Itel A100 review: Gets the job done

Itel A100 comes with a starting price of Rs 6,799. The smartphone targets buyers looking for an affordable smartphone for basic daily tasks. In the entry-level segment, devices are usually expected to handle calling, messaging and light apps without major issues. With the A100, Itel appears to focus on durability, simple software and essential features rather than high-end hardware. During our time with the phone, we tried to see how it performs in everyday use such as browsing, social media and casual gaming. On paper, the specifications look modest, but does it deliver in day-to-day life usage? Let’s find out

With Itel A100, the company seems to put noticeable focus on durability and everyday usability.

The phone comes with MIL-STD-810H certification, which suggests it is designed to handle minor drops and bumps better than many entry-level devices. During our use, the phone felt sturdy and did not feel fragile in hand.

The back panel carries a camera module that looks similar to some recent premium phones. This gives the device a slightly modern appearance despite its low price. The phone is offered in three colour options – Platinum Gold, Silk Green and Pure Black.

We received the Platinum Gold for review which looks decent.

The device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and an IR blaster, which are practical additions in this price segment. In hand, the phone feels comfortable because of its rounded edges and compact shape. The grip feels secure, and we did not feel the need to use a case during regular usage.

Itel A100 features a 6.6-inch HD+ IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The higher refresh rate is not turned on by default. One has to enable it in the settings to get smoother scrolling.

For everyday tasks like messaging, browsing and watching videos, the screen looks adequate. Colours appear balanced and the display remains readable indoors. However, the resolution is limited to 720p, so images and videos do not look as sharp as they do on Full HD screens. The display also includes a U-shaped notch and noticeable bezels.

The phone can play 1080p videos on YouTube, but since the panel itself is HD+, the extra detail is not fully visible. Audio comes from a single speaker at the bottom. The sound can get loud enough for videos and calls, but clarity drops slightly at higher volumes.

Itel A100 comes with a single 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera for selfies and video calls. Both cameras support Full HD (1080p) video recording at 30fps.

In daylight conditions, we noticed that the rear camera can capture usable photos for the price. Images carry reasonable colours and basic detail when there is enough light. For casual shots meant for social media or messaging apps, the camera performs adequately. However, we did observe that the dynamic range is limited. Bright areas like the sky sometimes appear overexposed, while shadows can lose detail.

Portrait shots are possible through the camera app, but edge detection is not always accurate. We found that the background blur effect sometimes struggles around hair or small objects.

In low-light environments, the camera performance drops noticeably. Photos show visible noise and softer details, which is common for entry-level smartphones with smaller sensors.

The 5MP front camera is mainly suited for simple selfies and video calls. During our usage, selfies looked acceptable in good lighting but lost detail indoors or at night.

Itel A100 comes powered by the Unisoc T7100 processor, an octa-core chipset designed for entry-level smartphones. The device comes with 3GB or 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, with support for additional virtual RAM expansion to improve multitasking.

In our day-to-day use, the phone handled basic tasks without major problems. We were able to make calls, browse the web, check emails and scroll through apps like WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook without significant issues. However, we did notice that the phone slows down slightly when several apps are open at the same time.

App launches take a bit longer, and switching between apps sometimes shows small delays. Having said that, we would like to add that expecting a flagship performance from a phone in this price range with modest hardware is unrealistic.

Connectivity remained stable during our usage. Since the phone supports 4G networks instead of 5G, users will rely on LTE speeds for data connectivity.

Itel A100 packs a 5,000mAh battery with support for 10W wired charging through a USB Type-C port. During our use, the battery appeared capable of handling a full day of basic activities such as calls, messaging, browsing and occasional video watching. With moderate usage, we were generally able to get through most of the day without needing to recharge the device.

Charging is another area where the device feels limited. Since the bundled charger supports 10W charging, the phone takes longer to recharge compared to devices with faster charging support.

Priced at Rs 6,799 (base price), Itel A100 appears to focus on delivering the basics rather than trying to compete on high specifications. During our time with the device, we found that it handles everyday tasks such as calling, messaging and light app usage without major issues. The phone also stands out for its durable build, comfortable design and simple Android Go software experience.

However, there are some clear limitations. Performance slows down when multiple apps are open, gaming options remain limited, and charging speeds are relatively slow. The camera system also delivers only basic results, especially in low-light conditions.

That said, Itel A100 still manages to deliver a usable smartphone experience for its price. For users looking for a budget device for basic communication, light apps or as a secondary phone, it can serve the purpose well. Overall, while the phone has its compromises, it offers enough practicality to make it a reasonable option in the entry-level segment.