itel P65 Review: Budget Gaming Powerhouse Under $100

Unboxing the Budget Gaming Contender

You've seen those viral comments begging for an itel P65 review. At just 1.6 million IDR (~$100), this phone promises a 120Hz display, gaming capabilities, and even includes a charging case. But does it deliver real-world value? After analyzing this unboxing and stress test video, I can confirm this device challenges everything we expect from budget smartphones. The creator's hands-on testing reveals surprising details most reviewers miss.

Three standout features immediately grab attention: the RGB-lit back panel that pulses with notifications, the dedicated Flex Button for instant camera/game access, and that included charging case - unheard of at this price. What fascinates me most? The plastic back actually survives disassembly without damage, suggesting better build quality than competitors.

Performance Breakdown: Gaming and Hardware

UniSoC T615 Chipset Capabilities

The itel P65 runs on UniSoC's T615 chipset paired with 8GB RAM (expandable to 16GB via virtual RAM) and 128GB storage. Benchmark scores tell an important story:

Antutu: 308,204 - Respectable for entry-level
Geekbench: 440 single-core / 1,489 multi-core
3DMark Sling Shot Extreme: 1,876

But real-world testing proves more revealing. The video shows Genshin Impact running on lowest settings - a rare feat for sub-$100 phones. While frame rates aren't flagship-level, the gameplay remains surprisingly playable. PUBG Mobile performs better still, handling Smooth graphics at Ultra frame rates. This demonstrates intelligent optimization from itel's engineers.

Display and Battery Experience

The 6.7-inch HD+ display's 120Hz refresh rate is this phone's secret weapon. Scrolling through menus feels noticeably smoother than competing budget devices. During testing, the 5000mAh battery delivered:

6+ hours of continuous gaming
1.5 days of mixed usage
Bypass Charging functionality (directly powers device while sparing battery health)

The included 25W charging case provides emergency top-ups - perfect for travelers. Practical tip: Enable Game Mode via the Flex Button to allocate maximum resources to demanding titles.

Camera and Design Assessment

Photo Capabilities in Context

Manage expectations: the 50MP main camera and 8MP selfie shooter won't rival premium devices. However, daylight samples show competent detail capture when you:

Use HDR mode for high-contrast scenes
Avoid digital zoom beyond 2x
Steady shots with volume button shutter
Low-light performance suffers predictably, requiring the LED flash for usable images. Video tops out at 1080p/30fps with noticeable stabilization limitations.

Premium Design Elements

The P65 punches above its weight aesthetically:

RGB notification lighting (customizable via Back Light Effect settings)
Metallic finish that resists fingerprints
Ergonomic rounded edges despite the 7.89mm thickness
What impressed me? The teardown revealed neatly organized internals - unusual at this price point. The three dedicated slots (2 nano-SIM + microSD) avoid hybrid compromises.

Verdict: Who Should Buy This?

After examining every component and test, I believe the itel P65 sets a new budget benchmark. It's ideal for:

Mobile gamers needing smooth displays
Students wanting durable performance
Backup phone users valuing battery life

Critical limitations remain: the mono speaker lacks depth, and camera performance is merely adequate. But when you consider the included charging case and that 120Hz screen, the value proposition becomes undeniable.

Actionable Next Steps

Verify seller credibility (authorized retailers offer 12-month warranties)
Order the black model if fingerprint resistance matters
Enable RAM expansion immediately in settings
Purchase a tempered glass protector - the screen isn't Gorilla Glass

For similar performance alternatives, consider the Redmi 13C (better cameras) or Tecno Spark 20 (louder audio). But neither match the P65's complete package at this price.

What's your dealbreaker in budget phones? Share whether camera quality, battery life, or pure performance matters most to you in the comments!