Itel Color Pro 5G: A Game-Changer in the Budget Smartphone Sector
Itel has recently made waves in the Indian smartphone market with the launch of its new budget-friendly 5G smartphone, the Color Pro 5G. Priced at just Rs 9,999, this device comes at a time when options for 5G smartphones in the sub-Rs 10,000 category are limited. Itel’s introduction of this model not only enhances its lineup but also intensifies competition with other budget smartphones. The Color Pro 5G stands to rival popular models like Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, Nokia G42 5G, and even its own earlier release, the Itel S24.
Price, Specifications, and Availability
The Itel Color Pro 5G is priced at Rs 9,999, and it is currently available in two storage configurations: 6GB of RAM paired with 128GB of internal storage, which can be further expanded using a microSD card. Buyers can choose between two attractive color variants—Lavendary Fantasy and River Blue—allowing for a touch of personalization.
Key specifications include:
- 6.6-inch HD+ display with 90Hz refresh rate
- MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset
- 50MP main rear camera and 8MP front camera
- 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging
- Android 13-based UI with side-mounted fingerprint scanner
Design and Display Features
The Itel Color Pro 5G boasts a sleek plastic build with a textured rear panel that minimizes fingerprint smudges. One standout feature is its IVCO (Itel Vivid Color) technology, which causes the color of the back panel to shift to a vibrant pink when exposed to sunlight or UV light. While this may not be a game-changing feature, it certainly adds a unique aesthetic appeal.
Weighing 190 grams and measuring 8mm in thickness, the phone is comfortably light considering its build quality. Although the bezels around the 6.6-inch display are somewhat on the thicker side, one can expect this in a budget smartphone. The waterdrop-style notch houses the front-facing camera, maintaining a relatively clean design.
While the HD+ display performs adequately for streaming content, a Full HD+ resolution would have enhanced the viewing experience. The high refresh rate of 90Hz ensures smooth scrolling and transitions, a feature often absent in similarly priced competitors.
Performance Assessment
Under the hood, the Color Pro 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset, designed on a 6nm architecture for efficient performance. This octa-core processor is capable of handling everyday tasks smoothly, from social media scrolling to multitasking between apps. With 6GB physical RAM and the option to virtually expand it up to 12GB using memory fusion technology, users should experience efficient performance across various applications.
Benchmark tests reflect solid performance, with a single-core score of 739 and a multi-core score of 2053 on Geekbench. However, it’s crucial to note that while casual gaming is manageable, more graphics-intensive games like Call of Duty: Mobile and BGMI may lead to performance dips and frame drops.
Camera Capabilities
The dual-camera setup on the back includes a primary 50MP sensor and a 2MP depth sensor, complemented by a quad LED flash. The front camera, featuring an 8MP sensor, is also equipped with a dual LED flash for better low-light selfies.
In well-lit scenarios, the Color Pro 5G captures decent photos, although there can be inconsistencies in focus and detail, necessitating multiple shots for a perfect capture. Daylight photos generally retain natural color tones, even if the camera struggles with dynamic range occasionally.
Low-light performance shows promise, with noise reduction optimizing captured images, albeit sometimes at the expense of detail. The night mode enhances photography in dim settings, addressing these shortcomings effectively.
Battery Life and Software Performance
The Itel Color Pro 5G comes equipped with a robust 5000mAh battery. During typical usage—including calls, social media, and streaming—it comfortably lasted around a day and a half, performing better than many competitors in its price range. In an HD video loop test, the phone ran for over 17 hours, marking impressive endurance.
Running on Itel OS 13, based on the Android 13 framework, the user interface may feel familiar to existing Itel users but may present some bloatware out of the box. Users can manage notifications and disable superfluous apps to enhance usability.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Itel Color Pro 5G?
At Rs 9,999, the Itel Color Pro 5G stands out as a compelling choice in the budget smartphone segment. Its unique color-changing design, substantial display for multimedia consumption, and solid daytime camera performance make it an attractive proposition. While the battery life could be better, and it may not suit hardcore gamers, itles Color Pro 5G has much to offer casual users seeking 5G connectivity and modern smartphone features.
If you prioritize stylish design and decent performance in a budget package, the Itel Color Pro 5G may just be the right fit for you.