Itel has made a bold move in the budget smartphone market with its latest release, the RS4. Billed as a gaming phone, promising impressive performance and features at a remarkably low price point.
After using the RS4 for two weeks, I’ve gathered my thoughts and experiences to provide an in-depth review of this device. Let’s dive in and see if the itel RS4 lives up to its gaming phone moniker and budget-friendly appeal.
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Unboxing and First Impressions
If you purchase the RS4, don’t expect an elaborate unboxing experience. The fancy box I received was likely a special package for creators. However, the contents of the retail box are straightforward: a CLA rubber phone case, a charging cable, a charging brick, and the smartphone itself. One notable omission is the lack of wired earphones, but given the continued presence of a headphone jack on the RS4, this might not be a significant drawback for most users.
The headphone jack is located at the bottom of the phone, alongside the USB-C port, the single microphone, and one of the two speakers (the other speaker is at the top). The inclusion of stereo speakers is a pleasant surprise in a budget device, providing a decent audio experience for gaming, music, and movies. The speakers are impressively loud, enhancing the overall media consumption experience.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the itel RS4 immediately signals its gaming intentions. The green accent colors around the camera module and the stripe down the middle give it a distinct gaming vibe. Itel refers to this as a “high-end racing design,” though the exact meaning of that term is unclear. Regardless, the RS4 looks the part of a gaming phone, and it feels solid in hand, with a sturdy build quality that belies its budget price.
On the left side of the phone, you’ll find the SIM and SD card tray, while the right side houses the power and volume buttons. The power button also doubles as a fingerprint sensor, which is both fast and reliable, working about 99% of the time. The fading animation when unlocking the device is a nice touch that adds to the overall user experience.
Performance and Gaming
The heart of any gaming phone is its processor, and the RS4 doesn’t disappoint in this regard. Itel has equipped the RS4 with the Helio G99 ultimate processor, a capable chipset found in several more expensive smartphones like the Redmi Note 13 Pro and the Galaxy A15 4G. There are two variants of the RS4: one with 8GB of RAM and another with 12GB. Both models support virtual RAM expansion, potentially increasing total RAM to 16GB or even 24GB. This is particularly impressive for a budget device.
In terms of real-world gaming performance, the RS4 delivers. While I primarily play Asphalt 9, the experience was smooth, with no noticeable lags or glitches. The phone also managed to stay cool during extended gaming sessions, which is crucial for maintaining performance. To get a broader perspective, I reached out to Izzy, a fellow gamer, who confirmed that the RS4 performs well across various games, though it may not handle the highest graphic settings as a flagship device would.
Given its price range, the RS4 offers exceptional gaming performance. For $150 or 200k, you’re unlikely to find a better-performing gaming phone. It strikes an excellent balance between affordability and capability, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.
Display
A good display is essential for gaming, and the RS4 offers a mixed bag in this department. On the one hand, it boasts an impressive 120Hz refresh rate, the highest I’ve seen on a $150 smartphone. This high refresh rate contributes to a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. On the other hand, the RS4 features a 720p LCD display, which falls short of the 1080p resolution found on many higher-end devices.
While some might argue that a 90Hz 1080p display would have been a better choice, the RS4’s 120Hz 720p display still provides a satisfactory visual experience, especially for users upgrading from lower-end devices. The higher refresh rate makes everyday interactions and gaming feel fluid, which might offset the lower resolution for many users.
Battery and Charging
Battery life and charging speed are critical aspects of any gaming phone, and the RS4 excels in both areas. The device comes with a 5,000mAh battery, a standard capacity for budget phones. What sets the RS4 apart is its 45W fast charging capability, arguably the fastest in its price range. In my testing, the battery lasted through a full day of mixed usage, including gaming, streaming, and browsing.
For context, I watched about nine to ten episodes of a series on Netflix (each episode lasting around 35 minutes) and the battery dropped from 87% to 43%. Itel claims up to 7 hours of gaming and 16 hours of video playback on a single charge, which seems slightly optimistic but not far off the mark.
When you do need to recharge, the RS4 takes about an hour to go from 0% to 100%, which is impressive. The bypass charging feature is also useful for long gaming sessions, allowing you to power the phone directly without stressing the battery.
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Software
The RS4 runs Itel’s custom OS, Itel OS 13, based on Android 13. While it would have been nice to see Android 14, the current software experience is largely positive. Itel OS 13 offers a clean and intuitive interface, similar to what you would find on the S24. It includes all the essential features and quirks you’d expect, and while major OS updates may not be in the cards, regular security updates should keep the phone secure.
Camera
Gamers might not prioritize camera quality, but for those who do, the RS4 offers a competent setup. The rear camera sports a 50-megapixel sensor, while the front camera has an 8-megapixel sensor. You’re not buying the RS4 for its camera capabilities, but when you do need to take photos, it performs adequately.
The camera excels in well-lit conditions, delivering good color accuracy, HDR, and detail. However, it’s somewhat inconsistent, sometimes struggling with color reproduction in less optimal lighting. For video, the RS4 can shoot up to 2K at 30fps, but I primarily used 1080p at 30fps for better stabilization. As with photos, ample lighting yields decent results. Overall, the camera is serviceable for casual photography and social media use.
Conclusion
The itel RS4 stands out as a budget gaming phone, offering excellent performance for its price. With a fluid 120Hz display, robust battery life, and fast charging, it ticks many of the right boxes for gamers on a budget. The only significant drawback is the 720p resolution, which might be a deal-breaker for some. However, if you can overlook this, the RS4 provides a compelling package at an unbeatable price.
In summary, the RS4 is a testament to Itel’s ability to deliver value-packed devices. It might not have the bells and whistles of high-end gaming phones, but for $150, it offers an unmatched gaming experience. Whether you’re a casual gamer or someone looking for a capable daily driver, the itel RS4 is worth considering.
