itel S23 Plus Review: Premium Features at Budget Price?
Unboxing the Budget Premium Contender
The itel S23 Plus makes an immediate impression with packaging that echoes premium brands—black and red boxes reminiscent of OnePlus. Inside, you get essentials: a frosted hard case, USB-C cable, USB-C earphones, SIM tool, and the phone itself. The Lake Canan color variant (also available in Elemental Blue) genuinely surprises with its Samsung-meets-Apple aesthetic. Holding it, the curved edges and matte finish feel more expensive than its ₱5,699 sale price suggests. This design-first approach challenges budget phone expectations, though the missing headphone jack reminds you of its segment.
Display and Build: Curved AMOLED on a Budget
Screen Quality Analysis
The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display (FHD+ resolution) is this phone's headline act. For media consumption, it outperforms rivals in this range with vibrant colors and deep blacks. I tested it across YouTube and Netflix—outdoor visibility and viewing angles held up well. However, the 60Hz refresh rate feels like a missed opportunity; 90Hz would have solidified its value proposition. The in-display fingerprint scanner worked reliably in my testing, though slightly slower than flagships.
Durability and Practicality
itel claims Gorilla Glass 5 protection and "4x more drop resistance" than competitors. While I couldn't verify this independently, the phone survived accidental table drops during my review. The curved edges do cause occasional palm touches—a trade-off for its premium look. This remains the most visually impressive screen under ₱6,000, but handle with care.
Camera Performance: Beyond the Megapixels
Hardware and Software
The triple-camera setup (50MP main + 2MP depth sensor + 32MP front) sounds promising. The camera app offers 1x/2x zoom, HDR, portrait mode, and even 4K video—surprising at this price. However, the absence of manual controls or night mode optimization limits creative flexibility. Shooting in varied lighting revealed its true capabilities: daylight photos show good detail and dynamic range, but low-light shots suffer from noise.
Real-World Testing
During daytime tests, the 50MP sensor captured crisp textures in architecture shots. Portrait mode struggled with complex edges but delivered pleasing bokeh for single subjects. The 4K video capability is impressive technically, but the Unisoc T616 chipset causes frame drops during panning. For social media content, it's competent—just avoid moving subjects in dim environments.
Performance and Battery Life
Chipset and Multitasking
Powered by the Unisoc T616 chipset with 8GB RAM (plus 8GB virtual expansion), the S23 Plus handles daily tasks smoothly. I ran Asphalt 9 for 30 minutes—it maintained playable frame rates on medium settings but showed noticeable heating. Multitasking between WhatsApp, Chrome, and YouTube proved seamless, thanks to the generous RAM. The 256GB UFS 2.2 storage is a genuine advantage, letting you store extensive media without microSD reliance.
Battery and Charging
The 5,000mAh battery delivers excellent endurance. In my usage (4G, mixed apps), it lasted 1.5 days consistently. However, the 18W charging takes nearly 3 hours for a full top-up—the lack of included charger feels jarring at this price point. If you're upgrading from older budget phones, carry your existing adapter.
Verdict: Who Should Buy the itel S23 Plus?
Pros and Cons Breakdown
| Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Stunning curved AMOLED | 60Hz refresh rate |
| Premium design feel | No charger in box |
| 256GB storage + 8GB RAM | Average low-light cams |
| Solid battery life | Slow 18W charging |
| 4K video recording | Heating during gaming |
This phone makes the most sense for design-focused users who prioritize screen quality and storage over gaming or photography. At its sale price of ₱5,699, it undercuts competitors like Redmi or Realme offering similar specs. While the camera and chipset show budget compromises, the display and build quality create an illusion of a far more expensive device.
Final Recommendation
If you're upgrading from entry-level phones and want a taste of "premium" without breaking the bank, the S23 Plus delivers unprecedented value. However, gamers or photography enthusiasts should consider stretching their budget slightly. itel's first premium attempt punches above its weight—just manage expectations around charging speeds and processor-intensive tasks.
Which feature matters most to you in a budget phone—display quality, camera, or battery life? Share your priorities below!
