For years, Itel phones had a reputation for being slow and frustrating. Many Nigerians recall waiting minutes for an app to open or struggling with lag during video playback. But those days seem to be gone.
With the launch of the Itel S25 Ultra, the brand is redefining expectations. At first glance, this phone looks strikingly similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Ultra series, but at a fraction of the cost. With prices starting around ₦250,000, it offers premium looks, solid performance, and features that challenge its budget tag.
Premium Design: Slim, Stylish, and Durable
The Itel S25 Ultra stands out immediately for its design. From afar, it could be mistaken for a Samsung Galaxy Ultra. Add a case, and most people wouldn’t guess it’s a budget device.
- Slim profile: Just 6.9mm thick and 163g lightweight
- Frame: Die-cast magnesium-aluminium body for toughness
- Screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 7i
- Water/dust resistance: IP64 rating for protection against dust and light splashes
Unique extras include an RGB ring light on the back for notifications and an IR blaster to control TVs, fans, or decoders, a feature rare in budget devices.
Display: AMOLED Brilliance with a Catch
The S25 Ultra sports a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp visuals.
- 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling
- Adaptive refresh drops to 60Hz to save battery, which can sometimes be noticeable
- Great for social media, streaming, and casual gaming
This screen easily outshines most phones in its price category, making it ideal for entertainment.
Performance: Smooth Everyday Use, Average Gaming
Powered by the Unisoc T620 processor, the S25 Ultra handles daily tasks like browsing, messaging, and app switching smoothly.
- Not a gaming powerhouse: PUBG and Call of Duty run on medium settings but may heat up and drop frames with extended play
- Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB
- RAM: 8GB for multitasking
This isn’t a speed demon, but for its price, it’s reliable for everyday use.
Software: Android 14 with AI Features
The Itel S25 Ultra ships with Android 14 and Itel OS 14.5, offering two years of updates (up to Android 16). That’s a big step forward for Itel users.
Notable software features:
- AI wallpaper generator for personalized backgrounds
- AI text summariser for WhatsApp messages or web pages
- Noise cancellation for clear calls in noisy markets
This modern software experience helps the S25 Ultra feel current and practical.
Camera Performance: Surprisingly Impressive
The camera system is one of the S25 Ultra’s highlights:
- Rear camera: 50MP main shooter
- Front camera: 32MP selfie lens
Photo quality:
- Bright, detailed daytime shots comparable to mid-range phones
- Decent low-light performance with AI software processing
- Portrait mode produces natural-looking background blur
Video:
- Up to 2K resolution at 30fps
- Lacks the 60fps smoothness of premium phones, but quality is solid for social media
Battery Life: Long-Lasting but Slow Charging
With a 5,000mAh battery, the S25 Ultra easily lasts a full day of regular use.
- Social media, YouTube, and light gaming won’t drain it too quickly
- Charging speed: 18W, which is slower compared to 33W or 45W competitors
- Expect longer wait times for a full charge
Downsides to Consider
While impressive for its price, the Itel S25 Ultra has a few limitations:
- Mono speaker only (no stereo sound)
- No headphone jack (USB-C or wireless earphones required)
- No 5G support (limited to 4G)
For users who prioritize sound quality, faster charging, or 5G, these could be dealbreakers.
Final Verdict: Is the Itel S25 Ultra Worth It?
The Itel S25 Ultra proves that budget phones can look and feel premium. With its Samsung-like design, AMOLED display, 50MP camera, and modern software, it’s one of the most attractive options in Nigeria’s mid-budget smartphone category.
While it’s not built for heavy gaming or ultra-fast charging, it delivers excellent value for money for students, young professionals, and everyday users.
