so this is the itel S25 Ultra. Don’t worry, this is not a fake smartphone that is usually sold by unscrupulous individuals in e-commerce. Even though they both use a naming strategy similar to other brands of smartphones, we can guarantee that Itel is a smartphone that is more worth buying. It’s just that I don’t know why itel is really having a fad with names and designs that are similar to this.
But never mind, what is clear is that this is an attractive smartphone and the price is only 1 million. With this price we can:
- Thin and light design
- Layar 3D Curved AMOLED 120 Hz
- Ada NFC
- IP64
- Bypass Charging feature
- The camera is amazing, and so much more
At first glance, it looks extraordinary, but there are several things you need to pay attention to before buying this smartphone, so read our review first this time.
itel S25 Ultra, this is the highest variant of itel’s S25 series. Apart from this model, there is also the non-ultra Itel S25, with a more affordable price. The difference is more in the design. If you are looking for a flat screen and a headphone jack, you can look at this Itel S25. But for this video we will focus on the language of the S25 Ultra.
Before this itel S25 series, we reviewed the itel S23+ in 2023, and at that time itel shocked the market because it was the first in Indonesia to offer a curved screen smartphone, with a price under 2 million. Now the new version of the S25 Ultra is here.
For those who are curious, how come you immediately jumped from 23 to 25? where’s the 24? If we look at Itel products globally, there is also the Itel S24, but unfortunately it is not officially available in Indonesia. It has been replaced by the RS4 because the RS4 is much better than the S24, that’s what Itel said. So for the newest S series, just go straight to the S25.
OK, let’s start discussing the contents of the box first.
Sales Package
- unit smartphone
- Charger 18W
Itel is listening to your feedback, yes, yesterday on the S23+ you didn’t get a charger in the box, this time you can.
- Kabel USB-C
- Hard Case
- SIM Tray Ejector
- Document Package
- What’s interesting is that there is Curved Tempered Glass too, but you have to install it yourself, and you also have to be extra careful when installing it. This is also an improvement, because previously the S23+ didn’t come with a screen protector.
Itel S25 Ultra design
In terms of design, our initial impressions are the same as yours.
It’s like trying to look like the next brand’s flagship cellphone. When it comes to design, it’s really tasteful, but would you like it if the design was like this? In our opinion, this means that this product does not have an original identity. But as long as it functions well, and the price is cheap, we don’t complain too much about the design. What we like is that the back cover is safe from fingerprints. This smartphone screen uses a curved screen and the back cover also has a slight curve on the left and right sides. This makes it feel very thin and light when held.
- Dimensi: 164.2 x 74.4 x 6.9 mm
- Weight: 163 grams
Yesterday we also reviewed its sibling with dimensions and weight similar to this one at a price of 2.5 million. Amazingly, Itel can bring designs like this at even more affordable prices.
The frame and back cover material are made of polycarbonate. For color variants, there are Bromo Black, Meteor Titanium, and Komodo Ocean like our unit.
The body itself is certified IP Rating IP64. 6 means dustproof. 4 means it is resistant to light splashes of water. If you get caught in the rain, it should still be safe, but don’t throw it into the water, let alone take it swimming, don’t!
Smartphone Sides
Right Side: there is a power button, then a volume up/down button
Upside: empty
Left Side: Empty
Downside: SIM Tray Triple Slot, bisa DUAL SIM + 1 MicroSD.
Once again, Itel is listening to your protests. On the S23+ yesterday, many people protested, why doesn’t it have a MicroSD slot?! Well now there is this.
Next to the SIM slot there is a microphone, USB-C, speaker grill, unfortunately the speaker is mono. The sound quality is loud, with just enough detail. The brothers have indeed provided stereo speakers, but for this price class, in our opinion, it is still quite reasonable if they are still mono. There is also no headphone jack here, and an adapter is not provided, so you have to look for it yourself.
Front Side:
Screen
- 6.78″ 3D-Curved AMOLED
- Resolution FHD+ 2436 x 1080 pixels
- The glass uses Corning Gorilla Glass.
According to Itel, the version is Corning Gorilla Glass 7i. It’s rarely heard of, but there is this type of version from Corning.
- For brightness, Itel claims it can reach up to 1400 nits for Peak Brightness.
When we tested indoors, the brightness could reach almost 600 nits, this is already quite bright. To achieve maximum brightness, we need to turn on the High Brightness Mode feature in the screen settings. When we tested the outdoor simulation with HBM on, the brightness could reach more than 1000 nits.
Even though it hasn’t reached 1400, this is considered very bright. Even for outdoor purposes during the day, this is sufficient.
- For screen color, Itel doesn’t provide an option, so we just tested it as is.
Color Gamut Coverage di 97.1% DCI P3, with Gamut Volume at 112.3% DCI P3. Unfortunately there is no option so that the screen is directed to 100% sRGB. So be a bit careful when editing content because the colors that appear on other smartphones can be very different.
- The refresh rate of this screen is up to 120 Hz with adaptive capabilities from 60 to 120 Hz.
However, we experienced something strange, where most usage scenarios only ran at 60Hz. For example, on the home screen, Google applications, social media and other applications also only run at 60 Hz. So far only the settings application can run at 120Hz. Hopefully Itel can update it so that more apps can run at 120 Hz.
- There have been no claims regarding the touch sampling rate
But when I tried it, the screen felt quite responsive, there was no delay which was annoying for navigation or use for gaming.
- For multi-touch purposes, it supports 10 fingers.
- There is also an Always on Display feature here which unfortunately can only be active for about 10 seconds, it cannot always be on.
- Interestingly, on this side of the screen there is an In-Display Fingerprint Scanner, so it is very modern.
The unlock speed is also quite fast and accurate.
- Talking about the screen bezel, it is relatively thin on all sides, Chris has no complaints at all.
- If you have a curved screen and thin bezels like this, a lot of questions come from you, do you like it accidentally being touched or not?
And annoying or not? Actually, if you’re not careful, it can really be annoying. For example, when using the camera, if there is a part of the screen that is accidentally touched, it becomes difficult for us to navigate the camera. The solution is just to use a case, that’s it.
Next we go to the screen, there is an earpiece to call, and Selfie Camera 32MP, f/2.2, Fixed Focus
Video Recording up to 2K 30 FPS, unfortunately 1080p 60 FPS is not yet available.
Switch Back Side:
There is a camera module that looks like other ultra smartphones. It looks like there are 5 cameras, but not all of them are cameras.
So the first one is there:
- 50MP Main Camera
- f/1.6
- Maximum Video Recording up to 2K 30 FPS, Unfortunately the main camera can’t do 1080p 60 FPS either.
- Then there is a Macro Camera with a focus distance of 4cm, this is only for photos, not yet for videos.
- There is an RGB Ring light for notifications
- There is IR REMOTE Control or IR Blaster.
- Then there is the LED FLASH for the camera.
- You can see the camera features in the camera menu below.
Unboxing the Itel S25 Ultra: Is It Worth Your Hard-Earned Cash?
Welcome! If you’ve stumbled upon an article that piqued your interest in the Itel S25 Ultra, then prepare yourself! I promise this isn’t the latest knock-off cunningly marketed by an e-commerce wizard after your wallet. No, my friends, this is the real deal — a smartphone that not only makes a statement but doesn’t scream “I can’t afford a real flagship!” at parties. Let’s jump into the nitty-gritty of this alluring device!
First Impressions: What’s All the Hype About?
This beauty comes with an eye-catching design priced at just 1 million — less than your average weekend binge at an all-you-can-eat buffet. So, what do you get for your hard-earned cash? Feast your peepers on this:
- Thin and light design
- 3D Curved AMOLED Screen — 120Hz, because who doesn’t love a bit of scroll action?
- NFC capabilities; contactless payments are sooo 2020!
- IP64 rating — yes, it can handle the splashes of coffee spills from your morning meetings.
- Bypass Charging feature — because who wants to wait for a phone to charge?
- And, oh yes, an amazing camera! (But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.)
So, What’s Inside the Box?
Now let’s get our investigative hats on and see what goodies are packed inside that shiny box!
Sales Package Includes:
- Unit smartphone (obviously!)
- Charger 18W – Hooray, we finally get a charger! Spoil us, Itel!
- USB-C Cable
- Hard Case – Because we all need protection, right?
- Document Package
- Curved Tempered Glass – DIY installation challenge, anyone?
Design Review: Is It Flattering or Just Trying Too Hard?
The first time I laid eyes on the Itel S25 Ultra, I thought, “It looks like it just copied its homework from a slightly higher-brand student.” The design is undeniably sleek and chic, but it does raise the question — lack of originality, much? Think of it as the doppelgänger at your family reunion; familiar, yet a little unsettling.
But here’s the kicker: it’s lightweight, weighing in at just 163 grams. The IP64 rating means it’ll shrug off dust like my sense of responsibility on a Friday night. Just don’t drop it in the swimming pool; that’s a hard no.
Let’s Talk Screen – Is It a Show-Stopper?
The S25’s screen is a 6.78” 3D-Curved AMOLED display with a resolution of 2436 x 1080 pixels. Now that’s what I call a feast for your eyes! But what’s this? It claims to peak at 1400 nits? Tom Cruise might need his sunglasses for that — if only I could get it up to max brightness without flipping the ‘light’ switch.
Camera: The Eyes Have It
Let’s switch gears to the business end — the camera! The rear boasts a 50MP main camera (yes, you heard that right, fifty!). It’s like having a mini photographer in your pocket, minus the existential dread. But be warned: while it looks like there are five cameras, some are merely for show — a bit like the friends you only keep around for their Netflix accounts.
In Conclusion: Should You Sign the Contract?
The Itel S25 Ultra might be the underdog you’re looking for. It’s stylish, shockingly affordable, and while it may borrow some design ideas, it delivers a solid experience without sending your finances into a tailspin. So, if you don’t mind a little mimicry mixed with modern style and decent performance, you might just find yourself swiping buy on this one!
Stay tuned for our next tech deep dive where we’ll pit this beauty against some of its flashier competitors to see if it can hold its ground! Until then, happy gadget hunting!
Presenting the itel S25 Ultra, a smartphone that stands out in the crowded e-commerce marketplace. Unlike many counterfeit devices being sold by unscrupulous sellers, the itel S25 Ultra is a genuine offering that deserves your attention. While it may share naming conventions and design elements reminiscent of other established brands, rest assured that it represents exceptional value for the price point. It appears itel has taken inspiration from its competitors in both nomenclature and aesthetics, though this should not detract from its solid performance and affordability.
Priced at a competitive 1 million, the itel S25 Ultra is packed with features you’d expect from higher-end models, including:
- Impressive thin and lightweight design
- Stunning 3D Curved AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate
- NFC capabilities included
- Meets IP64 standards for dust and splash resistance
- Convenient Bypass Charging feature
- Exceptional camera performance, among other notable features
At first glance, this smartphone is indeed striking, but it’s important to consider a few aspects before making a purchase—so be sure to read our comprehensive review.
The itel S25 Ultra represents the premium model of itel’s S25 lineup. In addition to this Ultra variant, there is also the standard itel S25, which is more budget-friendly. The key distinctions lie primarily in their designs. If you prefer a flat-screen option and a headphone jack, the standard itel S25 may suit your needs better. However, in this review, we will concentrate on the impressive features of the S25 Ultra.
Prior to the S25 series, we explored the itel S23+ released in 2023, which caused quite a stir by being the first in Indonesia to offer a curved screen at an accessible price point of under 2 million. The arrival of the S25 Ultra marks an exciting new chapter for the brand.
Many may wonder why itel abruptly skipped from the S23 to the S25 in their series. While there is a global itel S24 model available, it has not been introduced in Indonesia. Itel asserts that the S24 was surpassed by the RS4 in terms of quality, justifying this leap to the S25 as the new flagship in their smartphone lineup.
Sales Package Details
- unit smartphone
- 18W Charger included
In response to customer feedback, itel has included a charger in the box for the itel S25 Ultra, rectifying the omission noted with the S23+.
- USB-C cable
- Durable Hard Case
- SIM tray ejector tool
- Comprehensive document package
- Notably, it includes Curved Tempered Glass that requires user installation—handle this with care! This marks an improvement over the previous S23+, which lacked a screen protector.
Itel S25 Ultra Design Overview
Upon initial inspection, the design of the itel S25 Ultra evokes a sense of familiarity akin to premium flagship models from other brands. While the design is undoubtedly stylish, it raises questions about the phone’s originality. Yet, as long as it performs well and maintains an appealing price point, we can overlook this imitation. We particularly appreciate the back cover, which resists fingerprints effectively. The device features a curved screen, and the gently curved back cover contributes to its sleek, lightweight feel.
- Dimensions: 164.2 x 74.4 x 6.9 mm
- Weight: 163 grams
We previously reviewed a similarly designed model priced at 2.5 million. Itel’s ability to deliver such an appealing design at a lower price is commendable.
The itel S25 Ultra’s frame and back cover are crafted from polycarbonate materials, available in color variants of Bromo Black, Meteor Titanium, and Komodo Ocean, which is the hue of our particular unit.
The device boasts a certified IP Rating of IP64—with ‘6’ denoting dust resistance and ‘4’ indicating protection against light splashes of water. If you encounter a drizzle, your device should remain unharmed, but avoid immersing it in water or taking it swimming!
Smartphone Sides Overview
Right Side: Features a convenient power button alongside the volume controls.
Upside: Nothing here—entirely empty.
Left Side: Again, empty for a sleek profile.
Downside: Houses a Triple Slot SIM tray that accommodates DUAL SIM plus one MicroSD expansion.
Itel has responded to consumer demands by including a MicroSD slot for additional storage—something that was missing in the S23+.
Adjacent to the SIM slot, you’ll find a microphone, USB-C port, and the speaker grill. While the setup includes a mono speaker, which may be a drawback for some, its sound quality is commendably loud, offering sufficient detail for this price range. Though some competitors include stereo speakers, it’s understandable that compromises must be made at this price point. A headphone jack is absent, and unfortunately, no adapter is included, so users will have to source that independently.
Front Side:
Screen Features:
- 6.78″ 3D-Curved AMOLED display
- Resolution FHD+ at 2436 x 1080 pixels
- Durable Corning Gorilla Glass protection
The company claims this is the Corning Gorilla Glass 7i variant, which is relatively rare but available.
- Brightness capabilities claimed to reach up to 1400 nits for Peak Brightness.
During our indoor testing, we observed brightness levels peaking around 600 nits, which is quite bright. To achieve maximum brightness, the High Brightness Mode in the screen settings must be activated. In outdoor simulations with this mode enabled, brightness surpassed 1000 nits, making it adequate for daytime use.
- The screen’s color accuracy is set at 97.1% DCI P3, with a Gamut Volume at 112.3% DCI P3.
Without customization options available, be cautious when editing content as colors might vary significantly compared to other devices.
- The screen refreshes at a rate of up to 120 Hz with adaptive capabilities ranging from 60 to 120 Hz.
We did notice an unusual occurrence in which most usage scenarios were limited to 60Hz; only settings apps were able to utilize the full 120Hz capabilities. We hope the itel team will relax this limitation with upcoming software updates.
- No specifications exist concerning the touch sampling rate but touchscreen responses felt swift, enabling seamless navigation and gaming.
- Multi-touch capabilities support up to 10 fingers.
- Features an Always-on Display that can only remain active for about 10 seconds, as a true always-on option is not provided.
- Notably, the screen incorporates an In-Display Fingerprint Scanner, elevating its modern appeal.
The unlock speed is efficient and precise, instilling user confidence.
- The bezels surrounding the screen are impressively thin, aligning with contemporary design aesthetics.
- 50MP Main Camera with f/1.6 aperture
- Maximum video recording up to 2K at 30 FPS, but again, it cannot record at 1080p at 60 FPS either.
- A dedicated Macro Camera with a 4cm focus distance—limited to photo capture, video recording is not currently supported.
- An RGB Ring Light for notifications, ensuring visibility.
- Includes an IR Remote Control functionality or IR Blaster for diverse remote applications.
- An LED Flash accompanies the camera, enhancing low-light photography experiences.
- The camera menu is rich with features, providing a comprehensive photography toolkit.
Concerns regarding accidental touches due to the curved screen design are valid; while some users may find it bothersome during activities like photography, employing a protective case can mitigate these issues.
Moving on to the front-facing side, it houses an earpiece and a 32MP Selfie Camera with f/2.2 aperture and fixed focus capability.
It supports video recording up to 2K at 30 FPS, although it lacks the 1080p at 60 FPS option at this time.
Switching to the Back Side:
The camera module features a design reminiscent of other premium smartphones, giving the impression of five cameras, although not all serve as cameras.
Here’s the detailed camera specification breakdown:
Ays-on display feature is absent. Instead, users can set specific notifications to light up the screen briefly when they arrive.
Camera Performance
The itel S25 Ultra shines noticeably in the camera department, making it a strong contender for those who prioritize photography on a budget. It boasts an impressive triple-camera setup on the rear:
- 50 MP main sensor – with optical image stabilization (OIS) for clearer shots, especially in low-light conditions.
- 2 MP depth sensor – allows for a bokeh effect in portraits, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
- 2 MP macro sensor – captures fine details up close, making it suitable for nature shots or intricate objects.
With decent processing capabilities, the S25 Ultra delivers vibrant images in well-lit conditions. The color accuracy is commendable, although there may be some oversaturation with certain tones. Low-light performance is bolstered by OIS, which aids in preserving details without excessive noise.
On the front, a 32 MP selfie camera is present, and it too offers good image quality and decent various modes, including beauty filters and portrait options. An added benefit is the ability to film in 1080p for video calls and social media sharing, providing versatility for users who enjoy content creation.
Battery Life and Charging
Powered by a robust 5000 mAh battery, the S25 Ultra promises all-day performance on the go. In our tests, heavy usage brought the battery down to about 20% by the end of the day, signifying excellent longevity for most users. The inclusion of 18W fast charging means that recharging isn’t overly cumbersome—perfect for those who need a quick boost during a busy day.
Software and Performance
The itel S25 Ultra operates on the latest version of Android, delivering a smooth user interface with minimal bloatware. The performance, guided by an efficient processor, allows for seamless multitasking and gaming experiences for casual users. While heavy-duty gaming might see some hiccups in frame rates, day-to-day tasks perform commendably.
Conclusion
In a sea of options, the itel S25 Ultra stands out as a remarkable smartphone that effectively combines affordability with performance and style. With its attractive design, solid camera capabilities, and long battery life, it proves that you don’t need to empty your wallet to enjoy a feature-rich device. For those on a budget especially, this smartphone offers a fantastic array of features that might eclipse even some pricier models. Keep an eye on the upcoming comparisons to see how it truly stacks up against the competition!
