itel City 100 Review A Budget Friendly Smartphone 


Itel city 100

Introduction

When it comes to budget smartphones, expectations are usually modest: a decent screen, basic performance, and enough battery to last through the day. But with the itel City 100, the brand has tried to break that stereotype. This device offers a mix of modern design, AI-powered features, and a reliable battery all wrapped in a price tag that makes it accessible to almost everyone. In this itel City 100 review, we’ll explore its design, display, performance, camera, battery, and software to see whether it lives up to the hype.

1. Design and Build Quality

The first impression matters, and the itel City 100 doesn’t disappoint. At 7.65 mm slim and weighing 185 g, it feels light and easy to grip, even for long hours. The IP64 rating adds a layer of durability against dust and light splashes a rare feature in entry-level smartphones. On the side, you’ll find a fingerprint sensor that makes unlocking quick and hassle-free. The overall finish looks premium enough to trick someone into thinking it costs more than it actually does.

2. Display Experience

The phone comes with a 6.75-inch IPS LCD that runs at HD+ resolution (720×1,600). What makes it more impressive is the 90Hz refresh rate, which ensures smoother scrolling and transitions compared to many other phones in its price bracket. With a brightness of 700 nits, outdoor visibility is surprisingly good. Whether you’re watching YouTube, reading, or scrolling through social media, the screen is bright, colorful, and sharp enough for daily entertainment.

Itel city 100 full details

3. Performance and Storage

Inside, the Unisoc T7250 chipset powers the device. This octa-core processor combines efficiency with enough strength to handle multitasking and casual gaming. Paired with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB RAM options and 128GB/256GB storage, itel gives you flexibility to choose based on your needs.

An extra trick up its sleeve is Memory Fusion, which allows the phone to extend RAM virtually for instance, turning 6GB into a total of 12GB. While this doesn’t turn it into a gaming beast, it does make daily use like switching between apps much smoother. Benchmarks place it in the mid-budget range, but in real-world use, it feels quick enough for students, professionals, and everyday users.

4. Camera Performance

On the back, you get a 13MP main camera with an LED flash. In daylight, shots come out crisp with natural colors, though in low light you’ll notice some graininess. Portrait mode does a decent job of separating the subject from the background, though not flawlessly.

On the front, an 8MP selfie camera with LED flash ensures clear shots, even at night. The beauty filters are subtle, not overly artificial. For video, the phone records at 1080p/30fps good enough for casual vlogging or video calls, though the lack of stabilization means handheld footage can be a bit shaky.

5. Battery and Charging

The 5,200 mAh battery is one of the biggest highlights of this phone. On moderate use, it easily lasts one and a half to two days. Light users may even stretch it to three days, making it ideal for those who don’t want to constantly search for a charger.

Charging is handled by 18W fast charging, which takes under two hours for a full charge. On top of that, it supports reverse charging, meaning you can use your City 100 like a power bank for other devices. A 4-year battery health guarantee also shows itel’s confidence in long-term durability.


6.Software and Features

Running on Android 14 with itel Pure OS 14.5, the phone delivers a clean and smooth interface without the clutter of excessive bloatware. The real star here is the DeepSeek R1 AI assistant. It helps with tasks like translation, text recognition from images, generating wallpapers, and even AI writing support. For an entry-level device, these AI features are an unexpected but welcome surprise.

Other small but useful additions include gesture shortcuts, a smart panel for quick access, and even an infrared remote control to operate appliances like TVs.

7. Price and Availability

The biggest strength of the itel City 100 is its affordability. In Pakistan, it’s priced at around Rs. 26,999 (~$83). In markets like Kenya, it comes in at around KES 11,200, and in Uganda, approximately UGX 350,000. Given what it offers, it clearly punches above its price point.

8. Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Sleek, lightweight design with IP64 protection

  • Smooth 90Hz display with good brightness

  • Strong battery life with reverse charging

  • Clean software with AI features

  • Affordable pricing

Cons:

  • Only HD+ resolution (not Full HD)

  • Average low-light camera performance

  • No 5G or NFC

  • Not suitable for heavy gaming

Final Verdict

To wrap up this itel City 100 review, it’s safe to say that the phone stands out in the crowded budget segment. It combines durability, a smooth display, excellent battery life, and AI-powered tools in a package that costs less than many mid-range competitors.

If you’re a student, first-time smartphone buyer, or simply someone who wants a reliable phone without spending big, the itel City 100 is an excellent choice. However, if you’re looking for advanced photography, heavy gaming, or 5G connectivity, you might want to explore higher-end options.

The itel City 100 is a budget phone that doesn’t feel budget.