus up to 512 GB via microSD.
OS: Ships with Android 12 layered with itelOS 8.6; upgrade status to Android 13 is unclear.
Real-world usage: Optimized for everyday tasks—calling, messaging, casual browsing—but expect occasional lags with heavy multitasking or gaming .
📸 Camera Setup
Rear Camera: 50 MP main sensor + depth sensor; supports 10× digital zoom and 1080p video at 30 fps.
Front Camera: 8 MP shooter for selfies and video calls .
Image Quality: Decent daylight shots with acceptable low-light performance; modest expectations necessary due to entry-level sensor and processing.
🔋 Battery & Charging
Battery: 5000 mAh Li‑ion cell, promising a full day (or even two) of typical usage.
Charging: 10 W fast charging via USB‑C—on par with peers, though not blazing fast .
✔️ Pros & ❌ Cons
Pros
90 Hz smooth display in budget segment
Large 5000 mAh battery with USB‑C
Expandable 128 GB storage + microSD
Sleek, ergonomic design with UV-reactive color
Virtual RAM via Memory Fusion tech
Cons
HD‑only screen lacks crispness (~263 ppi)
Unisoc T606 performs adequately, but lags under heavy load
No 5G support—becoming less future‑proof
Camera is functional, not flagship-quality
🏁 Final Verdict
For ₹6,800–₹9,000, the itel S23 delivers solid value: a large 90 Hz display, strong battery life, and expandable memory combine to provide an enjoyable user experience. The addition of Memory Fusion, enabling up to 16 GB virtual RAM, pushes it ahead of rivals in multitasking capacity. Design touches like the UV-reactive white finish add a premium flair not often seen in this class.
However, compromises exist: the Unisoc T606 chipset, while efficient, shows its limitations under stress; the HD+ display won’t impress detail-hungry users; and lack of 5G connectivity may limit longevity in India’s evolving 5G environment.
🎯 Who Should Buy the itel S23?
Ideal for users who:
Want a stylish, budget smartphone for daily use: calls, WhatsApp, social media
Prioritize battery life and smooth UI over raw performance
Prefer big storage and RAM on a budget
Don’t mind slowing uptake of 5G or expect light camera usage
Not great for:
Heavy gamers
Users seeking crisp, high-res visuals
Those aiming to future-proof for 5G adoption
🔮 Looking Ahead: the itel S23 +
itel further pushed the envelope with the itel S23+, priced around ₹15,000, bringing AMOLED display, 32 MP selfie cam, 18 W charging, and improved RAM into the mix. But if you want the core experience at minimal cost, the original S23 remains compelling.
✅ Final Words
The itel S23 punches well above its weight. It stands out thanks to its 90 Hz refresh rate, generous battery, Memory Fusion tech, and polished design. While it won’t satisfy power gamers or photography aficionados, it’s a standout pick for everyday users seeking maximum value for minimal investment.
If you're in the market for a reliable daily driver under ₹10,000, the itel S23 is a smart pick — stylish, capable, and affordably priced.
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