The itel A70 has made a striking entry into the Indian smartphone market, solidifying Transsion Holding’s brand identity, itel. This brand, gaining traction over the last few years, has particularly excelled in the budget segment, especially devices priced under ₹10,000. In a groundbreaking move for 2023, itel introduced a smartphone featuring a curved display at a price point below ₹15,000. As we head into 2024, itel aims to capture attention with the launch of the itel A70, reportedly the first smartphone with 256GB of internal storage available for under ₹8,000. I got my hands on the ‘Brilliant Gold’ color variant. Let’s delve into my first impressions of this exciting new device.
Packaging and Unboxing Experience
The itel A70 comes in a striking red compact box that holds more than meets the eye. Inside, you’ll find the smartphone, a charger, a charging cable, a stylish phone cover, and a user manual. Notably, instead of a standard transparent TPU case, itel has included a chic black designer cover that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also offers flexibility and a snug fit. The word ‘AWESOME’ is elegantly branded on the case, which complements the phone’s overall design.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the back design of the itel A70 is captivating. It features three medium-sized camera bumps arranged in the top left corner, with ‘AWESOME’ inscribed at the bottom. The glass back reflects light beautifully, creating a dazzling display of patterns and lines while remaining resistant to fingerprints even after extended use. The matte-finished frame and rounded edges add to the grip, ensuring the device feels secure in hand.
Ergonomics and Layout
The layout is practical, with the power button and volume rocker conveniently located on the right side, while the SIM tray is positioned on the left. A standout feature is the power button’s dual function as a fingerprint sensor, a remarkable addition for a smartphone priced under ₹8,000. The front sports a waterdrop notch display, making it visually appealing, and it’s surprisingly lightweight, providing an excellent user experience.
Display Quality
The itel A70 boasts a 6.6-inch LCD HD+ display with a resolution of 720×1612 pixels and a brightness level reaching 500 nits. One of its most talked-about features is the ‘Dynamic Bar,’ a smart assistant reminiscent of those found in premium devices that highlights important notifications. For indoor usage, the display quality is commendable, offering smooth colors and comfortable readability.
Performance and Specifications
Equipped with a UniSoC T603 processor coupled with 4GB of RAM, the A70 supports memory fusion technology, which allows it to utilize free storage to boost RAM by an additional 8GB, a feature that heavy users will find beneficial. While the processor is standard for this price range, initial usage has displayed promising performance; however, long-term evaluation is essential for a comprehensive assessment.
Camera Capabilities
The smartphone features a 13-megapixel super HDR back camera along with an 8-megapixel selfie camera, complete with a flashlight for enhanced low-light photography. The camera app includes various modes such as photo, portrait, low light, and wide selfie, offering versatility for photography enthusiasts. Although initial photo tests revealed average results, further testing is needed to evaluate the camera’s full potential. It also supports video recording at 30fps in 1080P.
Battery Performance
A robust 5000mAh battery powers the itel A70, equipped with a Type-C port for charging. The included 10W charger may take over two hours for a complete charge. Early usage suggests solid battery life, but a comprehensive assessment will be conducted over forthcoming days.
Software and User Experience
Running on Android 13 Go Edition, the A70 is optimized for lightweight apps, ensuring a smooth user experience without compromising performance. This optimization is particularly beneficial for users transitioning from feature phones to smartphones.
Conclusion and Future Review
The itel A70 presents itself as a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a capable smartphone with significant storage at an attractive price point. In the following days, we will subject the itel A70 to rigorous testing at Gadgets 360, and stay tuned for the complete review to uncover its full capabilities.