itel A70 Review | This budget smartphone scores points for style

itel's latest budget phone, the itel A70, is priced at a modest ₹6,299, but don't be fooled. This smartphone aims to attract users with its sleek design reminiscent of premium models like the iPhone, coupled with commendable performance and enticing features. But does it truly stand out in the sea of budget smartphones? Read on.

The itel A70's design exudes elegance, drawing inspiration from high-end smartphones while maintaining affordability. Available in four colour options, its textured back panel enhances grip, assuring users against accidental slips. Weighing 187 grams, the device feels well-balanced, complemented by a MagSafe-like case (sans the magnets) included in the package for added protection.

The incorporation of a fingerprint sensor within the power button on the right side enhances security, while the SIM tray and volume rocker find their places on the edges. At the bottom, the presence of a USB Type-C port, headphone jack, and speaker grille complete the array of features.

Sporting a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display, the itel A70 offers vibrant visuals despite its 720x1612 pixel resolution. With minimal side bezels and a maximum brightness of 500 nits, content consumption remains enjoyable even under direct sunlight. The addition of the iPhone-inspired Dynamic Bar adds a unique touch to the user experience, although its utility remains debatable.

Audio output impresses with a single-bottom speaker delivering a balanced mix of clarity and punch. Additionally, the retention of the 3.5mm headphone jack caters to users preferring wired audio connections.

Powered by a Unisoc T603 Octa-core processor and available in various RAM/ROM configurations, the itel A70 navigates daily tasks smoothly, albeit struggling with heavier applications. The inclusion of virtual memory helps mitigate performance constraints to some extent, facilitating a decent gaming experience for low-intensity games.

Running on Android 13 Go Edition with minimal bloatware, the device offers a clean UI experience complemented by customization options and themes. However, there's no clarity regarding software update cycles.

Equipped with a 13-megapixel primary rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera, the itel A70 delivers satisfactory imaging results considering its price point. Daytime shots exhibit good contrast and detail, albeit with a tendency towards warmer tones. Surprisingly, the selfie camera performs admirably even in indoor conditions, capturing detailed and impressive shots.

With a substantial 5000mAh battery, the itel A70 ensures all-day usage with ease, providing around 5-6 hours of screen time on a single charge. While the 10W USB Type-C charging may not be the fastest, it proves effective in replenishing the battery within reasonable time frames.

The itel A70 emerges as a sound choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a stylish yet functional smartphone. Its clean design, satisfactory performance, competent camera capabilities, and dependable battery life make it a worthy contender in the sub-₹8,000 segment. However, users should temper their expectations regarding intensive tasks. If you prioritise affordability without sacrificing essential features, the itel A70 deserves serious consideration as your next smartphone purchase.